Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: April 2019

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Letter to our Friends - April 25, 2019

Dear Friends:

Greetings during the Days of Unleavened Bread for 2019, which run until sunset April 26^th of this year.

We have back-to-back holy days (the Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread and the weekly Sabbath), and we extend to you an invitation to join us, if possible, here in Owensboro, Kentucky – you can contact Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for details.

Do you believe that we are truly living in the end-time, according to the living Words of Jesus Christ? Do you believe that this ministry teaches and preaches the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God? Do you believe that this ministry is used by Almighty God and Jesus Christ to strengthen your own walk with Christ? Do you believe that this ministry is dearly needed to reach the spiritual “lost sheep” of Israel and the potential sheep of Christ? If you answered Yes, then don’t wait. Become a member of the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ today! Now, We don’t have a lot of expenses, but we do have some. And it would be helpful – if these Messages are important to you – if you help us out some financially.

We apologize if this Letter to our Friends is getting out a bit later than usual. We hope and pray that you have been imbibing Christ in you, and avoiding leavened bread during these days.

The Days of Unleavened Bread

There have been several outside the Church of God which have emphatically stated that the Days of Unleavened Bread were done away.

Let us consider something that Michael C. Garrett has stated:

Holy Days Done Away?

Now, most so-called Christian groups – the Catholic world, the Protestant world – they say that the Jewish holy days were “done away by Jesus Christ” or some form of verbiage like that. Well, if Jesus Christ had no respect for the holy days – including the Days of Unleavened Bread – then why can we turn to Matthew 26 and read what we read!? Now this is when Jesus Christ was still a human being – but remember we have back in the Book of Hebrews, chapter 13, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.’ Jesus Christ has one Way of doing things. The Godly Way! And He doesn’t go flip-flopping around. He does it one Way! And here, when He was a human being – Matthew 26:17 – “Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’” … Now, some of those so-called Christian people will say, “Well, yeah, well Jesus, He was just living at the time of the Jewish people, and their sway. But after He died, He gave a different order.” “He told them to stop keeping those feast day’s – those Jewish things were done away, the Sabbath was done away.” I mean, that’s what they say. Well, if that is true, then why can we turn to the Book of Acts and read what we read!? If Jesus Christ did away with all of this after His death and resurrection then why in Acts 12 (and I think the Book of Acts was written 30, 40 years after the life and death of Jesus Christ) we have the apostle Paul – the apostle Paul who got his teaching directly from Jesus Christ! Paul said, ‘I didn’t learn it from a man, I learned it directly from Jesus Christ!’ So, Paul is relaying to us, and to those people back then, exactly what he had been taught by Jesus Christ! – Acts 12:1 – “Now about that time Herod [Herod Agrippa] the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church. 2) Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.” – had him beheaded. Verse 3 – “And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. …” – in parenthesis, “Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.” Now, if Jesus had totally done away with all those “old Jewish days” and the Sabbath, why is Luke writing in the 12th chapter of Acts, why did he make a notation, “Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread”?

He said it because they were still keeping those days! Unleavened Bread was still alive and well and being practiced.

Early Christians knew that the Days of Unleavened Bread was not done away. The Apostle Paul endorsed the keeping of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (1 Corinthians 5:7). He and the other apostles observed it inside and outside Judea:

6) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. (Acts 20:6; NKJV).

Indeed, if Christians were not keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread, then the Spirit of God would not have inspired this to be recorded for us in this manner. Philippi was a Gentile city in Macedonia, ruled by the Roman Empire. So, the keeping of the Days of Unleavened Bread was not limited to Jerusalem. In at least two different places in the New Testament, we can see that the Days of Unleavened Bread were to be kept in Gentile locations (1 Corinthians 5:7; Acts 20:6).

Let us consider the statement, “it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread” in Acts 12:3. Since the author was the Apostle Luke, a Gentile, addressing the Book of Acts to another Gentile (Acts 1:1), why would he feel the need to even mention these days if they were unknown to the Gentiles of the first century?

Also, let me add that the highly questionable 3rd century Epistula Apostolorum claims that Jesus taught His followers to keep the Days of Unleavened Bread until He returns. While this is not true (cf. Exodus 12:14), it does indicate that some were keeping those days on into the 3rd century A.D.

Information outside the Bible reports that the Apostle Paul, John, and Philip, along with Polycarp of Smyrna, kept the Days of Unleavened Bread (Pionius. Life of Polycarp, Ch. II).

As I had stated in the previous letter: We in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ do not accept that the Council of Laodicea or the Council of Nicaea, or any other council spoke for the true Christian Church - the Body of Christ - the Church of God, and we continue to keep the Days of Unleavened Bread. We eat some unleavened bread for each of the seven days as God has commanded (Exodus 12:15; 13:6; 23:15; 34:18). Now, this bread can be made from different grains and nuts - the use of wheat is not biblically required.

The SEVENTH Day of Unleavened Bread

The seventh day is the 21st of Nisan/Abib.

It was on this day that Almighty God had the Red Sea parted (Exodus 14:20-21). God called the children of Israel to cross dry-shod under a cloud of darkness (Exodus 14:20-22, 29), in which they were symbolically baptized (1 Corinthians 10:1-2). And, they had to endure fleeing their enemy which was behind them and the waters divided on both sides of them. During the daylight hours of the 21st, the Egyptian army pursued them relentlessly and was ultimately annihilated (Exodus 14:23-28).

A Christian’s sequence of events begins from the acceptance of Jesus Christ, the New Covenant, of the gift of repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38-39). Christians must endure unto the end (Matthew 10:22), and attain to the resurrection of life (John 5:29; Revelation 20:6) and called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

The crossing of the Red Sea has a great lesson for Christians. At the sounding of the SEVENTH TRUMP – understand, when the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES BEGIN, THE RESURRECTION OF THE SAINTS HAS ALREADY OCCURRED! The Saints are protected! Because they’re not flesh and blood anymore. Their eternal spirit beings – members of the Family of GOD (cf. Revelation 15:2) – “…the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent [which is now cast down to the earth]” – (Revelation 12:14; see also Ezekiel 20:10). Keep in mind, the resurrection occurs on the SEVENTH TRUMP. The seven last plagues follow that. So, we will already be in “low earth orbit” in the clouds, being with Jesus Christ, in preparation for the time He, Jesus Christ, directly engages human kind. Thessalonians 2:1 – “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, …” - by our gathering, remember, we’ll be caught-up in the clouds and meet Jesus in the clouds!? Verse 2 – “…the day of Christ had come.” – that’s the Day of the Lord! Remember, all the major prophets talked about it! 75% of the “minor” prophets talked about it!

And, in duality, ONCE AGAIN God will send out His prophets, transport them by His heavenly “taxi-service,” and the two witnesses, I do believe, will have opportunities to speak to the children which are held in captivity. Now, the question is: Who are these people!? A lot of them are the people of Israel – most of which are physical members of the house of Israel. America, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. The people where the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh settled. However, I do believe, that among some of those people will be groups of people who thought they were members of the Church of God (cf. Revelation 12:17), who thought they were doing what they were supposed to do. But did not understand that over the years their religion had been transformed into not a worship of God, but rather a worship of human beings. Verse 17 – “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring [Now, if you’re in a group of people or an organization whose leader is ashamed of the name Jesus Christ, where does it leave you!? You’re out in the cold!], who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Terrible things continue to grow worse all around them! They will need to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

And also, in duality, the New Testament announces a fulfillment of the utter annihilation of “pharaoh’s” army in the complete destruction of this world’s armies who will fight against the returning Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:19-21).

Indeed, the Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread helps picture the end of this world’s governmental systems and the establishment of the glorious Kingdom of God!

StatCounter Report

I recently sent Deacon Trevor the last 2 months of a report for our blog page https://owensborocojc.blogspot.com. Here are some additional information.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Letter to our Friends - April 18, 2019 Update

Dear Friends:

The Spring Holy Day season is here!

Passover is after sunset on April 18th in 2019. We have an online video for Passover service in areas without a local minister. Here is a link: OCOJC Passover Service - 2017. Also, some of you may like to read the article: Prepare for the Passover 2019; along with Passover In Your Home - 2019 "VIDEO".

The Days of Unleavened Bread begin at sunset on April 19th of 2019 and run through sunset April 26th.

The Night To Be Much Remembered?

Now, the Days of Unleavened Bread begin at sunset on April 19th, however, is there a separate holy day called 'the night to be much remembered'!?

"It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations" - Exodus 12:42; KJV.

Here is what Minister Michael C. Garrett teaches on this most misunderstood Scripture:

