Is Your Salvation At Stake If You Reject Our Very Own Self-Appointed 21st-Century Prophet?

In the quiet suburbs of Grover Beach/Arroyo Grande, California, a man with a PhD in something-or-other and an unhealthy obsession with British Israelism is quietly convinced that he is the missing link between Elijah and the two witnesses. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Bwana Bob Thiel, the Continuing Church of God’s very own walking, talking, footnote-dropping, self-anointed prophet. Because apparently Jesus left one very important memo off the New Testament: “P.S. In the 21st century, appoint a middle-aged guy with a website to tell everyone they’re doing church wrong.”And not just any prophet—a 21st-century prophet complete with anointing oil, vivid dreams, and a website that's hit with malware faster than the apocalypse he's always predicting.

Crackpot Bob's latest bouncing theological TED Talk (disguised as a YouTube sermon) is a masterpiece of rhetorical questions designed to make you wonder if maybe—just maybe—you’ve been ignoring God’s specially chosen Dream Boy. Sample highlights:

• Are there supposed to be prophets today?
• What about Acts 2:17-18?
• Do prophets need to be good speakers?
• Should we listen to them to avoid the Tribulation?
• And—most crucially—what happened with Bob Thiel, his anointing, and the fruits of a prophet?

Let's unpack this divine comedy with the reverence it deserves—none.

First, the origin story. Bwana Bob claims his prophetic mantle began when LCG minister Gaylyn Bonjour, during what started as a requested blessing before he went to speak with his spiritual Daddy, Rod Meredith, spontaneously prayed for a "double portion" of God's Spirit—straight out of Elijah-to-Elisha fan fiction (2 Kings 2). How convenient! Bwana Bob didn't even ask for it; the Holy Spirit just couldn't resist upgrading him on the spot. Never mind that Bonjour later clarified it wasn't some grand ordination—details, details.

Then there's the glowing endorsements from LCG heavyweights like Roderick Meredith, who supposedly said things like "God may consider you to be a prophet." Thiel treats these offhand comments like engraved invitations from heaven itself. But here's the plot twist: In a 2012 letter that reads like a disappointed dad's final email, Meredith himself denounced Bwana Bob's "remarkable vanity," "dreams of greatness," and "self-important, pushy and 'know-it-all' attitude." He flat-out said he never viewed Bwana Bob as a prophet and that any vague encouragement came during post-stroke confusion or simple politeness. Ouch. Translation: “Bob, we were being nice. We didn’t mean it. Please stop telling people we think you’re Elijah.” 

Nothing says "divine calling" like getting roasted by your former boss in an open letter.

Thiel’s response? Start his own church, of course, founding his new and improved One True Church, because—wait for it—LCG had "integrity and priority issues." (Translation: They wouldn't crown him king.) Because when the big boys won’t crown you, you just declare yourself king of the splinter group and move the headquarters to your living room. Now the CCOG is the only true church, and if you don’t heed Prophet Bob’s warnings about 2029, German beasts, and secret AMiddle Easy end-time safe zones, well… enjoy your front-row seat at the Great Tribulation. No refunds.

But let's apply actual biblical standards, shall we? Deuteronomy 18:22 is crystal clear: If a prophet's word doesn't come to pass, they're false. Bwana Bob's "prophecies"? They read like horoscopes written by someone who read too much Herbert Armstrong at 3 a.m.:

“Pestilence is coming!” (Bible said that 2,000 years ago.)

“The USA will collapse by 2029!” (Check back in 2030 for the “It was a type!” article.)

“I warned about pandemics years ago!” (Yes, because Revelation mentions plagues. Truly Nostradamus-level insight.

Bwana Bob insists true prophets don't need massive signs or organizational approval. Fair enough—until you remember biblical prophets like Jeremiah were persecuted for actual, verifiable messages from God, not for rewriting history to fit their ego. Bwana Bob's "fruits"? A couple thousand mostly African members (where “the true church” grows easiest when you show up with Bibles and promises of money), endless articles defending himself, and a habit of accusing critics of being "accusers of the brethren" while... accusing everyone else. Persecution complex: fully charged. Classic Armstrongism.

And the pièce de résistance: Bwana Bob asks if rejecting a true prophet risks missing protection from the "hour of trial." Translation: Join my group or burn. Because nothing screams "humble servant of God" like threatening eternal doom for not following you personally.

Here's the kicker: The New Testament doesn't need ongoing prophets. Hebrews 1:1-2 spells it out—God spoke through prophets in the past, but now through His Son. The apostolic foundation is laid (Ephesians 2:20). Scripture is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We have the complete revelation—no addendums required. Thiel's desperate need for a modern prophetic office isn't biblical humility; it's a power grab dressed in Old Testament cosplay.

So here we are in 2026, still no German invasion, still no USA collapse (though the grocery prices are trying), and Dr. Bob is still typing furiously, updating his timeline, adding more footnotes, and waiting for the day everyone admits he was right all along.

Until then, enjoy the show. It’s free on YouTube, it’s better than reality TV, and the only thing required for admission is the willingness to laugh at a man who turned “maybe God likes you” into “I am literally the voice of God in the last days—subscribe for details.”Pass the popcorn. The next “Thus Saith Bob” video just dropped.

Stay safe out there—preferably without needing a self-appointed middleman to talk to God for you.

21st Century Prophets (and Prophetesses)

Are there supposed to be prophets and even prophetesses in the 21st century? 

Are end time prophets limited to the two witnesses of Revelation 11? 

What about what the Apostle Peter stated in Acts 2:17-18? 

What did the Radio and Worldwide Church of God teach about true prophets in the 20th century? 

Do God’s prophets need to be great speakers or have major organizational acceptance? 

Who appoints prophets? 

Do God’s prophets need to perform massive signs? 

Are God’s prophets to tell dreams that they have that they believe are from God? 

Who were the prophets listed in the Book of Acts? 

What did Melito of Sardis write about that God gives the ‘gift of prophecy’ His way? 

Because of false prophets, are Christians safer to not accept any prophets? 

Why should you listen to a prophet of God? 

Should a prophet self-declare? 

Did Amos, Jonah, Hosea, and Zephaniah do that? Do Christians, who want protection from what is coming, need to gather together as Zephaniah was inspired to write? 

Does the Bible say to heed what God’s prophets say? 

Did Jesus promise a ‘prophet’s reward’ to those who heed His real prophets? 

Have we seen true prophets in the Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphian eras/remnants of the Church of God? 

Are those who reject a true prophet in this century risking not being protected from the ‘hour of trial,’ also known as the ‘great tribulation’? 

What happened with Bob Thiel, his anointing, and the fruits of a prophet? 

Should prophets have a ‘laying on of hands’? 

What about female prophetesses? 

Are true prophets often spoken badly about? 

Will many in the world celebrate the death of the two witnesses? 

Dr. Thiel addresses these and other issues.