What Has Happened?

Once my former COG essentially wrote that it was not going to keep its promises, correct errors, etc. in writing on December 28, 2012 my wife and I left (see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God).

I concluded that it no longer held the Philadelphia mantle as it could not be the church with 'the pillar and ground of the truth' (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15) and was standing for the truth as Jesus would direct (Isaiah 61:8), nor did it have the ability to be able to complete the final phase of the work as Jeremiah 48:10 sadly applied to it:

10 Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully, (Jeremiah 48:10)

Furthermore, in many areas, they were not (and still do not) "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Without a background like many who set out separate COG organizations, my wife Joyce and I stepped out on faith, not knowing what would happen to the newly formed Continuing Church of God or our business. But we knew the New Testament states:

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

So we did.

Looking back over CCOG's history as a separate corporate entity, there are several things that did not become clear until after the fact.

For example, while I knew about my two dreams that preceded CCOG's formation, I had no idea that someone else had dreams related to CCOG before it began.

This was a person in New Zealand that I never met, never had heard of--Fesilafai Fiso Leaana, who goes by Fa'i. Nor, had she heard of me when she had the dream after going to bed on December 8, 2012. Her dream had ten people, including Shirley Gestro leaving the Living Church of God and going to the place with a white mountain that best understood the covenant and church government (mountains can symbolize governments). That dream was filled several weeks later, when ten in New Zealand became part of the newly announced Continuing Church of God.

Since that time, at least five others which became affiliated with the CCOG had confirmed dreams (Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).

Now, this article is not focused on dreams, but consider the following from the Apostle Peter:

17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)

We in the CCOG have the signs of Acts 2:17-18, including prophetic ones (for details, check out Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?). But we saw that in 2020 hindsight--it was not planned on our part. In my view, God restored to the CCOG that which He granted the original Church of God--the signs of Acts 2:17-18--and more so than any other church.

Although the Apostle Paul warns Christians, "Do not despise prophecies" (1 Thessalonians 5:20), most inadvertantly are doing so.

Another hindsight about this is that although Peter specified that these signs we be for the last days, Laodiceans--the bulk of end time real Christians--will not accept that God is doing this! That is one of the reasons that they are Laodiceans--they accept God could do such signs, but really do not want to accept that God actually has been providing them in the 21st century.

Back in 2006, I was first asked to give sermons at the Feast of Tabernacles. I gave two. One of which was trying to cover the Book of the Law as the scripture teaches:

10 And Moses commanded them, saying: "At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, (Deuteronomy 31:10-12)

I first attended the Feast of Tabernacles in 1977. Since then through 2012, other than my one time limited attempt, in all my years in the Worldwide/Global/Living Church of God, this was not really done.

As it turns out, 2013 was the first year for the Continuing Church of God to hold the Feast of Tabernacles and I covered that entire Book of the Law in the sermons I gave at the two Feast of Tabernacles sites I attended (when I was at the other, they watched the videos which were uploaded so they got the entirety taught).

In 2020 hindsight, this looks like God's perfect timing.

When we formed, Jesus' commissions in Matthew and Revelation were important to us.

Let's look at them:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

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

7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:7-10)

Notice Jesus said to make disciples and be a witness to all the nations and that He opens and shuts the door.

To reach those we could, we have numerous websites, Facebook pages, and video channels:

CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. There are links to literature is about 100 different languages there.
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
Continuing Church of God Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Africa, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Canada, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Europe, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
CCOG.AFRICA This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
CG7.ORG This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CCOG Animations YouTube channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs. Also available at BitChute COGAnimations https://www.bitchute.com/channel/coganimations/
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced hundreds of videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. You can find them at them on YouTube at BibleNewsProphecy https://www.youtube.com/user/BibleNewsProphecy, plus also on Vimeo at Bible News Prophecy https://vimeo.com/channels/biblenewsprophecy as well as on Brighteon Bible News Prophecy https://www.brighteon.com/channel/ccogbnp and Bitchute Prophecy https://www.bitchute.com/channel/prophecy/
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo. Also available at BitChute COGAfrica https://www.bitchute.com/channel/cogafrica/
CDLIDDSermones channel. This contains messages in the Spanish language
BibleNewsProphecy Podcast. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos. It is also available as a mobile app.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Also available at BitChute COGTube https://www.bitchute.com/channel/cogtube/

As far as proclaiming the gospel to the world as a witness, in addition to personal visits, radio appearances, videos, webpages, etc. we have a booklet The Gospel of the Kingdom of God available in over 100 languages.

As far as teaching all things Jesus commanded, we have covered every statement that the New Testament shows that Jesus gave in our sermons in English. Here is proof that we have done so:

MATTHEW Here are links to twelve sermons covering the 28 chapters of Matthew: Matthew 1-2: Greek or Aramaic, Jesus, and the Star?, Matthew 3-5: John the Baptist, Temptations, and the Beatitudes, Matthew 6-7: Charitable Deeds, the Rosary, Prayer, the Golden Rule, and Faith, Matthew 8-10: Married Clergy, Faith, Coming Persecution, and the Ecumenical Agenda, Matthew 11-12: John the Elijah, Sodom, Unpardonable Sin, & 3 Days and 3 Nights, -14: Parables, Mustard Seeds, Birthdays, and Faith, Matthew 15-16: Tradition, Signs of the Times, and The Rock & Peter, Matthew 17-18: Transfiguration, Elijah to Come, Taxes, and Forgiveness, Matthew 19-20: Transgender? Divorce? Purgatory? The first shall be last?, Matthew 21-23: 'Palm Sunday,' Come as You Are?, and the Greatest Commandments, Matthew 24: Temple Destruction, Sorrows, Tribulation, and the Return of Jesus, and Matthew 25-28: Midnight Cry, False Christians, Resurrection, & Teaching what Jesus Taught.
MARK Here is a link to a sermon covering all of Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Mark: What did Jesus teach in the Book of Mark? Here is a link to six sermons covering all the verses in the Gospel of Mark: Mark 1-2: Author, Prophecy, & Miracles, Mark 3-5: Healing, Demons, and Parables, Mark 6-9: Tradition, John’s beheading, Elijah, and Restoration, Mark 10-12: Marriage, Divorce, Needle Eye, Greatest Command, & Taxes, Mark 13: Temple, Four Horsemen, Troubles, Great Tribulation, and Gospel Proclamation, and Mark 14-16: Jesus’ Priorities & Betrayal, the Resurrection, Signs, and Reaching the World.
LUKE Here are links to eight sermons covering the entire 'Gospel of Luke': Luke 1-2: John the Baptist, Mary, and the Census, Luke 3-6: John the Baptist, Jesus’ genealogy, Satan’s Influence, and the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 7-9: Miracles, Purpose of Parables, Kingdom of God, and Women Supporting the Ministry, Luke 10-11: The 70, Doing the Work, the Good Samaritan, Prayer, and Signs, Luke 12-13: Priorities, Delayed Fruit Bearing, Little Flock, Prophecy, and the Narrow Way, Luke 14-16: The Lost Sheep, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 17-20: Faith, the Kingdom, Gathering, Prayer, & Rewards, and Luke 21-22: Giving, Sorrows, Persecution, Tribulation, Fig Tree, and Violence. The last sermon also covers Jesus' words in the Book of Acts.
JOHN Here are links to a seven-part sermon series covering the entire 'Gospel of John': John 1-3: Anti-unitarian, Wine, Being Born Again, & Heaven, John 4-6: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, Miracles and the Bread of Life, John 10-12: Sheep, Hirelings, Lazarus/Soul Sleep and ‘Palm Day’, John 13-15: Footwashing and the Words of Jesus, John 16-18: Truth, Trinity, and Pontius Pilate, and John 19-21: Do not only try, do what God wants.
ACTS Here is an article: The Book of Acts. Here is a link to related sermons: Book of Acts 1-2: Jesus Left, New Testament Church Began, Acts 3-5: Miracles, Trials, Proclamation, and Persecution, Acts 6-9: Widows, Stephen, Saul, and Simon Magus, Acts 10-12: Visions, Dreams, and Gentiles, Acts 13-16: Prophets, Poisoning, and Proclamation, Acts 17-19: Travels, Anointed Cloths, & the Gospel of the Kingdom, Acts 20-22: James, Sunday, and Prejudice, and Acts 23-25: Vows, Secrets, Cults, & Criticisms, and Acts 26-28: Shipwreck, the Kingdom of God, & Amen.
REVELATION This is a link to a sermon covering words Jesus spoke as recorded in the Book of Revelation and in first and second Corinthians: Revelation: Jesus’ Final Words.

I have also instructed leaders in other languages to do the same. Even though Jesus told His church to teach all things He commanded, none of the three prior COGs I was in took that commission seriously enough to actually do it. In hindsight, you can say we restored something that the COGs lost.

Now, what is the "open door" Jesus referred to?

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

Paul wrote:

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:12).

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

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Colossians 4:2-4).

Luke wrote:

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).

Thus, the Bible is quite clear that the open door is the door to proclaim the Gospel.

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

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

It was not until the 20th century that the technology of automated transportation and electronic media (such as radio and television) came forth to allow the Church of God (COG) from one country to have so much international impact.

And the "gospel of the kingdom" was "preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations" (Matthew 24:14), through various media as well as through Herbert W. Armstrong's personal visits to world leaders.

However, since the remainder of Matthew 24:14 is "and then the end will come," this makes it clear that this preaching of the Gospel is to occur until the end (more information on that point is discussed in the article Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work?).

We have had personal visits to nearly all the continents (all but Australia) as well as regions like the South Pacific (New Zealand and the Philippines).

I have had 134 radio interviews, and some others in CCOG have been on the radio as well. This is in addition to the fact we have our own online radio broadcast as well.

We go through the doors God opens.

Notice what Herbert W. Armstrong taught:

Our work in the hands of Christ is NOT YET FINISHED, and He will not allow the Work to stop until it is finished. And when will that be?

... since no one can know the day or the hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day that this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED EUROPE shall appear --the revival of the medieval "Holy Roman Empire." We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later "the beast's" armies will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain--and possibly the same day or immediately after, on United States and Canadian cities (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.1, NO.15 NOVEMBER 20, 1979).

Next, when our Great Commission is in God's sight completed, we are to be taken--symbolically flown on the two wings of a great eagle--we shall be taken to a place of protection from the Great Tribulation (Armstrong HW. Looking...PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.4 January 23, 1981).

Currently, the Continuing Church of God is leading the final phase of the work. Which includes the 'short work' and going through open doors to proclaim the loving good news of the kingdom of God. It also includes meeting with various leaders around the world to prepare for different aspects of proclamation in the future--the future after the Philadelphians flee. As far as meeting with various leaders around the world, we have been doing some of this for some time (including in 2020), but this is mostly 'behind the scenes' stuff with low level ones that are not for public broadcast at this time--because of COVID rules, some of the higher level contacts did not happen in 2020, but we hope will happen in 2021--so while some of this phase was delayed, this door is not closed.

Herbert W. Armstrong's church taught that the open door would not be closed until the end:

Philadelphia has little strength to do this great work that God has given it to do. God has opened the door, and yet look how insignificant, how weak, how little strength we as a Church have to do that work...Revelation 3:7-13: "And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write these things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that OPENETH, and no man SHUTTETH; and SHUTTETH and no man openeth." The great door that God has opened to this work is the facility to go into all the world and preach the gospel; the door of radio, the door of the printing press, plus many other such doors. God has set before us an open door and no MAN can shut it. God can shut it, and He will when the work is finished and the Philadelphia Church goes to a place of safety. ...The Laodicean Church is not going to he worthy to escape to a place of safety. When it is too late, they will find that the Church of Philadelphia has gone to safety. (Neff L. What Is the "LAODICEAN CHURCH"? Good News Magazine, August 1959 Vol. VIII, Number 8).

Sadly, many once in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) simply never understood what was taught about the open door.

But the Continuing Church of God still does--and its proclamation efforts are reaching millions through the internet, videos, radio appearances, printed literature, and personal appearances.

Now, what is the 2020 hindsight here?

Someone once asked Ronald Reagan how he had accomplished so much as US President.

His response was something to the effect that you can get a lot more done if you do not care who gets the credit.

So, the point?

In CCOG, we have striven to go through whatever doors Jesus opens. As it turns out, the doors that have opened the most are in Africa.

Because we do not mainly focus on the Western world, we have had more growth in Africa than any other xWCG COG in the 21st century.

Once that had been happening for a while, I heard a Protestant speak about Romans 11:25 and the full number of the Gentiles. So, I looked up the verse:

25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25)

After reading that, I wondered what the old Worldwide Church of God may have taught about it. A search revealed that its late Pastor General Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Now study carefully beginning verse 25: "Blindness in part is happened to Israel [HOW LONG? Forever? No — note it], UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" — the end of this age during which God is calling a people from among the gentiles to bear His name (Acts 15:14). And so, says Romans 11:26, "all Israel SHALL BE SAVED [how?]: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." The Deliverer, Jesus Christ, is coming again!

When He comes, the gentile times will be over — the BLINDNESS will be removed from the Israelites — and their opportunity — their FIRST chance — of salvation will then come to those whom God had blinded! This is at the time when He comes to REIGN on HIS THRONE — the throne of David, with the saints made immortal reigning and ruling with Him — and the time is DURING THE THOUSAND YEARS!

Notice verse 31. These blinded Israelites have not now, in this age, received mercy, that through the mercy of the gentiles saved in this age, they MAY, THEN, obtain mercy and salvation. How? Because these saved gentiles will then be kings and priests, assisting in this wonderful Work! (Armstrong HW. Where Will The MILLENNIUM Be Spent? Tomorrow's Word magazine, September 1971)

25: “Blindness in part is happened until Israel”-HOW LONG? Forever? No-note it-“UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” -the end of this age during which God is calling a people from among the Gentiles to bear His name (Acts 15: 14). … These blinded Israelites have not now, in this age, received mercy, that thru the mercy of the Gentiles saved in this age, they MAY, THEN, obtain mercy and salvation. How? Because these saved Gentiles will then be kings and priests, assisting in this wonderful work! (Armstrong HW. Where Will The MILLENNIUM Be Spent? Plain Truth, February-March 1954 , pp. 4-5)

Now, the last one was written BEFORE I was part of WCG, the first one was sent only to pastors (I was not one then), nor do I recall ever hearing this taught.

Then realized, that clearly, more of the Gentiles had to be called--and that is happening.

The end does NOT come until the 'gospel of the kingdom' reaches enough nations and the full number (as the NIV, NLT, BSB, CEV, GNT, HCSV, ISV, and NET Bible, put Romans 11:25) of Gentiles God wants in this age come in.

The 2020 hindsight was seeing that, yes, more Gentiles were supposed to be ADDED to the church. Unlike other COGs in our size range, more than half of those who came with us did NOT a prior WCG background. So, yes, more Gentiles were coming in at this time.

By the way, it should be mentioned that I did not go out and seek growth from Africa per se. Basically, what I did was to put out websites, articles, literature, sermons, and messages to reach around the world (Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20), and African leaders contacted me.

Laodiceans, however, often refuse to accept the biblical need for the African Gentiles.

They decide (they reason around this).

They say, well anyone can get Africans to come with them, and since CCOG has mainly Africans, this does not count. But real Christians love everyone, and Philadelphian Christians demonstrate it.

Well, that anti-African attitude was basically the same attitude that the Jews had in New Testament times concerning the calling of Gentiles. They did not think that the Gentiles counted.

But the Bible teaches otherwise:

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:27-29)

If you really are praying for the kingdom to come as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:10, then you should support CCOG.

Notice a racial parable from Jesus:

25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"

27 So he answered and said, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'"

28 And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"

37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him."

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:25-37)

The Samaritans were considered to be of a different race--the Jews considered them to be inferior. Jesus taught otherwise.

Don't use prejudices and other factors stop you from acting on the truth.

Yet, most do.

Now, Paul wrote:

6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

In 2020 hindsight, that is how I basically feel about evangelist Evans Ochieng and myself in Africa. In general, I spread the seed via the internet, some contact people me, after trying to screen out the non-COG ones, the African ones are passed to Evans. Evans then screens, normally first over the telephone and then in person, and then figuratively waters with more instruction. Plus, because of the writing, I do as well. But God is the one that calls in the first place.

As of mid-December 2020, here are the nations with the number of people with us that our leaders have reported:

Australia	6
Austria	1
Canada	10
Columbia	2
Ethiopia	88
Ghana	400
Haiti	20
India	80
Ireland	1
Kenya	3280
Malawi	804
Mozambique	281
Netherlands	1
New Zealand	6
Philippines	12
Serbia	6
South Sudan	50
Tanzania	65
Trinidad & Tobago	1
Uganda	8
UK	4
USA & Puerto Rico	99
Zambia	50
TOTAL	5275

There are additional people in those nations that we have not counted who have expressed interest, but not enough to be counted by our leaders yet. Furthermore, we have groups or individuals in Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Nigeria, Peru, and South Africa who have stated that they are (or want to be) with us that we have not been able to visit and have not counted. There is also a significant group in France that we have long maintained a relationship with, but they have not committed to being in CCOG.

Overall, we have supporters in at least 30 nations.

While there have been some small losses of congregants from time to time, the CCOG has grown every year since our corporate declaration December 28, 2012.

The Continuing Church of God has been the fastest growing of all COG groups in the 21st century whose main leaders were once part of the old Worldwide Church of God.

What Happened in 2020?

In February 2020, we sent Terry, Andre, and Asher Nelson to Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique. They were able to distribute CCOG literature in those lands, meet with members, and better see various needs in the congregations they visited.

Shortly thereafter, restrictions related to the novel coronavirus, renamed COVID-19, impacted much more of the world.

Some groups stopped all in-person church services, while some stopped none.

In CCOG, we told leaders around the world to see how they could function based on local laws--this generally when well.

The fact that for the Western Hemisphere, the South Pacific, and Europe we were mainly already providing services via the internet, this meant no real disruption for us in those locations. So, in 2020 hindsight, what we already were doing was fine.

In Africa, however, we took steps to provide instructions for households in their native languages to conduct Passover services.

We also changed some practices regarding the numbers who could attend at once and went to services twice per day in some locations in order to not trigger the wrath of local authorities.

Furthermore, partially because of the Nelson trip, we assisted in an irrigation project in Malawi to increase local food production. We also got projects started in Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique to set up egg production businesses to assist with food and livelihood needs. The Nelsons also got involved in a fishing boat project.

New congregations were formed and visited in Africa later in 2020.

New members came to CCOG in other nations.

We had our highest USA Feast of Tabernacles attendance in 2020.

We also read the Book of the Law at the Feast of Tabernacles again as that was seven years after the last time.

But there were also other challenges in 2020.

Vimeo sent a notice and removed one of our videos in March.

Here is what Vimeo’s notice said:

Hello Bible News Prophecy,

Your video “COVID 19 Leading to 666?” has been removed for violating our Guidelines.

Reason: You cannot upload videos that depict or encourage self-harm, falsely claim that mass tragedies are hoaxes, or perpetuate false or misleading claims about vaccine safety.

For more information on our content and community policies, please visit https://vimeo.com/help/ guidelines.

If you believe this was an error, please reply to this message as soon as possible to explain. (Please be aware that Vimeo moderators take action as violations come to our attention. “I see other people do it” is not a valid explanation.)

Sincerely,
Vimeo Staff

Yet, their accusations really were not true.

So, to appeal, I wrote the following:

Dear Vimeo:

You removal does not make any sense to us.

Your stated reason for removal was “You cannot upload videos that depict or encourage self-harm, falsely claim that mass tragedies are hoaxes, or perpetuate false or misleading claims about vaccine safety.”

Our video DOES NOT “depict or encourage self-harm, falsely claim that mass tragedies are hoaxes, or perpetuate false or misleading claims about vaccine safety.”

None of those matters are in the video.

Is the real concern that you do not believe that we can quote biblical prophecies and tie them in with world events?

Because that is what that video does.

If there is a specific statement made that you have a problem with, please let me know.

But reviewing your guidelines, we violated none of them.

Please reconsider as this makes no sense to us.

Vimeo never reinstated it.

Understand that tying biblical prophecies to world events is something that many in the media do not want to consider.

Now, because we do not rely only on Vimeo, but have three other platforms, the video is still available. But the fact that Vimeo removed one that did NOT violate its stated guidelines shows that our long standing position that internet censorhip will be a major part of the coming famine of the word (Amos 8:11-12) was correct.

While we already believed that, Vimeo's actions provide 2020 hindsight that our view on this was right.

Furthermore in September 2020, Facebook censored a post to my business Facebook page in 2020--including one that is still available at cogwriter.com (COVID interview: Dr. Fauci takes isolated vitamin D and synthetic vitamin C). That post, also, did not violate Facebook's guidelines, but they censored it anyway.

Two other platforms that we are on, Bitchute and Brighteon were restricted by Big Tech this year, which also impacted our viewship as well. But the restrictions were NOT because Bitchute or Brighteon were doing anything against us or our message, but that Big Tech did not like some of the political commentary others had on them.

YouTube has also put a COVID 'warning' on many of our videos as well as other 'warnings' on a couple of others. This is an attempt to dissuade people to watch the videos or to believe all of what is on them.

YouTube looks to also have increased the amount of 'shadow-banning' for our videos in 2020, which makes them less likely to be seen as well as less likely to go viral.

As far as COVID goes, an anti-COG poster named Tonto put out a public ridicule of me at the anti-COG site Banned by HWA :

Tonto said…

If Thiel was such a great prophet, then why didn’t he specifically and directly warn the world about this coronavirus several weeks ago?

Actually, I specifically warned about risks associated with the coronavirus in 2013 (see Coronavirus: A new risk for humans? and Saudi Arabia warning visitors to Mecca about coronavirus risk) and 2014 (see Saudi Arabia, MERS, and Missiles and Infection-gate: A dangerous scandal hitting the USA?). Additionally, I have also warned also about human engineered pathogens without mentioning the coronavirus in 2018 (see DARPA to weaponize insects to spread viruses across the population… sinister plans exposed by team of scientists) and 2019 (see DARPA: ‘Militarized Microbes’ To Spread GMO Bacteria). Humans messing around with viruses, like what was being officially done in Wuhan, poses risks. And I have warned about those risks, including research involving the coronavirus for years.

Pretty much every day, I pray and ask God to assist me choosing topics to write about. And a few times in the past, that has specifically included the coronavirus.

Now there was something else that happened in May of 2020 that this would be a good place to bring up.

A prospective member in Australia posted some questions at a Roman Catholic news site.

I have had some correspondence on a Catholic news sight with a Catholic who seems knowledgeable about Catholic doctrines etc. I posted some questions and stated some passages. This person decided to tell me to read up on what the Catholic scholars write, so I saw it as an opportunity to say that our Church looks deeply into what the Catholic scholars and fathers write. I mentioned Polycarp and his trip to Rome to see the Roman bishop to tell him to not change the date of Passover and asked why you don't listen to this Church father?

I also directed this person to your Church history booklet in the hope that some may see the link or that this person may even have a look. I mentioned that it had 100's of references that the Catholic Church accepted. She accused me of having beliefs that the protestants don't even accept and I said that I was glad, as our Church can trace our history back to Pentacost 31A.D. well before the Protestants existed!

Anyway, this person went right on the attack in the most recent response. I won't be caught in a back and forth argument so I have ceased after 3 posts, other than to say I take honour out of being told I belong to a cult, as Paul was told that he was a member of a cult and said that we are blessed when people say all kinds of evil against us, except the moderator cut that last part off the message and I quoted the passage from Acts about how the Church was called a cult. Ialso thanked for the space to share the truth. I believe I was polite throughout, though maybe I went overboard by giving your name, but I wanted to add the link to the Church history booklet.

Anyway, the webperson's response included the following (bolding mine):

You cannot seriously expect us to be interested in the opinion of a man who thinks that everybody got things completely wrong for nearly two millennia until he came along.

Your “CCOG” was founded in 2012 by the Bob Thiel you mention and is an offshoot of the “Living Church of God,” which was founded in 1998 as an offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God, previously called the Radio Church of God and now called Grace Communion International; which in turn was founded in 1934 by Herbert W. Armstrong. That in turn was an offshoot of the Oregon Conference of the Church of God (Seventh-Day), founded in 1858 by Gilbert Cranmer. That in turn sprang from the Millerites in the 1830’s. The Church of God, including your branch, cannot trace its origins back to Pentecost with any legitimacy. I stand corrected as to whether you are Protestant; as you appear to be one of the splinter groups that have not accepted basic Christian beliefs (as the Worldwide Church of God/Grace Communion International did), the CCOG is a non-Christian cult.

Well, that triggered me to do more research into our apostolic succession. This also triggered me to speak with leaders in the Church of God Seventh-Day Denver, Church of God 7th Day, Salem (West Virginia), Meridian Church of God Seventh Day, to go into more depth on our succession from the Day of Pentecost.

One thing I learned was that the old WCG taught more on apostolic succession than most in the other COGs realize. Furthermore, the list we put together does NOT include Gilbert Cranmer nor the Millerites.

I also noted errors in some of the writings where the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God included Sabbath-keepers which were more Protestant than COG, and did not include any of them.

We now have a fuller 'succession list, a version of which is in our book: Continuing History of the Church of God.

Furthermore, as far as quoting the 'early church fathers' goes, I never claimed to be the first to do this--as the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God also did this. And, actually, as part of my continuing research in the Summer of 2020 I came across a writing that showed someone with COG doctrines did the same thing in the early 1600s and was condemned by a Roman Catholic priest for doing so, even though that priest also could not explain why his church considered people like Polycarp to be saints, while yet not following their practices as they followed the apostles and the Bible (Falconer J. A briefe refutation of Iohn Traskes iudaical and nouel fancyes Stiling himselfe Minister of Gods Word, imprisoned for the lawes eternall perfection, or God's lawes perfect eternity. English College Press, 1618, pp. 3,17,21,43,57-58,60, 65).

Let me also add that this Summer, I also ran across writings from COG leaders in the 16 and 1700s that helped demonstrate that they were COG and not essentially Sabbath-keeping Protestants.

Sadly, people seem to want to believe lies.

The BBC reported:

19 November 2017

In 2010, a landmark study by two psychologists showed that facts fails to sway our opinions. Indeed, Brendan Nyhan and Jason Reifler argued that fact-checking can actually make us more entrenched in our political biases.

When someone presents us with evidence contrary to our beliefs, we feel under siege and dig in our heels. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42031670 accessed 11/19/17

Consider the following:

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

My "online reputation" has been highly trashed by liars. Some of which claim to be in the Church of God, as well as by many who once claimed to be COG. They have called me a liar and/or false repeatedly--not because they cite any lie I made, but because they do not agree with how I have taught and/or interpretted matters. In 2020, we also saw Evangelist Evans Ochieng, Elder Sasha Veljic, Deacon Richard Close, and Steve Dupuie maligned online by people with disdain for the truth.

Related to one attack, Elder Veljic wrote, "I rejoice greatly in light of Matthew 5:11-12." Notice the words of Jesus:

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

Hence, those wrongly persecuted are subject to God's blessings.

Sadly many Christians, especially non-Philadelphian ones (cf. Revelation 3), want to believe various lies.

Things are not always as they seem to us.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Those of us in the Church of God have had a variety of tests and trials. Satan wants us to be discouraged so that we do not make it. We cannot believe the lie that the COG was not the original Christian church. We must strive to produce the Philadelpian fruits that God wants from us.

We have to look past this present physical existence to the future coming Kingdom of God. We must listen to God and constantly remind ourselves, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:19).

Speaking of Philadelphian and non-Philadelphian Christians, speaking with people in Sardis and Laodicean groups, as well as information put together in our related to Seventh Day Baptists and Seventh-day Adventistsi in our 2020 book Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism triggered research which led to the realization that the URL www.cg7.org was available--so we aquired it. So, we have considered this an open door to reach Sabbatarians--COG or otherwise. We have been promoting this through a Microsoft internet campaign.

We also finally picked up ccog.africa in 2020. We originally paid for and reserved it back in 2014, but problems between African nations and competing internet firms delayed that. But finally we have that.

As far as internet campaigns go, we have reached over 207 million computers (some likely multiple times) with our Google ad campaigns since we began them in 2013. We have also had millions of views of our sermonette and sermon videos.

Speaking of sermonettes and sermons online, in 2020 we began to have them translated into the Spanish language--this was handled by one in Puerto Rico and someone in California. This is fantastic and ongoing. This something we have long wanted to have.

We also worked with someone else in Puerto Rico from a different organization who is interested in our Spanish language literature (some of which we sent him) as well as hoping register us over there in order to be in a better position to reach not just people in general who speak Spanish, but for those with Roman Catholic backgrounds who are interested in being part of the original catholic church of God.

In 2020, we updated our free online The Gospel of the Kingdom of God booklet in about 100 languages. We now have literature in at least 106 languages.

We also have a daily COGwriter COG News e-zine which has titles and links of the items posted at COGwriter.com each day.

In 2020, we finished or came close to finishing a couple of long books: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism and Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete?

We now have several fairly long books. This differs from what many others are doing in the 21st century. We are striving to restore all things (cf. Matthew 17:11).

We also started to put some papers up at Academia.edu. This gives a witness to parts of the more educated populace that otherwise would not pay attention to any of our message. And who knows, one day God may call one of more known academic types from the world into the CCOG.

Of course, we strive to reach all people.

We have published 18 lessons and 4 tests of our Study the Bible Course. This takes a lot of work to put together as we 1) are using the old Radio COG lessons which do not have a copyright anymore) 2) they are so old they need major updates (including for changes in position from the old COG) 3) there are some errors that need to be corrected, and 4) there are more insights we often add.

We also completed more levels of the Youth Bible lessons.

We now have 6 levels of 12-14 lessons each.

The Book of Malachi teaches:

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6)

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, interpreted this to at least partially mean that the church would try to take some steps to better reach the youth in the church.

How do we try to do that in the Continuing Church of God?

Well, in addition to providing biblical instructions, we have taken several steps.

Perhaps the first direct step was putting together a sermonette video titled Five Rules for Effective Parenting. There was also a related article published.

Furthermore, we have attempted to provide ways that give parents and children teaching opportunities.

In addition to regular sermons and sermonettes, we have also produced some animated videos.

We are also looking at the possibility of producing some animated literature, perhaps in a comic book like format.

We also have been in the process of reviving and updating the old Youth Bible Lessons from the old Worldwide Church of God. However, since the levels of the lessons stop earlier than we think they should, as well as for other factors, we also have been in the process of making a set of lessons that take off where the others end.

Additionally, we have begun to put more youth oriented information in our Bible News Prophecy magazine. We began a while back with a Q&A section, plus now we have added a more youth directed article in this issue. It is our intent to see if we can continue with such an article in each issue.

In parts of Africa we have also had youth camps in an effort to better teach the youth and young adults the ways of God and His church. We worked to set up 8 such camps in 2020.

Since the Book of Malachi prophesies that turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and vice versa needs to happen at the end, we thought we would share some of what we have been working on related to that.

As far as income goes, despite COVID, as of mid-December 2020, it is up a little over 30% over 2019. We did not get the COVID drop that many non-profits in the USA experienced.

Future Plans

What lies ahead?

When the term 'short work' is mentioned by Christians, it is generally some type of a reference to a passage in the Book of Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote (three translations are being shown):

27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:

"Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,
The remnant will be saved.
28 For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth."

29 And as Isaiah said before:

"Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,
We would have become like Sodom,
And we would have been made like Gomorrah." (Romans 9:27-29, NKJV)

27 And Isaiah doth cry concerning Israel, 'If the number of the sons of Israel may be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved;

28 for a matter He is finishing, and is cutting short in righteousness, because a matter cut short will the Lord do upon the land.

29 and according as Isaiah saith before, 'Except the Lord of Sabaoth did leave to us a seed, as Sodom we had become, and as Gomorrah we had been made like.' (Romans 9:27-29, YLT)

27 And Isaias crieth out concerning Israel: If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.

28 For he shall finish his word, and cut it short in justice; because a short word shall the Lord make upon the earth.

29 And as Isaias foretold: Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been made as Sodom, and we had been like unto Gomorrha. (Romans 9:27-29, Douay-Rheims Challoner)

(Note: Lord of Saboath means "Lord of Hosts' or 'Lord of Armies.)

Notice that a short work/word will proceed a time of destruction. The message of God's word will go forth, and this will happen.

There are various views of this. Here are some comments from a Protestant source called Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible:

For he will finish the work,.... This passage has some difficulty in it: some, instead of "work", read "account", and suppose it is an allusion to the balancing of accounts, when the remainder is cut off, which commonly is but little; and so regards the small number of the Jews that shall be called and saved, as before: others read it "the word",...others of the Gospel, bringing in and revealing a perfect righteousness, for the justification of sinners, which the law could not do; all foreign to the apostle's purpose. Those who think God's work, his strange work is meant, his work of punitive justice he will finish, and cut it short in righteousness, because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth, when he cut off and destroyed the greater part of the people of the Jews, and saved a remnant, seem to come nearer the mind of the prophet and the apostle's design, in citing this passage.

As far as a short word or short work, remember:

14 The sower sows the word. (Mark 4:14)

The short work has to do with sowing the word. It is a work that God has planned but will cut short.

Some with a Church of God background, as well as others, may be interested in seeing what the late Herbert W. Armstrong taught about this. Here is something he wrote about the 'short work' of Romans 9:28:

Just as Jesus said God will cut short the days of the Great Tribulation, so He tells us through the Apostle Paul He will CUT SHORT THIS WORK! Listen! Read it carefully! "For He will finish the Work, and CUT IT SHORT in righteousness: because a SHORT WORK will the Lord make upon the earth." (Romans 9:28.)...

Co-Workers, WE NEED TO WAKE UP! It is FAR later than we think! There is precious little time left! We need to be stirred — to be frightened just enough to realize the SERIOUSNESS of the TIME — and the SERIOUSNESS of THIS WORK! This is GOD'S DOING! — not mine! YOU are privileged, as well as I, to have A PART in it! We need to dedicate ourselves to it, as the MOST IMPORTANT THING IN OUR LIVES, by far! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker letter, July 29, 1968)

We have been preparing for this short work.

We are preparing for something like the “fifteen minutes of fame” that late artist Andy Warhol indicated individuals or phenomena would be able to experience, as having a short-period of more influence is consistent with scripture.

Notice the following from the Book of Daniel:

25 “He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. 28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. (Daniel 11:25-28, NKJV)

28 Then the king of the north will return to his country with great treasures. But on the way, he will attack the religion of God’s people and do whatever else he pleases. (Daniel 11:28, CEV)

Partially because of the warning message we (the people of the holy covenant) are preaching,  this will upset the upcoming prince/King of the North (Daniel 11:28). One or more associated with the Continuing Church of God will already have been identifying that the European “prince” (Daniel 9:26-27) who is rising up to become a king, is not able to truly bring peace, but instead teach that he will bring war and will be in league with the final Antichrist.

Consider the following:

29 At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant (Daniel 11:29-30).

30 For warships from western coastlands will scare him off, and he will withdraw and return home. But he will vent his anger against the people of the holy covenant and reward those who forsake the covenant. (Daniel 11:30 New Living Translation 1996 Greg Laurie).

Note: the Hebrew term translated as “Cyprus” in the NKJV is a mistranslation. The KJV uses the term Chittim which means “Western lands.” Hence the King of the North will be stopped by a western naval power (likely the USA and/or its British-descended allies).

Yet, instead consider that the King of the North is more enraged by the people of the “holy covenant” than the naval power who stopped him!

Why?

Because he wants to try to stop the supporters of “the holy covenant” from proclaiming the truth about his intentions and truth about the gospel of the kingdom (c.f. Matthew 24:14). The King of the North will attempt to learn more about how to eliminate us and any who follow us by trying to be nice to various apostates (those who “forsake the holy covenant”)–he tries to get some of them to betray true Christians (Matthew 24:10).

Why would this be?

Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes “the end”) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11 and he wants them stopped.

It is my belief that after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27/11:23 has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11, the Continuing Church of God), will be publicly identifying the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27/11:23-24. This enrages the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution (cf. Daniel 7:25a).

Once we clearly identify him, we plan to specifically teach that he is about to destroy the USA (Daniel 11:39) and its British-descended allies (cf. Daniel 8:24-25), and that later he will conquer a confederation of nations in North Africa and the Middle East which will be under the control of someone that the Bible refers to as the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

We will also be warning that the idea of a human-led utopia is false and that it is only through Jesus’ return and the gospel of the kingdom that such a utopian condition will happen (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

This would be expected to trigger major media coverage. Scrutiny of real, as well as claimed, Church of God literature will likely happen and various aspects of real and incorrect COG doctrines will likely be ridiculed. Media coverage would then be expected to cover more of the message we are proclaiming (cf. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God) and this would be associated with the “short work” of Romans 9:28. Media coverage will also encourage people around the globe to check out more of our teachings, which is one of the reasons that we have multiple websites, video platforms, and materials in over 100 languages.

Back to the Book of Daniel:

33 Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered. 34 Now when they fall, they will be granted a little help, but many will join them insincerely. 35 Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

36 Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished. (Daniel 11:33-36, BSB)

“Those with insight” are Philadelphian Christians (and likely some other supporters) who will be instructing many. This is during the time of the short work–and this will lead to the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and then the ‘famine of the word’ (Amos 8:11-12).

Some of the Philadelphia remnant will be explaining that it is Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God and not the rise of a militaristic leader that the world needs. According to Daniel 11:32 it is “the people who know their God [that] shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Hundreds of millions, if not billions, will receive at least a partial witness. All of that will likely trigger the King of the North to take actions that lead to the end–this includes the persecutions, pre- (Daniel 7:25a, 11:29-36) and post-tribulation (Daniel 7:25b; Revelation 13:5-7).

Much of what the volunteers of the Continuing Church of God are now doing is involved with preparing and/or translating materials in multiple languages for multiple websites to provide a witness to those who will later look.

And that is expected for the future.

We have also started another long book on the beliefs of the original catholic church that will be helpful for all of us to "instruct many" as part of the short work (Daniel 11:33).

It is also hoped that I might put together another book in the next several weeks. This more for the world, and would have to do with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and prophecy.

A major reason to do this is that it also may tend to open doors for radio. Many radio stations who are willing to have religiously biblical writers on tended to support Donald Trump and not many wanted someone on who was not lauding Donald Trump, but instead pointing out biblical warnings. It may be that having a Biden-Harris Administration will result in an opening of other doors again on radio.

But, as my schedule is tight, I am not sure yet if I can get such a book ready, but that is a hope.

Furthermore, we are looking at increasing literature in some of the ones we already have and hopefully also adding additional ones.

That being said, we plan to put out all the old Youth Bible Lessons. So, we expect more out in 2021.

We also are looking into the possibility of printing Study the Bible Course in a single book for the first 20 lessons and related quizzes, perhaps in late 2021. If so, we would expect to do that after we have another 20 lessons or so done (that will take years).

We may also do a series of sermon/lectures on the Study the Bible Course, which may increase interest.

We expect to publish more on doctrine, prophecy, and church history, while encouraging our brethren to grow in grace and knowledge.

We expect to have travels related to Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20, and the final phase of the work.

If the door is open soon enough, we hope to go to Australia in 2021.

Summary

When my wife Joyce and I decided we had to separate from our former COG group, we had to walk out on faith.

We could have possibly lost our business and livelihood as running CCOG takes much time away from our business.

We considered the cost, but through God's grace our business has continued even as we have worked on an unpaid basis for CCOG.

We clearly are not hirelings (John 10:11-13)–ministering for a paycheck--as we do not take a salary from CCOG.

In hindsight, this has made availabe funds which the CCOG has used to go through various open doors as well as to provide physical and spiritual assistance to people in places like Africa and Haiti.

Consider also the following statements from the Apostle Paul:

33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:33-35)

Supporting the weak and poor (Galatians 2:10; Romans 12:13; cf. James 2:14-16; Hebrews 13:16; Isaiah 58:7; Proverbs 28:27) is something that Christian leaders are supposed to do. This is something restored in the CCOG.

We did not start out with the intention to spend as much as we do on the poor, but it has worked out that way.

And perhaps that is part of the reason we have, with 2020 hindsight, been blessed to be the fastest growing xWCG group in the 21st century.

Sure, biblically, we were aware that I am entitled to a salary (1 Corinthians 9:14), and perhaps one day my wife and/or I will take a salary.

But consider something that the Apostle Paul wrote:

26 ... because of the present distress — that it is good for a man to remain as he is: (1 Corinthians 7:26)

Now, while he was talking about remaining then in marital status (and my marital status is the same as it has been for the last 39 years), it is because of the present distress in Africa that I have not taken a salary. Because I have not, we have had funds to send to the poor and hungry in Africa, as well as to fund what could be called 'missionary trips' to places in Africa and elsewhere.

As far as Africa and elsewhere go, there are people who were once part of the old WCG who did not know what to do, some for many years. Through God's grace, they were led to CCOG. There are others that God is leading to CCOG who were not part of WCG.

The Bible says God calls--we in CCOG are striving to listen to God.

Anyway, our future plans are to continue to go through doors that God opens. And since we do not normally know that in advance, we need to be nimble and humble enough to change to go through them.

Our future plans are to move forward, go through open doors, work on the websites and literature, and try to do more radio.

Furthermore, notice something that was in Herbert W. Armstrong's last letter:

The greatest work lies ahead ... Never before in the history of the Church has it been possible to reap so great a harvest. It has only been made possible through modern technology, beginning with the printing press, radio, television ... Each of you must commit yourself to support God's Work ... God's work must push ahead as never before. God is opening up new doors in television (Letter, 1/10/86).

Now consider the following:

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. … 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:1,4)

Non-believers and Laodiceans often will not accept how God works-they also do not understand (or care enough if they do), which church has the leadership mantle.

On the one hand, some claim that they need to see evidence of divine intervention to show the most faithful Christian church.

On the other hand, most will not accept that one of the ways that God intervenes is through dreams. Yet, they were among the signs prophesied for the last days (Acts 2:17-18; for more details, see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

If so, notice what the Apostle Peter wrote:

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:6-10)

Jesus warned that in the end, the bulk of Christians would NOT listen to Him enough, but trust themselves and be Laodicean (Revelation 3:14-18). Do not be like the Laodiceans.

In hindsight, it is shocking to see how the Laodiceans will not believe the signs of Acts 2:17-18.

Through God's Spirit we in the CCOG have been able to have unique fruits (like dreams and radio interviews) that no other actual COG group actually has had. We have also had tremendous growth in membership, while we have reached people around the world.

Be ready to do YOUR PART. Strive to grow in grace and knowledge.

In these past eight or so years, yes, I believe that we are demonstrating that we have been truly listening to God. We have been blessed by God's grace.

Although we have a lot more to do, we in the CCOG are leading The Final Phase of the Work that we believe Philadelphian Christians will be drawn to support.

Here is a link to a related sermon: CCOG 2020 Hindsight: 8 Years of Philadelphian Restoration.

Thiel B. CCOG 2020 Hindsight: 8 Years of Philadelphian Restoration. http://www.cogwriter.com/ccog-eight.html (c) COGwriter, 2020 1219