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Letter to the Brethren: November 23, 2023

Letter to the Brethren: November 23, 2023

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from the Five Cities region of California.

Today is the USA holiday of Thanksgiving.

Being thankful is something Christians should be–all days of the year!

Yet. many, as the Apostle Paul wrote, are unthankful in these last days:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

Do not be like them. Be thankful for God’s plan, your life, God’s blessings, your calling, and your opportunity to be able support the end-time Philadelphian work.

Africa Updates

Ethiopian CCOG deacon Koang Deng told me that he and two others are planning to go to see the brethren and others in South Sudan in February. We only have a couple of dozen people in South Sudan, but this may be a nation where we will find more who wish to be part of the Continuing Church of God.

This week, we received the registration documents for the Continuing Church of God in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the reasons we did this was because the process there was easier and less costly than it will be for Rwanda.

While we still are working towards getting registration in Rwanda, this will take time as we are not in a position to spend all the funds that would take, so that will have to wait.

But at least we do now have the registration in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We believe that this will allow for the Feast of Tabernacles in the DRC next year, which would also include those from Rwanda who can travel there.

Today, I received the following report from Rwanda:

Dear Pastor and Overseer Dr Bob ,First of all Greetings from CCOG Rwanda and Congo .We are very happy to send you these two pictures, the one {two pages} of the CCOG certificate in Congo knows as Autorisation de Fonctionnement , and the other of the Pastor’s family from Baptist church who heard the good news of the Kingdom of God and joined the CCOG .

 Dear Pastor , Church of God continues to grow because when many people in Rwanda listen to us preach this good news of the Kingdom of God , they have a thirst to understand it because they feel like strange teaching or new beliefs in the ears because no one who has told them that in Rwanda (Mark 1:27 , Acts 17:18). This is how CCOG is now Rwanda .For this reason , we now have people from Rwanda and Congo who have come from those Protestant and Catholic ,SDA , COG  religions who want to be baptized . Some of them made a decision when Pastor Evans visited Congo and others made a decision when he visited us recently in Rwanda. …We continue to appreciate how you continue to be close to us .SincerelyMoïse .

It is great that we are having growth in Rwanda.

Malawi Matters

There have been some posts at an anti-Church of God site claiming that the Malawi CCOG registration documents were faked, that the Continuing Church of God lost 3,000 people in Malawi, etc.

Pastor Radson Mulozowa reported that the registration fees for Malawi were paid last year to its Attorney General. However, Malawi seems to have different departments and different cities that handle matters differently and we are looking into whether or not anything else should also be filed. But, no, we have no proof that the Malawi registration documents are forgeries as some have asserted on the internet.

To the contrary, a contact that I have in Malawi, who is not connected with Radson Mulozowa and who confirmed with one or more government officials this month that the document was legitimate. But he also indicated that another department should be involved.

The anti-COG site that had various assertions also included a letter from some blotted-out source that the registration documents were forged. That type of assertion is not proof. This sort of reminded me of the assertion by Joe Biden that the Hunter Biden laptop story was fake because 50 or so ‘experts’ said that the laptop story LOOKED TO THEM to be Russian propaganda–yet the fact is that those who signed were political hacks who were wrong, as Hunter Biden has since admitted that the laptop in question was his.

At least one critic also falsely asserted that if we learned that the documents were forgeries that we would not put pastor Radson Mulozowa out of the church. Well, if they actually are proved to be forgeries, yes, Radson would be put out for fraud and bearing false witness. We have put out several leaders in Africa for improper behavior and would do so again if something like that happened.

At the anti-COG site, Terry Nelson posted the following about me and the CCOG:

All his so called 3,000 members in Malawi are completely gone. Hope of Israel Worldwide Church of God has completely taken Malawi/ Radson Mulozowa is dying/

Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:20:00 AM PST

Those statements are not true.

