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Letter to the Brethren: August 27, 2026

Letter to the Brethren: August 27, 2026

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings brethren around the world.

Our three-part sermon series covering the epistles of the Apostle John is now available:

This completes 26 of the 27 books of the New Testament where a verse by verse coverage and commentary has been done.

Sometime during the Fall, the plan is to start on the Book of Revelation. That will be a lengthy process.

Zero Signal Podcast

As mentioned in last week’s Letter to the Brethren, I agreed to be a guest on another podcast last week.

While the logo refers to it as a “conspiracy theories podcast,’ Jay, the host Zero Signal, was polite. After he had me speak about my religious background, he allowed me to explain biblical prophecies, parts of why the Greco-Roman Catholics will misidentify the returning Jesus as Antichrist, and part of why knowing the false vs. true Messiah is and has been important.

And basically we discussed that matters including artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, a cashless society, and religious deception through signs and lying wonders, which are not weird conspiracy theories, but are in line with numerous biblical prophecies.

We can rejoice that podcasts help us preach the gospel as well as reach audiences that we otherwise would not.

The New Testament shows that the doors had to do with proclaiming the gospel:

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, (2 Corinthians 2:12-13)

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, … 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. (Colossians 4:2-3,10-11)

The doors were opened to proclaim the gospel. Some are open today. And we are to work towards not only warning descendants of Israel, but also the full number of Gentiles (see What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

Podcasts remain a door that Jesus has opened for us to reach the world as a witness (Revelation 3:7-9; Matthew 24:14). And a door with basically no out-of-pocket costs for the Continuing Church of God.

Feast of Tabernacles for 2026

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures a culminating event in God’s plan. Church services for the Feast in 2026 are to begin the evening of September 25th and run (including the Last Great Day) until sunset October 3rd.

Now it is time to plan for it, no matter where you live.

As far as affording to attend, here is something from the old Worldwide Church of God, with one minor edit, regarding financial planning:

One major concern in planning for and attending the Feast is finances.

Thankfully, God has shown us the way to handle the financial aspect of attending His annual feast days.

God explains feast finances for us in Deuteronomy 14:22-27: “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed, which comes forth from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place which he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herd and flock; that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to bring the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, then you shall turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses, and spend the money for whatever you desire, oxen, or sheep, or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves; and you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. And you shall not forsake the Levite who is within your towns, for he has no portion or inheritance with you” (Revised Standard Version).

We have called this tithe or tenth part of our income a second tithe; however, the Bible nowhere calls it by a specific name. We have more commonly referred to it in recent years as the festival tithe, as that is what it is used for.

This tenth of our income is not used for God’s Work or the preaching of the Gospel, as the festival tithe belongs to us, to use in the way God specifies. God provides for the needs of His Work by His first tithe. The first tithe belongs to God and is not for personal use.

Here are some commonly asked questions about the festival tithe and their answers, based on biblical principles.

What is the festival tithe?

Simply stated, the festival tithe is a tenth of one’s increase (income from personal effort), which is set aside for use in attending the annual festivals ordained by God.

How is the amount of the festival tithe calculated?

It is a tenth of your gross net income, exactly the same amount as God’s first tithe or tenth.

Is this amount commanded, or is it optional?

As the previous quote from Deuteronomy showed, saving the festival tithe is commanded by God, just as much as God’s first tithe is commanded. Since it is a part of God’s law, it is sin not to set a full tenth aside for the specified purpose.

How is it to be used?

The basic use of this money is to finance attendance at God’s festivals, including (as specifically mentioned) food and beverages. The festival tithe would also cover travel expenses to and from the feast site, motel or hotel expenses and other related costs.

May any of this money be used to buy clothing?

The primary use of the funds is for travel, lodging and food.

However, in some cases, people may not have sufficient or proper clothing to attend the Feast of Tabernacles. In such cases, where there is sufficient money to take care of the other needs as well, it would be permissible for a person to use some funds to buy proper clothing so that he might be better able to go to the Feast and rejoice as God commands (Deut. 16:11).

This permission in unusual circumstances, however, has been used by some to justify large or expensive purchases of clothing or even whole wardrobes. Using the festival tithe in this way violates the basic spiritual intent of the law.

What about using some of the funds for car repairs?

In some cases the family or personal car is not in condition to make the trip, or to safely make the trip, to the Feast site. Under such rare circumstances, if sufficient funds are available for the other necessities as well as minor car repairs, it would be within the spirit of the law to make repairs. In other cases it would be wiser to consider alternate transportation.

What about purchasing gifts?

Some members have purchased gifts for their children so that the children might better enjoy the Feast. Gifts for small children at Feast time helps make the Feast special for them — a time to look forward to each year.

