Letter to the Brethren: September 18, 2025

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from Grover Beach, California.

Last Sabbath, I made a sermon for the upcoming Feast of Trumpets, which begins at sunset September 22nd and runs through sunset September 23rd in 2025.

Because of recording that, I did not make a sermon for this coming Sabbath. So, instead we are suggesting a sermon recently done by John Shackleton out of Australia.

Speaking of recordings, we sent DVDs of Fall Holy Day related messages to Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi/Mozambique, and the Philippines this week. We used to also send them to India, but our elder there informed me that they have sufficient internet access there, so they can access those messages online, without us sending them DVDs.

Baptism and Baptismal Counseling

Since we have many followers who are scattered in the USA and Canada, a while back, we appointed Steve Dupuie to assist with baptismal counseling. Understand that baptism is a major step, and we do not perform baptisms without baptismal counseling.

Last Sabbath, Steve Dupuie went up to Canada and performed a baptism.

He sent the following photo and report:

Paul William Clark being welcomed as a newly begotten child of God, was added to the the body of Christ as a member of the Continuing Church of God on September 13, 2025, at Nadjia’s house in Ontario, Canada.

Those in attendance: Steve and Ruth Dupuie, Nadjia LaFontaine, and Terry (Nadjia’s mother).

If you are in the USA or Canada and need baptismal and sometimes other counseling, etc,, normally you should contact Steve Dupuie, who lives in Michigan, but he often travels.

His email address is: steve.dupuie@yahoo.com

As a backup, Michael Doles has agreed to provide baptismal counseling. Michael Doles lives in Phoenix, Arizona. His email address is mjdoles@msn.com. So, if you are in the USA or Canada, please feel free to contact him about counseling matters if you cannot connect with Steve Dupuie.

For counseling in other areas, please contact the minister or host for the area. A listing of congregation locations, minister/host names, and email addresses is in the following link: Congregations of the Continuing Church of God.

Please pray for them and, as Jesus said pray for more, “laborers for the harvest” (Luke 10:2).

Growth in the Congo

Moise Nshimiyimana sent the following from Rwanda:

Dear Pastor and Overseer Dr Bob ,

Greetings from Rwanda .
Dear Pastor we continue to thank God because sometimes on the day of Sabbath there are those who continue join us during meeting online here in Rwanda. And we are well prepared for to attend the Holy Days , especially baptism candidates in this next days in the DRCongo.
Also , after communicating with one of the Pastors of Church of God 7th day Salem in Goma city/Congo , there is now one congregation left COG7 and they accepted Feasts of God and who want to join CCOG and we will be together for the Feast of Tabernacles with their Pastor …
Sincerely ,
Moïse.

We also received reports of growth in the Rift Valley, other parts of Kenya, and connections to Tanzania this past week.

God is calling many Gentiles, and many Gentiles, as prophesied in Romans 11:25 What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?) are responding.

Fall Holy Days

The Holy Day season is about to commence–sunset next Monday marks the start for the holy days that begin this month.

Blowing of a Shofar

That first holy day is the Feast of Trumpets which is from sunset September 22nd through sunset September 23rd.

The holy day after the Feast of Trumpet is the Day of Atonement that runs from sunset October 1st through sunset October 2nd.

Church services for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2025 are to begin the evening of October 6th and run (including the Last Great Day) until sunset October 14th.

For information on our sites around the world, go to the article: Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2025.

Feast of Trumpets: Christ’s Return and the Events Leading to it

Most of the Greco-Roman churches do not keep the biblical holy days that generally occur in the Fall. Yet, these Holy Days portray many pivotal events in God’s plan.

The Feast of Trumpets not only pictures the coming of Christ to resurrect the firstfruits from the dead, it also pictures the terrible time of devastation just ahead and the intervention of Jesus Christ to save the living from total annihilation and to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Let’s understand how this festival fits into God’s great master plan.

Consider that there is a major time gap between the Day of Pentecost and the Feast of Trumpets.  Since the New Testament church began on Pentecost and basically ends when Jesus returns at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-57), in a sense the period of time between Pentecost and the Feast of Trumpets can be considered as representing the church age.

The fourth Holy Day, the Feast of Trumpets, is observed in “the seventh month, on the first day of the month” (Leviticus 23:23-25).

The number seven in God’s plan signifies completion and perfection. The seventh month of God’s calendar (occurs in September and/or October) contains the final four festivals, picturing the completion of God’s great master plan for us. The festival that falls on the first day of this month marks the beginning of the final events in God’s plan.

It is another annual Sabbath of rest from one’s regular work, and it was to be a memorial of blowing of trumpets (Leviticus 23:24-25). It is also a time to learn God’s ways (Nehemiah 8:2-3; cf. Ezra 3:1-7). Much of what happened to the children of Israel was written for our “examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

It is from the blowing of trumpets that the Feast of Trumpets draws its name.

There is a great deal of symbolic meaning tied in with the blowing of these trumpets, especially with regard to the end times in which we’re living. It should be noted that the modern Jewish name for this date, Rosh Hashanah, is not biblical nor even original for the Jews. It was something that they adopted centuries after God gave it to them and after the Old Testament was written (Kramer, Amy J. Rosh Hashana Origins. Copyright © 1998-1999 Everything Jewish, Inc.).

The Bible teaches that Trumpets were blown to announce God’s feasts, as well as to call people to assemble (Numbers 10:1-3, 10).

Interestingly, Jewish scholars have tied the Feast of Trumpets in with the ‘Book of Life’ (Peltz M, Rabbi. What is in a Rosh Hashanah greeting? Haaretz, September 17, 2012). Why is that of interest?

Well, the Bible teaches that those who are listed in the ‘Book of Life’ (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5) will be resurrected (Hebrews 12:22-23).  When? At the seventh and last trumpet:

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —  52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

The Book of Revelation clearly teaches that seven trumpets will be blown (8:2), punishment comes upon those who are not protected by God (9:4), and then God’s kingdom and judgment will come (11:15-18). Finally it teaches that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will experience the second death (Revelation 20:14-15).

Consider that the Bible shows that during Israel’s history, which was heavily punctuated with conflicts and rebellion, trumpets continued to be used as warning devices, to call to arms or as preludes to important messages — always to mark an event of tremendous import to the whole nation.

God also used the prophets, among them Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea and Joel, to warn Israel about punishments He would bring upon them for their constant rebellion against His laws. These prophets were to use their voices like trumpets to blare their warnings to God’s people.

1 Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

We in the Continuing Church of God are working to do that today–despite the efforts of Big Tech to block us. We boldly tell of the sins of society and how world events are aligning with properly understood prophecy–which we also strive to explain.

But there will also be literal trumpet blasts coming in the future as the Book of Revelation teaches (Revelation 8:1-13, 9:1-18).  But most will not heed those warnings.

Many are blown in the Book of Revelation, and a lot were to be blown on the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24)–hopefully many can see the connection.

But the most important trumpet, in a sense, could be the last, the seventh one. Here is what Revelation teaches about that:

15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” 19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:15-19)

The Feast of Trumpets pictures the future blowing of trumpets and the reality that Jesus will come and establish the Kingdom of God on the earth. The good news of coming Kingdom of God is a big part of what Jesus wants His servants to proclaim now (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20), and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14). The Feast of Trumpets points to Christ’s victory over this world.

Greco-Roman historians, such as Jerome and Epiphanius (Catholica Omnia Tabulinum De Ecclesiae Patribus Doctoribusque Materia Migne JP Argumentum Patrologia Latina Volumen MPL025 Ab Columna ad Culumnam 1415 – 1542A, pp. 922, 930 and Epiphanius (Ephiphanius. The Panarion of Ephiphanius of Salamis: Book II (sects 1-46) Section 1, Chapter 19, 7-9. Frank Williams, editor. Publisher BRILL, 1987, p. 117-119), recorded that the ‘Nazarene Christians’ continued to keep the Fall Holy Days into the fourth and fifth centuries. They were also kept by the faithful Christians in Jerusalem who claimed the original Christian building in Jerusalem into the fourth century until they were stopped by Imperial authorities (Pixner B. Church of the Apostles Found on Mt. Zion. Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1990: 16-35,60).

The anti-Semite John Chrysostom specifically attempted to stop people from keeping the Feast of Trumpets in the late fourth century (John Chrysostom. Homily I Against the Jews I:5;VI:5;VII:2; watch also John Chrysostom and Holy Days). However, those trying to be faithful continued to do so throughout history. The Continuing Church of God does so now.

In its Statement of Beliefs, the Continuing Church of God states:

The Feast of Trumpets helps picture the blowing of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation announcing events taking place during the ‘Day of the Lord’ (Revelation 8,9,11:15-18; 15:1-8; 16:1-21; 19:1-21). The last trumpet signals the resurrection of the saints and the second coming of Jesus, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Every seven years, a year of land-rest and debt release begins with this Holy Day (Leviticus 25:1-7; Deuteronomy 15:7-11).

Thus, because of its New Testament fulfillments, the Feast of Trumpets is something that should be highly relevant for Christians.

Remember, Jesus is coming on the seventh trump.

As far as information on how to keep the biblical holy days, check out the online article: How to Keep God’s Festivals.

The Feast of Trumpets is one God’s Feasts per Leviticus 23.

Oklahoma City Zoo Activity

Our North American Feast of Tabernacles’ site for 2025 is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

One expected group activity is to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo. Its logo is below:

Dawn Parr said that we can get a group discount to go to the Oklahoma City Zoo, if enough people agree to go the same day and arrive at the same time:

To get the group rate, the payment must be made in one payment. I am prepared to make the single transaction payment. To receive the group rate discount everyone included in the group must arrive and enter together. Tickets for children ages 3-11 will be $10. Tickets for individuals 12+ will be $12. I scheduled our approximate arrival time for 12:30 pm.

We have tentatively planned to meet to do this at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, October 8th.

No one has to attend this (though Joyce, I, and David plan to). If you want to, and get the group discount, please email Dawn Parr: n.dawn.parr@gmail.com

Suggested Sabbath Day Services

Suggested Feast of Trumpets Services

Here is a suggested Feast of Trumpets service for our scattered brethren and other interested people:

Here is a suggested Feast of Trumpets service for our scattered brethren and other interested people who prefer to have two services:

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

There have been protests in France, as well as a lot of concern in Europe whether or not the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should be replaced (see France in flames? Europe a power keg? Can Ursula von der Leyen survive no confidence votes?). The time will come when Europe will go through at least two reorganizations and end up with a totalitarian dictator in charge (cf. Revelation 17:12-13). While that will not happen yet, dissatisfaction in Europe by EU leadership will be a factor in those coming reorganizations.

Although many Western nations have legalized the use of marijuana, studies continue to come about showing it is harmful. Recent research points to problems for unborn babies whose mothers use marijuana, plus there seem also to be some fertility issues associated with it (see Cannabis reduces female fertility and harms unborn babies). Marijuana is not good for your physical or spiritual health (watch also Does marijuana cause harm?).

Fallout from the murder of Charlie Kirk has dominated the news in the USA. Some are concerned about civil unrest/civil war because of his killing (see Massive protests in UK–is a civil war possible in the UK or USA post Charlie Kirk?).

One potential fallout could be more restrictions of speech (see Death of Charlie Kirk leading to less freedom of speech?). This is of concern to the CCOG, because it may help set the stage for more restrictions on religious speech. We know a famine of the word is prophesied (Amos 8:11-12), and it is possible that we will end up with more enforced speech restrictions, partially because of government encouraged steps related to the death of Charlie Kirk setting some type of precedent in the USA.

The assassinated Charlie Kirk was a Sabbath keeper (see Did you know that Charlie Kirk kept the Sabbath?). Despite holding some views on morality, he was not a Church of God Christian.

Charlie Kirk also wrote the forward to a recently released book titled Shielding the Church from the Pagan Threat.(see Charlie Kirk wrote about the ‘Pagan Threat;’ COGwriter wrote about its start and acceptance). However, neither he nor the book’s author apparently understand that the world’s version of Christianity has already adopted a lot of paganism.

Instead of “Shielding the Church from the Pagan Threat,” faithful Christians should be exposing and denouncing the pagan practices and doctrines that the world’s versions of Christianity have adopted–as well as other aspects of modern paganism that society has recently been pushing.

All who profess Christianity need to eliminate pagan practices and doctrines and follow the admonitions of the Apostles Jude and Paul:

16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)

3 … contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

Notice that Paul told Timothy that Christians have to continue in the original doctrine for salvation, and Jude wrote that the original faith is what true Christians should stand for and advocate. Sadly, the bulk of those who profess Christianity have refused to do so as they have adopted traditions of men and many aspects of paganism.

Helping people understand what those original doctrines were as well as exposing paganism, are among the the reasons we in the Continuing Church of God put out the following books and sermons:

Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.

Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.

Concluding Comments

The Apostle Paul wrote:

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

The Apostle Peter wrote:

21 … Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (1 Peter 2:21)

Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and the Apostle Peter kept the Feast of Trumpets and the other biblical Holy Days.

So, did early Christians after Jesus’ resurrection.

Brethren, we all should do that as well.

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer