Monthly letter archive

Christian Biblical Church of God

Post Office Box 1442

Hollister, California 95024-1442

(831)-637-1875

Fred R. Coulter, Minister

April 17, 2007

Dear Brethren,

I have traveled extensively during March and April—yet it is always a tremendous blessing to fellowship with brethren on the Sabbath day, on holy days and at Bible Studies. I visited Seattle and Spokane, Washington on March 9-11. Later, I drove to Monrovia, California for the Sabbath of March 24. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the weekly Sabbath, April 7, then went on to Manchester, New Hampshire for Bible Studies on April 8 and for services on the last holy day, April 9. About 45 to 60 brethren attended at each location. Considering that most of us are quite scattered, it is truly inspiring to be able get together for these special times.

Everyone was enthusiastic and it was encouraging to see God’s love and Spirit among the brethren—even as the apostle Paul admonished the Philippians: "Now then, if there be any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any deep inner affections and compassions, fulfill my joy, that you be of the same mind, having the same love, being joined together in soul, minding the one thing. Let nothing be done through contention or vainglory, but in humility, each esteeming the others above himself. Let each one look not only after his own things, but let each one also consider the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:1-5). This is the ultimate purpose of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).

Though we live in this world, we are not of this society—because we have been called out of this present Satan-led world. This is why we must constantly strive to overcome sin and self, Satan and this society through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Furthermore, we are not to mix God’s way with the corrupt, pagan ways of this society, as many in worldly "Christianity"—and even in God’s churches—are doing today. After all, "a little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Indeed, being separate from the ways of this world is one of the major lessons we are to learn from the Feast of Unleavened Bread. "Do not be unequally [diversely] yoked with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? And what fellowship does light have with darkness? And what union does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever? And what agreement is there between a temple of God and idols? For you are a temple of the living God, exactly as God said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from the midst of them and be separate,’ says the Lord, ‘and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you; and I shall be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty. Now then, beloved, since we have these promises, we should purge ourselves from every defilement of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (II Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1).

This requires that we put out the evils of the carnal mind and shun the ways of this world—with the help of Jesus Christ. We are then renewed in the spirit of our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit, as God creates in us His own character, His own righteousness and holiness: "So then, I declare and testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their hearts. They have cast off all feelings, and have given themselves up to licentiousness, to work every uncleanness with insatiable desire.

"But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, according to the truth in Jesus: that concerning your former conduct, you put off the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which according to God is created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Eph. 4:17-24).

Each one of us is literally becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus. This is the greatest work of God today—His creation of godly character within those begotten with the Holy Spirit of God. "Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (II Cor. 5:17).

Just as Peter encouraged the brethren of his day, God has called us to partake of His divine nature: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained the same precious faith as ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and virtue; through which He has given to us the greatest and most precious promises, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (II Pet. 1:1-4).

This is why we keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread—to keep our minds focused on God’s purpose for calling us. And there is nothing greater in this life! This is why we faithfully keep the Sabbath and all the holy days and feasts of God—and live by every word of God. It is God’s way of life for us that leads to eternal life through His love and grace by faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. As Peter writes, this is how we can continue to spiritually grow and overcome, year by year: "For this reason, beloved, since you are anticipating these things, be diligent, so that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless. And bear in mind that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation, exactly as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has also written to you; as he has also in all his epistles, speaking in them concerning these things; in which are some things that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable are twisting and distorting, as they also twist and distort the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, beloved, since you know this in advance, be on guard against such practices, lest you be led astray with the error of the lawless ones, and you fall from your own steadfastness; rather, be growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and into the day of eternity. Amen" (II Pet. 3:14-18).

The New Holy Day Book and CDs: By the time you receive this letter, Thomson-Shore printers in Dexter, Michigan will have finished printing 7,000 copies of the new book, God’s Plan for Mankind Revealed by His Sabbath and Holy Days. On Friday, April 19, they will deliver 3,500 copies to Unit Packaging in Ann Arbor, Michigan—only one mile away. Also, 2,500 Jewel Packs—each with four CDs—are being shipped to Unit Packaging so they can pack them with the books and mail everything to you in one package. Even if you did not return the order coupon, we will automatically send you one book and one CD set.

As you will see, this beautiful book is jam-packed with detailed knowledge of God’s plan for mankind—and is quite unique in that it contains the transcripts of 36 in-depth sermons about the Sabbath and holy days of God. Combined with the accompanying CDs, you will have one the best ways to study—because you can read the sermon transcripts while you listen to the CD sermons.

REMEMBER THAT THE CDs HAVE BEEN MP3 FORMATTED. This means that you will need to have a CD player that can play MP3 formatted CDs. If your CD player is not MP3 compatible, then try to play the CDs in your DVD player.

Letters and E-mails from Brethren

We continue to receive numerous excellent letters and e-mails from brethren and others who use our Web sites, www.cbcg.org and www.biblicaltruthministries.org. As we previously reported, last year we had over 375,000 distinct visitors use our sites to down-load sermons and printed texts. Since the sites are up and running twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we have inquires and requests from many parts of the world. Anyone, living anywhere in the world, who has access to the Internet, can find our Web sites. In fact, a person can do a Google search on virtually any Bible question. As one man told me in Manchester, "Most of the questions I asked in my Google searches led right to the CBCG and BTM Web sites time and time again." This means that we are reaching many brethren, as well as many new people. As you will see from the letters and e-mails, God is blessing this method of preaching the Gospel—which is reaching the scattered remnant of God’s people as well as those of the world "who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

Regardless of how evil and corrupt the world becomes, God always has a remnant reserved for Himself. These are the ones who are seeking God and will be drawn to repentance. It is for this very reason that God’s final judgments have not yet fallen upon the world. God will yet call them and save them if they repent and turn to Him: "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD has spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel does not know, my people do not consider. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

"Why should you be stricken any more? You will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the top of the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah" (Isa. 1:2-9).

After God warns, He calls such to repentance, offering forgiveness and, ultimately, salvation: "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land: but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it" (verses 16-20).

Here are some of the many letters we receive by regular mail and e-mail from brethren and people using our Web sites—the remnant of the Church and the remnant in the world.

Letters Via Regular Mail

Dear Fred,

The truth has set me free! I thank God every day that I have been called to understand His word. I want to thank you for baptizing me. It was a very emotional experience having all my past sins washed away in the watery grave, through the blood of Jesus. It has left me deeply inspired and excited to walk in God’s light.

I particularly enjoyed your sermon on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. I learn more and more every day. Thank for teaching us new lambs about our Lord Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to the rest of my life in God’s hands.

From Arizona, newly baptized

Dear Fred,

We thank you very much for the tapes, books and prayers. We do love you and all those who help you for all that you do to help us draw closer to our Father and Jesus Christ. It is easier to study with your sermons and study aids and books. The more we study, the more our Father opens up to us the understanding of His Word. Fantastic!

Please send "The Biblical Truth About the Immigration Problem" and Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which? We know brethren who need them. Thank you.

From Kentucky

Hi, Fred,

So far I’m about halfway through the "Occult Holidays" book and am learning a lot! There is so much that I did not know! This is a real treasure for all of us. I see that much of the USA is under rather cold weather after being under some record hot weather. Hot and cold—global warming, I guess.

I see that you have "Church at Home" up and under construction. It is really amazing how Christians started out in church homes and now they are going back and having church in their homes again. History does repeat itself, doesn’t it?

May God continue to bless you and those working with you in His service and may He keep you safe and healthy.

From New York

Dear Fred,

Thanks for the tapes. Especially the tapes on tithing. I’d like to relate to you my experience with tithing. I tithed for many years before being baptized into God’s Church. I worked in production in an auto factory. I was offered an apprenticeship in skilled trades. I made money hand-over-fist due to the scheduled overtime.

I purchased a house for eleven thousand and sold it for eighty thousand. Then I bought another house and rented out the original house before selling it. All the time I made excellent money and had excellent renters (another blessing). I attribute this all to tithing.

However, I did not tithe from this windfall, for this was when the WCG was blatantly departing from the truth. I am glad that I didn’t. What I should have done was to search for someone who was still preaching the truth, instead of spending God’s tithes on myself. Anyway, as a result of spending God’s tithes on myself and not tithing now that I am older, I am head-over-heels in debt. But I will send offerings as I can. One thing more that I can do is pray for you and the CBCG, which I do.

From Michigan

Dear Fred,

Greetings! I know that what I am able to send will help provide others with the truth of God. I just received a CD with two sermons, two cassette tapes on the Amero, a tape on the keys to answered prayer and the booklet on debunking the sacred names myth.

Thank you so much for all the people, those who do the recordings—and your secretary, who does these services for all the brethren. I pray for God’s guidance and blessings upon all those involved in the Old Testament Project, and on and on. We have so much to thank God for—so many, many blessings and the greatest one is His truth and peace. We are another day closer to His return. Love and prayers.

From Colorado

Dear Fred,

I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your books and tapes that I have received. They have been helpful in [my] growing and overcoming.

At the present time I am reviewing a video on the Hebrew/Scriptural Calendar, which you made several years ago. It has been enlightening in view of the confusion that is rampant in the Church of God [concerning] the calendar and the new moon problem. Thank you for the time and effort in helping God’s people prepare for His Kingdom.

From Pennsylvania

Dear Fred,

Just a card to wish you and your wife a wonderful Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with you and the brethren in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for the nice lunch and the spiritual food you provided for us.

We are almost finished reading the "Christian Passover" book again. We usually start reading around the Xmas holidays and usually finish it just before Passover. We feel we learn more every time we read it and realize more and more how shallow and empty the man-made holidays are in comparison to God’s holy days.

Thank you for everything you all provide for God’s called-out people. It is a real blessing to be in God’s Church. Thanks again with love.

From British Columbia, Canada

Dear Mr. Coulter,

Thank you so much for making the Days of Unleavened Bread so special for us this year! We really appreciate all the time and effort you put into the Passover Preparation series and the wonderful sermons for the Spring Holy Days and the Sabbaths.

Thank you for your dedication to teaching God’s people! Almost every day, either my husband or I will say: "How come we’ve never heard this taught before?" or "Why isn’t anyone else preaching this?" And thank you for all the excellent tapes and books! We can’t listen to them or read them all fast enough.

We’re just amazed with God’s patience and mercy. Through your literature, God has stirred up the Holy Spirit in us and given us a burning desire to really study and learn more of His Word and pray more earnestly. Between the WCG and UCG, I was almost dead, spiritually. We got to the place where we thought we already know everything and it got so monotonous and boring. Now I see that I was stuck in kindergarten!

May God grant you continued good health, a sharp mind and a humble spirit—we don’t want to lose you now that we have found you!! With much Christian love.

From Ohio

Dear Fred,

We just have to tell you how much we appreciate you and all those who are helping you for all that they have done for us. We just feel like our God and our Savior sent you to teach us His Word. We are very humbled and grateful.

We want you to know that without the Passover Preparation material and the Passover Ceremony message, the Passover would not have had the impact that it does. It is so meaningful and beautiful the way it is presented. We just have to say thank you for helping us remember how important the Passover is and how much we are loved by our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. We are all so blessed.

Have a wonderful Feast of Unleavened Bread. We love you in Jesus Christ.

From Kentucky

Hi, Fred Coulter,

A friend of mine was asking if I had any more of the NT Bibles. I only have one copy left and that’s mine. I told my friend that you are coming out with a complete Old and New Testament Bible later this year.

I have some other news. We wound up giving out two copies of Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which? to two individuals at work the other week. What triggered this? One person at work, who used to go to a SDA church, told me to listen to a radio program on Sunday morning at 5:15-5:45. This is when I’m going to work. So I listened to it. I recognized its content and the subject material was very familiar to me, and I told the person so at work. I also gave him some printouts from various Sabbath-keeping churches of God Web sites. Then I wound up giving him the book, Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which? He in turn showed this book to another person at work and that other person was interested in reading it. So I gave him a copy also. I only have one left.

This book is so crammed packed with the basic doctrines of what God’s holy days are about, vs. the pagan holidays, that in my opinion it is one of the best books covering the subject of any of the churches of God publications that I have seen.

(The radio program was "Watch America" with John Pinkston as speaker. It is patterned after the old WCG radio programs.)

It is apparent that God is working with people out there other than through just one church organization. In addition, [the] scattered brethren are having a more individual effect on others than what we may think, compared to the one, large organization we used to belong to. Have a blessed spring feast and holy days.

From Pennsylvania

Dear Fred,

I want to thank you for all the study material I recently received on the Calculated Hebrew Calendar. I have already viewed them once and I’m ready to start them again.

It is amazing how much more I get from all the tapes/videos/CDs when I listen to them over and over. I find it awfully hard to believe that I actually miss or don’t retain as much as I would like to from a previous listening. Each time I hear the tapes over and over, I learn something more I didn’t hear or retain before.

I’d like to share another discovery with others that I found to be very awesome, which they might like to try: I like to listen to all of that year’s holy day tapes, beginning with Passover, one after another through the Last Great Day without any long pauses between the tapes. I can’t begin to describe the experience of seeing and hearing the Plan of God unfolding without any interruptions or pauses. It’s truly incredible. It’s nice to do this before Passover and again after the Last Great Day. It makes everything very much alive. Thank you again for making these materials available to us.

From Mississippi

E-mail Letters to Our Web Sites

Numerous e-mail letters and requests for literature and books are sent to our Web sites every day. Ron Cary has been our Webmaster for CBCG.org for almost eight years, since the end of 1998. Every day he forwards all e-mail letters, Bible questions and requests to our office in Hollister. The first thing I do every morning when I come to the office is to go through all the e-mail communications. I prepare answers for the ones that require an answer and forward them to Ron. He in turn responds to the original e-mail sender. This way, the brethren and others receive their answer back in short order.

Here are a few sample e-mails:

Ron/Webmaster,

You have done a wonderful job with this Web site; it is easy to navigate and chock full of information/links/audio. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in ensuring [that the] CBCG’s and Fred’s material is easily available for those who seek it out.

C. K., Vermont

How excited I was to find the complete text for The Two Babylons by Alexander Hyssop on your Web site! How sad I was to find that I couldn’t save it (WinZip32 not working on Windows XT?). I have been able to download and save other kinds of files, so I must ask—is there any way you can put on your Web site alternate forms of this excellent book so that other people like/and myself can capture this important reference? It would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

Dear Fred,

I just finished listening to your sermon "Should We Eat Out On the Sabbath?" It is excellent, and I would like to ask permission to re-publish it on our Web site in our Audio Sermon section. You and the CBCG will, of course, be given full credit as you wish.

Thank you for continuing in the TRUTH, my friend!! Your brother in Christ.

Mr. Cary,

I did receive the New Testament Bible. Thank you and Mr. Coulter. It is beautiful. I have always wondered why someone who really understood God’s truth had not produced a Bible. I hope someday that a version of the Old Testament will be produced with the same care. God bless.

E. G., Kentucky

Dear Mr. Coulter,

Hello again. I just wanted to thank you for the seven general epistles book which we received yesterday, 3/21, and the covenants of God tapes which we received today, 3/22. My wife thanks you as well. She has become quite the Bible student ever since we were led to your material.

Currently I am working my way through The Seven General Epistles and The Christian Passover books. I certainly have learned a great deal, even though I am just getting started. After all these years I am still amazed at how much knowledge is contained in the Bible. No matter how many times I read through it, there is always something else to learn. It is also interesting to me that one needs someone to teach him and that it does not seem possible to learn what one needs to learn without the help of a real teacher.

Even though there are many different Bible translations available, each with its own particular mistakes/mistranslations, it seems [that] if one is truly called to repentance and really wants to learn and understand, God will see to it that you do eventually understand. I think that is one reason it is so important to read through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, continually. When you do so you get a better idea of the overall picture presented in the Bible—so that when you do encounter something which turns out to be a mistranslation or misinterpretation, it is easier to resolve the matter.

As I was looking over The Seven General Epistles book yesterday I realized that it reminded me of a college textbook. At the same time I also realized that the magazines, booklets, etc., which I have studied over the years (mostly from the churches of God, mind you) resemble the books which we used in kindergarten, first grade, etc. Lots of colorful pictures, but not much substance.

I very much appreciate the way that you present your written material. Somehow, the double-spacing between paragraphs makes it much easier to read. The wide margins and blank pages for notes are very handy too. Your Web site is easy to access and utilize, as there are no pictures, ads or mini-videos one has to wait on while they download. As Jack Webb used to say in the old Dragnet series, "Just the facts ma’am."

Thank you for being a teacher, and please stay in good health and live a long life—as I have much more that I want and need to learn.

W. K., Ohio

E-mail from Tony Lee, South Africa Office:

Good Day Ron,

Many thanks for PDFs. We will have copies made and send booklets out to all on our mailing list. It might be a good idea to put the PDFs or a printable copy with the 5 sermons, or at some standard place that you might have on the Web site.

I have downloaded the Days of Unleavened Bread sermons and Sabbath sermons and posted the same to all in South Africa on CDs, with a separate CD of the 5 Passover Preparation sermons. I don’t think the brethren will have the booklet before the Passover this year, but they will have it for next year. Many, many thanks for your kindness and effort in providing us with the material.

Warm regards to you and to all the brethren when you see them.

Thanks, Tony

I want to take the time to thank you for the care package. My background was with the Worldwide Church of God. I came into the Truth in January of 1979, and shortly thereafter I was baptized. I came out of the Roman Catholic Church. I was in the Order of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. I now know the Mysteries of Babylon. I have studied in my 28 years of conversion and edited at least 15 different versions of the Bible. Your project of the Bible is very noble. I have waited for someone to write the Scriptures according to the Truth. I have read and studied your booklets. They are all sound doctrine from God’s Word. Most of the Churches of God are using the Vulgate version in the form of the New King James. I use the King James Version before Hort and Wescott did their revision. I did not know that they were spiritists who communicated with the dead. People we should not listen to them. They were always in agreement with the Catholic Church.

I know this is a long e-mail, but your booklet and statement of beliefs was so refreshing to read. Your Church of God [Web] site is the only one which has not replaced what we all once believed about The Supreme God (Father and Son). Of course, I am using Strong’s Concordance [entry] no. 430 to show plurality. The reason I have done this is because we have just come out of a group called the Church of the Great God. We were with this group for a little over three years. We were on the transcribing team. We were responsible for getting all the words of the sermons and putting them on the Web sites. Then we found out that they changed Pentecost and it concerned us. But we still held fast.

Then the Pastor changed the godhead. He stated [that] the Son was not part of the godhead. He stated this twice in his sermon…. My husband and I questioned our Pastor. He stated in his e-mails to us that there is one God. He meant numerically, and it was the Father. We have always been taught [the] One God Family. We could not stay. We left. We still have not given up. We decided to go with the United Church of God. We are not looking for a perfect Church or minister, or congregation. Just the Truth! It is here, but we have to dig to find it.

It seems that your site is right up front. You teach from the pure Word of God. I hope you do not mind if I listen in and read your material. And when your version of the Scriptures comes out, I am looking forward to reading it. I am reading your New Testament in the original order. May you have success on the project. Again, thank you for the care package—which is more precious than precious jewels and silver and gold. I will treasure this gift as I treasure my calling from God.

From Pennsylvania

Mr. Coulter,

I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to visit us in Houston. I very much enjoy the teaching and have found the books you have sent me to be valuable Bible study tools. I have downloaded a great many MP3 sermons from your web site and share them with others after I have listened to them. I pray that God will continue to bless your efforts.

I would like to ask another question concerning the first resurrection. You have said that it happens on Pentecost and not on Trumpets. I have listened to your sermon on the subject, but I’m unable to clearly understand [how] you determine this. I would appreciate your direction. I spoke to you Sunday, in Houston, about obtaining a couple of the NT Faithful Version Bibles. I have some people I would love to present these Bibles to, as I believe it would be a great addition to their Bible studies. I’m on your mailing list, but I’ll post it again for your convenience. Again, many thanks and God bless you.

K. G., Texas

Greetings,

Thanks for all you do with the Web site. And keep up the good work. I do appreciate being able to download the MP3 files. I would like to get the Passover Preparation booklet and the CD of five sermons. Thanks.

A. A.

Greetings Mr. Coulter,

We’ve known of you from many decades past. We are long time members of the Churches of God and just discovered your Web site. If you have a congregation here, preferably in Phoenix, we’d be very pleased to visit on the Sabbath. Please send a favorable reply.

In Christ’s service, D. and C.

Greetings in the name of JESUS. I recently discovered your Web site and am grateful for the items sent without charge. I am listening to the Daniel and Revelation studies online. Since I have limited time available on the computer, I’m wondering if the Daniel and Revelation series are available in cassette form? I hear "charts" mentioned by Mr. Coulter. Are these available to order? Thank you in advance for your prompt reply. God Bless You.

Respectfully, G. L. C., Sr.

Responses from Nigeria

In Nigeria, God has raised up a former WCG elder, James S. Udofia. In addition to Richard Umo, he has proven to be very reliable in assisting us in distributing tapes, CDs, books and other literature. James is now our main representative in Nigeria. He has even persuaded the government to play the sermon tapes over a local radio station. Here are some of the responses he has sent to us:

Dear Mr. Fred R. Coulter,

I am one of the many listeners to your Sabbath radio broadcast in our country and I want to thank you for making it possible for your messages to be aired in our country. Although these kinds of messages could have been run on the FM station to receive wider coverage. So please, if you are able, change it to an FM station so that many people in our country can hear the truth.