But in other cases, some people have overdone the giving of gifts at Feast time, sometimes buying expensive items they couldn’t really afford. Usually such items are used during the rest of the year as well. This goes far beyond the principle of using the festival funds to provide a joyous, happy Feast.

Is it proper to use the festival tithe for side trips?

The use of this money to visit natural wonders or special scenic areas or places of historical interest on the way to or from the Feast certainly could make the Feast more enjoyable as well as profitable.

Some scenic wonders, such as the Grand Canyon or Carlsbad Caverns, can preach eloquent sermons to the glory and magnificence of the God who created them. Limited funds for even short side trips to such areas would certainly be well spent.

However, long trips involving excessive costs and time and taking you away from the direction of the Feast site should not be paid for with festival funds. If in doubt, counsel with your minister about this or any other questionable expense.

I have heard that it is permissible to borrow from the festival tithe if I pay back an additional one fifth.

This mistaken idea comes from a misunderstanding of Leviticus 27. This chapter has nothing to do with the festival tithe, but an altogether different matter.
Borrowing from the festival tithe is not borrowing but stealing. Quite a number have learned the hard way that this “borrowing” does not work. Here is a letter pointing out this very thing from a member who wrote after the last Feast of Tabernacles:

“Dear Mr. Armstrong,

“This has been the most spiritually enriching Feast of Tabernacles.

“I learned the hard way not to ‘borrow’ second tithe for my own use. Soon after I did so, my work ‘dried up’ and God showed me that without His blessing I could not replace the stolen second tithe.

“When I finally appealed to Him to help me replace the second tithe I took, I again had work, but all my sources of income did not pay until after the Feast, so I didn’t have the money to use during the Feast.

“I had enough second tithe to enjoy the Feast, but with the amount I had stolen the Feast could have been even more enjoyable. I am now able to restore the second tithe I stole but the Feast is over and I can only send it in to you as excess second tithe. I have learned my lesson. I will never steal second tithe for my personal use again.”

I have more festival tithe than I need. What should I do with the excess?

There are always those who have insufficient tithe to attend the Feast, or not enough to go and pay for normal expenses.

To provide for this need, it has always been the practice of the Church members who have more than they need to turn in this excess to the Church. The Church then, through the local church pastors, uses these funds to take care of such needs.

In the past, unfortunately, there have often been insufficient funds to send every less fortunate person every year. It would be wonderful if everyone could attend every year. The following scripture indicates that such people should be provided for:

“You shall keep the feast of booths seven days, when you make your ingathering from your threshing floor and your wine press; you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your manservant and your maidservant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns” (Deut. 16:13-14, RSV).

The only way some of these people would be able to attend would be for others who have excess funds to assist them. Jesus said that it was more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Those who do give for this purpose will have the special joy that comes from being generous and having an unselfish attitude. (Neff L. The Festival Tithe – Your Questions Answered. Good News, September 1981)

The one ‘edit’ was that I crossed out the word “gross” and replaced it with the word “net.”

Why?

Because honest taxpayers really do not have control about how much money the government takes, hence it is more appropriate to tithe on income after income taxes (net income) than gross income (income before taxes) as that is a better reflection of ones “increase.”

That being said, while part of the old Worldwide Church of God, my wife Joyce and I did tithe on the gross. And while sometimes on paper it looked like we would not be able to handle our expenses, it did work out.

Have faith in God and try to arrange your finances so you will be able to obey Him.

For a listing of planned and expected sites, check out the following link: Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2026.

Now there was another question in that WCG article that perhaps would be good to put here as well:

I have heard some members talking about the tithe of the tithe. What is this?

Several years ago, because of the considerable expenses of providing the facilities and handling year-round administrative needs for the Feast, Pastor General Herbert W. Armstrong directed all members of the Church to send in one tenth of their festival tithe to cover these costs. This is commonly referred to as the tithe of the tithe.

It pays for all the festival facilities, whether Church-owned or rented; operation of the Fall Festival; and other year-round festival-related expenses.

These questions and answers should help you use your festival tithe and to rejoice before God at the Feast.

In the CCOG, the ‘tithe of the tithe’ is used to pay for Feast expenses in the USA as well as to support Feast of Tabernacles’ expenses for non-USA sites.

We actually need that donation more than other years, so please consider sending that in now.

Terrorist Attack in Gambella, Ethiopia

Deacon Koang Deng sent the following email and a photo of the bus that was attacked:

Dear elders,

Yesterday, one of Gambella terrorist group attacked passengers who were travel from Gambella city to other areas (districts).

And from that attacs, it loses some life and more people got serious wounds.

Gambella people now awaiting for the government response.

Please, pray for the coming feast because our brethren in that area awaiting us with great joy to meet them on that day.

Thanks you,

Koang

Koang Deng is quite concerned about this. Please pray for protection of our brethren in that area as well as others as we try to live our lives peaceably and prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles.

Calling Oneself Philadelphia Does Not Make One a Philadelphian

As I have long written, calling oneself a Philadelphian Christian does not make one a Philadelphian. We have an article related to that: What is a True Philadelphian?

Now, while I did not mention Gerald Flurry or the misnamed Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) in the recommended sermonette video for this week (watch Will Russia Attack NATO?), I did quote some of their literature and state that they do not understand what the Bible teaches in various prophetic matters.

PCG’s leader, Gerald Flurry, incorrectly teaches that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the ‘prince of Rosh,’ etc. in the 38th chapter of the Book of Ezekiel. Since the prophecies in Ezekiel 38 do not get confirmed until over a thousand years from now, this is not possible.

Partially, because of that wrong teaching, PCG believes that Russia and Germany have conspired to divide Europe to allow Russia to have territories that were once part of the Soviet Union.

While I have long asserted that Russia and Germany would make a military and land related deal (and later I found that the old Radio Church of God taught that as well), the land in question has to do with the United States and its British-descended allies–and that is consistent with Daniel 11:39 which shows that the end-time European King of the North conquer the power with the “strongest fortresses” (which is currently the United States, and, to a lessor degree its British-descended allies) and “DIVIDE THE LAND FOR GAIN” (a previous deal involving Russia and others is consistent with Daniel 11:23 and perhaps Jeremiah 51:7 and Revelation 18:2).

PCG has overlooked scriptures and come up with wrong understandings.

While many do not believe that it matters which Church of God they attend or support, there is a true Philadelphian remnant, and then there are the others.

And it is not just PCG which has massive prophetic teachings. A list of some can be found in the article Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

For more on the Continuing Church of God best representing the Philadelphian remnant of the Church of God in this Laodicean era, read Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God?

Suggested Sabbath Services

Here is a suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered brethren and other interested people for this Sabbath service:

Note: If you have a slow internet connection, you can watch these by starting the video, then below it (and towards the right) look for an outline of a gear–if you click on that, it will allow the YouTube video to be played with lower video quality, but at least it will not stop often–you can select a quality as low as 144p. If your internet connection is still too slow (as my home one is) and/or you prefer audio messages to audio-visuals ones, go to the YouTube link for the message, click on SHOW MORE related to the description. You will then see something that says, “Download MP3.” Below that is a link to an MP3 file. Most computers (and even some cellular telephones) will allow MP3 files to be downloaded and played. This is an option we have made available (but we are also looking into ways to improve that as well)–and, of course, we have written article options. Some people have found that if their internet connections are not fast enough, that they can simply listen to the messages that are found at the Bible News Prophecy online radio channel.

IN CASE YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A ‘LETTER TO THE BRETHREN’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE ContinuingCOG channel AND MANY SERMONETTE MESSAGES ON THE Bible News Prophecy channel. There are also some messages at the CCOGAfrica channel. There are also messages in the Spanish language at the CDLIDDSermones channel.

World News Items

The official debt of the federal government of the USA passed $40 trillion last week (see ‘Not worth a Continental’? Will the US dollar go the way of the old Continental currency?). As the most indebted nation in the history of humanity, the USA will find that its creditors will one day rise up against it per Habakkuk 2:6-8.

Consider also that as the conflict between Iran and the USA drags on, the USA has decided to move more towards additional economic warfare. While it has been doing versions of this against Iran and many who trade with it for decades, now the USA has decided to further weaponize its dollar against those who will trade with Iran (see USA announces more weaponization of the dollar as part of its Iranian sanctions).

The USA has also bullied Canada (see 50% tariffs? NYT: Canada’s… retaliatory tariffs will have the effect of a pea shooter in a gun battle). It is not that the USA is totally wrong about trade and other matters (Canada’s non-reciprocal practices has long cost my company money), but some of the USA’s steps and statements are hurting its reputation as well as reliance on its dollar.

Between its debt, bullying, and weaponization of its dollar, the USA is turning many friends into enemies (Lamentations 1:1-2).

There has been deadly flooding in Tibet and Nepal (see Hundreds killed by flooding in Tibet and Nepal).

The deaths from this flooding are a sober reminder that life is fleeting. Consider also the words of Jesus:

1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)

Your situation can change. You can perish. Do not put off full repentance and actions as YOU may not have as much time to become a true Philadelphian Christian as you might think.

Concluding Comments

The Book of Titus starts out as follows:

1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; (Titus 1:1-3)

Brethren, remember that God cannot lie and we all need to support the work of the church.

Remember also that we have true hope in eternal life.

That is very good news!

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer