Letter to the Brethren: June 18, 2026

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Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from Grover Beach, California.

I continue to work on updating our books and booklets since Amazon Kindle betrayed us. Although I am making progress, it is a slow process because we have a lot of booklets and many of the books are large.

That said, this has given me the opportunity to add more scriptures, more historical proofs, and more clarity to better share the truth.

Feast of Tabernacles

We are still working on finalizing a Feast of Tabernacles’ site in Ontario, Canada as well as possibly one in the Brisbane, Australia area.

We have a contract for Branson, Missouri.

The site in Canada is seemingly in the finalization stage.

The site in Australia is still not confirmed. But if you had hoped to go there, do not be discouraged yet. It still looks like it probably will happen. Just do not book anything yet as we do not have a firm location–and that might happen within a week.

That said, here is a link to the expected location of our sites around the world: Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2026.

Grace Communion International, Kingdom Living, Being a Real Christian

My wife and I, as well as some of you, were once part of the old Worldwide Church of God and left after apostasy hit there.

Eventually, and in my opinion thankfully, the apostate leadership changed the name of the church they were running to Grace Communion International (GCI).


(Official logo of Grace Communion International)

Last week, Greg Williams, president of GCI sent our the following:

Psalm 133 reminds us, “How good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.” On July 23 – 26, the brothers and sisters of Grace Communion International will dwell together, worship together, and grow more deeply into a unified church family at the Denominational Celebration 2026 (DC26).

The event will begin with breakout sessions brought by a wide variety of GCI presenters on topics of discipleship, living between the times, and being sent by Jesus. All of these speak to what we mean by the overarching theme of Kingdom Living.

Our dedicated worship team, coordinated by Pastor Tamar Gray, has been preparing months ahead of time to bless us with stirring, Christ-centered worship.

Whatever GCI is doing, it is NOT kingdom living as Jesus would direct.

The millennial phase of the Kingdom of God is a literal kingdom that will be established on the earth. It will be based on the loving laws of God and a loving God as leader. The saints will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 5:10; 20:4-6)–historically, many considered that the weekly 7th day Sabbath pictured it as a foretaste.

But GCI does not.

Instead, GCI teaches that the Ten Commandments is not a valid ethical standard for Christians.

Notice, for example, the following from its Michael Morrison:

Ten Commandments … When the New Testament quotes the last half together, there is no reason to assume that it is endorsing any larger group, such as the Ten, …

The Ten Commandments, Paul implies, do not last forever. They were designed as a temporary “ministry of condemnation,” designed to lead people to Christ. … the Sabbath command is obsolete, in showing that the Ten Commandments as a group have been superseded …

When the New Testament quotes the last half together, there is no reason to assume that it is endorsing any larger group, such as the Ten,

Instructive, but not required

The commands that God gave them are instructive but not necessarily imperative for us. …

Since the Sabbath command has been set aside in the New Testament, no one should preach or imply that the Ten Commandments are a valid ethical standard for Christians. …

When, for example, Jesus made the statement, “You know the commandments” (Mark 10:19) and listed five of them, it was clearly obvious that Jesus was referring to the Ten Commandments. The knowledge of them was commonplace as that is what Jesus strongly implied–otherwise He would not have said, “You know.”

GCI has a major knowledge problem as it errs not knowing and understanding the scriptures (Mark 12:2).

There were ‘knowledge’ problems in New Testament times as well as the Apostle Paul warned the prophetic evangelist Timothy:

20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. (1 Timothy 6:20-21)

Paul warned matters would get worse in our day:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, … 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-2,5)

13 … evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:13-15)

Yes, I am saying that people leading GCI are deceived and deceiving others–they overlook and discount scriptures.

Related to the millennial Kingdom, the prophet Isaiah was also inspired to write:

2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-4)

Thus, it will be a utopian time of peace on earth. Ultimately, this will be forever, with Jesus ruling.

Yet, GCI teaches against the law and Sabbath part of the Kingdom.

GCI’s idea that the Sabbath is obsolete and done away is in scriptural and historic error.

THERE IS NOT ONE SCRIPTURE THAT SAYS THE SABBATH IS OBSOLETE–the opposite is the case.

Understand, further, that the Apostle Paul taught:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

So, does the portion of scripture known as the New Testament enjoin keeping the Sabbath for Christians?

Yes, plus it does NOT say it is obsolete. Notice what the New Testament Book of Hebrews teaches using five Protestant (including three ‘literal’), one Eastern Orthodox, and three Roman Catholic translations:

3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience…9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NIV).

3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”; 5 and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,.. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NASB)

3 for we do enter into the rest — we who did believe, as He said, ‘So I sware in My anger, If they shall enter into My rest — ;’ and yet the works were done from the foundation of the world, 4 for He spake in a certain place concerning the seventh [day] thus: ‘And God did rest in the seventh day from all His works;’ 5 and in this [place] again, ‘If they shall enter into My rest — ;’ 6 since then, it remaineth for certain to enter into it, and those who did first hear good news entered not in because of unbelief … 9 there doth remain, then, a sabbatic rest to the people of God, 10 for he who did enter into his rest, he also rested from his works, as God from His own. 11 May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one in the same example of the unbelief may fall, (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Young’s Literal Translation)

3 For those having believed enter into the rest, as He has said: “So I swore in my wrath, ‘they shall not enter into My rest.’” And yet the works have been finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken somewhere concerning the seventh day in this way, “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” 5 And again in this passage. “They shall not enter into My rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those having received the good news formerly did not enter in because of disobedience, … 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one having entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, as God did from the own. 11 Therefore we should be diligent to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall by the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Berean Literal Bible)

3 for we enter into the rest—we who believed, as He said, “So I swore in My anger, They will [not] enter into My rest”; and yet the works were done from the foundation of the world, 4 for He spoke in a certain place concerning the seventh [day] thus: “And God rested in the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and in this [place] again, “They will [not] enter into My rest”; 6 since then, it remains for some to enter into it, and those who first heard good news did not enter in because of unbelief … 9 there remains, then, a Sabbath rest to the people of God, 10 for he who entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, as God from His own. 11 May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one may fall in the same example of the unbelief, (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Literal Standard Version Bible)

3 However, we who have faith are entering into that rest, even as God said: As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest. And yet, the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 Somewhere [else], God said this about the seventh day: God rested on the seventh day from all his works. … 9 There must still be, then, a Sabbath rest for God’s people, 10 and anyone who has entered into his rest has also rested from his [own] works, just as God did. 11 Therefore, let us do our utmost to enter into that rest, for fear that anyone should fall according to the same pattern of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-4, 9-11. THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT. The EOB New Testament is presented in memory of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos  † 2007 https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/assets/uploads/books/18204/Eastern_Orthodox_Bible-New_Testament.pdf)

3 We, however, who have faith, are entering a place of rest, as in the text: And then in my anger I swore that they would never enter my place of rest. Now God’s work was all finished at the beginning of the world; 4 as one text says, referring to the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. 5 And, again, the passage above says: They will never reach my place of rest. 6 It remains the case, then, that there would be some people who would reach it, and since those who first heard the good news were prevented from entering by their refusal to believe … 9 There must still be, therefore, a seventh-day rest reserved for God’s people, 10 since to enter the place of rest is to rest after your work, as God did after his.  11 Let us, then, press forward to enter this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of refusal to believe and be lost. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NJB)

3 For we, that have believed, shall enter into their rest; as he said: As I sware in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: and truly the works from the foundation of the world being perfected. 4 For he said in a certain place of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works … 9 Therefore there is left a sabbatisme for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of incredulity. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, The Original and True Rheims New Testament of Anno Domini 1582)

3 For we who believed enter into [that] rest, just as he has said: “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest,’” and yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world. 4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”; 5 and again, in the previously mentioned place, “They shall not enter into my rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains that some will enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience,… 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, New American Bible)

Thus, the New Testament clearly shows that the command to keep the seventh day Sabbath is in the New Testament. It also shows that only those who will not observe it because of their disobedience argue otherwise–we should not listen to the anti-Sabbath people. And that is why Paul observed it.

Even famous Greco-Roman theological scholar Origen of Alexandria (late 2nd early 3rd century) understood some of this as he wrote:

But what is the feast of the Sabbath except that which the apostle speaks, “There remaineth therefore a Sabbatism,” that is, the observance of the Sabbath, by the people of God…let us see how the Sabbath ought to be observed by a Christian. On the Sabbath-day all worldly labors ought to be abstained from…give yourselves up to spiritual exercises, repairing to church, attending to sacred reading and instruction…this is the observance of the Christian Sabbath (Translated from Origen’s Opera 2, Paris, 1733, Andrews J.N. in History of the Sabbath, 3rd editon, 1887. Reprint Teach Services, Brushton (NY), 1998, pp. 324-325).

As it turns out, at least 20 Protestant translations make it clear that Hebrews 4:9 is pointing to the weekly seventh-day Sabbath (ASV, BLB, BSB, CSB, DBT, ERV, ESV, GNT, HCSB, ILB, ISV, JMNT, Jubilee 2000, NASB, NETB, NHEB, NIV, WEB, WNT, YLT).

And then there is the non-Protestant AFV which translates Hebrews 4:9 as follows:

There remains, therefore, Sabbath-keeping for the people of God.  (A Faithful Version)

Furthermore, ALL serious scholars realize that early Christians believed that they were to keep ALL of the Ten Commandments (see also our free eBook: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast). The idea that various Protestants, like GCI, hold to that they do not is not something early Christians would have agreed with.

Consider also that the Apostle Jude wrote:

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Early Christians did NOT embrace the lawless Protestant theology that GCI pushes. Nothing resembling GCI Protestantism existed in the early Christian church — for documented details, check out our free eBook: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism.

Simply calling Jesus “Lord” does not make one a Christian. Jesus said:

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Who is a Christian?

One with the Spirit of Christ according to the Apostle Paul:

9 … Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (Romans 8:9)

One is not a Christian without that Spirit.

Who can receive that Spirit?

See the following from the Apostle Peter:

38 … Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

32 And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him. (A Faithful Version)

Notice you have to obey to receive the Holy Spirit. If we want to follow Jesus, we must obey God to attain salvation:

9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:9)

Salvation is not granted to those who will not obey and are not given the Holy Spirit.

That said, GCI President Greg Williams mentioned that “Pastor Tamar Gray” would be leading its “Kingdom Living” focused conference.

Yet, its Tamar Gray is a woman.

Hence, biblically she cannot be a pastor. Although the Christian church had deaconesses early on (e.g. Phoebe, Romans 16:1, ISV), the New Testament never authorizes ordination of any female elder, pastor, or bishop.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11-12).

The above does not mean that women can never talk. What Paul is teaching is that women are not supposed to be the ones giving sermons.

The New Testament also shows:

3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-2).

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you– 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination (Titus 1:5-6).

Thus, the New Testament does not support the concept of women being elders/bishops over a church as only males are shown to be in those specific roles.

Yet, Tamar Gray does give sermons.

Hence, whatever GCI is planning on doing, it has nothing to do with the real ‘Kingdom Living’ that Jesus of the Bible will implement.

More on how fantastic that actual Kingdom of God will be can be found in our free eBook: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

The true Church of God is not Protestant and never was.

Anyway, my hope for any possible Christians who may still be part of GCI is that they will study God’s word, agree to truly live by it, repent, and pray that Jesus would set them free (cf. John 8:32) from Protestant errors and support the most faithful church.

Suggested Sabbath Services

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

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

The Trump Administration stopped the AI company Anthropic from allowing foreigner from using parts of it without notice. This has upset many around the world (see Trump Administration’s ‘wake up’ call leading to larger German army and European Union to develop Artificial Intelligence without Anthropic). This type of move is also pushing the Europeans and others to want to move further away from USA tech (see also G7 called ‘An awkward family gathering’ & Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says ‘new world order will be built starting with Europe’–and the Anthropic matter is not easily forgotten). The USA continues to take steps to push allies towards becoming enemies–and ultimately USA allies will become enemies per Lamentations 1:1-2.

The Trump Administration announced a deal with Iran. But it has issues (see The deadly flaw of the Iran deal?) and it is NOT the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:27 (see Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen praise Iran Hormuz deal, Israel not so much: Daniel 9:27?). And even Donald Trump said the deal was not final (see Donald Trump’s 14 point MOU–he says deal is ‘not final’; Israel365 warns it might end with Gog & Magog)–but then signed it (see G7 and the Peace Deal?). Expect to still see attacks by Iran and its allies (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9).

The Europeans formally accepted the Trump Administration’s trade deal this week. Yet, many have issues with it, the EU put an expiration date on it, and the Europeans have been busy making (and trying to make) deals with many other nations and groups of nations around the world (see European Union approves a temporary trade deal with the USA, while it has been making deals with many others). Europe will fulfill its prophesied role as dominating world trade as the Babylonian Beast power will arise for a time (cf. Revelation 17 and 18).

Concluding Comments

A new study came out pointing out that how foods are processed is part of the health risk associated with what are called ultraprocessed foods. (see Not just the ingredients: The processing of ultra-processed foods look to be part of their health risks). In most cases, unprocessed or minimally processed foods are best (see also the article: Christian Health Matters).

(©2026 COGwriter)

Regarding food, the Bible teaches:

3 You shall not eat any detestable thing. (Deuteronomy 14:3)

Many ultraprocessed foods contain GMOs and potentially toxic chemicals–hence many truly are detestable.

God’s word also says:

2 … Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

Brethren, try to eat real, not artificial, foods.

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer