Letter to our Friends - January 28, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings dear Friends from West Central Florida:

We hope that you are all well. I’m getting this letter out a little later this week because I had an important appointment Tuesday which took all day.

Statcounter Report 2019 for https://www.owensborocojc.com

This week seems to be a good time to go over with you the summary stat report for our blog page for the year 2019.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said, “’ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’” – Matthew 6:21.

The Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ follows the admonition of Jesus when He said, “’ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” (Matthew 10:6), and of course to the potential sheep of Christ. Our mission is to teach the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God to the ‘lost sheep of Israel’ and to testify of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, of the opportunity for all of us to have Jesus Christ as our great High Priest and to live under the promises of the New Covenant, and to someday be a part of the glorious Kingdom of God!

The average yearly page views for 2019 ended up at 4.2k.
The average yearly unique visits ended up at 1.6k.
The average yearly first time visits ended up at 1.4k.
The average yearly returning visits ended up at 185.0.

Yes, most of our viewing friends are in the United States, yet, within the last 9 months, we have reached 5.8% in Cambodia, 3.3% in Brazil, 2.4% in Ireland, and 1.2% in Cameroon!

Friends, the New Covenant was indeed prophesied! The apostle Paul teaches under a great inspiration of God’s Spirit, “But NOW He [Jesus Christ] has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. … 13) In that He says, ‘A New Covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. …” – Hebrews 8:6, 13; NKJV.

Now, most Protestant churches teach that the fault with the Old Covenant was God’s Law and that as the Old Covenant was made with Israel the New Covenant is made with Gentiles. And, that the Old Covenant had law, the New abolishes God’s Ten Commandments and is based wholly on promises. We, friends, need to know how to meet head-on this erroneous teaching.

The New Covenant is made also with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (Hebrews 8:8). A Spirit-begotten Gentile (in such places as Cambodia, Brazil, and Cameroon) can indeed become one of Israel spiritually (cf. Galatians 3:14, 29) – of the very household of the ETERNAL (Ephesians 2:19).

Let us hear the Words of the Lord our GOD:

“ … ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” – Luke 10:2.

Let us pray friends for even more views in 2020, with an ever-greater number of laborers for His harvest!

Thank you for your friendship and support.

Feast of Tabernacles

In 2020 the Feast of Tabernacles’ services is to begin the evening of October 2nd and continue until the Last Great Day which is October 10th.

We will be meeting this year at the Logsdon Community Center 2400 Friendship Dr. Owensboro, Kentucky, USA, 42303. If you are not a regular attendee in Owensboro and wish to come, please contact Michael C. Garrett for particulars. His email address is garrett158@roadrunner.com. Now is the time to plan for it, no matter where you live.

Here is something in regards to a festival tithe - God states in Deuteronomy 14:22-27:

“’ You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. 23) And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. 24) But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you, 25) then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. 26) And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 27) You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.’” – Deuteronomy 14:22-27; NKJV.

Friends, indeed, tithing is an Old Covenant concept. After the death and resurrection, the New Testament nowhere commands us or even admonishes us as Christians to submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament – under the New Covenant – nowhere designates that we are now to save a percentage of income for feast finances.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, …” – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; KJV.

Jesus Christ – under the New Covenant – speaks about the importance and the benefits of giving. We are to give (as well as save for God’s feasts) as we are able. Sometimes that means 10 percent; sometimes that may mean less. It depends on the ability of the individual and the needs of the Body of Christ – the Church. Tithing, as well as saving for God’s feasts (it is a wise concept) is a private matter between the individual and Almighty God and Jesus Christ because it is an act of worship. It’s not the “job” of the Church to “enforce” or “police” this Old Covenant law. Each individual has the responsibility to “honor the LORD with [his/her] possessions, And with the firstfruits of all [their] increase.” Tithing, as well as free will offerings, are the method by which the Gospel is proclaimed to the world – Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:21; 23:23.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or OF NECESSITY; for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7; NKJV.

World News Items; let me check my teletype

Breaking Israeli News reported January 22nd – that there have been so many fires and disasters in Australia, that it sounds a bit like the ten plagues of Egypt (See: ‘Australia Slammed With Hail, Pestilence, Darkness Plagues in one Week’). Indeed, friends, biblical prophecy does point to events that will be reminiscent of those plagues. The following is taken from my ‘Accumulation of Notes’ on my personal Facebook:

Now, many from the old Worldwide Church of God might be confused when I use that term ‘plagues.’ They used that term, but they misapplied it.

These FOUR TRUMPET BLASTS are the harbinger of different stages of plagues being placed upon the earth.

The Two Witnesses – “These have power to shut heaven [the atmosphere], so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy [their teaching]; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire” – Revelation 11:6; NKJV.

And, just like Moses and Aaron were informed by God what to say – they pronounced these plagues back in their day, and it came cascading down upon the people of Egypt. Well, these Two Witnesses will have this same power. But it won’t be localized to Egypt. These will be situations affecting the entire earth. And, I do believe there’s a good chance – and I can’t prove it, I’m just saying there’s a supposition – that the FOUR TRUMPET BLASTS (plagues) we read about might very well be officially announced by the Two Witnesses.

Friends, the terrible things which are occurring in Australia right now – are not that.

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote concerning the end-time prophets:

“Now, I can’t say one way or the other – but let’s just say there are twelve. Six groups of two – apparently working in tandem. Because that’s what Jesus did earlier in the “gospel” accounts. He sent them out two by two. And five of these groups will be martyred. Ten people – probably. Two will be left alive until the very end – and they will be called the Two Witnesses. They will end up in Jerusalem – directly opposing the great false leader of Europe and the great false religious leader of Europe. Just like Moses and Aaron did as they went into the court of a pharaoh. And they will curse the world with different plagues. And eventually, these two people will be martyred. But three-and-a-half days later they will rise again.”

(Day of Atonement = End-Time Trauma).

But speaking of plagues, there are grave concerns in regards to the Wuhan Coronavirus. It has become a terrible problem as multiple millions of Chinese traveled for the Year of the Rat – the Chinese New Year which began January 25th (See: ‘Death Toll Rises to 6 in China from Outbreak of New Coronavirus’ and also ‘China virus sends shiver through markets as risks mount’). Here is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) current situation of the Coronavirus: ‘Novel Coronavirus in China’. Also, here is a ‘Live Update’ from The New York Times – ‘Coronavirus Live Updates: Emergency Declaration Is Considered as Toll Rises’. Even the US has been affected by this terrible virus (See: ‘2nd US coronavirus patient confirmed as 1st cases reported in Europe’). I also saw in this morning’s news reports, ‘India reports its first case of coronavirus’). Friends, as terrible as all this truly is – it should come to no surprise to us! Jesus Christ WARNED of pestilences as part of ‘the beginning of sorrows’ – Matthew 24:8.

In Switzerland, the World Economic Forum (WEF) conference is being held (See: ‘’A new world disorder’: Global leaders head to Davos 2020 in search of stability’). Here a few more articles regarding this conference: ‘Davos bolsters security as protesters march toward venue’ and ‘Davos braces for Trump-Greta showdown as climate change tops agenda’). Also, I had shared on our Twitter which is in relation, ‘Calls for a US 'digital dollar' rise as China powers ahead with a digital yuan’).

Now, this all brings to mind something Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote in our free online (PDF) booklet “The Mark of the Beast”:

a prophesied “one-world government”?

… That is a part of that Left Behind - Far-Right evangelical conservative garbage! … The Bible describes a “one-world government”!? No. Now, every time I’ve seen one of these books or one of these movies I’ve always been astounded by this concept that they put forth of “one-world religion,” and “one-world government”! And that seems to bring great joy to people of that ilk to talk about it. And if it were true it would be something to be upset about, but THE BIBLE DOES NOT describe that! …

Now, this idea of … “What happens when cash is removed from society and some political power regulates digital currency?” is a MISINTERPRETATION of the concept – which in the Book of Revelation is called “the mark of the beast.”

Now, many wonders just what this ‘mark’ is in association with the final ‘beast.’ Could it have to do with a time of worship or with work!? Is there an image to this ‘mark’? What does the Word of God truly teach!? Be sure to read our free online (PDF) booklet “The Mark of the Beast” to learn this amazing TRUTH OF GOD!

Indeed, the military and economic dominance of the United States of America will come to an end. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), as well as certain other Asian nations, are working feverishly to bypass the US dollar in trade (See: ‘Russia takes over the reins to chair BRICS in 2020’ along with ‘Is BRICS Dodging US Dollar?’). While it will still take some time to eliminate the US dollar dominance in world trade, it will indeed happen. And, steps to make that happen are going on right now.

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). I have spoken with brother Roger and he has assured me that he is still working on our collection of hymns. When they are completed, we’ll have a Bible Hymnal in (PDF) here.
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is “Repent For Salvation” by Michael C. Garrett.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is “Dimash in NYC – A Daily Dose of Dimash” by Michael C. Garrett. (More sermons 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

The prophet Isaiah was inspired by God’s Spirit to write:

20) “’ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21) Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!’” - Isaiah 5:21-22; NKJV.

Here is something Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote concerning this passage:

“In this country, we have physical leaders, often they hang out in Washington, DC, that are ‘wise in their own eyes,’ and yet, also, within the churches of God, there are leaders who are only impressed by what THEY have to say. And they want all the people to follow them and them only. And they take the attention of God and try and put it on themselves. And there are people within the churches of God who actually ‘call evil good.’ There are people in the churches of God that are teaching things which are irrelevant or unnecessary or very unfruitful or low nutrition – a very un-nutritional spiritual diet. And yet they call that ‘good.’ And then some of them –like Mark, down in Texas, who completely ignored me. Well, ‘Woe unto them,’ thus says God. … A sermon “Look To Jesus, Not Moses”, which is based upon the Words of the Bible, inspired by Jesus Christ, is called ‘evil,’ and ‘terrible,’ and ‘shouldn’t be listened to,’ and ‘we’re never going to send it out, we’re going to censor it.’ When you do that, you have “despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel.” … Because people have cast-away the Word of the Holy One of Israel and have no respect for it.”

(Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day).

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,

Is Michael Identified as Jesus Christ!?

Is the archangel Michael, who is called 'your prince' in Daniel 10:21, the being we know of as Jesus Christ - the Son of God!?

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) self-proclaimed 'prophetess' Ellen G. White taught as doctrine that the archangel Michael was Jesus. However, is this assumption true!?

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was - and is - a Prince (Daniel 9:25). Yet, this passage does not make Him the prince who is named "Michael."

Here are some citations which Ellen G. White taught, and the SDA continues to teach today:

Patriarchs and Prophets  - Again: Christ is called the Word of God. John 1:1-3. He is so called because God gave His revelations to man in all ages through Christ. It was His Spirit that inspired the prophets. 1 Peter 1:10, 11. He was revealed to them as the Angel of Jehovah, the Captain of the Lord's host, Michael the Archangel. {pp 761.5}

Prophets and Kings - For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus; and before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel's aid. "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days," Gabriel declares; "but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." - Daniel 10:13. {pp 572}

Prophets and Kings - Then the Angel, who is Christ Himself, the Saviour of sinners, puts to silence the accuser of His people, declaring, "The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" {pp 584}

Early Writings - Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. … {pp 164}

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419] - Jude presents the example of Christ. He says, 'Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil He disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee' - Jude 9. {19MR 106.2}

Now, the angelic being who gave the prophet Daniel the vision which is recorded in chapter 10 told Daniel, "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, ONE OF THE CHIEF PRINCES, came to help me …" - verse 13. So, notice that they were able to subdue the prince of Persia - an evil and rebellious spirit. Also notice in this verse that Michael is called "ONE OF the chief princes." Clearly being that among the angels of God there are more 'chief princes.' The combined strength of Prince Michael and the prince who delivered this vision to Daniel (Gabriel) was enough that they were able to subdue the prince of Persia.

O friends, our LORD God - Jesus Christ - is far superior to any of these created spirit princes. There is no being - other than God the Father - who is of equal rank to the Messiah! Yet, there are others of the archangel Michael's rank. Jesus Christ is NOT Michael!

Sadly, even the Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus is the archangel Michael:

● The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9).

(The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom - 1995; The Truth About Angels; retrieved 28 January, 2020).

●  - it is logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role.

(Who is Michael the Archangel? Jehovah's Witnesses; retrieved 28 January, 2020).

Also, the Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus Christ is not God.

Clear Scriptures such as John 1:1 says otherwise:

"In the beginning was the Word [the Logos - the One we now know of as Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God. 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. … 14) And the Word became flesh and [tabernacled] among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER, full of grace and truth" - John 1:1-3, 14; NKJV.

Now, their bible - which they call the New World Translation - which they bastardized reads:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. … So the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of divine favor and truth."

Friends, even typing that blasphemous, corrupt, profane drivel up nauseated me. Let us be reminded what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - formerly known as the Word - WARNS US through one of God's holy angels:

"'For I testify to EVERYONE who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book [the whole of the Holy Bible]: If ANYONE adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this Book; and if ANYONE takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life [He will take away the gift of eternal life], from the holy city [of New Jerusalem], and from the things which are written in this Book'" - Revelation 22:18-19; NKJV.

God's living Word (and might I say, the better of the translations of the Bible is the Authorized Version; also known as the King James Version) is clear that Jesus Christ was - nor is - the archangel Michael.

Let us notice from the Book of Hebrews:

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2) has in these last days spoken to us BY HIS SON, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5) For to which of the angels did He [God] ever say: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You'? And again: 'I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son'?

6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all the angels of God worship Him.'

7) And of the angels He says: 'Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.'

8) But to the Son [Jesus Christ] He says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9) You have loved righteousness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.'

10) And: 'You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11) They will perish, but You remain; And they will grow old like a garment; 12) Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.'

13) But to which of the angels has He [God the Father] ever said: 'Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool'?

14) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" - Hebrews 1:1-14; NKJV.

Jesus has been in authority over Satan the devil ever since he was created as Lucifer. However, Michael was not in authority over him and could not give him a command. He could only pass a rebuke from the Lord God (Jude 9).

So, friends, it's easily proven from God's Word that the archangel Michael is not - and could not be - our living Christ! Michael is, instead, an angelic being who is put in authority over some of the lesser ranked angelic beings in God's Kingdom. □


Additional Items of Interest:

So Sweet, And Yet So Deadly (Sermon) - What is the one thing that EVERYBODY truly wants!? Have you ever thought about this!? […]
antichrists - in the last hour - The so-called leader of the ICG in his December 16th, 2016 “Weekly Update” had stated, […]
Repent for Salvation - Well sometimes we hear about or we learn, or discover, that someone we know – maybe a family member or a dear friend or possibly a member of our local congregation […]

Letter to our Friends - January 21, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings from Central Florida:

It’s been another full week. We hope you had an enjoyable Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States of America. I thought it appropriate to mention this concerning the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mithraism

Now, he was a Baptist minister who became best known for his civil rights activism, but in the middle of the 20th century, he wrote about many things – including Mithraism. Mithraism was a Roman mystery religion centered on the god Mithras. A religion that observed Sunday and had followers such as the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century.

Historian Paul Johnson has this to say concerning Constantine, “Constantine never abandoned sun-worship and kept the sun on his coins.” 1 And, Joseph Wheless wrote, “Constantine showed equal favor to both religions. As pontifex maximus, he watched over the heathen worship and protected its rights.” 2

Here is something Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote dated November 23, 1949:

In Avesta, Mithra was the genius of celestial light … The doctrine of the immortality of the soul was another view which was very prominent in Mithraism …

Women were compelled to seek salvation in some other cult, for Mithraism excluded them entirely …

When Mithraism is compared to Christianity, there are surprisingly many points of similarity. Of all the mystery cults, Mithraism was the greatest competitor of Christianity …

That Christians did copy and borrow from Mithraism cannot be denied.

(Read More: https://originalpeople.org/martin-luther-king-jr-1949-paper-on-the-influence-of-mithraism-on-christianity/; retrieved January 21, 2020).

This was also written by him in February 15, 1950:

… the Church made a sacred day out of Sunday partially because … of the resurrection. But when we observe a little further we find that as a solar festival, Sunday was the sacred day of Mithra: it is also interesting to notice that since Mithra was addressed as Lord, Sunday must have been “the Lord’s Day” long before Christian use. It is also to be noticed that our Christmas, December 25th, was the birthday of Mithra, and was only taken over in the Fourth Century as the date, actually unknown, of the birth of Jesus.

(Read More: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/influence-mystery-religions-christianity; retrieved January 21, 2020).

Indeed, Martin Luther King, Jr. clearly understood that the Sunday churches dropped the Sabbath, and that ‘the Lord’s Day’ essentially first meant the day of Mithra. Much of what is now called “Christianity” is a compromise with the religion of Mithraism.

So, while Dr. King was most known for his civil rights protests, he discovered through study that much of what passes for Christianity – even today - is really just an adopted form of Mithraism.

Is Matthew 24:14 being fulfilled – now!?

Friends, I find that so many of the descendants of the WCG continue to practice the misappropriation of Matthew 24:14. They continue to teach it as, “And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a WARNING and a WITNESS unto all nations, …” It does NOT say that! Jesus Christ said – quoting from the Authorized Version – “’And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’” The word witness is from the Greek word marturion, meaning testimony. And, testimony is almost always rendered “witness” in the Revised Version (RV). The New American Standard Bible (NASB) renders it, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Jesus Christ just said the TRUTH OF GOD will be preached. But human beings have incorrectly came up with the idea that THEY are going to be the ones doing the preaching!

Now, back in 2018, I received a message via Facebook from a man which stated, “The gospel that should be preached now is the gospel of the grace of God.” And he used Acts 20:24 to prove this. Well, he was partially correct.

The apostle Mark, under great inspiration of the Spirit of God, wrote in Mark 1:14-15, “Now after John [the Baptist] was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe [believe this great announcement] …’” Also, in Luke 4:43 – “but He [Jesus Christ] said to them, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God …’” And then, after His human death and His glorious resurrection, Acts 1:3 – “to whom He [Jesus Christ] also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days …” and what was He talking about!? “…and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

The apostle Paul, also, when he was under house arrest, fearing that he might die, Acts 28:23 – ““… he explained and solemnly testified of the Kingdom of God, …” Also in Acts 28:31 we read, “preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”

Indeed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of the kingdom of God, the good news of Jesus Christ our Savior, the good news that Jesus died for our sins and that after three days and nights walked out of the tomb – establishing a pattern. And, it’s the good news of the New Covenant. A new contract, an agreement between Jesus Christ – our Elder Brother – and us. And, it’s the good news of God’s grace – the promise of eternal life.

O my! The kingdom of God – a beautiful and powerful soon-coming kingdom! And, that’s what all of us should be focused upon! The kingdom of God! Jesus said, “’But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [all our physical needs] shall be added to you’” – Matthew 6:33.

Now, Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. …’” The word kingdom in Greek is basileia, meaning “the realm in which a king sovereignly rules.”

Yet sadly, like the man who wrote me back in 2018, so many people about the highways and byways of these worldly churches it’s not always clear that the people of God – those individuals whom Jesus Christ and God the Father has called and chosen to understand the Truth of God – are indeed to seek first and foremost the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Again, many of the descendants of the WCG continues to teach that they are the ones doing this great testimony – this witnessing. And in T R U T H – in the end-time – that TESTIMONY will come from Jesus Christ through His chosen ‘witnesses’ (possibly 12) – the “end-time prophets.” Friends, it is not referring to printing presses, or radio stations, or TV and all of that – as they taught their members, “Hey, we’ve got to pump out all this information. So send more money, send more money!”

Jesus Christ isn’t going to rely upon sometimes half-hearted efforts of human beings! He’s going to take care of that job Himself! The Two Witnesses for 3 ½ years will have the power from God and Jesus to do untold miracles that this world has never seen or imagined! Jesus said, “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, … the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, …’” – John 14:12.

The man via Facebook also wrote, “The gospel of the kingdom will be preached again after the rapture to Israel before the second coming.” And again, he is partially correct. (Be sure to watch our sermon: Is There A ‘Secret Rapture’?).

Friends, the possibly twelve witnesses, which are martyred (cf. Matthew 24:9) down to what the Bible calls ‘two witnesses’ (See: Revelation 11:3), are basically patterned after the historic work of Moses and Aaron. There were times when Moses and Aaron went to the house of pharaoh and pronounced a decree. ‘Thus says the Eternal God!’ The end-time prophets will do that also! But these end-time prophets will also say just like Moses and Aaron said to pharaoh, ‘Let my people go!’ ‘Let the people of Israel go!’ And so the end-time prophets – in this modern end-time – will be demanding the leaders of this soon-coming ‘beast’ power – this ten nation combine – ‘Let loose, let free, the captives which came from the house of Israel!’ (Be sure to read our three-part series entitled Prophecy Series).

Turn with me if you will to Revelation 11:4-7, concerning these end-time prophets which are martyred, leaving but the ‘two witnesses,’ which will also be martyred. These two are a modern-day type of Moses and Aaron when Israel was taken out of Egypt. That happened earlier, and it will happen again. As in the physical people of the children of Israel were brought out of slavery and bondage, so too will the ‘elect’ (See: Matthew 24:22). A great many of the Gentile nations rise up against the nations of Israel, and greatly wound them, damaging them, destroying a great many people – and cause a state of captivity over the nations of Israel.

So, as I had written in May 2019 - Matthew 28:19-20, though preaching as a witness is included within the scope of the commission – it is actually placing MORE emphasis upon the ENTIRE PROCESS OF CONVERSION, of feeding, of growing, and of overcoming – than merely witnessing. The key word being “process.”

The word “teaching” in verse 19 is the key to this understanding. The New King James English more accurately translates the word “teaching” to “make disciples.” And, this is not that teach is wrong as long as you understand that teach means a process. All the teaching required to make a disciples doesn’t take place merely in making a witness. There are huge differences between the two. At best, preaching the gospel of the coming Kingdom begins the process of teaching. Disciples are created through steady ‘feeding,’ a believing response in those who hear, combined with overcoming sin.

Let us also notice in verse 20, where it says: “’Teaching them [the disciples that had been made] to observe all things that I have commanded you.’” The key phrase being “all things.” Now, that cannot be done by merely ‘preaching in all the world as a witness.’ As we are learning – a life-long project requiring the structure of the Church of God. This, friends, is the reason why the Church of God – the Body of Christ – exists.

We focus on what Jesus admonished us to do, ‘FEED THE FLOCK!’ And, though witnessing is included in it – it’s the feeding of the flock, because it is the called, the elect – God’s children – who are God’s greatest concern. These are the ones who are being prepared for the Kingdom of God. And, it takes a lot of feeding and experiences with Almighty God and Jesus Christ, for Them to be formed in us.

YouTube

Many “partner’s” of YouTube received the following in an email:

Well, the above is but a general email from YouTube to their content creators, as opposed to any specific warning that we have published something that it is complaining about. We have received those types of emails before – however. The reality is that this is but another dangerous step from YouTube, which appears to try and stop people from holding to biblical standards of sexual morality, and it appears to stop allowing people to denounce any aspect of sexual immorality as defined by the Bible.

YouTube is not interested in “more inclusive content” in the biblical sense. They want content that they can agree with – even if it goes against Almighty God and our Savior Jesus Christ as written in the Bible.

YouTube claims that they are doing this to make an improvement, while truthfully they are embarking on ever-more censorship!

This is the main reason we have added BitChute and Godtube. They appear to be more tolerant of religious morality speech than YouTube.

Witches and Demons

Friends, there’s a book for children that has been published teaching children to ask demons for help! (See: SGT Report). Also, Disney has a new television program on how to become a witch (See: ‘Disney Introduces: ‘Demon’ who Trains Children to be Witches’). Demons are consistent with the following biblical prophecy:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times [this end-time] some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” – 1 Timothy 4:1-3; NKJV.

Indeed, the conscience is our God-given moral consciousness within each one of us. If ones conscience is “seared” – literally “cauterized” – then it has been rendered insensitive to things like animal cruelty – as an example. It has been dulled to the sense of right and wrong.

We are forbidden by God to call out to demons or want to be witches or wizards, or sorcerers – as in the Harry Potter franchise. Demons are “angels who sinned” (2 Peter 2:4) Now, while demons certainly have a desire to be worshiped or called a god, Almighty God and Jesus Christ WARNS us against ever doing that:

“Let NO ONE cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels [including, of course, demons], intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19) and not holding fast to the Head [JESUS CHRIST], from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase THAT IS FROM GOD” – Colossians 2:18-19; KJV.

The LORD our God – Jesus the Christ – emphatically stated, “’For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’” – Luke 4:8; see also Deuteronomy 6:13.

And also, one of God’s holy angels said to the apostle John (and subsequently to us, because it’s in the Holy Bible), “ … ‘See that you do not do that [fall down and worship angels]. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this Book [the Holy Bible]. Worship God’” – Revelation 22:9.

World News Items

A program has been announced within the European Union to try and fight climate change (See: ‘EU lays out 1 trillion-euro plan to support Green Deal’ and ‘European Green Deal: Brussels unveils €1 trillion plan to make EU carbon neutral by 2050’). Like the universal truth that for every effect there is a definite cause, without repentance there is a definite wrath from God. The Bible shows that even worse heat is prophesied to strike the earth – cf. Revelation 16:8-9. These SEVEN LAST PLAGUES ARE EQUIVALENT TO THE DAY OF THE LORD.

CHINA – A newly discovered respiratory virus is causing deadly pneumonia in China, and is making it’s way to other parts of the world (See: ‘Cases of new viral respiratory illness rise sharply in China’ along with ‘Washington man is 1st in US to catch deadly new virus from China’).

Friends, there are parallel biblical prophecies which clearly indicate why mankind will continue to suffer from the ravages of viruses and diseases. Notice Deuteronomy, the 28th chapter, beginning in verse 15: “’But it shall come to pass, IF you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you TODAY, that all these CURSES will come upon you and overtake you: … 21) The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has consumed you from the land which you are going to possess. 22) The LORD will strike you with consumption [wasting, degenerative disease], with fever, with inflammation [possibly infectious contagions] … 27) … with tumors, with scab [scurvy; deficiency disease], and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed. 28) The LORD will strike you with madness [mental disorders] and blindness and confusion of heart [emotional trauma]” – verses 15, 21-22, 27-18; NKJV.

It’s interesting to note that the Bible appears to indicate man’s proclivity to crowd themselves into disease-prone cities: “ … ‘when you are gathered together within your cities I will send pestilence among you’” – Leviticus 26:25; NKJV.

In 2020, there is reported 8.3 million people living in Wuhan City, China, where this new Wuhan Coronavirus first was reported. On January 20th, the Express wrote, “there are 200 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, … suggesting as many as 1,700 people could be carrying the virus. … with six people known to have died from the pneumonia-like illness.” (Read More: ‘China Coronavirus outbreak: How many people have REALLY been infected? Latest death toll’).

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

He [Jesus Christ] goes on to say, “…’See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.’” … blocs of nations, group of nations – the European combine and the Islamic confederation, or, caliphate, however you wanna call it – yet to fully develop! … And here we see, ‘nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.’ And, I’m willing to accept the possibility that this is Jesus Christ suggesting about the prophecy of Daniel 11. The king of the North vs the king of the South. The European combine and the Islamic confederation – whatever they will call themselves in the future. I think this is an indication of that growing tension between these two groups of people. “…’And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.’” So in all of this, it’s a step by step progress – over here something happens, over there something happens. And as you read the Bible and you sort-of get the feeling that it grows in intensity!

(Read More: https://www.owensborocojc.com/2019/02/the-day-of-lord-part-1.html).

The debt of the federal government of the United States of America continues to rise!

In July 2019, I had reported it at $22,547,313,786,884.

The prophet Habakkuk – around 605-625 BC – wrote a short book which has great implications for this end-time:

“The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw.

2) O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ And You will not save. 3) Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. 4) Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.

5) ‘Look among the nations and watch – Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. 6) For indeed I AM raising up the Chaldeans, a bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs. 7) They are terrible and dreadful; Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. 8) Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. 9) ‘They all come for violence; Their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. 10) They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it. 11) Then his mind changes, and he transgresses; He commits offense, Ascribing this power to his god’” – Habakkuk 1:11; NKJV.

So, notice friends that the above states that in this end-time the work which God works will not be believed, even though God reveals it – which He is doing through His servants. While most claim that this was only for the past and mock me for quoting this in regards to the soon-coming end-time trauma, they appear to forget that this is in the New Testament. The apostle Paul, speaking in a synagogue at Antioch to the sons of the family of Abraham, and all who fear God:

“’Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41) ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you’” – Acts 13:40-41; NKJV.

Continuing with Habakkuk:

“Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. 13) You are purer eyes then to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he? 14) Why do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things that have no ruler over them? 15) They take up all of them with a hook, They catch them in their net, And gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad. 16) Therefore they sacrifice to their net, And burn incense to their dragnet; Because by them their share is sumptuous And their food plentiful. 17) Shall they therefore empty their net, And continue to slay nations without pity?” – Habakkuk 1:12-17; NKJV.

As Minister Michael C. Garrett has said regarding World War I & II, “If it hadn’t been for the United States of America and the British people the bad guys would have won those wars!” Indeed, many believe – and I believe it’s factual – that in certain ways the United States of America and her Anglo-allies were “more righteous” than those nations at that time. However, the reality is – the tides are turning for the USA and her Anglo-allies.

“I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. 2) Then the LORD answered me and said: ‘Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

4) ‘Behold the proud, His [life] is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith’” – Habakkuk 2:1-4; NKJV.

Notice this end-time prophecy is for an appointed time – the time of the end. It is a prophecy for our time – and it will affect the proud. And, sadly, many will “run who reads it.”

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 It Is A Sign by Leonard V. Johnson.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is: Dimash in NYC - Let Your Light So Shine by Michael C. Garrett. (More sermons 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

The prophet Isaiah was inspired to write the following:

“’Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21) Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!’” – Isaiah 5:20-21; NKJV.

Indeed, like YouTube, they have everything backwards. What is truly important, mankind does not cherish. What is absolutely worthless junk – in the long run – people prize!

However, this is to be expected. We will see even more of this (cf. Revelation 13) as we get closer to the return of God the Father and Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Millennial kingdom of God!

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,

Bibliography

1)  A History of Christianity, Johnson, P., Simon & Schuster; 1976, 87.
2)  Forgery in Christianity, Wheless, J., FQ Classics, 2007, 30.

Letter to our Friends - January 14, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings from Central Florida:

It is a pure pleasure to speak with you today, and I want to thank you for your continued support and friendship. I had taken a short hiatus from the Letters to our Friends - but am back now.

Do you realize that we are approaching soon the 7th YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ attempting to initiate the Work of the Eternal Jesus Christ and to feed His sheep!? Our goal and our mission and our purpose - and this will be marked on everything we ever put out - is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ when He stated in the Book of John - "'Feed My sheep!'" And indeed, nothing could have started smaller. 

Jesus said to His twelve original soon-to-be apostles, "'Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel'" - Matthew 10:5-6. Now, this is an end-time prophecy! And, even though the story began in about 30 AD, the story became a prophecy for this end-time. So, 'go you to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' Now, think about that phrase, 'lost sheep.' Jesus said, 'feed My sheep.' And, in one sense the physical people of Israel are the 'lost sheep.' But in a more spiritual, more heightened, even more intense meaning, Jesus Christ might very well be saying, 'Go to the lost Church of God members.' Go to those people who believed they were in a good organization, they didn't realize that their leaders were corrupt and their teachings were impure - or highly compromised. 'Go to those lost sheep!' It has a double meaning!

So, please FAST AND PRAY for this! Pray for all our friends and brethren in this tremendous Work of Christ! Pray for Mr. Garrett and for me, as we pray for you - DAILY - FERVENTLY! Friends, let's not faint in doing good with great urgency and zeal!

Your prayers are greatly NEEDED

Dear friends,

We ask for your prayers for Don Everly, who is going into the hospital on the 28th for a biopsy and to run tests to determine the full extent.

Please pray for Don, and his entire family. Don is a faithful servant. We need him!

Do we have an idol?

Friends, if you were to flip through the prophecies within the Old Testament, you would see - at first glance - an excessive amount of the sin of idolatry, or rather the worship of other gods. Now, you might wonder - just how could that possibly apply to this 21st century Information Age (cf. Daniel 12:4). Well, worshipping grinning or leering idols are not really a major problem in this "enlightened" Western Christian-professing world - is it!? Yet, I note: I had watched last night What's Love Got To Do With It - and I never knew Anna Mae (better known as Tina Turner) was a Buddhist. So, there are those who worship a bald, overweight, jewel laden, grinning idol!

Now, the biblical definition of idolatry is nowhere near as constrained or narrow as that. If you put ANYTHING BEFORE God you are committing a form of idolatry. And the number one commandment is "you shall have no other gods before me." Number ten being "you shall not covet." The Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:5 and in Ephesians 5:5 - 'that covetousness of physical things [including people] is a form of spiritual idolatry and is a sin, and unrepented of is worthy of death.' And so yes, the Ten Commandments have a more practical everyday physical meaning, but the Ten Commandments have a mighty powerful secondary spiritual meaning!

Covetousness is perhaps the major form of national idolatry in America. And covetousness rears its head in many ways in the United States of America. Take - as an example - TV shows such as American Idol or I Am A Singer (a Chinese TV-series), or even The Voice. Watch one if you get a chance. The contestants sometimes become so mentally incapacitated with lust that it's so very sad. They gibber, or their eyes bulge out, and gasping, they hug and kiss the shows host; they jump up and down at the prospect of owning a fantastic new sports car just on the other side of the curtain. "Come on down!" The lust, greed, the vanity is certainly palpable.

In the United States today, we worship people, automobiles, money, and the status which money brings - material possessions. The prophet Isaiah, under great inspiration from God's Spirit wrote:

"Their land is also full of idols; They worship the work of their own hands, That which their own fingers have made" - Isaiah 2:8.

In actuality, this grave manifestation of this modern idolatry is perhaps the greatest and most serious sin in the United States of America. We, again - thanks to POTUS Donald Trump - are claiming to be a Christian nation, but our greed, our conduct, belies this claim. Covetousness is eating away at the very inside of our great nation.

Let us friends not ignore this biblical admonition - "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. …" - Hebrews 13:5.

What about many of the leaders of the churches which has descended from the now defunct Worldwide Church of God!? Sadly, often, these people are some of the most unsatisfied and unhappy of all. Some of them so deeply desire more and more!

And once a person sinks in the mire of idolatry - unrepented of - they begin to lose contact with the blessings of God, and their sense of direction, and purpose.

Friends, the last verse of the last chapter of Judges states the nadir of idolatry into which a person can descend.

" … everyone did what was right in his own eyes" - Judges 21:21.

In other words, total self-gratification, self-righteousness, "doing your own thing," serving and being concerned only for the self instead of honoring, obeying, and worshiping the Eternal Creator LORD God.

So, idolatry, simply stated, is the glorification of material things (even including a person) and human ideas.

Now, with that definition, do you see idolatry being practiced around you!?

Valentine's Day - February 14th, 2020

While I have it on my mind - let me ask: If you are a Christian, should you celebrate February 14th as Valentine's Day next month!?

Let us be reminded of what the Apostle John was inspired to write:

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If ANYONE loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16) For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. 17) And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" - 1 John 2:15-17; New King James Version throughout, unless otherwise noted.

Indeed, Valentine's Day is a worldly holy day (or rather holiday), essentially built upon the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. It will pass away. The true origin of Valentine's Day is outside of God's living Word - the Bible; His instruction manual per se.

Friends, let us ask ourselves - is the origin of Valentine's Day biblical or does it have a pagan origin!?

It's not that difficult to find out.

The online Encyclopaedia Britannica (Valentine's Day) says:

" … the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day."

Now, concerning this Lupercalia:

" … an ancient, possibly pre-Roman annual festival, observed in the city of Rome between 13-15 February to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility. Lupercalia was also called dies Februatus after the instruments of purification called februa, which gave February its name. ... 

At the Lupercal altar, a male goat (or goats) and a dog were sacrificed by one or another of the Luperci, under the supervision of the Flamen dialis - Jupiter's priest. An offering was also made of salted mealcakes. … After the blood sacrifice, two Luperci approached the altar. Their foreheads were anointed with blood from the sacrificial knife, then wiped clean with wool soaked in milk - after which they were expected to smile and laugh.

The sacrificial feast followed, after which the Luperci cut thongs (known as februa) from the flayed skin of the animals, and ran with these, naked or near-naked, along the old Palatine boundary, … 

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Now, also this pagan being named Cupid (a son of Venus) was also involved. According to a book I have in my library - Bulfinch's Mythology The Complete Texts - it states:

"Cupid. The god of love in Roman mythology (Lat. cupido, desire, passion), identified with the Greek Eros; son of Mercury and Venus. He is represented as a winged boy, carrying a bow and arrows. One legend says that he wets with blood the grindstone on which he sharpens his arrows."

(Bulfinch's Mythology, Bulfinch, T., Cupid - Dictionary and Index, Crown Publishers, Inc., © 1979, pg. 897).

And a very bold source writes:

"The church [speaking of the Roman Catholic Church] replaced elements of various love-gods (Juno Februata, Eros, Cupid, Kama, Priapus) with St. Valentine, an imaginary Christian. … By taking over some of the features of the pagan gods and goddesses, St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. … St. Valentine's Day can be traced back to Lupercalia, the Roman "festival of sexual license."

(http://www.religioustolerance.org/valentine1.htm; retrieved 1/14/20).

Now, does Valentine's Day sound like a holy festival to Almighty God and our Lord God Jesus Christ!? - or a holiday of lust?

The last source mentioned Juno Februata. Who was Juno?

Again quoting from the free online encyclopedia - Wikipedia:

" … an ancient Roman goddess, the protector and special counselor of the state. A daughter of Saturn, she is the wife of Jupiter and the mother of Mars, … As the patron goddess of Rome and the Roman Empire, Juno was called Regina ("Queen") and was a member of the Capitoline Triad. … The last of her yearly festivals was that of Juno Sospita on February 1. … Hence the community invoked the protection (tutela) of the warlike Juno Sospita, "The Saviour".

A holiday for the queen of heaven!?

What does God have to say concerning this!?

"' ... the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. 19) Do they provoke Me to anger?' says the LORD. 'Do they not provoke themselves to the shame of their own faces?' 20) Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place - on man and on beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground. And it will BURN and not be quenched'" - Jeremiah 7:18-20.

"This says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying: 'You and your wives have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands, saying, 'We will surely keep our vows that we have made to burn incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her.' You will surely keep your vows and perform your vows!'

26) Therefore hear the word of the LORD, all Judah [and might I say all the house of Israel] … 'Behold, I have sworn by My great name,' says the LORD, 'that My name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah [or even in the house of Israel] in the land of Egypt [even spiritual Egypt], saying, 'The Lord GOD lives.' 27) BEHOLD, I will watch over them for adversity and not for good. ... [they] shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, until there is an end to them'" - Jeremiah 44:25-27.

Indeed, even then, in God's own words, He was not happy with the people who wanted to worship the queen of heaven and He punished them for it! Will He not do the same (see: Hebrews 13:8) in the very near future to those who continue to worship the queen of heaven!?

Friends, no matter if this St. Valentine's Day is from the Feast of Lupercalia/Juno Sospita or even a little of both (which it probably is) it is NOT listed as one of the Lord our GOD's festivals (See: Leviticus 23).

The modern day practice of giving Valentine Day cards or asking someone to "be my Valentine" indeed appears to be a holdover of the ancient sexual lottery.

Modern secular scholars and historians understand this - shouldn't you!?

World News Items

Grave tensions between Iran and the United States have remained for weeks in the news (See: 'Iran Passes Law Labeling America a 'Terrorist Entity' along with 'Iran Fires Missiles at 2 Iraqi Air Bases Housing US Forces'). Indeed, the nation of Iran has escalated the situation! President Donald Trump has announced greater sanctions against Iran:

January 8, 2020

The U.S. military had advance warning of Iran's missile assault on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. forces, attacks that prompted a vow of new economic sanctions Wednesday from President Donald Trump.

Trump, addressing the nation, said no deaths or injuries resulted from the attacks. He said Iran appeared to be "standing down" and announced no military reprisal for the missile attack, but said "powerful sanctions" would be imposed until Iran changed its ways.

"Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism," he said."

(Read More: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/08/us-officials-warned-missile-launch-iraq-bases-troops/2842200001/).

The conservative Wall Street Journal reported the following:

January 8, 2020

TEHRAN - Iranian … Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed further retaliation for the U.S.'s targeted killing of an Iranian commander, hours after striking military bases in Iraq that house U.S. forces, but stopped short of threatening more military action."

(Read More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/irans-supreme-leader-issues-more-threats-at-u-s-after-missile-attack-11578480435).

The majority in Iran appear to have faith in a mythical one called the Mahdi that will be a redeemer of Islam:

"The Mahdi is believed to be a future Muslim world leader who will not only rule the Islamic world, but also the non-Muslim world as well. The Mahdi is said to lead a world revolution that will establish a new Islamic world throughout the entire earth. ...

The Conquering Of Israel

Islamic tradition pictures the Mahdi as joining with the army of Muslim warriors … The Mahdi will then lead this army to Israel and re-conquer it for Islam. The Jews will be slaughtered until very few remain and Jerusalem will become the location of the Mahdi's rule over the Earth."

(Read More: Antichrist Islams Awaited Messiah Endtime Bible Prophecy by Joel Richardson).

In the past, Iran's "Supreme Leader" said he is relying on the 12th Imam:

"Iran's ... leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei … has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, the Shiites' 12th Imam Mahdi, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events. Mahdi, according to Shiite belief, will reappear at the time of Armageddon. Selected forces within the Revolutionary Guards and Basij reportedly have been trained under a task force called "Soldiers of Imam Mahdi" and they will bear the responsibility of security and protecting the regime against uprisings. Many in the Guards and Basij have been told that the 12th Imam is on earth, facilitated the victory of Hezbollah over Israel in the 2006 war and soon will announce publicly his presence after the needed environment is created."

(Read More:  https://www.wnd.com/2012/01/iran-preparing-now-for-armageddon/; retrieved 1/14/20).

Iran is relying on a myth!

Now, contrary to the views of some, none of this is related to Ezekiel 38.

Let's look at what God's Word actually teaches:

"Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2) 'Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3) and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I AM against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4) I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.

5) Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6) Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops - many people are with you. 7) Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them" - Ezekiel 38:1-7.

Friends, this is speaking of the Millennium.

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote of this. Revelation 20:7-8 speaks of this same time during the Mellinnium:

"Concerning WHY Satan the devil and his horde is released for a short season Revelation 20:3b … because immediately he goes out to the four corners of the world –  And will be DESTROYED. And dead bodies will be piled high when the “Great White Throne” resurrection occurs. ... Revelation 20 ... Verse 7-8 – to Gog and Magog (Siberia, China, Russia area) to gather them together to battle against the beloved city of God and of the saints. A THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE WILL BE INSTANTLY SHATTERED WHEN SATAN IS LOOSED! It will demonstrate… people AFTER a thousand years, multiple generations (possibly 25 generations), they may hear people like you and me resurrected, many hundreds of years before, they may hear us say, “Well, you know when Satan lived upon this Earth, it was very difficult for people to obey God, because he caused so many troubles.” And after a while some of those people are going to say, “O’ come on! That’s like saying grandpa said he had to walk 6 miles to school through the snow. I don’t believe he had to walk 6 miles through the snow. It wasn’t that tough. It really wasn’t that bad!” Well, people will have become a little immune, or thick headed in their skull about that Message. And then at the end of the Millennium, when this horrible monster called Satan and his associates called demons are let loose, they INSTANTLY plunge the world into crisis again! It will be like, “See what I mean!?”

(Notes Concerning The Feast of Tabernacles And The Last Great Day).

Also in world news - Australia has been severely struck by a series of what look to be unprecedented fires! (See: 'Australia fires: Strong winds hamper efforts to control flames' along with 'Australia Calls up 3,000 Reservists as Fire Threats Escalate'). Friends, our prayers go out for all those affected by these fires and the extreme heat and smoke. And, also, as with fires, California had a great many lately - too! (See: 'California Fire Map: Easy Fire, Getty Fire, Hill Fire, Fullerton Fire, Riverside Fire, Kincade Fire Update as state battles 10 active blazes'). However, there still is not a national cry for repentance!

God's living Word - the Bible - WARNS that God often uses weather to send a Message. Sometimes its drought, sometimes its mildew, and sometimes its fire - here are some examples:

"'I also withheld rain from you [drought], When there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, And where it did not rain the part withered. 8) So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, But they were not satisfied; YET YOU HAVE NOT RETURNED TO ME,' Says the LORD.

9) 'I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, Your vineyards, Your fig trees, And your olive trees, The locust devoured them; YET YOU HAVE NOT RETURNED TO ME,' Says the LORD" - Amos 4:7-9.

"The LORD said: 'Surely it will be well with your remnant; Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you In the time of adversity and in the time of affliction. 12) Can anyone break iron, The northern iron and the bronze? 13) Your wealth and your treasures I will give as plunder without price, BECAUSE OF ALL YOUR SINS, Throughout your territories. 14) And I will make you cross over with your enemies Into a land which you do not know; FOR A FIRE is kindled in My anger, Which shall burn upon you'" - Jeremiah 15:11-14.

"'O house of David! [the house of Israel] Thus says the LORD: 'Execute judgment in the morning; And deliver him who is plundered Out of the hand of the oppressor, Lest My fury go forth like FIRE And BURN so that no one can quench it, BECAUSE OF THE EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS.

13) Behold, I AM against you, O inhabitants of the valley, And rock of the plain,' says the LORD, 'Who say, 'Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter our dwellings?' 14) But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings,' says the LORD; 'I WILL KINDLE A FIRE IN ITS FOREST, And I shall devour all things around it'" - Jeremiah 21:12-14.

Let us pray dear friends that those in Australia and elsewhere will repent - as worse 'troubles' are ahead as so many continue to go in an immoral direction away from God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friends, very soon this world will experience the 'troubles' of which the LORD our God WARNED; and of which is also consistent with Daniel 11:40 - the 'kingdom of the North,' and the 'kingdom of the South':

"'For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows'" - Mark 13:8.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Holy Day service for this week for our scattered brethren and friends:

● 2-3 hymns.
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is: Put Away Other God's - by Garner Ted
    Armstrong
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon: The one suggested for this week is: Dimash in NYC - From Whence Come Wars?  - by Michael C.
    Garrett. Additional sermons available at: http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/. 
● Final hymn.
● Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. AND MANY ARTICLES AT THE https://www.owensborocojc.com/.

Concluding Comments

I just got off the phone with our good friend Don in Owensboro, Kentucky, and I had mentioned to him some concerns that I have, and he actually gave me something to think about. And, it truly has to do with Jesus Christ's command: 'And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

Turn with me if you will to Luke 15:7 -

"'I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.'"

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote concerning this wonderful parable of our Lord - and it should truly give us much to think about:

" ... I started reading this story, and I saw this father in my mind’s eye. I saw his eyes, I saw his face. I heard his voice. And I realized deep emotional involvement he had in this. And I saw those two sons, just as clear as a bell. And it became very, very real to me! And I was deeply impressed by it. ...

I contemplated this for two or three days and thought: well, this may be the thought of mercy. The idea of mercy. Because this story is about a father who bestows mercy. It’s about a younger brother who is very unthankful, but then realizes that he needs mercy. And, it’s a story about an older brother, that was incapable of feeling merciful towards his own brother. The concept of mercy is tied up in all three of these people.

“Then He said: ‘A certain man had two sons. 12) And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me [my inheritance, give me all the money that is going to be due me. I want it now].’ So he divided to them [his wealth]. 13) And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country and there wasted his possessions with [riotous] living.’”

14) But when he had spent all, [he wasted everything!] there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.’” – didn’t have food. Didn’t have a place to live. Didn’t have adequate clean clothing anymore. Verse 15 – “’Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.’” – he became a farm worker. Verse 16 – “’And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the [husk] that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17) But when he came to himself, …’” – I love that expression. ‘When he came to himself.’ When He finally figured out just how bad he had screwed up his life – ‘when he came to himself.’ We would call that repentance.

He finally began to understand just how corrupt and miserable he really was, and how badly he needed his father’s help. “…’he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough to spare, and I perish with hunger!’” – he said, ‘the servants of my father have it better than I do now!’ And he said, Verse 18 – “’I will arise and go to my father [as you say, with hat in hand], and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19) and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’” – ‘forget that we even share the same bloodline, just hire me on as a worker!’ Verse 20 – “’And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him …’”

“…’his father saw him and had compassion [had mercy], and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him [rejoicing!]. 21) And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22) But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best [clothing] …’”

Verse 23 – “’And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; …’” – for he said, Verse 24 – “’for this my son was dead and is alive again; …’” – ‘I thought I would never see him again, but now here he is!’ ‘I’m holding him, I’m looking upon him! I have my son back!’ “…’And they began to be merry.’” ...

[Y]ou know, just a few paragraphs before we have the parable about ‘what man of you, having a hundred sheep, and one goes astray.’ That the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine and go out and venture just to find the one lost sheep. A chance to save him! And that’s what God the Father and Jesus Christ have done with us!! They found us out there in the rocks or in the swine trough, rooting with the hogs trying to get our food. And They had mercy upon us. And we in turn are to have mercy upon others."

(Read More: https://www.owensborocojc.com/2019/02/his-mercy-endures-forever.html). 

And friends, those others do include Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Hindus, and even Islamists!  We do truly love Muslims – for whom Jesus Christ also died – and we proclaim to them in no uncertain terms the glorious Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God (the gospel of Christ) as Paul did to the Jews – Acts 18:4-5.

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,