Exodus 12:42 – I want to point something out. And again, I’m not wanting to make anybody angry, and I’m not trying to tell anybody what they can and cannot do. In fact I have power over no one. Nor do I want power over anyone. You are all free moral agents to do whatever you think is best. But I would just implore you, and I would ask you, if you’re gonna do something, know why you’re doing it and use the Word of God as your foundation - as your rulebook. Like a few moment’s ago, I mentioned… it said to burn the meat. Never in the Bible does it say to burn the bread. Now I know that’s shocking to some of you, but that’s what the Bible says. And here is one – I don’t know just how it got started. It got started back in the Worldwide Church of God. And many people who got trained up in that system continue to perpetuate this – and they think they’re doing what the Bible says. But, in my opinion, they’re simply doing what human traditions established four, five, six decades ago. I’m talking about verse 42. It says in my King James English – “It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.” The night when they started to leave Egypt was the beginning of the Days of Unleavened Bread. And over time – and again I’m not trying to make this a major controversy. If you want to do what you want to do – then go do it. Don’t worry about me. But with time the people of the Worldwide Church of God changed that verse to read, “It is a night to be much remembered.” Have you heard that phrase!? Does it say that!? No, it says, “It is a night to be much observed …” Now in my margin – and I looked this up in some other translation’s this afternoon. To the best of my knowledge the meaning of those Hebrew words says, “it is a night of watching.” “The Lord’s vigil.” This verse 42 does not establish a separate holy day, or holy ceremony to be observed on the first night of Unleavened Bread. This verse doesn’t do it. Again, ‘a night to be much observed.’ A night of watching. Well, think about all the things that happened that night! You have this ceremony where you’re putting blood on the front of your house, you’re told don’t go outside. Stay inside and you’re protected. Imagine the cacophony which took place! When the Egyptian people, and the people who did not put blood on their doorway – when they realized that their firstborn children or anything firstborn – animal’s included – started dying! Imagine the agony and the voices. The wailing that took place all over the nation of Egypt! It was a horribly sad moment for the Egyptians. They were gonna see something that had never been seen before and has never been seen since! That’s why it says it’s ‘a night [of watching] …’ Because it was a unique – one of a kind, never before and never again – event! It would be like saying, “Halley’s Comet is coming tomorrow night!” “It will only be there for one night! You better get out and watch it!” Well, it was something spectacular! And He’s saying, “Remember this!” “Watch, think, remember – keep what happened tonight in your hearts and minds. And continue to tell the story.” Now, we don’t know anybody which was a part of this event. I mean that happened so many generations ago, we don’t have a grandfather, or grandmother, or great-grandparent who ever told us the story. But back in the day’s this happened, I’m sure many generation’s – parent’s to children to grandchildren to great-grandchildren – they said, “Hey! I was there when this happened! You won’t believe what we heard, what we saw, and what happened!” But it doesn’t say – go out and have a dinner together! This verse 42 does NOT purport that idea!

Now, if you want to get together with your Church friends and have a dinner on the first night of Unleavened Bread, is there anything wrong with that!? No.

However, here’s the rub – over the history of the Worldwide Church of God people started keeping what they called “The Night To Be Much Remembered” and before long it became almost identical to the Jewish Passover Seder. The Jewish people have a very special ceremony that they call the Passover. Well, they’re off. What they’re celebrating with their Seder is actually the beginning – the first evening – of the Days of Unleavened Bread. And in the history of the Worldwide Church of God people started becoming, basically, following, the Jewish traditions. It is ‘a night to be much observed’ or ‘it is a night of watching.’ And how the Worldwide people translated that into ‘a night to be much remembered’ – and somehow that became a ceremony!? There are people of the history of the Worldwide Church of God that think it’s a Biblical commandment to go out and meet at a restaurant on the first night of Unleavened Bread. It’s not a commandment. If you want to do it to be sociable and friendly, visit – fine. But I’m just saying, be honest with what the Word of God says. And avoid human traditions.

Here is a link to that article: The Night To Be Much Remembered?

Unleavened Bread

We Christians understand and recognize that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate penalty for our sins on Passover and was murdered smack dab in the Middle of Unleavened Bread. Just what is the main meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread?

Here, again, is what Minister Michael C. Garrett taught concerning this:

The Worldwide Church of God soiled – and sort-of think what that word connotates, but anyway – the Worldwide Church of God soiled the minds of many people about the true meaning and the teaching points which are associated with the Days of Unleavened Bread. Many of those misconceptions continue to grip many people - many church groups. And, the Worldwide Church of God basically taught, what I call, ritualistic housecleaning. And for most people of the Worldwide Church of God and many descendants from her, the Days of Unleavened Bread was about a campaign to “find leavening.” And they always said that leaven was an equal synonymous term with sin. So, you would normally here the following comment. I’m going to copy now what was said hundred’s of thousands of times – and you would here, “YOU MUST PUT SINNNNN OUT OF YOUR LIFE!” And then they would jump from there to say, “Leavening equals sin.” And so they would jump to the next conclusion, “You MUST go around finding every little particle of nine month old cookies! Wherever they might be!” And they taught that has one of the main meaning’s of the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Well, I think they misinterpreted, and misrepresented what the Days are supposed to mean. The meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread is powerful! And, it’s not just one meaning – it’s truly like an onion. I think I complied one time about EIGHT different major teaching point’s from the Days of Unleavened Bread – from the Passover through the Days of Unleavened Bread. And each have a powerful Message. And not one of them has to do with – “You MUST find leavening!” …

I’m just telling you – the Worldwide Church of God missed a lot of points. They missed a lot of things. And they misinterpreted a lot of things. And that’s a long story, but I’m not here to try to defend Worldwide. I have no desire to try and defend Worldwide. All I have a desire to do is to talk about the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God – and the Plan of God in a quick outline is given to us in the holy days. And the Spring holy days is all about individual personal salvation. For you or me on an individual basis for us to have the promise of eternal life. We must have the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We must have the ideas in the words and the presence of Jesus Christ come into us. That’s what the Days of Unleavened Bread are talking about. Christ In You!

Here are some passages from the living Word of God concerning the Days of Unleavened Bread:

"Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that [life] shall be cut off from Israel. 16) And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. 17) And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by AN ORDINANCE FOR EVER. 18) In the first month on the fourteenth day of the month at even [sundown], ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even. 19) Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that [life] shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. 20) Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread" - Exodus 12:15-20; KJV.

And Leviticus 23:6-8 talks about this Feast of Unleavened Bread also. Also, Deuteronomy 16:16, shows us that offerings were expected to be given on the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and the Fall Holy Days.

As we eat a little unleavened bread each day, we are to remember the sacrifices which Jesus Christ has done of all of us, and symbolically take CHRIST IN US!!!

The Days of Unleavened Bread was NOT done away!

Early Christians knew that the Days of Unleavened Bread was not done away. The Apostle Paul endorsed properly keeping the Feast with unleavened bread (1 Corinthians 5:7). And, he and others continued to observe it and also to observe it outside of Judea:

"And we sailed away from Philippi AFTER the Days of Unleavened Bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days" - Acts 20:6; KJV.

Indeed, if Christians were not keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread, God's Spirit would not have inspired this to have been recorded in this manner. Philippi was a Gentile city. It was ruled by the Roman Empire - and keeping these days was NOT limited to places such as Jerusalem. In at least two different places in the New Testament, we see that the Days of Unleavened Bread were being kept in Gentile locations (1 Corinthians 5:7; Acts 20:6).

Let us also consider the statement, "it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread" in Acts 12:3. Why would the Apostle Luke mentioned these days if they were unknown to the Gentile Christians and had been done away!?

We in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ do not accept that the Council of Laodicea or the Council of Nicaea, or any other council spoke for the true Christian Church - the Body of Christ - the Church of God, and we continue to keep the Days of Unleavened Bread. We eat some unleavened bread for each of the seven days as God has commanded (Exodus 12:15; 13:6; 23:15; 34:18). Now, this bread can be made from different grains and nuts - the use of wheat is not biblically required.

Let us also remember, other foods can indeed be eaten during this Feast of Unleavened Bread, it is just that no leavened BREAD is to be eaten. It is the Days of Unleavened Bread. Also, unlike the Passover, the first day and the last day of the Days of Unleavened Bread are like the weekly Sabbath - no regular work is to be done.

Apostle Paul wrote, through inspiration of God's Spirit:

27) "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28) But let a man [or woman] examine himself [or herself], and so let him [or her] eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29) For he [or she] who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself [or herself], not discerning the Lord's body" - 1 Corinthians 11:27-29; NKJV.

Apostle Paul is clearly teaching that to take this bread and wine, one must examine oneself.

While there are a great many in this world which like to allegorize away many portions of God's living Word - the Bible, there are a great many spiritual understanding's to God's Holy Days. The physical observance helps us to better understand the spiritual lessons.

YouTube, and GodTube:

Many of you realize that within a few days of the official formation of the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ, we began to load video sermons onto YouTube.

Now we have a couple more channels which we are using YouTube:

Deacon Trevor Koonce channel: channel with many earlier sermons.

the Leonard Johnson channel: channel mainly for sermons and Biblical subjects.

As many are aware, YouTube is controlled by companies that tend to be antagonistic to Biblical teachings on several aspects of morality, so we are not wishing to be completely dependent upon YouTube.

YouTube has stated that subscribers tend to watch more of the videos of the channels they subscribe to. For us, it is free advertising of the living TRUTH of God through YouTube, and for our subscribers to be notified when new video sermons are loaded to our channels.

As far as the Leonard Johnson channel, I have not actually done anything to specifically attempt to increase YouTube subscribers. I currently have 9 subscribers for this channel. YouTube has substantially dropped our view counts - possibly because of the series given by Minister Michael C. Garrett, the Toxic Philosophy series, in which he had accurately stated that politics to the left-wing is their religion. Afterwards the view counts dropped significantly!

As we have mentioned before, we are now using another platform, other than YouTube, for our video sermons.

Our good friend in Owensboro has been able to load our recent video sermons to our Godtube channel which is publicly available at: https://www.godtube.com/o'borochurchofjesuschrist/.

Several have asked if there is a way you can help the Work of God. Well, if you would like to assist us with Godtube, please go to: o'borochurchofjesuschrist and, if you wish, watch each of the video sermons there (even if you have seen them before on YouTube). The more views we get, the greater our coverage will be on Godtube.

We know that a 'famine of the Word' is soon coming (Amos 8:11-12), yet we still need to do the Work of God while it is still light, soon darkness shall come (John 9:4) and we must be prudent and wise about it (cf. Matthew 10:16-18).

World News Items:

The Paris cathedral of Notre Dame caught fire and much of it was burned. The French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild it "because it is what the French expect of us, it is what our history deserves, it is, in the deepest sense, our destiny" (See: Fire Causes Massive Damage to Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral). Of course France's "destiny" is to temporarily support the rising church+state Babylonian power of Revelation 17. (Be sure to read: Prophecy Series - End-Time Babylon). President Macon's statement is very consistent with this. Napoleon was crowned (well, technically he crowned himself) Emperor of France in the Notre Dame cathedral December 2, 1804. Is it possible that the future Beast of the Sea will be crowned in a newly renovated Notre Dame cathedral!?

Notice this news report:

A photo of a gilded cross gleaming through the smoke and haze after a fire ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has proven to be a symbol of hope following an unspeakable tragedy. https://www.aol.com/article/news/2019/04/16/powerful-image-shows-cross-shining-through-wreckage-at-notre-dame-cathedral/23712689/

I do know I have been seeing demons (architectural gargoyle's) looking down at the burning Notre Dame in news reports, as in this photo (bottom right) from Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images:

(L) Smoke rises around the alter in front of the cross inside the Notre Dame Cathedral as fire continues to burn. Photo: Reuters.

Since a cross will be at the least a symbol of the Beast, that cross image above may be part of a motivator for people in France and the rest of Europe to want a type of church+state alignment. Indeed, Roman Catholic commentators on secular television programs has stated that the Notre Dame situation, and that bright shining cross, is hope that this would lead to a "reawakening" of the Catholic religion. A version of this will occur per Revelation 17.

Now, as far as the church+state situation goes in Europe, the former presidential advisor to US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, has tried to tell some Europeans that Pope Francis is the enemy (Steve Bannon 'told Italy's populist leader: Pope Francis is the enemy'). This is not going to endear him or the United States of America to Europe. The burning of Notre Dame may spark even more Catholic interest in Europe.

Other European matters, a new EU internet copyright law became official this week (See: Europe backs copyright overhaul that threatens to hit YouTube and Facebook hard). And, while it has a two year implementation window and supposedly exempts non-profits and small firms, the way that it is written could indeed impact what we proclaim on YouTube and on our Facebook pages. This is another step closer for Europe to control the Internet.

Both the European Union and Russia has indicated a willingness to help broker a peace deal in the Middle East (See: FM: Russia willing to host Palestine-Israel meeting). Even though Russia is not the prophesied future 'King of the North' (Daniel 11:40), it may very well be involved in a future peace deal.

Tensions are still high between China and Australia (See: China tells WTO that Australia's ban on 5G technology is 'obviously discriminative'). Now, while the two do trade a lot with each other, this will not end well with Australia.

Suggested Holy Day Service:

Here is a suggested Holy Day Service for this week.

* 2-3 hymns.

* Opening prayer.

* Sermonette (if you choose): The one suggested for this week is Bondage of Armstrong.

* Announcements (if any).

* Sermon: The one suggested for this week is Contract With Christ - Part 1. Other sermons are available at: Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ.

* Final hymn.

* Closing prayer.

Concluding Comments:

Minister Michael C. Garrett has said:

Notice 1st Thessalonians chapter 5 – Paul wrote this, and he was talking about the time of the end! He was talking about the days leading up to the ‘Day of the LORD’! He’s talking to us my friends from nearly two-thousand years ago! Verse 2 – “For you yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3) For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5) You are all [children] of the light and [children] of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk [drunk physically and spiritually] are drunk at night. 8) But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” – and these are wonderful words – Verse 9 – “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, …” – both physical salvation and spiritual salvation. “…10) who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” – and I don’t think in the Church of God we edify each other as much as we should! We are the only things we’ve got – we are family! You remember that wonderful song a few years ago, back in the ‘80s – “We Are Family!”? Well we are! But sometimes we don’t treat each other like we’re family. I wish we would! I think Jesus Christ wants us to, I know that God would bless us if we would!

We must keep these thoughts in mind, because the only source of protection possible for all of us is the protection which comes from Jesus Christ, God Almighty, and Their angels! I will say to all of you – may God bless you, may He keep you, may He bless the Church of God, may He bless the Work of God. And in the end, I’m just gonna say one more time – remember those photos that you have seen from the devastation of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, without God’s protection that is your future! With God’s protection, that will not be your future. Remember, pray, watch, learn, study, and be thankful to God because He is the Rock of our salvation!

Sincerely, and with great love,

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Letter to the Brethren: April 14, 2019

Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread will soon be here!

We have been in great anticipation for them!

Kenya

A dear brother in Kenya, Brother George Owato, wrote us recently and shared this with us:

Thank you Minister Garrett. I feel happy and blessed to be associated with you and your ministry at the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ!

Well George, we're happy to have you associated with us, and as many people as you can find in your area that want to become regular listeners to these sermons we encourage you to get them to do so. We appreciate it. Your note was deeply satisfying! So may God bless you and the people who are with you, and may He lead you into the truth of God. The Word of God, the Truth of God, and understanding the Plan of God, which is what we mainly talk about here.

Passover 2019

The ancient children of Israel were told to observe the Passover in the Book of Exodus. And, families took a male lamb or goat, without blemish (Exodus 12:5), for a sacrifice (Exodus 12:3-4). And, this male lamb was sacrificed on the fourteenth of the month at "twilight" (Exodus 12:6), and some of its blood was to be placed on the two doorposts and at the top of the door of their home's (Exodus 12:7).

Those who took these step's and obeyed were "passed over" from the death angel, whereas who ever did not, their firstborn (animal's included) were killed (Exodus 12:28-30).

Jesus Christ observed the Passover annually (Exodus 13:10), even from the time of His youth (Luke 2:41-42), and throughout His life (Luke 22:15).

Passover, indeed, was observed on the fourteenth day of the month of "the first month" (Leviticus 23:5; which is called Abib in Deuteronomy 16:1, and Nisan in Esther 3:7). It occurs in the Spring.

This year it is observed after sunset on April 18th.

And, although our Lord Jesus changed several practices associated with it (Luke 22:19-22; John 13:1-17), our Savior told His disciples to observe it (Luke 22:7-13). The New Testament is clear, that because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, the killing of a sheep or goat, and the placing of blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:6-7) is NO LONGER NEEDED! (cf. Hebrews 7:12-13, 26-27; 9:11-28.

Brother Paul taught us that Christians are to keep Passover in accordance with Jesus Christ's instructions (1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 11:23-26).

Our Savior "was foreordained before the foundation of the kosmos (world, universe)" (1 Peter 1:20) to be "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the kosmos (world, universe)" (Revelation 13:8). Almighty God's Plan of salvation pictured through His Holy Days and festivals, including Jesus Christ being our "Passover Lamb" was known long before there was even a universe! That is one of the reasons why celestial bodies were placed in the heavens, to aid in the calculation of His Holy Days and feast's in their proper season (cf. Genesis 1:14).

On our Savior's last Passover as a human being, He kept the Passover in the late evening and told His disciples to do the same (Luke 22:14-19; cf. John 13:2, 12-15) - on the 14th of Nisan/Abib (cf. Luke 22:14; 23:52-54).

Our Savior changed several of the practices associated with observing the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. He made unleavened bread and wine an integral part (Matthew 26:18, 26-30).

Minister Michael C. had this to say concerning the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread:

"Well, because it sounded too much like the so-called 'Easter story,' ministers in the Worldwide Church of God almost NEVER made mention of the historical fact that the resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred right smack dab in the middle of the Days of Unleavened Bread! And that should have been part of the story from the beginning! That Unleavened Bread - a part of it; the meaning of it is that LIFE CAME BACK TO LIFE! The Bread of Life was alive! And because He walked out of that tomb, He blazed a path where all of us, someday, can walk out of our tomb, our grave! But why deny yourself part of the story!? Because the churches of this world has it mixed up!? I don't care what they've got messed up! I want to know what God said, and He says it in His Book! 'He walked out of His tomb on the Days of Unleavened Bread'! It's a wonderful part of the story! And yet, it wasn't even talked about much because it sounded too much like Easter. That was my experience. Maybe with you, it was something else."

Our Savior also added the practice of foot washing (John 13:12-17).

Unleavened Bread and wine

Now, Jesus taught that it was to be an annual Passover, and He did not teach that it was to be Sunday morning like those who follow Greco-Roman traditions do. Passover is only to be taken by properly baptized Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29; Romans 6:3-10; Exodus 12:48; Numbers 9:14).

The Church of Rome (as well as many of its daughter churches - Protestant descendants) officially teaches that it keeps Passover, though calling it something completely different, and not keeping it as Jesus Christ did!

Also, despite the fact that Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:3-10) and the Greek term used in the New Testament for wine is oinos (cf. 1 Timothy 3:8), there are ones who claim that it was nothing more than grape juice or molasses, not fermented wine, that was used for Passover. The Jewish people themselves use wine at Passover. How do we know that grape juice was not used by Jesus Christ!?

Grapes normally are harvested around September and Passover is usually kept on the Gregorian calendar's month April. In the first century (Anno Domini), they did not have modern sterilization nor refrigeration. So, grape juice would have spoiled quickly after harvest and before Passover. Therefore, wine, which ferments, can remain unspoiled for that length of time. (The use of alcohol, such as wine, is endorsed at the Feast of Tabernacles, cf. Deuteronomy 26:14, but is not required).

Of course, as Paul wrote, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation" (Ephesians 5:18; NKJV). Only a very small amount of wine is normally consumed at Passover (about a teaspoon or less - sensitive individuals could take even less).

And concerning last week's sermon Message from Minister Garrett, and Apostle Paul, under inspiration of God's Spirit:

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. 28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread [which represents the very Body of our living Savior] and drink of the cup [which represents the blood of our living Savior which was shed for us]. 29) For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's Body" - 1 Corinthians 11:27-29; NKJV.

So, Paul is clearly teaching that to take this bread and wine, one should examine oneself. The main meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread - for seven days we are to only eat unleavened bread and avoid leavened bread.

Minister Garrett explains it this way:

"And the Worldwide Church of God soiled the minds of many people about the true meaning and the teaching points which are associated with the Days of Unleavened Bread. Many of those misconceptions continue to grip many people - many church groups. And, the Worldwide Church of God basically taught, what I call, ritualistic housecleaning. And for most people of the Worldwide Church of God and many descendants from her, the Days of Unleavened Bread was about a campaign to “find leavening.” And they always said that leaven was an equal synonymous term with sin. So, you would normally hear the following comment. I’m going to copy now what was said hundred’s of thousands of times – and you would hear, “YOU MUST PUT SINNNNN OUT OF YOUR LIFE!” And then they would jump from there to say, “Leavening equals sin.” And so they would jump to the next conclusion, “You MUST go around finding every little particle of nine month old cookies! Wherever they might be!” And they taught that has one of the main meaning’s of the Days of Unleavened Bread.

The New Testament records that both Jesus Christ our Lord and Paul taught to observe Passover in the Christian manner.

And that it was annual.

We have an online video service for Passover for those in areas without a local minister or brethren nearby. Here is a link: Passover - 2017.

Also, some of you may wish to read the article - Prepare for the Passover 2019.

Don't focus on going through a "house cleaning" ritual, let's examine our spiritual life now as Passover is approaching.

Visiting Trip

As a reminder, Deacon Treavor Koonce and his family are planning to visit the Owensboro congregation from their home in Illinois. They intend to be in Owensboro, Kentucky June 15th for Sabbath services. They would like to welcome all who wish to attend. If you wish to attend services there, please contact Michael C. Garrett - his email address is garrett158@roadrunner.com.

Deacon Trevor and family has requested prayers from the brethren for God's guidance, protection, and wisdom on this trip.

World News Items:

The Trump Administration is threatening Europe with even more tariffs that the EU is none too happy about (See: From jets to cheese: Trump wants to impose new tariffs on EU). Also, because of Brexit concerns and other factors, the Germany economy already seems to be wobbling (See: German exports hit by global slowdown in demand). But even if Europe's economy gets even worse, we know biblically it will reorganize (cf. Revelation 17:12-13). And, there are anti-migrant parties in Europe that hope to cause a reorganization after EU wide elections next month (See: Euroskeptic, anti-immigrant parties team up for EU election). So, while the reorganization of Rev. 17:13 will NOT occur in 2019, one day Europe will rise up temporarily to dominate the world's economy per Revelation 13, 17, 18). Should we factor the U.S.'s technologies to be involved?

As far as the United States of America, one study from 2015 shows that its residents are becoming more Godless, while another study found that more Americans are seeing the U.S. declining (See: Survey Finds Shift in Number of Nonreligious Americans; also Is America becoming Godless? The number of people who have no religion has risen 266 percent - one third of the population - in three decades.) Without national repentance, the United States will not fare well (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Also, in the United Kingdom: The U.K. arrested Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange on behalf of the U.S. And the EU has granted the UK an extension of Brexit until Oct. 31, 2019.

Assange has been arrested in relation to a US extradition request for "conspiracy with Chelsea Manning" for publishing Iraq War Logs, Cablegate, Afghan War Logs, precisely the persecution for which he was granted asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention in 2012. @unhumanrights pic.twitter.com/i0TezO3SdK
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 11, 2019

(See: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Arrested in London). Brexit has upset the EU. These matters will not end well for the U.K. nor the U.S. (cf. Daniel 8:24-25; 11:39).

In the nation called Israel there have been a couple of developments. First, the Temple Institute announced the birth of two additional 'red heifer candidates' (See: Sabbath of the Red Heifer: 2 more). The Temple Institute believes that it needs one to purify or cleanse the temple area prior to the reinstitution of the daily sacrifices - which biblically we know will happen (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).

The other development in the nation called Israel was the national election. And, at this moment, it looks as if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected for a record 5th term! (See: Israeli Election Puts Netanyahu On Track for Fifth Term). This, of course, has further inflamed Iran, Syria, and the Palestinians. We will see even greater violence!!

Suggested Sabbath Service:

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week for our scattered brethren:

* 2-3 hymns.

* Opening prayer.

* Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is: Passover Message - 2014.

* Announcements (if any).

* Sermon. The one suggested for this week is: Passover Message - 2017. Other sermons are available

at Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ YouTube channel.

* Final hymn.

* Closing prayer.

Concluding comments:

Minister Garrett has said:

"1st Corinthians 13:1 – “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” – just a little toy. I can remember way back, when I was about ten or eleven years old. I was picked by my music teacher. I think there was three of us altogether. And we were picked to learn a song – it might have been a Christmas song, I don’t remember. And we all showed up at this Order of the Eastern Star. And we were brought in to sing, and for our performance we were given these little brass bells. I still have it – somewhere it’s still at the house. That was our pay. Well every time I read this – a person can have this wonderful speaking voice, and yet if they have not love they’re nothing more than sounding brass as a tinkling cymbal. Verse 2 – “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith, so that [theoretically] I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing [in the eyes of God]. 3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned [some type of horrible martyrdom], but have not love, it profits me nothing.” – ‘though I’m given a title!’ A church title – maybe like ‘minister,’ ‘ordained minister.’ And yet I have NOT Godly love - in the eyes of God you are nothing! There’s that one scene where Jesus Christ talks about people coming to Him – this is after He has returned – and apparently are locked out of being a part of the Kingdom of God. And they go, “Lord, Lord, don’t you know who we are!? Why I did these wonderful thing’s in Your name! I had church services, I formed churches, I did miracles, blah, blah, blah. Let me in!” And Jesus Christ says, “I never knew you!” You see, it’s not what people say about you that counts, it’s what God the Father and Jesus Christ say about you that counts. Verse 4 – “[Charity] …” -it’s just an old fashioned word, meaning “Godly love.” “[Godly] love suffers long and is kind; [Godly] love does not envy; [Godly] love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not [easily] provoked, thinks no evil; 6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7) [Godly love] bears all things, …” – which means if your fellow church member has a weakness, you still – do you remember the song quite a few years ago, “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother”? Well, we get a lot of people on the church scene now, if someone is suspected of having some little minor flaw – then, “Away with them!” Throw them away like a piece of trash! “[Godly love] bears all things, believes [the positive; I’m sure that’s what Paul meant] …” – he didn’t say believe all the rumors you hear that are false. I think he meant, ‘believe the good side of the story.’ “…[Godly love] hopes all things, endures all things. 8) [Godly] love never fails. …” – so, if the love which was once expressed among people disintegrates, that love was never Godly. It was just a human love. Human love can come, and human love can go. Godly love is unconditional. It’s like the love of a parent for a child, or a grandchild. You might have a child that has done some thing’s wrong, but for most parents, they may be disappointed in their child, but they are not rejecting their child. They still love him, or they still love her. They still want to help them. Godly love endures. Think about all the people who say, “I love you!” And then they walk down the isle at the wedding chapel, and then five-years later, “I hate you!” You get my picture. Human love, sometimes, doesn’t last very long. And any human love that does not last very long, is by its definition, not Godly love. Because, Godly love ‘never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they [could] fail; …” – they could, possibly. “…whether there are tongues, they [might] cease; …” – the Latin language, basically, isn’t used anymore. “…whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9) For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” – and keep that in mind, ‘we prophesy in part.’ When we talk about what we think is gonna happen in the future, we’re just giving our best estimate. Based upon what we can see at the present. Knowing that a year or two down the road we may have a more deeper understanding, or a more clear understanding. Verse 10 – “But when that which is perfect has come, …” – meaning Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ comes back to the earth and establishes the Kingdom of God. “…then that which is in part will be done away. 11) When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, …” – like a smoked piece of glass, you can sort of vaguely see through it, but you can’t see very well. “…but then …” – when Jesus Christ Returns and sets up the Kingdom of God, and we who have God’s Spirit are inducted into the Family of God. “…but then [we will see] face to face. Now I know in part, but then [with the establishment of the Kingdom of God] I shall know just as I also am known [by God]. 13) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – the greatest trait you can possess is Godly love."

Sincerely,

Leonard V. Johnson