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Letter to the Brethren: January 30, 2025

Letter to the Brethren: January 30, 2025

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings to all of you around the world.

Dawn  Parr sent an email with the following announcement Monday night:

 A great light has fallen asleep. Edith died this evening at 8:32 pm CT. Edith looked forward to Christ return. The dead in Christ will rise first. We can look forward to seeing her at Christ’s return.

Dawn

The following is a photo of Edith Bivens at the Fear of Tabernacles in Galveston, Texas in October 2024.

At the Feast of Tabernacles in Galveston in 2024, my wife, David, and I went on a horse-drawn carriage tour with Edith, along with Edith Andre and Sharon LaFrance.

Edith and I used to speak over the telephone from time to time.

Edith’s sister, Beverley (a CCOG pioneer as she attended the first CCOG festival site back in 2013), died in 2021. On April 4, 2024, Edith Bivens conveyed to me that her sister Beverly had a dream that an elder in Serbia who was with us would leave us, and that happened (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). Anyway, Edith remained faithful until the end (cf. Matthew 10:22) and will be missed until we see her at the first resurrection.

Thailand

Joyce and I are now in Thailand and plan to hold services there this Sabbath with our deacon and deaconess from India, Sani Mao and his wife Mary Thomas.

Furthermore, since we expect to be in Phuket Thailand, if anyone else in or from Thailand wishes to attend Sabbath services with us on February 1, they can email me: COGwriter@aol.com

Radio

This Sabbath we are scheduled to once again go on the Wilkins Radio Network.

As mentioned two weeks ago (see Letter to the Brethren: January 16, 2025), we signed a contract to go back on the Wilkins Radio Network.

Our Bible News Prophecy program is scheduled to air beginning February 1, 2025 on the following stations on the Wilkins Radio Network (WRN):

KCLE 1460 AM  6:45 – 7:00PM Saturday Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; KCLE programming is also heard on two FM translator stations: KCLE 93.1 FM K226BM in Cleburne, Texas and KCLE 95.7 FM K239CC in Burleson, Texas.

WKID 95.9 FM 7:00 – 7:15PM Saturday Vevay, Indiana

All three KCLE stations are in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area.

Additionally, per our contract, much of the time it will be broadcast again on Sundays:

KCLE AM/FM 2:30 – 2:45PM Sunday Subject to availability
WKID FM 10:00 – 10:15PM Sunday Subject to availability

This is the first radio expansion we have had in about 1 year and a half. But, I am glad we are able to increase our radio presence.

A full listing of our radio and other media outreaches is at the Continuing Church of God Multimedia page.

Substack

Last week, the Letter to the Brethren announced that some members had suggested putting up COGwriter news posts and some other items on a service called Substack. Not only has that began, but there has been an interesting development.

It appears that Google News sometimes picks up items on Substack and shows them as news items. Specifically, Google News picked up the article COGwriter and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg refer to Donald Trump as a bully, and both see him as a motivator for Europe to arm.

So, it looks like this is another way that Substack will reach people in a wider audience.

Haiti

We have been having communications regarding reconnecting to Haiti. Our previous leader there, Moise Nicholas, moved to the United States. Now his father, Jeremy, has made the commitment to become part of the Continuing Church of God. Here is  what he sent me in an email in French:

Encore merci pour les liens  d’articles partagés. Je vais faire leurs lectures.

Oui, je savais lorsque vous aviez séparé LCG en 2012, à cette époque plus tard j’ai été ordonné par M. RICK STAFFORD comme diacre pour Haïti, ma femme aussi à été ordonné, il y’avait deux autres personnes envoyé présentes à l’ordination D. WILNER PIERRE ainsi que M. ETIENNE DUVAL.

Moïse m’a tout expliqué déjà de la croyance de CCOG, et j’ai lu l’article écrit concernant D. RODRICK C MEREDITH et VOUS (CCOG and LCG) la raison de la séparation (quitté), Moïse et Moi ont tous lu.

Avant de vous contacter j’ai tous lu déjà, j’ai fait une lecture complète de CCOG. J’ai allé sur “Continuing Church of God COGwriter”  et voir ” Brief history of the Continuing Church of God”.

Jai lu et accepté tous à 100%. L’histoire des 7 églises est vraiment intéressante et véritables.

En fait j’ai d’accord sur tous les points.

Merci d’avance pour les Livres et Bibles en Creole, nous attendons impatiemment une occasion pour que nous puissions réservoirs les livres et bibles.

Avez vous des livres cantiques en français?

Nous avons toujours utilisé les mêmes livres cantiques WCG la version française. Mais Moïse a le plan de les reproduire pour nous lorsqu’il vient nous visiter ici en Haïti.

J.N

Here is the machine-translation of that into the English language:

Thanks again for the shared article links. I will do their readings. Yes, I knew when you separated LCG in 2012, at that time later I was ordained by Mr. RICK STAFFORD as a deacon for Haiti, my wife was also ordained, there were two other people sent present at the ordination D. WILNER PIERRE as well as Mr. ETIENNE DUVAL.

Moise has already explained everything to me about the belief of CCOG, and I have read the article written about D. RODRICK C MEREDITH and YOU (CCOG and LCG) the reason for the separation (left), Moise and I have read everything.

Before contacting you I have already read everything, I have done a complete reading of CCOG. I went to “Continuing Church of God COGwriter” and saw “Brief history of the Continuing Church of God”.

I have read and accepted everything 100%. The story of the 7 churches is really interesting and true.

In fact I agree on all points.

Thank you in advance for the Books and Bibles in Creole, we are impatiently waiting for an opportunity so that we can reserve the books and Bibles.

Do you have hymn books in French?

We have always used the same hymn books WCG the French version. But Moses has the plan to reproduce them for us when he comes to visit us here in Haiti.

J.N

Anyway, I wrote him back and explained that we do have songbooks in French. He sent the following in an email on Friday:

Nous avons environ 60 à 70 personnes dans la congregation, mais parfois ils n’ont pas réunis tous ensemble vue avec les situations du pays.

Pour les livres, les cantiques et les Bibles immédiatement qu’il y a une possibilité Moïse vous fera part de cela, bien qu’il est un peu paniquer concernant les mesures de déportations qui commence là-bas.
Mais ils restera en contact avec vous pour tous les développements, en fait nous attendons les documents. Pour le moment il n’y a pas de livraison de colis en Haïti, sauf si quelqu’un essaie de venir ici et Moïse peut reste en contact avec lui pour certaines choses comme ça.

Et Moïse reste toujours en cherchant des gens qui voyage sur Haïti. Aussitôt qu’il trouve un moyen il vous fera savoir une semaine d’avance pour lui envoyer les documents.

Pour le moment il n’y pas de livraison de colis en Haiti, sauf si quelqu’un essaie de come ici et Moïse peut reste en contact avec lui pour certaines choses comme ça.
And Moïse reste toujours en cherchant des gens qui voyage sur Haïti. …

J.N

Here is the machine-translation of that into the English language:

60 to 70 people in the congregation, however, are unable to gather together to see the situations of the country.

For books, hymns and Bibles immediately that there is a possibility Moses will let you know about it, although he is a little panicked about the deportation measures that are starting there. But they will stay in touch with you for all the developments, in fact we are waiting for the documents.At the moment there is no delivery of packages to Haiti, unless someone tries to come here and Moses can stay in touch with him for certain things like that.

At the moment there is no delivery of packages to Haiti, unless someone tries to come here and Moses can stay in touch with him for certain things like that.
And Moses is still looking for people who travel to Haiti. …

J.N

The plan will be to order hymnals and and send them to Moise, along with Creole Bibles and other information in French, when it is safe for Moise to go there and be able to legally return to the USA–or if he knows someone who will be going–at this time we do not know when that would be.

Leaders Meeting

Pastor Radson Mulozowa reported that he held a meeting for CCOG leaders in Malawi and Mozambique.

He said that three day meeting went well and sent the photo shown above.

We continue to train “laborers for the harvest” (cf. Matthew 9:37-38).

Email From Pakistan


Labarum Cross

Related to a post on crosses, including the above one, a reader in Pakistan sent me the following:

Dear Bob Thiel,

I hope this email finds you well. I recently had the privilege of reading your article titled “Isaac Newton and Others Considered That a Type of Cross Would Be the Mark of the Beast” on your website https://www.cogwriter.com/news/church-history/isaac-newton-and-others-considered-that-a-type-of-cross-would-be-the-mark-of-the-beast/ I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the profound insights you shared.

Your analysis of Constantine’s Chi-Rho symbol, its historical context, and its connection to Revelation was absolutely fascinating. The historical details you’ve highlighted—particularly the rejection of the cross by early Christians, such as the Paulicians, and the insights from Isaac Newton—were incredibly thought-provoking. The connections you made between these symbols and their prophetic implications opened my eyes to the depth of the scriptures and the importance of understanding history through a biblical lens.

I found your discussion of the ecumenical agenda and the role of the ‘Lund Cross’ in prophetic warnings about unity under the Beast power both alarming and essential. It’s clear that your research is a vital wake-up call to those of us seeking to remain vigilant in these times. The way you tied ancient military symbols, false traditions, and modern ecumenical movements together is truly groundbreaking and challenges many mainstream perspectives.

Above all, your dedication to biblical truth and your ability to connect history, prophecy, and scripture with such clarity is inspiring. Your work encourages deeper study and reflection, reminding us of the importance of testing everything against God’s Word.

Thank you for your tireless efforts to share these truths. Your writing has not only enlightened me but also strengthened my spiritual understanding. I am deeply grateful for your guidance and the invaluable knowledge you continue to provide.

With sincere gratitude,
Oyster Napoleon

She said I could post this with her name–(I had asked her after I received it). Here was her response:

Dear Bob Thiel,

Thank you for your email. I appreciate your dedication to presenting church history in a way that aligns with original Christian beliefs and practices. It is always enlightening to see these truths put together with clarity and sincerity.

I have found the writings on CogWriter particularly insightful, especially the discussions on early Christian doctrines and how they contrast with later traditions. The analysis on Sabbath observance and church leadership in the first few centuries has been particularly thought-provoking. Your work in bringing these details to light is truly commendable.

I would be happy for you to share my email in the Letter to the Brethren, and I would actually prefer if you mention my name rather than keeping it anonymous.

Blessings,
Oyster Napoleon

Anyway, there are some in various places around the globe that see many of the truths we are proclaiming.

Suggested Sabbath Services

Here is a suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered brethren and other interested people for the Last Great Day 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

Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio pointed out that it looks like the United Kingdom has a debt spiral–he earlier said something similar about the USA last year (see Ray Dalio says UK is facing a ‘debt death spiral’ and the USA’s debt passed the point of no return). Debt will be one of the factors that contributes to the destruction of the Anglo-American world order (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Wind has caused problems in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as with fires in California (see Record winds hit Ireland and NI as more fires rage in California). God controls the weather and sometimes uses it to send a message–yet most ignore the message. Personally, I believe weather problems helps show us how quickly things can change.

US President Donald Trump appeared virtually at the World Economic Forum and was bolder than many there thought he would be (see Unintended consequences of an Apocalyptic Donald Trump presidency). There will be many unintended consequences–world events have already at least partially confirmed seven or more things I wrote would happen BEFORE he took office–and more will be confirmed as well. The recommended sermonette for this week relates to some that happened within the first five days of the Trump-Vance Administration–watch:  Donald Trump and Unintended Consequences.

The USA has started to more aggressively deport migrants, while Europe is looking to also do so (see USA and Europe deporting migrants). This will likely cause civil unrest and even riots in the USA and in parts of Europe.

Speaking of Europe and Donald Trump, his statements have pushed the government of Denmark to announce additional military funding for Greenland (see ). Before Donald Trump took office, I wrote the following:

Donald Trump’s foreign policy statements have unsettled many—in the USA as well as foreign nations. He is believed by many to be more unpredictable than Richard Nixon. Many have rightly pointed out that he often acts as a bully.

Greenland

There is also something referred to as the “law of unintended consequences.” There are consequences for the USA, Europe, and elsewhere that have and will occur because of Donald Trump’s statements and actions.

Consider, for one example, that after his reelection, Donald Trump stated that the United States needed to have Greenland for defense and economic purposes. Not only did that offend the governments of Denmark and Greenland, the Danish government then announced that it would greatly increase the amount of money it would spend on the defense of Greenland.[i]

On January 7, 2025, Donald Trump refused to rule out military or economic actions to acquire Greenland.[ii] The next day, European leaders warned they would not tolerate an attack on Greenland and that the continent of Europe was strong.[iii]

Donald Trump then stated he would implement high tariffs against Denmark to try to get it to sell Greenland to the USA.

However, that overlooks the fact that the European Union has its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which is designed to stop a foreign power from trying to punish one EU nation. Because of that, analysts report that punitive tariffs against Denmark “could lead to unintended consequences” from the EU against the USA.[iv]

One longer term consequence of Donald Trump’s rhetoric may be that the Europeans could decide that Greenland would be a useful place to conduct surveillance on the US and Canada.

Additionally, it is also possible that Greenland could be used as a base to 1) interfere with US military satellite communications, 2) possibly neutralize some US military moves in Greenland, or even 3) a place to also launch an attack against the US, Canada, and/or even the UK. The Bible teaches about a great power who will be destroyed by its friends, who become enemies (Lamentations 1:1-2)—some statements by Donald Trump are pushing “friends” (NATO allies) into being enemies. …

The USA will be attacked by “friends” consistent with the following:

1 How lonely sits the city
That was full of people!

How like a widow is she,
Who was great among the nations!

The princess among the provinces Has become a slave!

2 She weeps bitterly in the night,
Her tears are on her cheeks;
Among all her lovers
She has none to comfort her.

All her friends have dealt treacherously with her;
They have become her enemies. cf. Lamentations 1:1-2).

Notice the one who was “great among the nations” will be conquered by friends, who will become enemies.

The USA was prophesied to be “great” in Genesis 48:19 and is considered by international sources to be great among the nations of the world today.[v]

[i] Fouda M. Denmark to boost Greenland’s defence after Trump repeats controversial remarks seeking US ownership. Euronews, December 25, 2024

[ii] Trump threatens ‘very high’ tariffs on Denmark over Greenland. BBC, January 7, 2025

[iii] Germany, France criticize Donald Trump’s Greenland threat. Deutsche Welle, January 8, 2025

[iv] Aitken P. Trump’s Tariff Threat Against Denmark Risks Showdown With European Union. Newsweek, January 12, 2025

[v] Hartig H. Majority of Americans say U.S. is one of the greatest countries in the world. PEW Research Center, August 29, 2023

(Thiel B. Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Nazarene Books, 2025)

Others have noted that Donald Trump is treating nations who are considered to be “friends” as enemies (e.g. see RT: Zelensky says US doesn’t care about EU; BBC: Frenemies?). The Europeans are stating that they do not want the USA to have Greenland (see Greenlanders do not want to be Americans, while Denmark & Germany push a united European front).

There will be many unintended consequences of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Concluding Comments

The Apostle Paul wrote:

1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; (1 Thessalonians 4:1-10)

Brethren, “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness,” Accept His government and human leaders, and remember to give “brotherly love.”

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer