Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Letter to our Friends - June 25, 2019



Dear Friends:

Another busy and exciting week here in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Indeed, the Truth of the Eternal God can be a little shocking – and illuminating!




There is nothing so astonishing as the Truth of God, the Word of God, and the Plan of God! It is often stranger than fiction. However, most people who attend church regularly, or even occasionally, would really be surprised if they should probe into their own minds far enough to ask WHY they go, and to ask themselves – “Is my belief biblical?” Could you prove your belief comes from the Bible? Why not read our free online booklet, Is Your Belief Biblical? Or, if English is not comfortable for you, Google Translate on our blog page can translate the article for you in 103 different languages. Is Your Belief Biblical? …and can you prove it?





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We have set up our FeedBurner generated with PodSync to convert the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ sermons at the Leonard V. Johnson channel into podcasts for your convenience. So, be sure to subscribe to our podcast to be updated with our current feed.

Friends, we are going through the doors that Almighty God and Jesus Christ are opening (Revelation 3:7-9).

Brexit

Minister Michael C. Garrett mentioned a soon coming Brexit in his sermon “The Song of Moses.” A vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union is called Brexit – BRitish EXIT from the EU. And if the UK decides to REMAIN in the EU it means that the end-time trauma – the Day of the LORD – would arrive much later.

Why?

Because biblically, the UK is not prophesied to be part of the final “beast” power. So, at some time a change would need to take place. And indeed it has.

Another vote - the Government invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, starting a two-year process which was due to conclude with the UK's exit on 29 March 2019 – a deadline which has since been extended to 31 October 2019 – that the parliament of the UK has to approve, and presuming it does, the UK will be, in time, out of the EU – though it would like to remain as part of the European Economic Area (EEA), as Norway is, or perhaps a different arrangement with the EU.

Now, as Mr. Garrett stated in “The Song of Moses":

“And it appears that – according to the polling – the majority of the Britons will vote to leave the EU. … If England votes to leave the European Union … what will happen after that!? Nobody knows. … It really is a coin toss as to what will happen. Many people say there will be financial problems. Many people say there will be great confusion. Others imply that the entire European Union will begin to fracture.”


Will a vengeful EU try to decide how to handle them – it does not want the UK to be successful outside of the EU.

This parting of ways is something that those associated with the churches of God have long expected.

Sadly, this world does not believe the living Word of God – the Bible – and because of that cannot know what will happen.

But you, friends, can know how this fits with God’s prophetic picture. We in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts” – 2 Peter 1:19; KJV.

Because God’s Word is accurate, His prophecies can be counted on.

Karl zu Guttenberg - former German Defense and Economics Minister - spoke recently at a Crypto Finance convention, in which he stated:

don’t see the necessary leadership in Europe at the moment. …
We have to come to a new structure … 

             (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q38Rr8-hF44).

So, because of the Brexit, various ones are now very publicly calling for a reorganization in Europe.

And, according to Bible prophecy, Europe will once again reorganize:

“The Ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13) These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast” – Revelation 17:12-13.

How?

Minister Garrett wrote:

“Well, two factors are going to cause this seventh resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire.
1) I think it’s the threat of Islamic militarism.
Make no mistake my friends, the leaders of that Islamic strain of Islam, their greatest goal is to conquer you or to kill you! Don’t be confused about that! I have to say I’m embarrassed by some of our political leaders in this country that wanna make nice. “O’ these are nice people!” they say. “It’s a religion of love!” And every time I hear it I wanna say, “It twernt Lutherans that flew the planes into the Towers!” It was Islamic terrorist’s! And that movement is growing!
2) A revitalized Roman Catholic Church and a pope of magnificent stature.
These two factors will be the tipping point that causes Europe to say, “We must have strong leaders again! We must have a strong military again! We must protect our borders! We must protect ourselves! We must unite! Even though we have differences!”
(Prophecy Series – The Final Empire).
 Notice what Daniel 11 teaches about the King of the North:

“And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22) With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23) And after the league [a peace plan] is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24) He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time” – Daniel 11:21-24.

So, this leader from the heartland of a United Europe will promise peace and prosperity. He will make a deal with a small number of people and will gain power (cf. Rev. 17:12-13). He will promise peace at a time of crisis.

This very same vile leader, who appears at the “appointed time” of “the end” is described without the King of the North title in Daniel 8:

“And he said, ‘Look I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. … And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24) His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully. And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also destroy the holy people.
25) Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes [Jesus Christ]; But he shall be broken without human means.
26) And the vision of the evenings and mornings Which was told is true; Therefore seal up the vision, For it refers to many days in the future’” – Daniel 8:19, 23-26.
This King is also the “beast” that the ten kings give their power to in Revelation 17:12-13.

Now, notice the portion I bolded above. This fierce king rises up when “the transgressors have reached their fullness,” which suggests that this is about when Almighty God and Jesus Christ has had enough of the increasing immorality in nations like the United States of America, as well as in the United Kingdom, including Europe. Indeed immorality is ever increasing in the Western lands.

Could this final “beast” be Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg!? We don’t know. However, he is a person of great interest.

The Brexit matter is of major importance and will ultimately result in the prophesied reorganization of Europe. This will lead to the end-time trauma, and the end of the United Kingdom, as well as allies such as the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, as well as New Zealand.

World News Items

A three-day conference between the Catholics of Rome and many Islamic leaders in Jordan ended the 20th of June. The stated intent to have dialogue and not hate is a good thing, however, it appears to be another step towards bringing Islam and Catholicism closer together (See: ‘INTERVIEW: Andrea Tornielli on the Islam That Wants to Dialogue; Never Respond to Hatred with Hatred’). Indeed, a ‘one-world religion’ is coming and we are expecting that, for a short time. And followers of Islam will support it temporarily – cf. Revelation 13; Daniel 11:27, 40-43.

In Hong Kong, protesters of a proposed extradition law gained some government concessions, yet they still want more (See: ‘Hong Kong to Pause Extradition Bill’ also ‘Activists push Sunday protest despite Hong Kong bill delay’). We shall see Hong Kong controlled more by China in the immediate future, despite protests.

Also, the United States of America and Iran continues to spar against each other since the supertanker attacks last week (See: ‘Trump blames Iran for tanker attacks but calls for talks’). We have learned that Iran has shot down a US spy-drone (See: ‘Iran Shoots Down US Drone’). The USA is not pleased in the least. Before the drone incident, the US has increased her military presence in the region and we may very well see conflict. If so, it could lead the Iranians to decide it’s time to cause great damage to the State of Israel – cf. Isaiah 22:9. Then, perhaps, this could lead to the peace deal of Daniel 9:27?

God’s prophecies march on.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week.

● 2-3 hymns. (another free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is The Power of Thanksgiving p1
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is The 144,000 by Michael C. Garrett. (Many more sermons are
● Final hymn.
● Closing prayer.

To Note: We also have a most eye-opening article entitled Who Are the 144,000?


IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Concluding Comments

The prophet Jeremiah wrote the following:

“Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings, ‘ says the LORD. … 10) For the land is full of adulterers” – Jeremiah 23:2, 10.


Minister Garrett wrote:

“God says He will repay them the way they deserve to be repaid. Now, people can say, “To whom is He speaking!?” Is He talking about the physical people of Israel, who have been misled by their false religions!? It’s possible. I think that is part of the implication. But I think it is also referring to the Churches of God – the Body of Christ – and there are in these different organizations pastors who seem more concerned about their own needs, their own sense of power, their own sense of control, than worrying about the spiritual health of people who are a part of their organization. And I do believe every human being who thinks he is a leader in the Body of Christ – you need to read these words very soberly, because if you’re not careful you might be on the receiving end. … “For the land is full of adulterers; …” – Now, I’ve tried pointing out before that the word “adultery,” it might, in part, refer to the physical sin of adultery. Sex outside of marriage. Breaking those bonds of loyalty. But, most of the time, not all of the time, when you see words in the Bible such as fornication, adultery, whoring, those types of words, if you read the whole passage, it is God’s pronouncement against people who are engaged in false religion. You see, at one time God married Israel. And when Israel, the people of Israel, leave God and go – in His own terminology – a whoring after other gods and other religions, God looks upon that as the highest form of adultery. Of the betrayal of wedding vows.”
(Notes Regarding The Day of Atonement (Prophetically the Day of the LORD)).

Now, you might very well say to yourself, we don’t have to worry about “adultery” or any false religion. Yet, friends, we are in a world that often promotes evil as good and good as evil. Their “false gods” (as Mr. Garrett teaches in the sermon series “Toxic Philosophy”) are distorted worldly philosophy and public opinion which continues to rapidly sway further away from Almighty God and Jesus Christ.

 In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,


http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Is Your Belief Biblical? ... and can you prove it? (Booklet)



Greetings Everyone! We are so very pleased to bring you and present our latest free no-obligation online PDF booklet "Is Your Belief Biblical? ... and can you prove it?"

Why is the world's number one best-selling book held in such awe by some, and yet in passive discredit by others - and understood by virtually none of them!?

Here is a link directly to this eye-opening PDF online booklet - "Is Your Belief Biblical? ... and can you prove it?"

Additional Items of Interest

A More Clear Understanding of God's Living TRUTHSEVERAL years ago I bought a Faithful Version with Commentary of the Holy Bible and gave it to an old minister. Well, that old minister scoffed at this version, claiming that the King James Version was the best.
Dimash in NYC - A Hidden Meaning? - On Sabbath morning I was enjoying this week's suggested Sabbath service sermon by Minister Michael C. Garrett entitled "Dimash in NYC - A Daily Dose of Dimash." And, while listening to the sermon I scrolled through some of the many comments [...]
Day of Atonement = End-Time TraumaHello everyone! Welcome to Owensboro, Kentucky. This is NOT a weekly church service, this is one of the annual holy days – often referred to as the Day of Atonement.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Letter to our Friends - June 18, 2019



Dear Friends:

Greetings again from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Pentecost weekend was great! Be sure to watch the Pentecost 2019 service here.

Owensboro Trip

Our visit to Owensboro, Kentucky this past Sabbath day was wonderful! It was indeed a joyous day!

L to R – Chastity and Sam LaMar, Alice Benton, Leonard Johnson, Michael C. Garrett, Trevor Koonce, Don Everly, Guy LaMar. (Many more was in attendance not pictured). Photo by Guy LaMar.


After service, we were able to discuss several additional ways to help improve this great Work of God and to grow.

Feast of Trumpets 2019

The next holy day will be the Feast of Trumpets – which begins after sunset on September 29th this year.

Prayer Request

We ask that you pray for our dear friend and brother, Bud Offutt, who is reported to have a blood infection and is currently in the hospital. Also, we ask that you pray for his wonderful and dutiful wife, Alice. We deeply missed them this past Sabbath. Let us keep them in our prayers always to Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

World News Items

Jorge Mario Bergoglio (aka Pope Francis) this Pentecost referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of Unity,” yet the Bible does not do so (See: ‘The Holy Spirit Rejuvenates the Apostles’). God’s living Word – the Bible – does, however, refer to “the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” – 1 John 4:5-6. This interfaith-ecumenical “unity” in which the Vatican has been pushing IS NOT BIBLICAL in this age and contains many errors!

There were attacks on supertankers, some are suspecting Iran (See: ‘Tankers struck near Strait of Hormuz; the US blames Iran’). There were Iranian officials who are voicing their concerns along with threats because of the United States’ economic policies, including encouraging the world not to use the US dollar in international trade (See: ‘Stern words from Iran: US cannot ‘expect to stay safe’).

In Germany, their press is reporting that because the United States is using her dollar as an economic weapon, several nations have been accumulating gold as they work to bypass the US dollar for international trade (See: ‘Trump's policies add luster to gold at dollar's expense’). There is a price to be paid for US sanctions and the US will one day soon realize that the cost will be much greater than the American politicians have said.

The United States of America is experiencing ‘extreme weather’ with large parts of the nation flooded and other parts under severe temperatures (See: ‘Mississippi River Flooding: High Water Levels Stop Barge Traffic Above St Louis and Illinois, Arkansas Rivers’ also ‘Bay Area weather: Stretch of record-setting heat continues’). Also notice this: Unprecedented U.S. Weather Chaos Continues: 120F In The West, More Record-Setting Flooding In The East’. God’s living Word – the Bible – shows us that weather is something that Almighty God often does control, and often something He uses as a WARNING to mankind. Sadly, in this modern age, most believe – as Sir James George Frazer believed and wrote in his Golden Bough – that ancient “man, progressing from a belief in magic as a means of controlling his environment” morphed into a “religious belief, which then propagated gods and spirits.” Very few HEED the WARNINGS from GOD’S divine Words!!

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is this week’s suggested Sabbath service.

● 2-3 hymns (another free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is: Repent for Salvation.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is: His Mercy Endures Forever! by Michael C.
Garrett. (Many more sermons are available at http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/.
● Final hymn.
● Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Concluding Comment

I recently heard a sermon by the second in charge of a church organization, who stated, and I quote, “I hate being around homosexuals.” I discerned immediately that that was a form of “hate speech” and it saddened me greatly.

Here is something Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote which has an application to this:


Luke 18:9 – “Also He [Jesus Christ] spoke this parable [sort-of a puzzle; you think you understand it, but unless your guided by God’s Spirit you really don’t] to some [to certain religious people; in fact they thought they were very religious people; in fact they were religious leaders of religious people] who trusted in themselves that they were righteous [they had just developed this idea, ‘Well, I know I’m right, because I know I’m right!’ ‘I know I’m right because I think I’m right!’ ‘I know I’m right because God just wouldn’t let me do anything else!’ ‘I know I’m right… well… just because I am!’ ‘they trust in themselves that they are righteous’], and [notice this “and”] despised others: …” – and I have to tell you, I know people who claim to be a part of the Body of Christ – the Church of God – who trust in themselves that they are righteous and yet, seemingly all that they do is despise others. One little guy that I think of has simply been described as “full of hate.” “…’Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee [that’s a religious guy, duly noted, robes and all, titles, everything – got the office, has the building, he is the “top dog,” or a “top dog”] and the other a tax collector [a publican; and you know what you think about the IRS!? And you know how they are always trying to grab into your pocket and grab more nickels and dimes, and it just seems to get worse and worse. Well, I doubt any of you would invite an IRS agent to your house for dinner, so you would probably ignore him or shun him. The people back then did the same, they didn’t think much of the publicans – the tax collectors. And many times they were Jewish people, and not only did the Jewish people think they were taking their money but also thought they were traitors. They were working for the Romans, they had a very bad reputation]. 11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with [or rather within] himself, [he wasn’t praying to God, he was just talking to himself, because God doesn’t hear him]” – but he says, “’ God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this [lowly, flea bitten] tax collector.’” – and then this religious man proceeds to tell God how righteous he is – Verse 12 – “’ I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” – and I’m sure if we were to hear the full version, he went on and on about all the things that he did. Verse 13 – “’And the tax collector, [ashamed of who he was; ashamed of what he had done, very repentant and sorrowful] standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast [a very common expression of repentance and sorrow back in those days],’” – and all he said to God was, “’ God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” – ‘forgive me, please forgive me!’ Well Jesus said in Verse 14 – “’I tell you, this man [this tax collector, who had this attitude of repentance and wanting to change and wanting to rely upon Jesus Christ] went down to his house justified [meaning: made right before the eyes of God; to be made holy] rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, …’” – for the religious people who try and tell you how righteous they are, my suggestion is, “get your shoes on and run as fast as you can the other direction!” Because an encounter with these people will end up staining you and poisoning you. “…’ and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” – something to think about. ‘Those that trust in themselves that they are righteous.’
          (Notes Regarding the Day of Atonement (Prophetically the Day of the LORD)).


Friends, let us not despise others. But rather let us preach with our Lord Jesus Christ’s command, to ‘love one another’ – Cf. John 13:34 - even those who have not been called yet!

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Friday, June 7, 2019

Letter to our Friends - June 7, 2019


Dear Friends:

Greetings again from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Pentecost is coming up this Sunday – sunset June 8th through sunset June 9th. So, there will be – basically – double-Sabbaths.

Owensboro Trip

As I had stated previously, Deacon Trevor, his family, and many other members and friends will be in Owensboro, Kentucky June 15th, 2019 for Sabbath services at the Logsdon Community Center – 2400 Friendship Dr. We would love to see you there, be sure to contact Minister Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for additional information.

Pentecost

Most who profess Christ know something about Pentecost. Many properly consider it the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

The apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power of the Holy Spirit:

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; 5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Acts 1:4-5; NKJV and hereafter unless otherwise noted.
So, they waited. And:
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” – Acts 2:1.
Notice it was when the Day of Pentecost had fully come. The Bible is clear that the events that follow were directly related to the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. And the apostles were all observing it together.

Here is what happened:
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven [the sky], as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.” 
38) Then Peter said to them, ‘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. 39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off [in the generations to come], as many as the Lord our God will call.’ 40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 47) [P]raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:2-4, 38-42, 47.
They received some of the power of God’s Spirit. The Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, the greater majority of Protestants, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Church of God all believe that this was the beginning of the New Testament Church of God. And rightly so. The Holy Spirit (be sure to watch “The Truth Concerning the Trinity Explained” in which Minister Garrett explains from God’s Word the Holy Spirit) was gifted at a certain time (the same time that many Jews observed Pentecost).

That was not a coincidence.

Many may not realize that Pentecost represented more than just the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

The Feast of Pentecost or the Feast of Firstfruits as it is also called (Exodus 34:22) reminds us that God the Father and Jesus Christ is now only calling a small “firstfruits” spiritual harvest – with the Last Great Day picturing a greater harvest later. The Spring harvest, in many areas around the world, is much smaller in quantity than the Fall harvest – and this is consistent with God’s ultimate Plan of salvation for humanity as a whole.

But isn’t Jesus a type of firstfruits? Yes, He certainly is.

The Apostle Paul wrote:
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [in Christ]. 21) For since by man came death, By Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
Our Savior – Jesus Christ – is the fulfillment of the wave sheaf offering in Leviticus 23:10-11. He is the sheaf of firstfruits. He also fulfilled that role when He ascended into Heaven on the Sunday (the wave sheaf offering of the Old Covenant was on a Sunday) after He was resurrected (John 20:1, 17). However, neither He nor His true followers observed what is now called Ishtar (Easter). (Be sure to read “Prophecy Series: End-Time Babylon” in which Michael C Garrett explains the true origin of Easter).

Also, the Apostle James notes that Jesus brought us forth to also be a type of firstfruits:
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” – James 1:18.
So then, while Jesus Christ is the original firstfruits to represent the Old Covenant wave sheaf offering, true Christians are a kind of firstfruits – represented by the Day of Pentecost. “Firstfruits” mean that only a small “remnant” will be part of the harvest in this age – cf. Luke 12:32; Romans 9:27; 11:5. But the Bible also teaches that there will be a greater harvest – a time when all who have ever lived or will live will have an opportunity for eternal life – cf. Revelation 20:11-15.

Notice what Peter (possibly Peter), under the inspiration of the newly arrived “Comforter” – God’s Spirit - stated on Pentecost circa. A.D. 31:
“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30) Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He [God the Father] would raise up the Christ [Jesus the Christos] to sit on his throne, 31) He [King David], foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades [the grave], nor did His flesh see corruption. 32) This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33) Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” – Acts 2:29-33.
Now, the Jews were very confused by this - this was their biggest confusion. They just couldn’t understand how these followers of Jesus, who spoke about their LORD, and had quoted David, “I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He sat at my right hand, …” Now, how could Jesus – in the mind of the Jews – be on the right hand of God? Yet, the Jews can’t believe but there is but One God. They don’t ever believe there is to be a Son of God – and that a Son of God would come down. They believed that God would come down. And if Christ was God, there wouldn’t be a God up in Heaven to pray to – He would be God – and that was more than they could take. So, they just couldn’t believe that He would be a Son of God. And here, in Acts 2:29-33, Peter (possibly Peter) was saying that the prophet David had been speaking of Jesus (cf. Psalm 16:8-11)! He referred to Jesus as fruit and that He was raised – meaning prophet David understood about the resurrection of the Christ– cf. Acts 2:28. David knew that the Messiah was to come out of his loins – ‘that the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would be raised up the Christ to sit on his throne.’ So, David wasn’t speaking concerning himself, he was speaking this concerning the Messiah to come – the Son of God!

Now Jesus was not only first of the firstfruits, He was also the firstborn among many brethren:
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” – Romans 8:29. 
“[A]nd from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the firstborn from [among; some early Greek manuscripts translate it, ‘from among the dead’], …” – Revelation 1:5.
World News Items

In the United States of America, President Trump has been in the news a lot. He told Mexico would be hit with tariffs beginning next week if Mexico didn’t begin controlling migrants from reaching US borders (See: Businesses warn Trump of consequences of new Mexican tariffs and Mexico president tells Donald Trump: 'America First is a fallacy' in response to tariff threat). He also spent a few days in the UK and his Administration indeed wants the UK to leave the European Union (See: Officials Hope for Strife-Free Trump Visit to London along with Trump creates diplomatic headache for U.K. even before state visit). The Trump Administration made various statements and took various actions against the EU, Mexico, and India (See: Trump: Prepare for no deal and send in Farage and Trump says Mexico is an 'abuser' of the US, amid tariff negotiations including US President Donald Trump terminates preferential trade status for India) – including others.

The UK leaders, including Donald Trump, hope for a major trade deal between the USA and the UK (See: Deal or no deal, we leave EU on October 31 - PM candidate Johnson).

Also in the US – many are hoping that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to support growth in the United States’ economy (See: The Fed is ‘indicating that a rate cut is coming,’ says former central banker).

Speaking of financial, Russia and China announced that they intend to bypass the US dollar in their cross-border trade (See: Russia, China Prepare To Dump Dollar, Agree To Bilateral Trade In National Currencies). Indeed the United States greatly benefits from the use of her dollar for international trade and the more countries that bypass it, the more that others may decide to stop using the US dollar as their reserve currency. This will have a major impact on the future of the United States of America.

Also concerning China – there are some grave concerns that the Chinese may be producing genetically-edited human babies along with the USA and Canada’s efforts in producing genetically-modified salmon (See: New Study Shows Those First-Ever CRISPR Babies Could Be at Risk of Early Death along with Artificial salmon gut developed to ease cost, time in feed trials, including Salmon hatchery to raise nation’s first genetically modified animal cleared for human consumption). Human beings are messing around with things that they truly do not understand – and surely the sin of greed is factored in.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week:

● 2-3 hymns. (hymscript.com has many song sheets for printing and sharing).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is – His Mercy Endures Forever!
● Announcements (if any). One hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is – False Prophets Preach False Truth. Additional
    sermons are available on our website: owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com.
● Final Hymn.
● Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel. And we also now have a Flipboard page.

Suggested Pentecost Service

Here is a suggested Pentecost service for our scattered friends:

● 2-3 hymns. (hymscript.com has many song sheets for printing and sharing).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is – Christ In You (Unleavened Bread
    – Day 6) – 2017.
● Announcements (if any). One hymn.
● Special Music. The one suggested for this week is – It Is Well With My Soul performed by Michael
   C. Garrett.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is – Day of Pentecost And Healing Part I. (We also have
   an accompanying article with the same title which will be published on the Day of Pentecost at
   https://www.owensborocojc.com). Other sermons are also available on our website –

Concluding Comments

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

I deal with people quite often who have a past background in the Worldwide Church of God, and they get mad at me because I say, the Worldwide Church of God didn’t do everything correctly. Well, I’m not trying to be snooty, or upset people. 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 are 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! And then we must have God’s Spirit which is represented by the Feast of Pentecost. And so, individual salvation – that Plan is given to us in the Spring holy days. The Fall holy days shows us how all people of the world will someday be brought to salvation – or at least a very large percentage of them. There will be a few knuckleheads that don’t make it. Sadly.
Friends, this weekend, observe both the seventh-day Sabbath and Pentecost. Let us continue to follow our Savior and soon-coming King of kings and Lord of lords, and be that ‘light unto the world’ – cf. Matthew 5:14.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,