I am a woman of 51, and for many years I have never heard a Minister of the truth in the Bible talking about the Sabbath on the radio. You are the first person. Thank you for airing the truth in our country. I pray that God will strengthen you and give you more grace and wisdom to continue.

I would like to receive some more of your literature, so please pass my request to your representative in our country so they can help me.

God bless you for the good work.

Your sister in Christ

Here is James’ response to her:

Your e-mail request to [the] CBCG, USA, was forwarded to me as the Representative of the group here. Thank you so much for your good letter to Mr. Coulter. Regarding switching to [an] FM station from the AM station, we will be working on these things from the first week of March, 2007. In the meantime, we will continue to use the AM station for airing the program. Our prayer is that God will touch every listener with these special programs so that they will come to terms with God’s truth.

We [would] like to supply you with some of our literature, but I have some questions that I want you to please give me an urgent answer. Do you keep Sabbath or Sunday? If you are keeping the Sabbath, do you keep God’s Holy Days? Are you baptized?

If you are not keeping the Sabbath, would you like to know more about the Sabbath truth? Please tell me something about yourself.

We have a small group of believers in your area and I think you could join them to hear the true teachings of Christ. I will await your immediate response. Thank you once again for writing to Mr. Coulter.

Sincerely in Christ, Mr. James Udofia

From another former WCG elder in Nigeria:

Dear Fred R. Coulter,

My name is C. O., an Elder serving 57 people in Oron, Nigeria. I have been using your Web site material for the past 6 months to teach the people the truth. I have seen that you have nothing but the whole truth to give to those who care to listen.

My family and [our] small group of people have been praying for you and the work that you are doing. Your two Web sites that I know of seem to be the best. Thank you for filling these sites with God’s truth.

I was with the Worldwide Church of God for 12 years before moving out during their period of doctrinal changes. Since then I have been trying to obey God, keeping the Sabbath Truth/Holy Days and Feasts with my family and the small group that I am directing.

It is sad to see that in Oron, Nigeria where I live, there is no Sabbath church that observes God’s seven Feasts. All the so-called Ministers/Elders/Pastors belong to the Sunday churches and they celebrate the pagan holidays called Christmas and Easter. It is a sad thing to see that none want to know that the seventh-day Sabbath is Saturday and not Sunday. Well, I am so happy for you and your work.

Please be careful now that we are hearing your teachings on Nigerian radio. Many people [may] to write to you for your free book offers, especially these Sunday [keeping] people in Oron. They may lie to you, [claiming] that they are keeping the Sabbath. Please do not waste your material on them.

Personally, I would like to have some of your books to give to those in my small group, but please … verify [that] my group [exists] before you help. Also, please verify every other person from Oron who sends in requests to you like mine.

I believe you have a group in Nigeria that you are working with. Ask them to verify every … request first, before you … assist. Don’t fail to do this, or else you will be sending your material to the false teachers that we have here in Oron.

Thank you for teaching and preaching the truth to the world. May God bless and keep you in perfect health.

Yours for the Cause of Christ, O. D.

From another man in Nigeria:

Dear Mr. Fred R. Coulter,

My family and the 27 brethren who are meeting in my home for Sabbath services and Bible studies send greetings to you.

We have been in contact with you through your Web site material and have been using your sermons for the past three years without contacting you. Your teachings contain no error, so we [would] like to join your group and fellowship with you. We are using your beliefs to teach our people. Please, would you help us with some of your books, especially the Christian Passover and the NT Bible? Please let us know. May God bless your work and keep you safe. We are praying for you.

Yours, D. E.

E-mail From Ethiopia

The following e-mails are from Kassahun, who is the CBCG Representative in Ethiopia. He has translated some of our books and much of our literature into the Ethiopian language, Hamalic. He has translated our beliefs booklet, The Day Jesus the Christ Died, Is God a Trinity?, How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law and the Prophets?, the Passover Preparation booklet, Which Day is the Christian Sabbath?, the Christmas booklet, Understanding God’s Commands for the Wave Sheaf Offering—and he is almost done with Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which? Below are several e-mail messages and reports that Kassahun sent to us showing the things that God is doing through him—including news of the translated books, booklets and literature he has completed. Jim Hyles receives these reports from him.

Dear Jim,

I returned yesterday from my exhaustive trip and thank God for all His protection. Below is my trip report:

Early on Monday, Jan. 15, I left Addis Ababa to begin my trip to Harar, 500 km. from AA. I arrived there about 6 PM in the afternoon. I was greeted by a brother who had contacted me while I was in Addis and took me to his home. We arrived at his home just after dark and were greeted by his friendly family as well as by some other brothers and sisters who had come to greet me. That evening we had a Bible study that lasted until midnight. We had a very nice time together and they appreciated what they had learned.

The following day we studied the Bible over breakfast and then the brother showed me around his home and the property they are using to conduct meetings. In the evening several brothers and sisters came over for a Bible study. They had many questions about how this message is being spread around Ethiopia. I gave the answers to their questions. At this time I opened up my large box of literature that I had prepared for this trip. It was a delight to see the exclamations of joy when they received all the literature.

From Wednesday to Friday we have meetings twice a day—in the morning and evening. I shared with them about the Feast Days of God, the Sabbath truth, the fallacy of the Trinity doctrine and others. The brethren really enjoyed the messages and were eager to share some of their own experiences and ask questions. It was truly a blessed time.

On Sabbath morning we began our service at 9 in the morning. Then I shared a message on the death of Christ, emphasizing about the 3 nights and 3 days Jesus remained in the tomb and told the congregation that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and raised from the dead Saturday about sunset. They were all amazed by these truths. Sabbath evening we had a study on the Two Gods concept of the Bible and I opened it up for questions. After we found the Bible answers to their questions, many of the attendees said they [had] learned a lot.

On Sunday I was invited to speak [at] a little Pentecostal Congregation [that had] heard the messages from one of their members who attended on [the] Sabbath in our meeting. I shared the truth of the Sabbath with them. After the meetings they decided to keep the Sabbath. I left them the translated copies of the Beliefs of CBCG. It was a great joy to hear this and I thanked God and His Son Jesus Christ.

The next day, Monday, we went to Dire Dawa, 55 km from Harar. We arrived there [at] 10 in the morning and [were] greeted by two brothers. We were then escorted immediately to the meeting place where about 15 people were waiting for our first meeting. I shared messages about the Nature of God, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the true Church of God.

The people seemed to really enjoy the messages. After the meeting, I went to the home prepared by the host of the meeting. We continue our meetings on Tuesday. I had been asked to share a study on the book of Daniel and my message was on the general concept of the book. I shared the truths contained in the book of Daniel. I have distributed several different copies of translated materials, especially the Beliefs of CBCG. All were glad to receive their own copies and promised to study the very diligently.

We left Dire Dawa on the next day, Thursday, and headed to Asebe Teferi. It was warmer in this part of the country. We arrived there and [were] greeted by two excited brothers. They were so happy to receive us in their area. We traveled six hours by foot to visit other faithful brethren. When we arrived there we were literally exhausted. We took some time to rest and [began] our first meeting that evening. We used a small house for our meeting. There [were] no glass windows, just wooden doors in the front and back, like barn doors.

On the next day we awoke from our sleep in the early morning, and I shared the message on the law and grace of God. Because I had to return to Harar before the sunset, I left them after distributing the literature. After a long trip I arrived at Harar. I took a little rest and [began] to prepare for the Sabbath. On Friday evening we had a study about the pagan feast days. They had been thinking that those feasts were sacred. After they learned the truths they were all amazed and decided to discard [those] pagan feasts. On [the] Sabbath I continued sharing the message about the identity of the Holy Spirit. The brethren were very glad to receive the message, stating that it cleared up many questions. After the meeting one brother came and asked me to share the truths with his family. I went with him on Sunday. There were only five people in attendance, but we had a very nice meeting.

On Monday, Jan. 29, I left Harar. It was hard to say goodbye. Then I returned to AA. It was a real privilege to go to Harar and meet those dear brothers and sisters. I saw many examples of the Lord’s hand in guiding the trip. I am very glad to share this report with you. Please remember them in your prayers.

Sincerely in His love, Kassahun

Dear Jim,

Thank you very much for the recent e-mail. The money for printing more booklets and literature has arrived safely. I want to thank Fred very much for the funds. It will cover the cost for the booklets requested by people here. People are very interested in the truth and many of them have decided to keep the Sabbath and shake off the dust of error which they have been taught for years about Christmas and [the] Trinity. I am glad to serve them whatever the cost. Some of them already have been disfellowshipped from their Sunday-keeping churches and congregations because they believe the truth. I am encouraging them to be steadfast in believing the truth.

Last Sunday I went to a little town called Alem Genet, 145 km from Addis Ababa. Humble believers of truth there invited me. They welcomed me gladly in their home fellowship. I stayed with them until Wednesday, sharing the truth with them. Even if the number of the attendants [was] very few. Those who were at the meeting gladly accepted the messages. During the meeting I distributed the booklets, DJCD, Which is the True Sabbath Day?, Christmas—The Greatest Story Never Told, Is God a Trinity? and How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law and the Prophets? These booklets got [an] applause from the attendants. We had a great time, with many blessings together. I invited them to be at our Feast of Passover and UB program. We have arranged invitation papers and begun distributing them to those who want to come to the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Today, I have sent you and Fred the translated copy of the booklet, How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law and the Prophets? You will receive it in 10 or so days. I want to give each of you my sincere thanks for your devotion to help us spiritually and materially to produce the books and literature in our native language. Your support means much to us. God bless you for all these things. I will write again before Passover. Have a nice Sabbath day to all out there. Greet Fred on behalf of us. Always praying for you.

With much love, Kassahun

Dear Jim,

We had a wonderful and highly profitable Feast of Passover and NTBMO, and first day of UB. Twenty-five brothers and sisters took part in the ceremony of Passover. The hand of God was literally upon us and lives were touched by the Spirit of God. Three people were also healed from their illnesses after they partook [of] the unleavened bread and the wine. We were all amazed by the miracle and praised God the Father and Jesus Christ. The blessings are still with us.

On the Sabbath I shared from the new booklet, Passover Preparation, [giving] sermon #1 in the morning and [#2] in the afternoon. On Sunday, Passover night, I shared #3 from the booklet. On the NTBMO I shared # 4 from the booklet and on the first day of UB I shared #5. The messages were powerful and revived those who attended.

We have been praying for [our] CBCG family around the world to have a very wonderful feast of Passover, NTBMO and first and seventh day of UB. It was a blessing to remember the great sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is by His agonizing sacrifice that we receive eternal life. Thank God for His Sacrifice.

I believe you also had a wonderful feast of Passover, NTNMO and first day of UB. Right? Yes! Because we had prayed for you. You have reaped the blessing of God. I am waiting eagerly [for] the new 600-page book written by Fred on God’s Holy Days.

If it is God’s will, I will send the translated copy of the book, Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which?, and the booklet, The Grace of God in the Bible, by the end of April. Keep up the good work. Greet Fred in our behalf. God bless.

Sincerely in His love, Kassahun

Dear Jim,

On Tuesday, after Unleavened Bread, I went to a little town called Sebeta, 30 km from Addis Ababa, and spent three days with new-comers to the truth. It was amazing to see the zeal these people have in believing and living the truth, which I read [to them] from our booklets. I didn’t expect such zeal, and encouraged them to study in [the] truth and I shared with them the truth about [the] Sabbath and holy days of God. Also, I taught them about the fallacy of the Trinity teachings and so on.

The only suitable time to study with them was in the morning and evening because most of them are day laborers. Before I returned home on Friday, I left them three copies of each of the translated booklets. When they saw the Beliefs of CBCG booklet, they all asked me [for] one copy for each person. But, I didn’t have enough with me. So, I promised to send [the booklets] to them by mail as soon as I returned to Addis Ababa. After we prayed and established a CBCG fellowship group, I returned home. I sent them the booklets by mail on Friday.

I am still amazed by the work of God in spreading and calling His People by His truth. That is beyond my expectations. By now I believe that Ethiopia is a spiritually fertile place for the planting of the seeds of truth. Believe it or not, I have ten requests for visits coming from different towns. I am praying to know how I can [best] serve them, as it is important to know the will of God before taking a course of action.

I am looking forward to hearing about the Feast. God bless you in all things.

Sincerely, Kassahun

I realize that I have included many letters and e-mails. However, as you can see from these samples, CBCG brethren are busy reaching out to many other Church of God brethren and to the people of the world. Since we have not included letters from the brethren for some time, I thought it would be inspiring to share these and show what God has been doing through all of us. We know that God has been giving an increase in the number of people we serve—and we are deeply grateful for what God has done.

Brethren, as you can see, with everyone’s individual efforts combined, God is indeed blessing us as we reach out to the remnant of the world and to the remnant of the churches of God. Thank you once again for your continued support through your tithes and offerings. May God the Father and Jesus Christ continue to bless you with love and grace in everything.

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter

FRC

 

Books