What is apostolic succession? Is it in line with the teachings of Jesus? Is spiritual succession more important than claims of physical succession? Does any church have both? Is it possible that one city was to be the continual headquarters for Christians for nearly 2,000 years? What about the See of Ephesus or the See of Smyrna? What about the seven churches of Revelation 1-3? What time periods are covered by the Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicean eras of the Church of God? As there were over a dozen apostles in the New Testament, could there be more than one accurate succession list? …
Puerto Rico, Trials, and Triumphs
On September 26, 2021, Bob, Joyce, and David Thiel flew to Puerto Rico to meet with Spanish-speaking supporters of the Continuing Church of God who were gathered together for the Feast of Tabernacles. The Thiels encountered numerous tests and trials there as well as on their return to San Luis Obispo, California. In this sermon, Dr. Thiel mentions specific trials he and his family encountered on that trip including losses of electrical power, automotive failures, airline problems, and more. He also quotes scriptures from the Apostles, Peter, Paul, and James that Christians should expect trials and have the faith to not rebel like the ancient children of Israel did. Vaccine-complaints are discussed …
Cause & Effect and the 10 Commandments
Is everything random? Is there really a Creator God? Was the Sabbath an accident? Is it scientific to believe so? Can you prove that Jesus is the Messiah? Are there only two ways of life? Aren't there many views of how to live? Or is it God's way vs. all the others? What about mixing of truth and error? Is God's word truth? Do the two trees in the Garden of Eden symbolically also represent two ways of life? Do the demons ever pray? What are the Ten Commandments? Did early Christians keep them? …
CCOG: It’s All About Love
The Continuing Church of God asserts that it best represents the remnant of the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God living in the Laodicean era. Is the Church of God just about a bunch of rules or is its message love? What does Philadelphia mean? Why should brotherly love continue? Is God love? What does love have to do with God's kingdom? What about loving God and neighbor? Does God's plan for humans that accept His way show that each individual will be able to give love in a unique manner to …
Last Great Day: God Is Impartial And Has A Plan For All
Is God fair? Is God partial? Are only some being called now? Why? Wouldn't it be better if everyone knew God now? What is prophesied in Ezekiel 37? What about the former and latter rain? What did Jesus teach on the Last Great Day? Do the Jews have any idea of its importance? Will idolaters be called? Does God have a time-plan different than most people do? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Last Great Day Offertory
Nazarenes: Christians or Heretics?
The term 'Nazarene' was applied to early Christians by the Jews. It was also derisively applied to 'separatist' Christians who held to the Sabbath, biblical holy days, were binitarian, taught three resurrections, and believed in the millennium? Were the Nazarenes the same or different than the Ebionites when it came to the virgin birth and deity of Jesus? Were the Nazarenes 'proto-orthodox,' heretical, or original Christians? Did they trace themselves back to the original apostles? …
Love God: Be Thankful
The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!
What did the Old Testament teach about the Kingdom of God? What did the Apostles and Jesus teach about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in the New Testament? What are some examples of false gospels? Will there be a millennium? Will saints reign in it? Does the Kingdom of God consist of two phases: a physical one lasting a thousand years and a spiritual one lasting forever and ever? Will this kingdom be more fantastic than people can imagine? …
The Ten Commandments & The Beast of Revelation
Did early Christians keep the Ten Commandments? What are the Ten Commandments? What is the decalogue? What are each of the Ten Commandments? Are the Ten Commandments burdensome? Is the purpose of the commandments love? Will end time Christians keep the Ten Commandments? Will the Beast and Antichrist try to stop people from keeping the Ten Commandments? Is obedience to God required for Christians?