Letter to our Friends - October 31, 2019

Michael C. Garrett

Minister and Overseer

Dear Friends:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philemon 3.

It’s been a bit more stressful than usual here in Spring Hill, Florida due to Facebook “unpublishing” and “banning” any posting on our @owensboroCOJC Page. The only reason I can come up with of why they did so (because they do not let you know how you may have violated their “community standards” or didn’t follow their “Facebook Page Policies”) is that when you advertise and promote outside of those who “like” the Page and you get “flagged” – you get banned. You have the option of “appealing” their decision, but it will take a while. It’s not that we don’t have other social media sites and platforms – we have YouTube, we have BitChute, we have SoundCloud Radio, we have Flipboard, we have Godtube, we have Twitter, and we do indeed have our webpage and our blog page. However, unfortunately, Facebook continues to remain – claiming that they had more than 2.3 billion monthly active users as of December 2018 – the most popular social media site.

Facebook Campaign

I promoted our Flipboard platform on Facebook from Oct. 24th to Oct. 29th to the US, AU, NZ, CA, IL, and ZA. And we reached nearly 600 people with 90 engagements.

This is what the ad looked like before we were “banned.” Apparently, there are a great many who are offended by the glorious and powerful name Jesus Christ!

Halloween

Today, as I write this letter, millions – probably tens of millions – of Americans are going to celebrate what is known as Halloween, or ‘all hallows eve.’ I haven’t done yet a sermon or sermonette on Halloween, but I did write up a short article Is Halloween Biblical!? and here is a link to our free online booklet Is Your Belief Biblical? …and can you prove it?

Homosexual Conversion Therapy

Homosexual conversion therapy has actually been banned in several U.S. states and now, too, the United Kingdom is intending to do the same.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported the following:

July 3, 2018: "'Gay conversion therapy' to be banned as part of LGBT equality plan-

Controversial "gay conversion therapies" are to be banned as part of a government plan to improve the lives of gay and transgender people. … 

The prime minister said nobody "should ever have to hide who they are."

A 75-point to improve the lives of LGBT people, costing £4.5m, has been produced in response to the survey. It includes plans to introduce a national LGBT health advisor, tackle discrimination, improve the response to hate crime and to improve diversity in education institutions. …

As part of the plan, it said it would "consider all legislative and non-legislative options to prohibit promoting, offering or conducting conversion therapy."

Equalities minister Penny Mordaunt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme of the practice: "This is very extreme so-called therapy that is there to try and 'cure' someone from being gay - of course you can't cure someone from being gay. In its most extreme form it can involve corrective rape.

"That's very different from psychological services and counselling. It's pretty unpleasant, some of the results we found, and it shows that there's more action to do."

She said the government is consulting on the best way to implement a ban, adding: "It's absolutely right that that abhorrent practice has to go." …

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "We can be proud that the UK is a world leader in advancing LGBT rights, but the overwhelming response to our survey has shone a light on the many areas where we can improve the lives of LGBT people.

"I was struck by just how many respondents said they cannot be open about their sexual orientation or avoid holding hands with their partner in public for fear of a negative reaction.

"No one should ever have to hide who they are or who they love."

(Read More: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44686374; bold for emphasis).

REALLY!? 'No one should ever have to hide who they are!!? What about pedophiles, what about thieves and rapists, sadists, zoophilists!!? Should they continue, too!!? And, to say that gays cannot change is NOT even logical! What if they want to change!?

It is extremely sad that the majority of people no longer want to believe that GOD'S living written Word - the Holy BIBLE - teaches that homosexuals can change, such as the following:

9) "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10) nor thieves, nor covetous nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11) And such WERE some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; NKJV.

Also, notice this from the BBC:

July 3, 2018: "'Gay conversion therapy' to be banned as part of LGBT equality plan-

Sometimes called "reparative" or "gay cure" therapy, conversion therapy is a term used for any form of so-called treatment which attempts to change sexual orientation or reduce attraction to others of the same sex.

Experts say the word therapy is misleading because there is no scientific basis for it.

All major therapy professional bodies as well as the NHS in the UK disagree with it on logical, ethical and moral grounds."

(Read More: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44686374).

MORAL GROUNDS!!?

HOMOSEXUALITY IS IMMORAL!!

It is also highly immoral to tell people that they cannot seek help to change!

GOD'S written WORD EMPHATICALLY STATES that homosexuality, lesbianism, and cross-dressing are WRONG, and GOD also condemns those who condone all forms of sexual immorality:

5) "'A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD YOUR GOD'" - Deuteronomy 22:5; NKJV.

24)"Therefore God also gave them up to UNCLEANNESS, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25) who exchanged the TRUTH OF GOD for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. AMEN.

26) For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the NATURAL USE for what is AGAINST NATURE. 27) Likewise, also the men, leaving the NATURAL USE of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing WHAT IS SHAMEFUL, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a DEBASED MIND , to do those things WHICH ARE NOT FITTING; 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil mindedness; they are whisperers [gossipers], 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS ARE DESERVING OF DEATH, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them" - Romans 1:24-32; NKJV.

But what of the erroneous claim that there is "no scientific basis" for gay conversion therapy!?

Well, let us consider the following from Focus on the Family:

The Right to Counseling for Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions

Can homosexuals change? Is trying to change sexual orientation harmful? Should counselors work with clients with unwanted same-sex attractions, helping them live out their sexuality in a biblical way? There's been a lot of debate in recent years in the mental health professionals, the media and various state legislations about these questions.

In the past, such help and change was widely considered both desirable and possible. More recently, however, an increased number of mental health practitioners now believe that a homosexual orientation is an intrinsic part of a person's identity that cannot - and should not - be changed. The mental health professions haven't really discovered anything new about human sexuality or homosexuality; they are just more ideologically and politically driven. …

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1998 issued a position statement "rebuking" practices that are broadly referred to as "reparative therapy" or "conversion therapy" for homosexuality. More recently, these practices have been labeled "sexual orientation change efforts" (SOCE). …

In 2007, the American Psychological Association set up a task force, composed exclusively of gay-identified activists and apologists, to study the issue. No practitioners of SOCE or experts on change from homosexuality were included in the task force. The group also threw out myriad accounts and reports of change from homosexuality and of help from SOCE, while at the same time using anecdotal statements of harm. Despite this stacked deck, the task force could not conclude in its 2009 report that SOCE was ineffective or inherently harmful. Nor did the group call for a ban on SOCE. They simply said more research was needed and cautioned therapists about their work.

Both groups claim to be scientifically driven, yet the APA states that homosexuality is a "normal variant of human sexuality." And the American Psychological Association says that homosexuality is a "normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation." But these views are really beyond the power of science to decide, entering into the worlds of philosophy, ethics and religion. Science can only tell us what is, not what is moral, good or ethical. Science also can't describe for us God's views about human sexuality.

Significantly, both groups seem to dismiss that fact that many individuals who experience same-sex attractions or engage in homosexual activity are dissatisfied with the situation and seek professional help to align their thoughts and behaviors with their convictions and faith. Many who experience homosexual temptations and impulses are responding to the Gospel message that unwanted same-sex attractions can be overcome. And as they seek pastoral and professional psychological counseling, they find that change and transformation are, indeed, possible. …

* There are no scientific studies that demonstrate that adolescents have been harmed through SOCE.

* The psychological literature confirms that permanent change from a homosexual orientation is possible.

* In 2007, Dr's. Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse published a study confirming that long-term change away from homosexual orientation can occur through religious mediation. At the end of three years, 67% of men and women who had undergone group discussions, individual counseling, journaling, Scripture reading and prayer either reported a change towards heterosexual orientation or were successfully continuing work towards that goal.

* In 2001, Dr. Robert Spitzer published a report showing that a majority of gay men and lesbians who sought "reorientation" therapy were able to achieve fulfilling heterosexual relationships.

* While acknowledging that change in sexual orientation is both difficult to define and to measure, a bibliographic review of the literature from the past 100 years or more notes the wide variety of treatments that have claimed success.

* There is no valid or replicable research demonstrating the inevitability of homosexual behavior based on biological or genetic circumstances. Studies on twins show that homosexuality is not genetic. (See also: https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/why-we-support-therapy-for-unwanted-homosexuality/).

(Read More: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/sexuality/leaving-homosexuality/the-right-to-counseling-for-unwanted-same-sex-attractions).

(Read also:  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/leaving-homosexuality/).

Brother Paul, in Romans, also WARNED about those that 'suppress the truth in unrighteousness' - Romans 1:18.

Banning counseling for those who wish to STOP sinning is wrong! It is wrong to tell people that they cannot change, and it is wrong to censor peoples' abilities to help those that want help!

GOD'S WORD WARNS that ever-greater censorship is coming:

11) "'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord GOD, 'That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the Words of the LORD. 12) They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the Word of the LORD, But shall not find it'" - Amos 8:11-12; NKJV.

Do not believe that the United Kingdom is the only place that will be banning this and discounting what God says.

In Canada, quoting parts of Romans chapter 1 is essentially banned.

Notice this from the state of California:

Assembly Bill 2943 would make it an "unlawful business practice" to engage in a "transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer" that either advertises or engages in "sexual orientation change efforts with an individual." In the bill, the phrase "sexual orientations change efforts" is defined as "any practices that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation. This includes efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex."

It would appear that this definition would include the Bible, since the Bible explicitly condemns homosexual behavior and defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. That means that if Assembly Bill 2943 is officially signed into law, it could ban the sale of the Bible in the state of California, which, for obvious reasons, would be an assault on not just the Constitution but on the very fabric of America.

First and foremost, the First Amendment guarantees that each citizen is endowed with the inalienable right to freely practice their religion without interference from the government. This includes not only the reading of the Bible, but also the private sale of the Bible from individuals or companies looking to spread the Christian faith. Banning the Bible, which Assembly Bill 2943 would likely do, is a clear violation of the freedom of religion as outlined in the Constitution.

Second, as a matter of free-market economies, since when does the government have the authority to control which products are sold by businesses and which are not? If California can legally declare that the sale of the Bible is prohibited, does this mean that they can ban any book that doesn't subscribe to the progressive ideology?

(Read More: https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-04-23-new-california-law-would-criminalize-book-stores-for-selling-the-bible.html).

The State of California already has a law against praying that minors should not be homosexuals. How can that be Constitutional in the United States of America!!!?

The Californication State Assembly PASSED "AB-2943 Unlawful business practices: sexual orientation change efforts" on April 19, 2018!!! While it does not, yet, directly ban the sale of the Holy Bible, it's certainly a step in that direction.

Now, the LGBTQ agenda supporters have published statements such as "the truth about religion in America. It reveals an ugly narrow-mindedness."

Indeed, GOD, through Brother Paul, WARNS against despisers in this final-hour - this end-time:

1) "But know this, that IN THE LAST DAYS perilous times will come: 2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, PROUD, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people TURN AWAY!

6) For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7) always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" - 2 Timothy 3:1-7; NKJV.

Friends, those of us who hold to the truth of GOD that sexual relationships are ONLY between a man married to a woman are considered to have 'ugly narrow-mindedness' by the supporters of the LGBTQ movement.

The Work of the Lord NEEDS to be done NOW as He said:

4) "'I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work'" - John 9:4; NKJV.

The time to do the work is NOW, while we still can! We are seeing more signs that 'the night is coming when no one can work.'

The State of California has proposed to have journalists, bloggers, and anyone who has influence to register and to get their 'news' approved before being allowed to put it online (See: Doug Casey Warns: "It's Going To Get Very Disagreeable In The U.S. At Some Level Quickly"). This bill, sponsored by California Senator Richard Pan is called the "Internet: social media: false information: strategic plan," or SB1424. If carried on to its limit, this would virtually cover anyone who ever post's anything on the Internet, and perhaps even those whose emails’ get spread around. A great many people in the U.S. government want to restrict what people tell others on the Internet.

A famine on the living Word of GOD is soon coming!

Until then, let us dear friends go through the doors that CHRIST opens to proclaim the glorious KINGDOM OF GOD (2 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-4), and help in proclaiming the Gospel Message which indeed is - the Kingdom of God will be established, and Jesus Christ will be your Savior and great High Priest, and the means by which your life is converted – we might call the New Covenant. That new contract with Jesus Christ.

It is LOVE to properly teach what the Holy BIBLE actually teaches, even if some groups call that 'ugly narrow-mindedness.' It is love to tell those with homosexual tendencies that they can change.

Jesus Christ can help them. As Brother Paul taught:

13) "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" - 1 Corinthians 10:13; NKJV.

13) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13; NKJV.

Sadly, too many people do not believe that is true. Jesus can help convert one from a life of sin to a life leading to righteousness.

Friends, we MUST persevere to the end - despite government restrictions and others who do not truly respect God or what His living Word says.

For additional information, Minister Michael C. Garrett teaches on this very subject in the sermon entitled He Will Heal Them.

World News Items (I checked my incoming email this week, here are some things I noticed):

In the United States of America – ‘you see them on the street. You watch them on TV. You think they’re people just like you. You’re wrong. Dead wrong.’ (See: ‘They Live, We Sleep: Beware The Growing Evil In Our Midst’). As the article says, “There’s a new, incredible powerful hidden force in our country that basically guarantees this Socialist woman will become U.S. President in 2020 …” However, that ‘new, incredible powerful hidden force” has always been here – it’s our mortal and spiritual enemy Satan the devil and his imps! Is the blessing from God of U.S. President Donald Trump the calm before the storm!? I, personally, see this great nation like the Simon and Garfunkel song – Slip Slidin’ Away! Friends, let us NEVER forget Robert Welch, Jr. and his infamous warnings!

Also in the U.S. and I shared this on our Twitter Page: A mother is unapologetically raising her daughter as an atheist (See: ‘I Am Unapologetically Raising My Daughter Without Religion’). We are reminded of our Lord God’s living Word – “’ As it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, so shall it be at the return of the Son of Man.’” And I personally believe that on June 26th, 2015 the United States of America – as a whole – turned their back on Almighty God!

Iran continues their deadly threats against JUDAH – the nation called Israel (See: ‘Netanyahu says Iran seeking means to attack Israel from Yemen’). And, as I have said before - Surely, just as Japan felt prior to December 7, 1941, Iran is feeling so much pressure that this may accelerate actions that are prophesied to strike Jerusalem (Isaiah 22:6-9), and a retaliatory strike against an Islamic centered collection of nations (cf. Matthew 24:7; Daniel 11).

In Syria and Iraq: Russell Travers, acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told a congressional panel, “Despite a consistent U.S.-led campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria that effectively dismantled its so-called caliphate, the number of fighters in those countries aligned with the group has grown in the last five years from a low point of roughly 1,000 fighters. … As many as 14,000 extremists remain there now, with roughly 2,000 in Syria from foreign countries (See: ‘ISIS Remains Potent, Deadly Despite Baghdadi’s Death, Top Spy Says’). As Minister Michael C. Garrett has written – “Isn’t it interesting, right now, every day in your newspapers, or on the television or the news on your computer, we’re seeing terrible things taking place IN the ancient land of Babylon!? Not far away from what we call BAGDAD. That land has just descended into chaos! And the birth of what they call ISIS! The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria! Nothing but bloodshed and horror’s beyond the abilities to describe. Well, way back then, God used the king of Babylon (think in terms of IRAQ) as a weapon of punishment against the tribe of Judah.” (Notes Regarding the Day of Atonement prophetically the Day of the Lord).

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is this week’s suggested Sabbath service:

● 2-3 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is The Feasts of the LORD (audio).
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is The Rest of the Dead 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, friends, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast sermons so that you won't miss our latest podcast distributed via RSS (Rich Site Summary) format!

Concluding Comments

The Book of Daniel has the following statement:

4) "'But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the Book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase'" - Daniel 12:4; NKJV.

When prophet Daniel was told this, they did not have steam engines, petroleum, nuclear, or even electricity.

We do now!

When prophet Daniel was told this, they did not have radios, televisions, computers, cellular telephones, or even the internet.

We do now!

When prophet Daniel was told this, there was no international power known as the United States of America - cf. Daniel 11:39.

There is now!

When prophet Daniel was told this, there was no power in Europe like the European Union, which had unity problems - cf. Daniel 2:41-43.

There is now!

There were also no people known as Christians – followers of Jesus Christ.

There are now!

Friends, we are in the time of the end where we understand more and more of the prophecies that were sealed in the Book of Daniel. Including the soon-coming destruction of the USA (Daniel 11:39), and her Anglo-Saxon descended allies (Daniel 8:24-25), and coming persecution of Christians (Daniel 11:28-35). People, indeed, are turning to and fro, knowledge has been increased, and we do understand more of the Book of Daniel. We are getting closer to the end of this age.

In this age when the love of many waxes cold, endure to the end - Matthew 24:13.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Is Halloween Biblical!?

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening - whatever time you are reading this article. Welcome to the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, the greater majority of Americans will be observing and celebrating what is known as Halloween. Yet, is this holiday - or rather, this world's "holy day" - biblical!?

The short answer is - a resounding no.

Halloween (a contraction of Hallows' Even or Hallows' Evening), is not listed among the LORDs feasts in Leviticus 23.

Halloween, which comes from an old English word, meaning 'all hallows eve' is a holiday just before the Roman Catholic "holy day" known as All Saints Day - known as 'the Day of the Dead' in Mexico. A large portion of Catholic reasoning for the celebration of All Saints Day is because they have so many "saints" that they wish to honor that they lumped it together with 'the Day of the Dead.'

the Origins of Halloween

Research any reputable encyclopedia and discover that it does not shy away from the fact that Halloween is of the origin of Samhain.

"Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. During the Samhain festival, the souls of those who had died were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought to be favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health, and death. When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century A.D., they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest."

(Halloween - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween). 

Also, in Asia, versions of Halloween - like what the Celts celebrated and the pre-Hispanic Mexicans - are celebrated.

"The Chinese celebrate the 'Hungry Ghost Festival' in mid-July when it is customary to float river lanterns to remember those who have died. ... Chinese Christian churches hold religious celebrations. ... Mainland China has been less influenced by Anglo traditions than Hong Kong and Halloween is generally considered "foreign." ...

Halloween arrived in Japan mainly as a result of American pop culture. As recently as 2009, it was not appreciated and only celebrated by expats. ...

            Philippines ...

The period from 31 October through 2 November is a time for remembering dead family members and friends. Many Filipinos travel back to their hometowns for family gatherings of festive remembrance. ...

            Singapore ...

Around mid-July, Singapore Chinese celebrate 'Zhong Yuan Jie / Yu Lan Jie' (Hungry Ghosts Festival), a time when it is believed that the spirits of the dead come back to visit their families."

(Geography of Halloween - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Halloween).

So, the modern Western version of Halloween has been spreading like wildfire around the globe. Yet, it is certainly not Christian.

The 'god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan the devil (who does indeed exist, despite many who falsely claim otherwise - such as a Melanie Cottam, a Dianic leader - See: History of Halloween traditions; lost symbolism, meaning) has been successfully spreading this holiday and getting it endorsed by many cultures and even religions around the world.

Bonfires

Just about everyone has had bonfires - especially connected to Halloween. This had its origins in this ancient Celtic festival. In North Wales, every family would build a bonfire into which each member would throw a stone which was marked with their own identification. Then, the family would recite prayers to their gods while gathered around the fire. Should a stone be missing when they returned to the site the following morning, it was believed that the owner of that particular stone would die within the coming year. Similar traditions were in the Scottish Highlands, and diverse forms of fortune-telling would accompany the festival. Also, on this particular night, all the people would congregate around a great community bonfire consecrated through sacred rites. And, in order to receive fire the following year, it was necessary to engage in pagan rituals, many of which included human and animal sacrifices to the gods.

History and Etymology for bonfire - Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire.

Jack-O-Lanterns

The origin of the jack-o-lanterns is rather amusing - also known as a will-o-the-wisp, or foxfire, or fairie fire, also a friar's lantern, or a corpse lantern - was believed to be a wandering soul which could not find any refuge because of a particularly evil deed that was committed in its lifetime. Others believed it was a malignant imp. The Finns believed that it was the soul of a child who was buried in the forest. Today's carving of a face on a pumpkin is symbolic of a mocking spirit - a spirit who chased terrified victims through mud and brambles until confused, and then leaving them stranded with the sound of laughter ringing through their ears. The corpse candle (a modern carved pumpkin) is said to be a small flame moving through the air in the dark and is believed by superstition to be an omen of the observer's imminent death - or the death of a loved one. Only the foolish would follow them.

Now, I could mention many more traditions with this pagan holiday - or rather "holy day" of ancient Samhain - but NONE come from the Holy Bible.

Turn with me if you will to Leviticus 23 - for God Almighty (the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ) had Moses, under the inspiration of God's Spirit list His feasts -

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) 'Speak to the children of Israel [or also the New Covenant Church of God], and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS.'" - Leviticus 23:1-2; NKJV throughout.

Friends, Halloween - also known as 'all hallows eve' or even All Saints' Day, IS NOT LISTED! It is not a commanded feast of the LORD - it is a tradition of paganized man. And there is no hint whatsoever of it in the Bible.

GOD WARNS:

"Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16) lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17) the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18) the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19) And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven [outer space], and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. 20) But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. ... 23) Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image IN THE FORM OF ANYTHING which the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" - Deuteronomy 4:15-24.

We must not, friends, worship Almighty God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ the way the pagans did - Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:31; Jeremiah 10:2-3.

God's living WORD repeatedly warns against the practices of witchcraft (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10). The Apostle Paul lists sorcery as the 'works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19-21). And, we are not allowed by our Creator to 'conjure spells,' or be involved whatsoever with 'mediums,' or 'spiritist's' - one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD' - Deuteronomy 18:11. ■


Additional items of possible interest:

Is Your Belief Biblical? online pdf booklet - ... and can you prove it!
The Feasts of the LORD sermonette - Minister Leonard V. Johnson - in Owensboro, Kentucky - covers some of the basics (the FOUNDATION) of the feasts of the LORD, and asks, Why do you keep the Feast of Tabernacles!?
What's In A Name!? - Jesus Christ plainly states to us in the Bible - multiple times - 'you shall know them by their fruit.'

Letter to our Friends - October 22, 2019

Michael C. Garrett

Minister and Overseer

Dear Friends:

Post Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day greetings from Owensboro, Kentucky, USA.

We truly enjoyed fellowshipping with those we could in Owensboro, Ky. this year.

Post Feast of Tabernacles Trials

Friends, the Fall Holy Days’ season is now past. We now must again face the issues in this world (such as work, school, relatives, financial issues, etc.) which was not the same when we were enjoying and rejoicing at the LORD’s feast – the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote the following:

“Well, regardless as to the source of your problems, troubles, and afflictions, if you suffer for righteousness sake, and if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. But understand that God the Father and Jesus Christ will be with you and they will reward you! Notice 1st Peter – there are several passages throughout the Book of Peter, where he talks about this concept. 1st Peter chapter 1, verse 3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, …” – and eventually, Heaven will come to the Earth. Verse 6 – “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the [appearing] of Jesus Christ, …” – so when Jesus Christ returns He will reward you for your faithfulness and your diligence, and for the battles which you fought. 1st Peter chapter 2, verse 19 – “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20) For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” …

Verse 21, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22) ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was [guile] found in His mouth’; 23) who, when He was reviled, …” – and this is tough as a human being. This is not easy – “…did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him [God the Father] who judges righteously; …” – that’s the example He set for us!”

(Suffering for Righteousness Sake).

Friends, while it is very difficult to rejoice in trials, God’s living Word says that we should (cf. 1 Peter 4:13; Matthew 5:11-12). Yet we, as the faithful did in the past are looking far beyond anything in this world – we are looking to the glorious coming of the Kingdom of God (cf. Hebrews 11:4-40).

Let us dear friends rejoice in God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ!

World News Items – here are some news items I found in my email after arriving home from the Feast

In the United States of America – the ‘In God We Trust’ nation – despite a grievous fight against by the boy’s father, the court decides that his son can now be a girl (See: ‘Unthinkable happens: Mom can FORCE ‘son’ into transgender life, court rules’). Friends, we know that our loving CREATOR emphatically says, “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD your God” – Deuteronomy 22:5. As well as Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. IT IS AN ABOMINATION.” These God-given laws are not antiquated. They are not outdated! They are still very much valid for the nations of Israel as well as the Gentile nations.

In Germany – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has admitted that German multiculturalism has utterly failed (See: ‘Merkel Admits German Multiculturalism Has "Utterly Failed"’). As we have been proclaiming, according to biblical prophecy, Europe will one day unite and reorganize – the rising of the final ‘beast’ power.

“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 terrorists! 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).

Also, around the world – countries that had been relatively peaceful are now a powder keg waiting to explode! (See: ‘6 Warning Signs That Civil Unrest Is Imminent’). This civil unrest has been brewing for some time. I personally have been witness to many of these warning ‘signs’:

1. Bad looks when you walk on the street.
2. People that normally would be polite or indifferent, as a minimum, start to look at you in a sort of aggressive manner.
3. People disappearing off the streets.
4. Law Enforcement Officials (LEOs) presence in massive amounts in the streets.
5. Drones flying too close to LEOs control points.
6. People wearing a single color.

Indeed, our Lord and Savior say, “’ Every kingdom [nation, government, institution] divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand’” – Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:24-26; Luke 11:17. And, He also WARNS that in the end-time, “’ And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man [at His return to this earth]. … Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven [from space] and destroyed them all.’” – Luke 17:26-30. The Apostle Peter admonishes us in saying that the Almighty “turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly” – 2 Peter 2:6.

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). To NOTE: Brother Roger is working on a hymnal songbook that will be available soon, which I will be putting into pdf for easy printing.

● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is Is There A ‘Secret Rapture’?
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is Our Earthly Tabernacles 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 Comments

Brother John was inspired by the Lord our God to write the following:

5) "This is the Message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that GOD is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" - 1 John 1:5-7; NKJV.

Friends, let us always walk in the light of truth. Let us NEVER practice darkness. Believe that our Lord Jesus can cleanse us from all sin.

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD in Christ forgave you" - Ephesians 4:29-32; NKJV.

As far as fellowship with one another goes, let us meet with other brethren when we can.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Salvation OFFERED To All (Sermonette)

The Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ is pleased to announce our latest sermonette from our YouTube channel and our BitChute channel:

58:48

Minister Leonard V. Johnson goes through many Scriptures showing that there is coming a time when nearly everyone who has ever lived or will live will have an opportunity for immortality and eternal life through our great God Almighty and our Savior Jesus Christ's Master Plan of redemption for His people!

Here is a link to this sermonette Salvation OFFERED To All

Some items possibly related in subject:

Christ In You (Unleavened Bread) - 2017 a seven-part series - a seven-part series by Minister Micahel C. Garrett in which the Days of Unleavened Bread is in accordance to what our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ says, 'I AM that Bread of Life!' We need to put Christ In Us always and forever!

Repent For Salvation - Paul tells us in the Book of Hebrews chapter 10 – that ‘it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ We need to remember that! God is our friend, Jesus Christ is our Savior, He is our soon coming King! But He has limits to His patience! And we need to make sure that we NEVER put God the Father and Jesus Christ into that spot where They have to figure out – ‘What do we do with them!?’ Stay loyal to God.
What's In A Name!? - Now I have a question: Is there any spiritual magic, special grace and disposition, in the name Armstrong!? […]

Letter to our Friends - October 8, 2019

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Dear Friends:

Greetings from Owensboro, Kentucky.

We trust that you HUMBLED yourself before God and our Lord Jesus Christ on the Day of Atonement.

I videoed another sermonette for this coming Sabbath, entitled Salvation OFFERED To All – in which I go through many Scriptures showing that there is coming a time when nearly everyone who has ever lived or will live will have an opportunity for immortality and eternal life through our great God Almighty and our Savior Jesus Christ's Master Plan of redemption for Their people!

Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day

The next feast of the LORD’s this fall is the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, which begins sunset on the 13th of October until sunset of the 21st of October.

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the returning of Jesus Christ and God the Father, New Jerusalem, and the kingdom of God! The establishment of the kingdom of God! After our Lord and Savior died for our sins to redeem all mankind, and after He sent us the Holy Spirit, and God the Father chose people for His glorious and holy name to become kings and priests to reign with our Elder Brother on earth (Revelation 5:10), and after the resurrection of the saints, and after He has finally brought about the Day of the LORD and finally thrown Satan the devil and his imp’s to the earth (a great prophetic meaning of the Day of Atonement), then we are ready for the commencement of the Millennial reign of our soon coming King of kings and Lord of lords upon the E A R T H.

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the spiritual and material abundance that will occur during the glorious Millennial reign of Jesus Christ when physical human beings will be keeping God’s commandments and His feasts without the influence of Satan and his imp’s – his minions (Revelation 20:1-6).

Indeed, Jesus Christ kept the Feast of Tabernacles and what we call the Last Great Day or rather ‘that great day,’ which is taught per John 7:10-37.

Here are some instructions pertaining to it in the Old Testament:

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 34) ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month [which is the month of Tishri] shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. 35) On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. … 41) You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute FOREVER in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42) You shall dwell in booths [tabernacles] for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths” – Leviticus 23:33-35, 41-42; NKJV throughout.

“’ You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. 14) And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. 15) Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD will bless you in all you produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice. 16) Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks [Pentecost], and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. 17) Every man [and woman] shall give as he [or she] is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you’” – Deuteronomy 16:13-17.

God commanded the physical children of Israel to dwell in booths/tabernacles in the wilderness for decades before they ever entered into the promised land – picturing that they were only heirs to the promised land. Even during the Millennium reign of Jesus Christ ruling over mortal nations, the mortal people will be only heirs to the glorious Kingdom of God. They too must overcome and grow in wisdom and knowledge and the grace of God to inherit the promises.

We – the spiritual children of Israel, the seed of Abraham – cf. Romans 4:11-17; Galatians 3:29 – are to realize that we have no permanent city in this age and look to the one to come (Hebrews 13:14). So, staying in temporary dwellings during the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day helps remind us of that. Christians should indeed attend church services, if possible, each day of the Feast to learn (Deuteronomy 31:10-13, and Nehemiah 8:17-18), as living sacrifices, which is our ‘reasonable service’ (Romans 12:1).

Friends, the Feast of Tabernacles is a time of rejoicing (Deuteronomy 14:26; 16:15). And, the use of the “second tithe” shows that this is to be a time of abundance (Deuteronomy 14:22-26), but also that the ministry should be taken care of in this age (Deuteronomy 14:27). This glorious Feast helps picture the time of Millennial abundance – to the time of Jesus’ return.

We in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ continue to keep the Feast of Tabernacles – which points to the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ in the kingdom of God!

And, since Satan the devil and his demons will be bound for the Millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-2), there will be less deception then. Keeping the Feast of Tabernacles and meeting daily helps picture a time when the world will be very different than it is now.

“’ Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in Heaven.’” – Matthew 6:10.

Your Bible shows – in biblical prophecy – that the Feast of Tabernacles will be kept in the Millennium:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17) And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18) If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19) This shall be the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” – Zechariah 14:16-19.

The kingdom of God will replace all the kingdoms of this world (Revelation 11:15), and this great feast helps picture this by separating (cf. Revelation 18:4; 1 John 2:18-19) Christians from their usual routine.

So, the keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles gives us a glimpse in this age of what will happen in the age to come – the millennial kingdom. For indeed, soon coming, will be ‘the tabernacle of God’ on the earth in which God the Father [Theos] and Jesus Christ will dwell with us (cf. Revelation 6:16; 7:10; 21:3).

Here is a link to Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.

Online Booklets

We have two online booklets. It is hoped that those outside of the OCOJC will realize that there are dozens of Scriptures that support the view that we should, on a personal level, be clothed with humility before God on the Day of Atonement. And, prophetically, the Day of Atonement pictures a time of deep and disturbing trouble. A time of trauma. The seven last plagues. And, that includes the death of millions and hundreds of millions of people. And, that includes the utter destruction of false churches, false teachers, false doctrine. And, that includes the binding – a spiritual prison – of Satan and his demons. That means – clearing the deck of evil and evil sources.

Feast of Tabernacles and Optional Activities

The Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ will be keeping the Feast of Tabernacles on the 14th through to the 21st of October 2019 at the Logsdon Community Center 2400 Friendship Dr. Owensboro, Kentucky 42303. We graciously invite all who have a good spirit to attend. You can contact Minister Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for additional information.

There are optional activities in Owensboro, Kentucky to enjoy! There is the International Bluegrass Music Museum – website http://www.bluegrasshall.org/. There is also the Yellow Creek Park, which features hiking trails, and multi-purpose sports areas, as well as a Pioneer Village – website https://www.visitowensboro.com/listing/yellow-creekpark/. Also, there’s the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art – website http://www.omfa.us/.

You can click here to view an online Owensboro Tourism and Events Guide.

World News Items

In the United States of America, the left and the right-leaning media has been greatly focused on Ukraine and the possible impeachment of the POTUS Donald Trump (See: ‘Trump's 'Civil War' Quote Tweet Is Actually Grounds for Impeachment, Says Harvard Law Professor’).

In Hong Kong, there have been even more protests and violence (See: ‘More Violence Grips Hong Kong Ahead of China's National Day’). Also, China just celebrated its 70th anniversary of becoming communist with a military display (See: ‘China parades its latest missiles in challenge to US, others’).

In the United Kingdom, Brexit is still a major issue (See: ‘Boris Johnson: No-deal only alternative to Brexit plan’). Presuming that it happens very soon, Brexit and trade policies from the US could weaken the EU economy for a time (See: ‘Stopping Brexit Is About Saving the European Union’).

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week:

● 2-3 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is Salvation OFFERED To All by Minister Leonard V. Johnson.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is Let Not The Sun Go Down Upon Your Wrath by Minister 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, friends, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast sermons so that you won't miss our latest podcast distributed via RSS (Rich Site Summary) format!

Concluding Comments

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

“Ezekiel 33:1 – “Again the Word of the LORD came to me, …” – this is not Ezekiel just dreaming up some ideas, ‘Hey I think I’ll start a church and create my own ideas!’ No. This is Ezekiel hearing directly from Jesus Christ. Verse 2 – “’Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory [their borders] and make him their watchman, …’” – so at a time of impending war He’s saying you need to have some people watching out for you. Verse 3 – “’when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet …’” – again, you think about the blowing of the TRUMPET on the SEVEN TRUMPETS in the Book of Revelation, and those seven trumpets are followed by the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES which are the DAY OF THE LORD (different name but the same event). “…and warns the people, …’” – let’s quickly turn to Isaiah 58.

Isaiah 58 – remember, He just said there in Ezekiel, “’ Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them’” – speak to them, deliver this Message. It’s not like that particular servant has a choice. He’s commanded by God, ‘This is what I want you to do!’ Well, notice what Isaiah 58 says.

Isaiah 58:1 – speaking again to a prophet of God; and whether it was way back when or in the very near future, God doesn’t change, same mentality, same approach – “’ Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, …’” – and again, are these the physical people of Israel!? In part, probably. But I think even more dramatically, these are the so-called spiritual people of Israel. The churches which are supposed to represent the Way of God. ‘Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet.’ Well, in some small manner, to some small degree, that’s what I am trying to do. And we’re trying to blow the TRUMPET! And you might think, ‘Well, he’s sort-of cruel on some of those guys, he’s sort of rough on them.’ Let me say this: There’s a very good possibility that if they do not wake up and hear that Message and hear that WARNING, that they may very well end up dying. I do not want them dead. I do not want them to suffer. And I also do not want their blood upon my head. And so we speak, we speak the truth, whether people like it or not. We speak what God says, from the Book – the Word of God! The Will of God! The Truth of God, the Plan of God! And to the best of our ability, we’re trying to feed the sheep of Jesus Christ!”

Friends, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day is nearly here, keep it as God wants you to.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Offertory for the Day of Atonement - 2019

The Day of Atonement this year is from sunset October 8th until sunset October 9th. Here is an offertory sermonette:

19:34

Offertory for the Day of Atonement

Should an offering be taken on the Day of Atonement? Just what does your Bible teach about this!? If you send an offering how does that support the Work of God!? Minister Leonard V. Johnson goes over some Scriptures related to this.

Those interested in giving an offering can visit us at our 'Contact Us' page, URL http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/contact-us.html.

Some items of related interest:

Notes Regarding The Day of Atonement - Prophetically the Day of the Lord! The Day of Atonement - prophetically linked with the Day of the Lord. "The seven last plagues are directly linked with the idea of the Day of the Lord. And, the Day of the Lord - prophetically - is linked to the concept of the Day of Atonement. The Worldwide Church of God and the descendants which have flowed from it, have been woefully ignorant of the true meaning of the Day of Atonement. The Day of the Lord - an event which is the most often prophesied event in all the Bible!

Through Faith, God Healed Bud! - I ask: By what standard!? By what means and method does an individual examine and evaluate the condition and the status of their spiritual health and level of their spiritual maturity!? The most significant diagnostic tool that I can find in the Bible is from the Words of Jesus Christ in Matthew chapter 7, where He said, verse 16 - "'You will know them by their fruits.'" And then in verse 20, He says again, "'Therefore by their fruits, you will know them.'"

The Day of the LORD - Part 1  - The Day of the LORD - the single most prophesied event in the Bible - bar none. Not even the Return of Jesus Christ is prophesied as much as the Day of the LORD is prophesied!

Letter to our Friends - October 1, 2019

Michael C. Garrett                                                                                                                                                                                           

Pastor and Overseer

Dear Friends:

Greetings from Owensboro, Kentucky.

We had a fine Feast of Trumpets here! The Day of Atonement is coming up very soon beginning with sunset October 8th. So if you need to you should arrange to be off from work or school from sunset October 8th to sunset October 9th.

Day of Atonement

The next holy day this autumn is the Day of Atonement.

Here is some information concerning it:

“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 27) ‘Also the tenth day of the seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. 28) And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. 29) For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. 30) And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 31) You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32) It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath’” – Leviticus 23:26-32; NKJV throughout, unless otherwise noted.

“’ On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work’” – Numbers 29:7.

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

“You know, the church that was out in Pasadena, from which I was associated with at one time and other groups, they totally DISTORT the meaning of this day (the Day of Atonement) – in my opinion.

They’re all hung up on the words WAY BACK in the Book of Leviticus – ‘Afflict your soul!’ There’s a guy who’s an area coordinator, associated with Tyler, and I’ve heard him say with my own ears use the phrase, “God wants you to hurt!” I’ve never read that! I think they totally and completely distort the meaning of this day by their implementation of ‘voluntary’ humility - and Oh my, so many religious leaders are puffed up.

Another thing, they obsessed with what’s called the Azazel goat. A word in the Hebrew, which is translated into English, meaning, “Scape goat.” I thought it was boring 49-years ago, and it’s infinitely more boring than I’ve ever considered before! It was a very historic item, long, long ago in the priesthood of Aaron, a priesthood which is two-thousand years ago, almost, and was DONE AWAY. And I really don’t understand why people keep obsessing on this idea!? It was a valid event, way, way, thousands of years ago! It was an event which really has not a lot of relevance in the 21st century. I hope you can understand that. They spoke of things that were so distant and so irrelevant to our modern world. It just simply amazed me why are they obsessing on information that has very little practical meaning TODAY!? Especially in this day and age! Jesus Christ talked about the ‘end of the world,’ or the ‘end of the age’ in Matthew 24. …

Now, back in the Worldwide days, and I’ve even heard it by leading minister’s here in the last decade, they will actually say, “Well, look at the word atonement, it’s a-t-o-n-e-m-e-n-t, what does that spell!? At-one-ment.” Now, today, they have been many minister’s and congregations across America and around the globe which have talked about, “The at-one-ment with God!” There is simply NO correlation between the word atonement and the phrase at-one-ment. They have nothing to do with each other! It’s just a freak ‘accident’ of the language that you can divide at, one, and ment. Now, different ministers have attempted to describe this vague, hard to understand ceremony, from millennia ago – thousands of years ago, in an institution which NO LONGER EXISTS – the Aaronic priesthood does not exist anymore! It was replaced by the Priesthood of Jesus Christ! The Priesthood of Jesus Christ NOW supersedes the Levitical priesthood. We don’t live in the Old Covenant anymore! We live in the New Covenant! …

“…you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, …” Now, have minister’s made hay out of that! I want to point out right from the get-go, THAT is a very poor translation. The phrase in Hebrew, the root of it, and the meaning of it is “you will HUMBLE yourself before the Lord.” Now, does this mean a fast!? Many people say, “Yes, it does!” Jewish tradition says it does. Jewish tradition, if you’re going to be a ‘Jewish follower,’ and follow their TRADITIONS, on the Day of Atonement, you’re not supposed to eat or drink, not supposed to wear shoes made out of leather, not supposed to bathe, no cologne or perfume, or lotion, no sex – a whole list of things you cannot do! IF you follow ‘Jewish tradition.’ …

What’s MOST IMPORTANT is that you will HUMBLE yourself before the Lord on the Day of Atonement! … the teaching point: It’s the SEVENTH DAY OF THE TENTH MONTH, IT IS A HOLY DAY, AND, A COMMANDED CHURCH SERVICE, AND YOU ARE TO HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THE LORD.”

(Notes Regarding The Day of Atonement – Prophetically The Day of the Lord!).

Friends, the writer of Hebrews – attributed to the Apostle Paul – compared images of the Old Covenant Day of Atonement to stress the superiority of Jesus Christ’s priesthood – (Hebrews 8:6; 9:7, 11-26). The defunct Old Covenant Mosaic system of the atonement is perhaps most clearly explained by the Apostle Paul. For Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice, which permanently deals with sin and this ENDS the sacrificial system! And he also spoke of the substitutionary nature of the atonement as being at the HEART of Christ’s Message (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

So, since the Apostle Paul – through the inspiration of the Spirit of God – indeed calls Satan the devil the “god of this age” who has “blinded” this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), the greater majority of people have indeed been blinded and have yet to be covered by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ – our very Creator. Yet, this will happen for nearly all who will be called in an age to come – as God’s Master Plan of redemption and salvation to all, and not just today’s elect.

Our great High Priest took the death penalty for all human beings! Yet, as the Apostle Paul says, “But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” – 1 Corinthians 15:23. And then all who have ever lived or will live (cf. Revelation 20:5, 11-13). Now, this atoning sacrifice doesn’t apply to humans UNTIL God the Father calls them, repent, baptized and been gifted God’s Holy Spirit (cf. John 6:44; Mark 4:10-12; Acts 2:38) and truly try (with help from Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ) to live as THEY would have us live (cf. 1 John 2:6).

Prayers for Tumpa Sarker and her Work in Christ

We received a prayer request from our friend Tumpa Sarker in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

“I'm starting to work with some poor boy girls. Sunday school, various games, Jesus teaches music and helps them get to school. General Chat Chat Loung. sooo pray for me dear.”

World News Items

In the United States of America, the US House of Representatives’ Speaker Nancy Pelosi again called for an impeachment inquiry for the POTUS Donald Trump, because allegedly he called the president of Ukraine in July (See: ‘House Speaker Pelosi Opens Trump Impeachment Inquiry’). The unabated hypocrisy of the USA will soon catch up to her and it will not end well for her (cf. Isaiah 10:5-6; Daniel 11:39).

The American multinational investment bank and financial company Goldman Sachs has WARNED that the financial markets could see great chaos this month (See: ‘Goldman Sachs Has Just Issued An Ominous Warning About Stock Market Chaos In October’). Sometimes, we do see financial markets become disrupted and coinciding with the LORD God’s Fall Holy Day season.

And Iran has once again made threats that she will take steps if any action is taken against her for the destruction of the Saudi Arabian oil facilities (See: ‘Iran warns foreign forces to stay out of Gulf, amid new US deployment’ and ‘Iran's Rouhani calls for Muslims to unite against United States’). It is prophesied in the Bible that one day Jerusalem will sustain grave damage. It could be a combined Iran/Syria attack which will cause this (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9). Yet, they are not immune to attack and destruction (cf. Jeremiah 49:34-38).

It was announced that work will begin on a three-building religious complex with a shared foundation beginning in 2020. Called the Abrahamic Family House, it is to have a synagogue, a mosque, and a church – and this is something that the Vatican has been promoting as part of her interfaith agenda (See: ‘Meet the architect for the Abrahamic Family House’). While many will like this, it will not end well (cf. Revelation chapter 18).

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week:

● 2-3 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is “Proving the Truth” by Michael C. Garrett. An accompanying online Spanish language booklet entitled ¡Demostrando la Verdad! is available.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is Murmuring 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, friends, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast sermons so that you won't miss our latest podcast distributed via RSS (Rich Site Summary) format!

Day of Atonement Service

The Fall Holy Days have begun, the Day of Atonement is sunset October 8th to sunset October 9th.

Here is a suggested Holy Day Service for the Day of Atonement:

● 2-3 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is The Old Time Gospel).
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is Day of Atonement Offertory by Minister Leonard V. Johnson. (Audio: https://soundcloud.com/leonard-johnson-199529372/day-of-atonement-offertory).
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested is Day of Atonement = End-Time Trauma by Minister Michael C. Garrett. (Many more sermons are available at http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/).
● Final hymn.
● Closing prayer.

Concluding Comments

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14) For IF we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15) For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven [the atmosphere] with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with THE TRUMPET OF GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Friends, we know that the Bible talks about the resurrection from the dead. We know in 2 Timothy we hear the phrase, ‘at His appearing.’ Not this immediately ‘off to Heaven.’ We notice in Titus 2 – “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” 1 John 2:28 – “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” Over and over and over, nothing happens until Jesus Christ Returns! That’s what the Bible says! And if that be true, then what is all of this immortality of the soul and going off to Heaven!? It just doesn’t agree with the Bible. The resurrected saints of God are not going off to Heaven, but rather Heaven – the throne of God, the Kingdom of God – is coming to the Earth!

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,