App
November 15, 2024
Dear Brethren,
The national election in the United States is finally over! In the face of many difficulties and enormous problems—spiritual, economic, governmental, and societal—the people chose to not continue to go headlong into more lawlessness. While this turnaround is not repentance unto salvation, it may be enough change to hold back the hand of God’s judgment against the nation for the time being. It may be that God wants to see just how much we will change. Will we choose to come back to law and order, common sense—even acknowledge Him as our God?
There is much evidence that God has dealt directly in Donald Trump’s life—seeing him through all the illegal lawfare against him, protecting him in two assassination attempts, and then giving him a resounding victory in the presidential election. Trump himself acknowledges this. After the first attempt on his life—wounding only his ear instead of blowing off his head—he humbly told the Republican Convention, “I stand before you tonight by the grace of Almighty God.” Recently he said, “My faith took on new meaning on July 13th in Butler. I was knocked to the ground by what seemed like a supernatural hand. I would like to think that God saved me.” He later added, “As I look at my life’s journey and events, I now realize that it’s been the hand of God leading me to where I am today.”
Amazingly, Trump understands that although there was an election in which millions of people voted, it was God Who brought about the final results. As Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar, the God of heaven and earth is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Dan. 2:21).
How God Judges Nations: The Word of God reveals that God is constantly judging the nations, as He told Jeremiah: “The Word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, ‘Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.’ Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he was working at his wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was ruined in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
“Then the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you even as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hands, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. If at any time I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck it up and to pull it down, and to destroy it; if that nation, against whom I have spoken, will turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.
“ ‘And if at any time I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build it and to plant it; if it does evil in My sight, that it not obey My voice, then I will repent of the good with which I said I would do them good’ ” (Jer. 18:1-10).
How Nineveh Repented: The only account in the Bible of a nation actually repenting of their evil is recorded in the book of Jonah. “And the Word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out to it the proclamation that I am declaring to you.’ And Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the Word of the Lord. And Nineveh was a very great city of three days’ journey across.
“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried and said, ‘Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ And the people of Nineveh believed God. And they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them, for [Jonah’s] word came to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne. And he laid aside his robe from him, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his great ones, saying, ‘Do not let man or beast, herd or flock taste anything; do not let them feed, nor drink water. But let man and animal be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God. And let them each one turn from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may repent, and He may have pity and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’ And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. And God repented of the evil that He had said He would do to them, and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:1-10).
Repentance Is Always a Choice: This is a tremendous example that genuine, deep repentance is always a choice—for individuals, families, groups, or even nations. However, one must believe God and quit sinning—because He is Lawgiver, whether we are converted or not!
It was evident in this election that the majority of people chose to reject the lying, satanic agenda of the elite power brokers. They chose to embrace law and order, and common sense—which is in accordance with the laws of God. On the other hand, it was not repentance unto salvation. This was repentance in the letter of the Law—a turning from evil, thus forestalling further national and personal punishment and correction.
Beginning with Adam and Eve, God has set choices before every single person. For those who do not have the Word of God, the choices are between “right and wrong, good and evil.” And they must make such choices every day. For those who believe in God but are not converted, God judges them according to the letter of the Law. On the other hand, for those who have the Word of God and are converted, God judges them according to the intent of their hearts and minds. Do they truly love Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength? If they sin, do they repent and forsake their sins? Remember, God always honors true and deep repentance.
In giving us “free moral agency,” here is what God commands us in Deuteronomy 30: “Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil, in that I command you this day to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments so that you may live and multiply. And the Lord your God shall bless you in the land where you go to possess it.
“But if your heart turns away so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, I denounce to you this day that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days on the land where you pass over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your seed may live, that you may love the Lord your God, and may obey His voice, and may cleave to Him; for He is your life and the length of your days, so that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob—to give it to them” (verses 15-20).
These commands apply to everyone—everywhere, all of the time!
When Jesus Christ returns and the saints begin to reign with Him, only then will there be a perfect government over human beings. “But it shall be in the last days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come and say, ‘Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob. And He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths’—for the law shall go forth out of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among many people, and will rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Micah 4:1-3).
The Booklet—Judge Righteous Judgment: Exercising righteous judgment is one of the main things we are to learn in preparation for reigning with Jesus in the Kingdom of God. To help you understand more about “righteous judgment,” we are including in this mailing the updated booklet Judge Righteous Judgment. As you will see, learning to judge righteously is absolutely vital. It is an integral aspect of law, love, and mercy—they all go together!
Thanksgiving in the USA: On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln set the official date for Thanksgiving for the nation. Americans had observed it for many years, but on differing dates. Lincoln was a man who diligently studied the Bible. He understood that God was the Author of our blessings as a nation—and that He would also correct us for our sins. The following proclamation was written while the Civil War was still being fought. General Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865, and all land forces surrendered by June, while naval forces finally surrendered in November. Here is Lincoln’s proclamation for Thanksgiving:
“A PROCLAMATION
“THE YEAR that is drawing toward its close has been filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart of the habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
“In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
“Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelt in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such a singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners and suffers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
“In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the United States to be affixed.
“Done in the city of Washington, this 3rd day of October, A.D. 1863, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
“By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN
WILLIAM H. STEWARD, Secretary of State”
It is good that as a nation we have an official day of thanksgiving to God. We have many problems in America—crime, corruption, drug abuse, an invasion of illegal migrants, etc. Yet we must always be thankful to God for His many blessings—for having the Word of God readily available and His calling to eternal life. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Brethren, let us continue to draw close to God daily in heartfelt prayer and in the study of God’s Word. This will enable us to grow in grace, knowledge, and righteous judgment. We thank God the Father and Jesus Christ for the goodness and mercy show to us all. We thank you for your love and faithfulness to God and to each other. Thank you for your prayers for us and for all the brethren. We thank you for your faithfulness in tithes and offerings, especially in these difficult times. We pray that God will continue to bless you and watch over you in every way. We are praying for you daily—for your health and your healing through God’s love and grace.
With love in Christ Jesus,
Fred R. Coulter
FRC
PS: Our program of distributing Bibles and Interlinears continues to be a great success! We still have a lot of Bibles left—so feel free to request additional copies if you can place them into the hands of those who have a sincere desire to study the Scriptures. You can order copies individually or by the box—calfskin, 8 in a box; paperback, 8 in a box; vinyl, 6 in a box; and Interlinears, 4 in a box. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Reports From the 2024 Feast Sites
Branson, Missouri—We had a Feast attendance of 50 to 55 with members coming from as far away as Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Kentucky, and other states. The festival atmosphere was about fellowshipping and serving the brethren. God’s presence was definitely felt, and abundant joy and love were clearly present. The messages were very inspiring. The Friday night Bible Study involved participation by all present. The Sabbath luncheon was a big success, our ice cream night was enjoyed by young and old, and the ladies’ fellowship luncheon was a hit with games and prizes. A highlight of the Feast was a baptism and the blessing of a small child. The weather was beautiful, which helped with our outdoor activities. Everyone worked together to make this Feast a great success.—James Farnsworth
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia—The Malaysian brethren had a wonderful Feast this year in Cameron Highlands. The site itself is beautiful and we had a fantastic meeting hall. We held luncheons and dinners for the first day, the weekly Sabbath, and the Last Great Day. The hotel management was very friendly and helpful. God really works things out for His people and we are grateful to Him for all the blessings, protection, love, and mercy.
The weather was great and our activities were all held without a problem. We all participated in meals, activities, a Bible quiz for adults and children, and an entertainment night. A highlight once again this year was the extraordinary sermons by Fred, which were well received by all. In addition, I gave three sermons: “Physical and Spiritual Work,” “Abraham's Promise,” and, on the Last Great Day, “Encouragement of God.” We had 17 in attendance, including children. Overall, this Feast was a great success.—Andrew Moses
Tagaytay City, Philippines—This was our first CBCG Feast. Brethren from Naga City and Camarines Sur traveled to Tagaytay City, where we met at the Country Hotel. We kicked off the Feast with a special dinner on the eve of the first holy day. The following day we held services, watching Fred’s message for the day—followed by a luncheon in the hall.
Activities included a game day for the children, a talent night (where the brethren belted out their favorite songs), and a hiking trip to the People’s Park, where we enjoyed a mesmerizing view of Taal Volcano. We also had a special evening dinner to mark the start of the Last Great Day.
The weather was good until the Last Great Day, when a typhoon hit sending torrential rains flooding the city. Services were held as the rain and wind intensified. After our final services and luncheon, the brethren had to check out of the hotel—yet travel back to Naga City was impossible. So some sought temporary shelter at a member’s home in Cavite. It took five more days before those from Naga City could travel back home.
The brethren felt God’s hand in keeping them safe from the destructive effects of the typhoon. Once home, they found that none of their families or brethren were harmed—even their houses and properties were undamaged. Glory be to God for always looking after His faithful people!—Rexar Madrona
Blanchard, Idaho—It was with high hopes and a glad heart that 33 adults and 7 children met for the Feast of Tabernacles in the northern panhandle of Idaho. We all marveled at the blessing of being able to keep God’s great Feast in peace in such a troubled and uncertain times. The weather was cool, but so clean and fresh after such a hot summer. The activities were well attended and enjoyed by all, especially the children and the young at heart: mingling with alpacas at the TerBest Alpaca and Fiber Farm, swimming and games in the recreation center, and horseback riding at the Fletcher ranch for the children. The love and fellowship, bound together with the Holy Spirit, was certainly evident—which always makes for a great Feast.
Special thanks to Patrick and Georgia Ryan for all the legwork to make the Feast possible, and to the others who served in food prep, song leading, and other duties. It was also special to ask God’s blessing on two sisters—one an infant and the other a toddler. This church practice fits so well with what God is doing with us—those He has called to become as little children in His Kingdom.—Roger Tointon
Sanford, Florida—The Feast in Sanford (a suburb of Orlando) was jubilant as brothers and sisters of God’s Church gathered to further their training to be kings and priests in the coming Kingdom of God. Brethren from multiple states—including Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, New York, and Florida—enjoyed a deeply spiritual Feast filled with meaningful fellowship. Families and individuals, who may have been strangers at the beginning of the Feast, became well acquainted thanks to the abundant fellowship made possible through participation in numerous activities and meals. Activities included a Q & A interactive Bible study, with elder Nolan Joseph moderating; a karaoke night; and an exciting game night. Everyone exchanged contact information so as to continue building their friendships. The camaraderie in Sanford was off the charts, and we look forward to celebrating next year’s Feast!—Gil Nalley & Nolan Joseph
Rotorua, New Zealand—This was our 7th year at the Willowhaven Holiday Park in Ngongotaha, Rotorua—where 32 brethren enjoyed a truly wonderful Feast. We had four attendees from overseas, and many from other countries “zooming” in to our services. Messages given both locally and from Fred expressed much love and truth. Activities included The Luge (a toboggan ride), mini golf (with rabbits on the course), and go-karts (for the kids). A nighttime visit to a local Redwood Forest was also a treat. This year we were blessed to have 16 youths, which matched the 16 adults in attendance. So for the first time since 2013, we were able to conduct the “blessing of the children” service on the Last Great Day. We also had the privilege of ordaining a deacon who has been serving in those duties for several years.—Simon Massey, NZ Office
Townsend, Tennessee—The Feast in Townsend was a great success, with the brethren once again demonstrating an earnest desire for godly fellowship. We were blessed with some of the best weather ever, especially for late October. Activities included two luncheons, an ice cream social, and a family day/meal at a mountain lodge. We also had nightly fellowship, and two inspiring presentations. Our daily services included the video sermons, messages from the elders, and a variety of special music. We thank God for once again blessing our Feast and providing us with genuine fellowship. Looking forward to having the 2025 Feast back in Pigeon Forge.—Tom & Rhonda Fannin
Tulsa, Oklahoma—This year we had our local brethren as usual, along with several visitors from a neighboring group. We were blessed with a smooth Feast and mild sunny weather. Tulsa has always enjoyed brethren with a serving attitude—and this year was no exception. We were kept well supplied with food, enjoyed wonderful fellowship, and took occasional group outings. Brethren got together for miniature golf and an afternoon visit to a planetarium. Some visited a new, huge sports complex—large enough to house an indoor Ferris wheel. Like any big city, there is a great deal to do and restaurants that fit any budget and taste. We do continue to ask for prayers for our beloved elder, Larry Burchfield, as he is dealing with difficult health issues.—Bill
Hollister, California—With 21 in attendance, this year’s Feast was wonderful. We utilized the CBCG meeting hall and were thus able to enjoy long hours of good fellowship. We had good meals that we prepared every day. Also, Darlene Reddaway and Gloria Kus rented a hilltop house for the Feast—where we had a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, talking over many things and enjoying the spectacular view. We also enjoyed a great meal there—a highlight of the Feast. So we’re thankful for everyone who was able to attend. Everyone left in high spirits!—Fred Coulter
Gananoque, Ontario—A total of 39 brethren enjoyed a warm and sunny Feast in the 1000 Islands region of Gananoque. The fall colors were at their peak, adding to the beauty of the week. Brethren enjoyed fellowshipping with one another during the activities, which included a boat cruise, a church dinner, game and talent nights, and video presentations. As always, the daily messages from Fred were an inspiring highlight and we all felt blessed to be gathered together to worship God. Thank you for the wonderful messages!—Jennifer Gates
Invermere, British Columbia—About 78 enthusiastic and very joyful brethren attended our Feast in Invermere, a small but popular resort town that lies in the east Kootenays of British Columbia. The warmth and love among the brethren was evident throughout the Feast, creating a most pleasant and unified atmosphere. Denise and I were blessed to be able to share with all these brethren the opportunities that God has given us. The brethren were all very happy to hear God’s Word expounded upon and realized the magnitude of the fantastic plan that God has for us as well as the entire world.
We all enjoyed our time at the Copper Point Resort, our site for a second consecutive year. The weather was beautiful, which added to the various group events we had planned. Activities included an evening wine and cheese reception, a church luncheon, a church dance (the young people did a fabulous job of compiling the music), and a group bowling night. A video was shown one evening on the history of the Church. The video clearly showed that God’s Work and Word has been preserved to this time today.
The fellowship and warmth among the brethren was outstanding throughout this very successful and spiritually uplifting Feast. Of course, we must give all praise and thanks to God for allowing us to understand and learn of His great plan for mankind. The Feast is such a refreshing reminder of God’s love for us!—Norbert & Denise
Houston, Texas—We had a total of eighteen people the first day. From day two to day seven, we had five to six people each day. There was much fellowship and the sharing of fine meals. On the Last Great Day we had sixteen brethren and one child. We enjoyed a great Feast here in Houston, especially the sermons and the hymn singing. We give God much thanks for you Fred and we’re looking for more to come. We love you!—Tommy Foy
Shipshewana, Indiana—We had another wonderful Feast this year! The area was spectacular, with the Fall colors coming in nicely. Starting with opening night, activities were designed to maximize opportunities for fellowship. We had 37 in attendance on the first day, and averaged 31 over the eight days—with a high of 41. Several brethren visited from other nearby Feast sites. The messages were all well received, and we were able to have three catered meals after services. I conducted two Bible studies on our roles as kings and priests under Christ in the Kingdom of God.
The ladies enjoyed their annual Lady’s Tea, complete with food, fellowship, and fun. The men once again held a “spokesman club” style event where we discussed topics such as being a godly example, speaking with purpose, and providing support to the local group. Both events provided ample time for fellowship. Activities included a wagon ride at Cook’s Bison Ranch, where we saw and fed Bison; an authentic Amish Family Dinner at Yoder’s Home-style Cooking; a Family Day cookout; an evening at the Blue Gate Theater; and a Pizza Night held in conjunction with a Bible study. We truly felt God’s presence, protection, and warm embrace as we rejoiced at His Feast. Thank you Fred for all you do, and may God continue to bless and keep you, filling you with His Spirit and love.—Albert Jones
Pasadena, California—An intimate group of devoted, God-fearing brethren enjoyed the Feast here in Pasadena, sharing inspiring messages and wonderful fellowship. As most of our members are elderly, we primarily stayed at the meeting hall talking about the Bible and other God-stuff. We shared midday meals, had an ice cream social, and even had a fun show where everyone participated. We are truly thankful for our peaceful, cohesive little group, where love for one another plays such a huge role in our time together. What a benefit to be able to enjoy the blessings that God commands.—Byron Norrod
Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia—This year’s Feast was held in Yarrawonga, Victoria, on the Murray River. Yarrawonga has a population of about 8000. We had a small group of 19, and greatly enjoyed the spiritual food as well as the physical food. Everyone commented on how it was just like a big family reunion—with much love and cooperation. The meals we enjoyed were catered by the ladies, and included Holy Day meals and most lunches. Everyone was glad of the opportunity to be together for hours discussing various things from the day’s sermon and also catching up after a year.
We appreciate the sermon transcripts and all the work Fred does.—Roy Assanti
Kalbar, Queensland, Australia—Kalbar continued to be a great place to hold the Feast—with its rolling hills and mountain backdrop and country atmosphere—all quite peaceful and relaxing. Attendance varied between 13 and 15 each day. Brethren enjoyed the catered meals and especially the opportunity to fellowship for many hours each day. Everyone volunteered their time to serve one another, which contributed to a smooth-running and relaxing Feast. The brethren really appreciate the dedication and efforts of Fred and his team in preparing the messages—which are always on-point for the Feast. Spiritual food in abundance, indeed! The transcripts are always well received and are a useful aid to reinforce the sermons.—Roy Assanti