First of all, we did not just lose 3,000 people in Malawi. Just like the fact that we did NOT lose whole nations in Africa earlier in 2023 when some who chose not to be Philadelphian claimed that we did. Anyway, yes we still have people in Malawi.

Furthermore, another reason it is not true that the Hope of Israel “has completely taken Malawi,” is the fact that a leader of a large group in Malawi (who was never part of Hope of Israel) has asked to come back to the Continuing Church of God. And we heard from this contact well before as well as shortly after Terry Nelson made his post about taking over Malawi.

Unrelated to the internet claims, since September we have been planning to send evangelist Evans Ochieng to Malawi to check on several matters there, including to meet with the group leader who wants to be back with us.

In an email yesterday, Radson Mulozowa wrote:

My health is fine and I was in Mozambique today but what has remained is my knees joint are becoming weaker if I walk long distance but they have advised me to get a bicycle to ride everyday … but outsiders are not happy on how the work is going as God is opening up doors to be reached.

While we all “die daily” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:31), Radson is indicating that Terry Nelson’s comment about him dying (which I sent to him) was not accurate.

That said, it is sad that many seem to like to pass on tales without caring if they are really true.

Notice that the Bible teaches against that:

15 … In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people … (Leviticus 19:15-16)

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body. (Proverbs 26:20-22)

Though disappointing, even many considering themselves to be Christians have been talebearers. All people should be careful about making accusations as well as passing on unproven accusations of others.

The Bible also warns:

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2)

Yet, we have seen professing Christians do so by accepting and/or passing on various improper and unsubstantiated comments.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches:

15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.  (Titus 1:15-16)

Sadly, there are some that were once with us (in the CCOG and/or old WCG) that seem to prefer to believe and promote gossip.

Jesus warned:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12)

That prophesy was for our time and we have seen this. And, that not only includes those that have completely fallen away from the truth, but also those with a Laodicean attitude towards the Philadelphian-led work of Matthew 24:14 and other biblical commissions.

The last chapter of the last book of the Bible contains the following:

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Many do not properly do His commandments, but prefer gossip and lies.

Jesus said:

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

Many have said bad things about me and others in the CCOG that are not true.

In a post at the anti-COG site, former congregant Terry Nelson called me a variety of names and made other non-Christian comments. Notice, for example, one that he posted:

Bob Thiel Blindly turned away from the Truth because of Satanic Mind Manipulation via Witchcraft  …

Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:43:00 AM PST

No, it is wrong and unbiblical to say that I– who have never knowingly ever had contact with a witch or witch doctor–have been manipulated or controlled by one.

While there are superstitious people in Africa, as well as apparently people like Terry Nelson, who believe Christians can be deceived by spells from witch doctors they have never heard, read from, or met, the Bible disagrees. For details about that, see Can Christians Actually be Cursed By Witches or Witch Doctors?

Nor have I turned away from the truth.

The fact that Terry Nelson believes something I disagree with after I conducted my own investigations in Africa, is not my departure from the truth. Furthermore, the fact that he publicly pushes anti-biblical positions should make clear to people interested in the truth that his opinions are not biblical truth.

The Apostle Paul warned:

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18, KJV)

Hopefully, Terry Nelson, a person who has repeatedly marked himself as an enemy of the Continuing Church of God, will repent and cease to be an accuser of the brethren. Pray for him, but do not let his contrary doctrines and divisive statements spiritually harm you. Sadly, some who were with us have listened to him and followed him out. Scripture shows that something similar happened to the true Church of God in the time of the Apostle John (cf. 1 John 2:19). Now, if you have heeded talebearers, or even been one, you can still repent.

That said, all need to understand that the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God (Revelation 3:7-13) cannot be destroyed (cf. Matthew 16:18, 28:19-20).

The reality is that the true church has long been “spoke against everywhere” (Acts 28:22)–but the faithful will endure as Jesus (Matthew 10:22) and the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:14) admonished.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)

If you have truly striven to prove all things, you will not easily swayed by various accusers of the brethren.

Greater persecutions, betrayals by professed believers, and even bigger lies about true Christians is coming:

5 If you have run with footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they have wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of Jordan? 6 For even you brothers, the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; Yes they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, even though they speak smooth words to you” (Jeremiah 12:5-6).

32 He {the coming King of the North Beast} will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant.  …  33 …  will be jailed and robbed. 34 During these persecutions, little help will arrive, and many who join them will not be sincere. 35 And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution … (Daniel 11:32-35, NLT)

21 Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:21-22)

Yes, more persecution than name calling and accusations is coming (cf. Daniel 7:25) including from some claiming to be in the faith (see also Persecutions by Church and State).

If you cannot properly handle negative statements now and faithfully discern the truth (cf. Philippians 1:9-11), do not think you will be in a good position to handle what is coming.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God Translated into 1000+ Languages

On Monday, we received another 25 translations of our English language booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

We now have had that booklet translated into over 1,000 languages!

Based on what we have been told we expect to continue to receive about two dozen more languages/dialects per week for the next few months, and likely more thereafter.

Consider that along with the following:

2 Paul and Barnabas … 3 … passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. (Acts 15:2-3)

Yes, the fact that we are able to reach more Gentiles (and Israelites), because we have information on the gospel of the kingdom of God in more languages should cause great joy to all the Philadelphian brethren.

However, there are critics who are not pleased with this.

Now the Letter to the Brethren: November 16, 2023 included an email from one involved with the translations. After it came out, various online critics claimed that:

  1. Proper translations should cost about 200 times more than we are spending.
  2. We are wasting money by spending so little.
  3. We are being financially scammed.
  4. Tithes are being wasted getting translations.
  5. It would be more efficient to use Google translate than using an outside source.

The fact is that yes, we are spending MUCH less to do this than others think we should. But, that shows that we are being cost-efficient and properly spending tithes and offerings related to the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14.

The reality is that we are not wasting funds with this. Only those who do not want to accept the Jesus’ commissions to reach the world (Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20) or are not joyful that others can be reached (cf. Acts 15:3; Romans 11:25) would want to come to that conclusion.

Even if the translators do use Artificial Intelligence (which the translation manager has denied), we have not been financially scammed. We have used the same translation entity off and on for many years, and we do not pay for the translations until after they are received and in a format that makes our uploading of them easiest. They have always charged what we agreed to and we have always paid them for what they delivered.

The Bible teaches that Christians are to be “prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21), and Philadelphian Christians are the ones whose work Jesus praises in the third chapter of the Book of Revelation–He does not praise those of Sardis or Laodicea.

In order to lead what I have referred to as final phase of the work, and prepare for the short-work of Romans 9:28, we need information on good news of the kingdom of God in as many languages as possible.

We are going through the “door” that is open to us to reach people–that is what Philadelphian Christians are supposed to do per Jesus’ words in Revelation 3:7-13.

Furthermore, it is NOT more efficient for us to use Google translate for at least two reasons. One reason is that Google translate does not have enough languages available–so in order to reach enough, that was not an actual option.

Another reason to not rely on Google translate is that we are also getting the translated booklets in a pdf format which is much more efficient than if we tried to do that ourselves. This is particularly true for languages do not use our Latin characters (which is what the English language and many other languages use) as well as for those that read from right to left, as opposed our English way of reading from left to right.

We know that because nearly a decade ago, we attempted to format about 70 other languages on our own and that was costlier than having our translation firm do so.

Now, what about the quality of the translations?

Because most of the translations we are receiving have not been translated by people who have a Church of God background, there are misunderstandings on certain points.

Yet, they are still readable. Years back, I asked a Ukrainian man who received some of our literature in the Russian language if the translation (from the same source we are still using) was good, and he said that it was.

A couple of years later, while there were differences between how a Chinese CCOG member and a translator thought a few words should have been translated, the translation itself was still fine.

I also had someone in India verify that one of the languages from there that we had was understandable.

A year or so ago, a man I knew who was once part of the Worldwide, Global, and Living COGs (and is now not with any of them nor with the CCOG, but with a smaller COG group) went over our Armenian translation. He basically edited a few words because the literal translation from English into Armenian did not have quite the meaning as English-speakers understood. So, some edits were made. But, even without the edits, the basic concepts of the coming Kingdom of God were conveyed.

So, yes, I have made several attempts to validate the translations (though there have been issues in a couple, like Serbian, that we had completely redone by someone we knew).

That said, even among native speakers in CCOG, there are differences of opinions about how certain works in the Spanish language, for example, should be translated.

So, “perfect” translations are very subjective and may not even be possible in many (or even all) cases.

Some of you may recall that I have never claimed that the translations were perfect. Instead, I have said that the following prophecy applies:

9 “Whom will he teach knowledge?  And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts?  10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.”

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people,  12 To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing”; Yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:9-12)

Notice that even having some language difficulties seems to have been prophesied. And, I have been saying that about our translations for many years (e.g. watch Behind the Work 2016: All Nations, Tribes, People, and Tongues).

We are to reach people in multiple languages as a witness before the end comes (Matthew 24:14), despite the fact that most will not respond in this age. And we know that there may be difficulties caused by translations.

Now, please notice the version of Isaiah’s language statements in the New Testament:

21 In the law it is written:

“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”  says the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:21)

So the New Testament is clearly also prophesying that other languages would be used–and we in the Continuing Church of God have been doing so in more languages than any other COG has ever done.

Now, during the millennium many will understand:

1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice.  2 A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.  3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim, And the ears of those who hear will listen. 4 Also the heart of the rash will understand knowledge, And the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly. (Isaiah 32:1-4)

Yet, also notice something that the Bible says will happen BEFORE the millennium:

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many . . . (Daniel 11:33)

We in the Continuing Church of God have been preparing for that as that is part of the short-work of Romans 9:28.

Jesus gave the following commission:

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

This involves working to reach people in multiple languages. Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 are the major commissions of the faithful church. The “phil,” as in Philadelphian Christians, means fraternal love/affection, which in the biblical context includes supporting the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God to all that we can.

Satan does not want people reached in other languages.

But as the Apostle Paul wrote of him, “Satan … we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Trying to cast doubt on God, His word, His ministry, His people, and His faithful church is something that Satan and his associates do. That is one of the reason that Satan is referred to in the Bible as “the accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10).

Sadly, many throughout church history have succumbed to his ways.

As far as reaching people of different ethnicities goes, ALL are important to God. Notice some of what the Apostle Paul wrote:

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:12-15)

Well, how can they hear if they do not understand the language?

What about ‘minor’ languages? Are they unimportant?

The Apostle Paul somewhat addressed that as he wrote:

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:10-11)

Since there are languages people do not understand (cf. Psalm 81:5), but all languages are significant, then obviously more languages than one needs to be used by the CCOG to teach.

Consider also Jesus’ words:

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ (Luke 15:4-6)

40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

We try to reach all that we can.

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

We are to sow bountifully! We are sowing by having as many languages as we can available as we prepare for the fulfillment of prophecies including Matthew 24:14.

This may also help us find the lost sheep, or more accurately, make it easier for the sheep to see the fact that we are witnessing to them and perhaps that the Father is also now looking for them (cf. John 4:23-24), in order to call them (John 6:44; Jude 1).

Notice something else the Apostle Paul wrote:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

Having materials in many languages helps serve ALL as well as those who are in the household of faith.

Initially, God did a language miracle when the New Testament church began:

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:1-11)

While God could cause a hearing miracle again like He did in Acts 2, scripture does not record that God continued to do the type of miracle where people heard the message came out in one language and then was heard in the language of the hearer’s birth. Nor do we see major evidence of this occurring again throughout Church history.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the Bible (NKJV) version uses the term “translated” thirteen times with numerous translations. God, thus, concluded having translations in His word were needed for understanding.

Now, since relatively few modern people know ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, AND Koine Greek, which are the languages that the Bible was written in, we need translations to understand the Bible.

But as people also need help understanding the Bible from the ministry (Acts 8:31-35; Romans 10:12-15; Ephesians 4:11-16), having booklets and other literature in multiple languages helps answer the question Philip asked someone reading the Bible:

 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me? ”  (Acts 8:30-31)

Literature in various languages help guide those to better understanding.

The Bible shows that this ultimately results in followers from all over and in all languages:

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:8-10)

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-11)

14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14).

Thus, it makes sense to get materials into whatever languages God will open up to us.

The Apostle Paul communicated in at least two different languages, based upon his audience:

37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?”

He replied, “Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?”

39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.”

40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language (Acts 21:37-40)

Since Paul was the “apostle to the uncircumcision,” he had to communicate in languages other than Hebrew, such as Greek in the above account.

Consider also the following:

7. “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:

8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7-8)

What is the “open door”?

Let us look at this concept within the New Testament and let the Bible interpret itself.

Paul wrote:

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).

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

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, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Colossians 4:2-4).

Luke wrote:

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).

Thus, the Bible is quite clear that the open door is the door to proclaim the Gospel. And I believe that God has opened up the door to develop literature in over 1000 languages to us, so we are also going through “the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

Herbert W. Armstrong understood that the door was opened to proclaim the gospel:

Also a door was to be opened for this leader and/or the Philadelphia era of the Church to fulfill Matthew 24:14: ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come’ (Mystery of the Ages, pp. 290-291).

And he and his church did reach people with the message in many languages.

Yet, it was not until after he died that there was widespread access to the internet so that this door was open as wide to be able to reach as many people in as many lands. And we have been loading gospel materials dozens of times more languages than the old Worldwide Church of God was able to put literature out in.

Perhaps it should be pointed out that the old Radio Church of God taught that, “Blindness is happened to Israel, not forever, but until the full number of Gentiles who are to be converted in this age comes into the Kingdom. (Hoeh H. The Coming UTOPIA… Wonderful World of Tomorrow. Plain Truth, March 1957, p. 6; see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

Having materials in multiple languages are needed for the full number of Gentiles can be converted in this age!

Yes, this age.

We are closer to the end of this age and some church needs to be working on having numerous languages–and we in the CCOG are.

John the Baptist prepared for the first coming of Jesus (Mark 1:1-7), and the Philadelphian faithful in the Church of God are preparing for His second coming–and the full number of Gentiles must come in before Jesus returns per Romans 11:25-27–Herbert W. Armstrong understood that as well (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

Notice that the Apostle Paul wrote:

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Yes, those properly dedicated to God’s work will support the preparation for the gospel to reach others, as well as to not be turned aside by those who spew forth “the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Remember also, that Jesus said:

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. … 33 seek first the kingdom of God Matthew 6:21,33)

Yes, we spend tithes and offering ‘treasures’ to reach and support people around the entire world.

If you are reading this, hopefully you have the right heart, the right priorities, the right focus to provide support related to the preparation of fulfilling Matthew 24:14.

Never before in the history of the Church of God has any group made so many languages/dialects of the good news of the coming kingdom of God available in anything close to the 1000+ languages we have and plan to increase.

Also, as we have reported before, we recently have added Bible News Prophecy International online radio. You can find this station at: https://www.bnpi.net. We started on that station with the Spanish language, but expect to add more languages for radio. More on our approaches to reach people in as many ways and languages as possible can be found on the  Continuing Church of God Multimedia page.

If you want God’s kingdom to come–which is something that Jesus said you should pray for (Matthew 6:10)–you would want to support the most cost-effective ways to reach as many as possible in the world as a witness.

Satan and other critics do not want you to do so. They want you to turn aside, or at least delay, your support.

Remember Jesus warned Philadelphian Christians to let “no one … take your crown” (Revelation 3:11)–and that include critics.

Now, by posting about this, yes, I expect insults from critics who do not share the focus, vision, or the biblical priorities of the CCOG.

And while I am not perfect, and can be deceived–which can happen to God’s leaders (e.g. Genesis 27, Joshua 9, 1 John 2)–we in the CCOG have the broadest radio presence of any COG I am aware of (see Continuing Church of God Multimedia page), have been the fastest growing x-WCG group in the 21st century, have restored the most truth in this century (see Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things), have the signs that the Apostle Peter said the end time faithful would have in Acts 2:17-18 (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?), and have made available the good news of the kingdom of God in more languages than has ever been done since the start of the Christian church in Acts 2.

While all of those statements are true, there should be no denying that the last item is an absolute and indisputable fact.

Yet, the following apply to many critics who are not interested in checking out the facts:

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly. (Proverbs 26:16)

Hopefully, you can see the biblical sense in what we are doing. Or at least you will be like the Bereans of old who, “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Notice something that the prophet Isaiah was inspired to record:

7 Listen to Me, you who know righteousness,
You people in whose heart is My law:
Do not fear the reproach of men,
Nor be afraid of their insults.  (Isaiah 51:7)

Yes, the truth is blasphemed and subject to insults from many.

However to the pure, all things are pure.

As Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of God” Matthew 6:33), be one who “endures to the end” (Matthew 10:22), and support the Philadelphian work (cf. Revelation 3:7-13).

Having materials in as many languages as we can get is something that is part of the end-time work that Jesus will have completed.

Rejoice and please continue to pray for the language aspect of fulfilling Matthew 24:14 and Romans 11:25.

Suggested Sabbath Day Services

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

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

Argentina elected a new president, Javier Milei, who is somewhat of a political outsider. He says he intends to shake Argentina up and attempt to use the USA dollar (see Argentina elects a ‘anti-woke’ president, then what?). Argentina has long had a problem with massive inflation, and he hopes his changes will fix that. Whether they do or not, eventually, I believe that the Bible indicates that Argentina will ultimately align with the Europeans for a time, so whatever connections Javier Milei wants it to have to the USA will not remain too long.

Now, Argentina was supposed to join the BRICS alliance of nations next year, but with the election of Javier Milei, that is expected to not happen. That said, Germany is concerned about what type of currency that the BRICS nations are working on, and wish to be ahead of them on some type of a digital currency (see ‘Germany’s bold move to crush BRICS dominance – Will the Digital Euro work?’). In order to fulfill ‘666’ prophecies related to buying and selling, I have long asserted that Europe would come up with a digital currency, and this is in process.

Speaking of elections, the anti-immigrant politician Geert Wilders had a big victory in the Netherlands yesterday (see Geert Wilder’s party wins in the Netherlands–another force to push Islam out of Europe?). More and more in Europe share his anti-Islamic immigrant views.

In November of 2019, we put out a BibleNewsProphecy sermonette video warning about antibiotic resistance. However, sometime in 2022, YouTube censored it, probably because of its COVID-19 policies (even though the video was online months before the term ‘COVID-19’ came out). The truth is that antibiotic resistance is increasing (see Antibiotic resistance is growing, yet YouTube censored my 2019 video warning about that)  and that is not something that should have been suppressed.

Speaking of COVID-19, some (correctly) believe that after a future pandemic that more severe restrictions will be adopted to monitor and control populations (see  RM: Pandemics as a Catalyst for a New World Order; COGWriter, that is consistent with the Ride of the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse). Well, we know that the Beast rises up after the rides of all four of the horsemen of the Apocalypse have begun. And since the fourth horsemen is the pale horse of death and pestilence, some type of pandemic is expected before the totalitarian Beast will rise up.

Concluding Comments

Jesus taught:

10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:10-14)

Brethren, despite what some may claim or how much some may criticize, Christians faithful to Jesus’ teachings need to endure and support the proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God.

Pray and live to be among the Philadelphian faithful.

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer