Letter to our Friends - May 26, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings from West Central Florida.

It was announced that on May 4th Florida would begin reopening its doors. Having the restrictions in the first place has greatly damaged the economy here and has caused grave problems with school – such as online school work and this year's “virtual” graduations. School attendance, however, here in Hernando County, will not be reopening as stated by Hernando County Schools Superintendent John Stratton, “We realize that Hernando County needs to get opened. Our School Board is following the State’s recommendation to be closed for the rest of this school year, with students finishing their academic year on the digital platform.”

Pentecost

A reminder friends that Pentecost is on May 31st. And, the actual observation begins the evening before sunset on May 30th and runs through sunset on May 31st. Since this means back-to-back Sabbaths. You should plan accordingly as God’s word instructs us. “You shall do no customary work on it” – Leviticus 23:15.

Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day – 2020

This year, the Feast of Tabernacles begins the evening of October 2nd and continues until the Last Great Day which is October 10th.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, there could be issues with various locations for the Feast of Tabernacles 2020. Indeed, true Christians are to ‘gather together,’ though atheists do not understand. We consider holding religious services like the Feast of Tabernacles as essential.

Wingfield Inn & Suites Photo by Business Owner

I have personally stayed with the Wingfield Inn & Suites in Owensboro, Kentucky several times. Its location is 3220 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, Ky. 42301. Here is a photo from its website - http://www.wingfieldinnandsuitesowensboroky.com/.

 Should you wish to stay there, the daily room rate is $95 per night, plus applicable taxes. You can call (270) 685-2433 to make reservations.

At this instant, we still intend to hold the Feast of Tabernacles in Owensboro, Kentucky at the Logsdon Community Center 2400 Friendship Drive, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303. However, there may be changes in location and how we can conduct services. Yet, we will still intend to hold services for the Feast of Tabernacles and encourage all who have a good character and would like to attend – you are more than welcome.

World News Items

Statements and steps made by the United States relating to COVID-19 have greatly upset many Europeans. A poll in Germany has found an increase in anti-American sentiment since the coronavirus became worldwide non-stop news (see ‘Coronavirus turns Germans more critical of US: survey’). Surely, this will not be good for the United States of America (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11, Daniel 11:39).

Friends, God’s living word tells us that a final leader of a “United States of Europe” will soon rise. He will promise peace and safety. And, he will be considered ‘the one’ who can save a reunified Europe and the world. The Book of Revelation calls him the ‘beast’ (Revelation 13:1-10), and the Book of Daniel calls him the final ‘king of the North’ (Daniel 11).

He is prophesied to utterly destroy the sovereignty of the strongest fortresses – the strongest militaries. And, in this final-hour that would be the United States of America and the United Kingdom – respectfully. Also, to a lesser extent – Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – the very group of nations known today as the ‘five eyes.’ Do not think that the POTUS Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda will not have serious negative ramifications for the United States. The time will come when America will completely fall.

Also, there have been grave concerns relating to the fact that COVID-19 restrictions are hurting economies and some few see some putting US dollar dominance at high risk (see ‘Doug Casey: The Feds Will Blame the Depression on Coronavirus’). The US President Donald Trump has made himself the subject of much criticism for taking personal steps he hopes will reduce risks for him associated with COVID-19 (see ‘Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine though health experts question its effectiveness’ and ‘Trump Says He’s Taking Hydroxychloroquine to Prevent Catching Coronavirus’ as well as ‘My ‘decision to make’: Trump defends criticized use of drug’).

Well, the Leftist mainstream could have easily discovered that a study came out back in 2014 which showed that chloroquine increased the amount of zinc getting into cells (see ‘Chloroquine Is a Zinc Ionophore’). Now, it is not that I am advocating chloroquine, but I do believe that science supports taking zinc, and for some substances that can enhance its absorption.

Weather is also a terrible problem many are facing (see ‘Thousands evacuate area in Michigan after two dams fail and governor warns one city could see 9 feet of water’). The terrible flooding in Michigan is just one of the latest troubles that have been happening! Our Lord Jesus Christ warned a time of ‘troubles’ in this final-hour – Mark 13:8.

Also, in Judah (known today as Israel) – Breaking Israel News reported the following:

Biblical Plagues Worldwide: Huge “Corona” Hail, Freak Sandstorm makes Daytime Dark, Locusts

Biblical scholars know that the end-of-days will not be pleasant and as the world cowers inside, fearing the Angel of Death roaming the streets as it did in Biblical Egypt before the Exodus, modern incarnations of the Ten Plagues reappear around the globe.

HUGE “CORONA’ HAILSTONES PELT MEXICO

The people of Ciudad Valles in San Luis Potosi, Mexico got a taste of the Egyptian plagues on Sunday when hailstones the size of grapefruits fell from the sky. Three people were injured and extensive damage to property was reported. Many vehicles and houses were affected by the impacts of these ice balls, breaking glass, and damaging roofs. …

Most notably in the subject of Biblical plagues is Egypt. Directly after coping with thunderstorms and massive flooding last week that killed five people, Egypt was covered in darkness. While the desert sands were still drying, Egyptians were given a taste of what their ancestors experienced when a huge sandstorm engulfed the entire city of Aswan. …

Egyptian social media was flooded with posts about the string of “biblical plagues” hitting the region.

IRANIAN ARMY BATTLING INVASION OF LOCUSTS

Of course, no discussion of current manifestations of Biblical plagues would be complete with mentioning the huge swarm of locusts moving up from Africa and invading Iran. Troops were deployed for the second year in a row to cope with the infestation.

According to Jewish tradition, the ten-plagues will reappear before the Messiah. Rabbi Yosef Berger, the rabbi of King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion, explained this aspect of the Messianic process to Breaking Israel News, quoting the Prophet Micah.

I will show him wondrous deeds As in the days when You sallied forth from the land of Egypt. Micah 7:15.

Jewish sources predict that all of the plagues will reappear in the final Redemption but in even more powerful forms.

(Read More: https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/150656/hail-shaped-like-coronavirus-falls-in-mexico-dust-storm-turns-day-to-darkness-in-egypt-watch/).

Friends, the prophet Joel was inspired to write – which I have highlighted, ‘the Day of the LORD’:

“’ Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty’” – Joel 1:15 NKJV throughout unless otherwise noted.

Now, this ‘day of the LORD’ refers to Jesus Christ’s intervention in this world’s affairs – His return to restore peace from sin-sick societies. Joel’s first chapter describes but some of the events which will lead up to the ‘day of the LORD’ as described in chapter 2. Here, in modern language, is what chapter 1 says:

“’ Hear this, you elders [meaning the leaders of modern-day United States of America and the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth], And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3) Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children [this generation]. 4) What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left; the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.’”

An event so utterly unprecedented in all of history is just about to occur!

“’ For a nation [a mighty army of locusts] has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion. 7) He has laid waste My vine, And ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white.’”

God will continue to use locusts to bring ever-greater famine upon many peoples. This prophecy continues:

“’ The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails. … (12 The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree – All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men. … 14) Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders [the leaders of the modern descendants of the house of Israel] And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD’”

Indeed friends, locusts (the Florida giant orange grasshoppers – called Lubbers – are very prevalent here) even when they are not fulfilling biblical prophecies can lead to food shortages and other serious problems. Now, could Jewish traditions about the re-emergence of the ten plagues of Egypt be possible!? Well, the New Testament – which the Jews do not even accept – does teach that.

In Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu was again sworn in as Prime Minister. He wants to quickly go forward with annexing Judea-Samaria – of course against the wishes of the Palestinians, the Jordanians, and even the Europeans (see ‘Israel finally swears in government after 3 elections’ along with ‘Israel swears in new gov't as Netanyahu pledges annexation push’). Friends, as regular readers of https://www.owensborocojc.com are very aware, God’s living word indeed tells us of a coming temporary peace deal to that region per the Book of Daniel:

“’ And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah [which is Jesus Christ] shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27) Then he [the prince who is to come] shall confirm a covenant with many for one week [seven-years]; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate’” – Daniel 9:26-27.

Now, briefly, this is our understanding of this amazing two-fold prophecy:

This is a prophecy often referred to as the SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY. Verse 27 – Remember, verse 25 we see the word “Messiah.” That’s who we’re talking about here in verse 27. The “he,” who – JESUS CHRIST – “he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;” Which in Bible parlance, one day for a year – this is SEVEN YEARS. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Now, who was the ultimate sacrifice!? Jesus Christ. When did He die!? When was He executed!? He was executed on a WEDNESDAY, in the middle of the week. And, His human life ended after 3½ years of His public ministry. It was SEVEN YEARS He was supposed to have a very special dispensation. And He lived upon this earth for 3½ years, it begs the question: What became of the other 3½ years!? Well, the other 3½ years will be fulfilled in those events upon His return and for 3½ years the Millennium doesn’t really start, UNTIL AFTER 3½ years. Because Jesus Christ for 3½ years, is, as it were, remolding and reshaping the Earth – the people of the Earth. He’s getting the attitudes right. We are told, “as a Rod of Iron.” And, Jesus Christ WILL wield that club, and we as members of the resurrected Family of GOD WILL in part wield that club, and here’s a part of the story – God uses the physical people of Israel as a part of His club. That’s a part of the story which has NEVER been told.

(Garrett, M.C., Notes Concerning The Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day PDF, 2019).

However, there are a number of escalating episodes that happen to this world even before then. And, at some point, the SEVENTH TRUMP is blown. The seventh trump is the resurrection trump. It’s when the people of God – those who have God’s Spirit are resurrected and they meet Jesus Christ in the atmosphere. And then – they wait for a time, about 3½ years (cf. Daniel 9:27; Revelation 12:6) – they wait for additional events to occur upon this sin-filled world. And one of those events is called the seven last plagues.

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 “Is There A ‘Secret Rapture’?” by Minister Leonard V. Johnson.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.

● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is "Faith, Hope, Patience, Tribulation - Part IV" by Minister Michael C. Garrett. More sermons available at http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/.

● Final hymn.
● Closing prayer.

Pentecost Service

Here is a suggested Pentecost 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 “Pentecost Offertory” by Minister Leonard V. Johnson.
● Announcements (if any).
● Special music: Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone performed by M.C. Garrett.
● Sermon. The one suggested is “Pentecost – Part A” by Minister Michael C. Garrett. An accompanied article “Pentecost – a seven-part series (Part I)” will be posted on Florida – Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website this Pentecost Weekend.
● 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 Home - Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, we have a social network aggregation known as Flipboard with 160 “flips,” and 10 “magazines” at https://flipboard.com/@ocojc2019.

Concluding Comments

The prophet Jeremiah wrote the following:

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

Minister Garrett wrote:

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

(Garrett, M.C., Notes Regarding the Day of Atonement (Prophetically the Day of the LORD) PDF, 2019).

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

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Letter to our Friends - May 14, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings from West Central Florida.

Pentecost

The Day of Pentecost will soon be here. In 2020, it is on May 31st – the actual observance begins the evening before at sunset on May 30th and runs through sunset on May 31st. As this means back-to-back Sabbaths, be sure to plan accordingly as God’s living Word teaches. “’ And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation [a holy gathering] to you. You shall do no customary work [labor] on it’” – Leviticus 23:21; NKJV throughout, unless otherwise noted.

On our blog page, we will be posting “Day of Pentecost – 2019”. And, on the Day of Pentecost, we will be posting part one of a seven-part series entitled “Pentecost”.

Feast of Tabernacles 2020

This year the Feast of Tabernacles’ services are going to begin the evening of October 2nd and will continue until the Last Great Day which is October 10th.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic (or scaredemic) there may be issues with our regular location – the Logsdon Community Center 2400 Friendship Dr. Owensboro, KY 42303. The services may be held elsewhere – please contact Minister Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for further information if you would like to attend with us this year.

Now, irrespective of the views of some (e.g. ‘Are In-Person Religious Services 'Essential' During Pandemic?’) – Back in the Letter to our Friends: March 24th, 2020 the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ wrote the following related to COVID-19 and church services:

Now, with all the quarantines and travel restrictions being imposed, what about attendance at weekly Sabbath services? Well, Mr. Garrett received a phone call this past Thursday from the manager of the Logsdon Community Center in Owensboro, Kentucky, and stated that the policymakers of the Center have determined that “no more meetings will be allowed to take place here until the Coronavirus scare is over.” Of course, our policy has always been, and still remains, if you have a contagious disease, you should not attend church services.

Now, as far as “social distancing” goes, church leaders in their respective countries and local groups should decide the relative safety of holding Sabbath services (though, as in Owensboro, some landlords and/or government officials are placing their own limits – the early Christian Church of God met in houses, and that is one thing which can be done – as Minister Michael C. Garrett is holding services at his home.

While we cooperate with government authorities when we can, we do not believe that government authorities should interfere with the ability to holy convocations or other biblical observances.

As the original apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” – Acts 5:29.

World News Items

In relation to governmental restrictions put in place after the COVID-19 outbreak – and indeed just what I’ve been telling my wife for months - Social conservative radio talk show host Dennis Mark Prager stated that the “The worldwide lockdown may be the greatest mistake in history” (see ‘PRAGER: The Worldwide Lockdown May Be The Greatest Mistake In History’). As Mr. Prager writes, “The forcible prevention of Americans from doing anything except what politicians deem “essential” has led to the worst economy in American history since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It is panic and hysteria, not the coronavirus, that created this catastrophe. And the consequences in much of the world will be more horrible than in America.” In modern vernacular – true dat!

This COVID-19 is creating an ever-larger divide in the world – in particular within the United States of America (see OCOJC ‘Is Civil Unrest Increasing in America?’ also ‘America Has Become A Powder Keg That Is Ready To Explode At Any Time’). There is also great division related to the wearing of a mask:

May 10, 2020

Ken Hall, 38, walked toward his pickup truck in the parking lot of a shopping center along Highway 152 in Clay County. He wore no mask or concerns. Why? …“Because,” the tattooed business owner said of the coronavirus, “… It is what it is. You’re either going to get it, or you’re not. You’re either going to be afraid of it, or you’re not. I’m not afraid of it. We all live. We all die. When that happens is not your choice.” …

“Do I feel judged for it? Sometimes, yes,” he said, knowing people look at him sideways for not wearing a mask. “Do I care? Not at all.” …

Judy Morefield, 58, of Leawood, absolutely judges the no-mask crowd. She wore a mask and clasped her red shopping cart with blue gloves. She just recently moved in to help care for her 94-year-old father.

“You just put people at risk,” she said of those baring their faces in public. “Honestly, I think it’s selfish. Because it’s for other people.”

Beginning this week, even more businesses around the Kansas City area are setting to reopen, part of the dual goals of restarting a devastated economy — some 33 million people nationwide have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus outbreak — while also protecting public health.

Whether, or how fast, COVID-19 cases resurge will have much to do with how dutiful the public is about social distancing and other precautions. That includes wearing or not wearing face masks, acts that in recent weeks have become ever more politicized. …

It’s clear the issue splits across party lines, at least to some degree, with 76% of Democrats compared to 59% of Republicans saying they are more likely than not to wear a mask when leaving home, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs.

But people, with and without masks, insist their decision has far less to do with their personal politics than it does with their sense of the COVID-19 threat and their own safety.

(Read More: https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article242563536.html).

I personally – even though my wife made a half-a-dozen masks – do not wear one. I guess that makes me “selfish.” Well, dear Judy, instead of placing your unwavering faith in God Almighty and Jesus Christ as your guardian and protector, you – like so many in America – would rather allow the government to encourage her people to essentially live a life of fear. As well as telling people to put their faith in the pharmaceutical industry as it works to develop chemical treatments and vaccines.

Also, this morning I posted on Twitter ‘Britain, EU dig in their heels in trade talks.’ The Europeans are reporting that the negotiations are not going well as the EU wants to insist that the UK accept its standards and the UK has basically stated that the point of Brexit was to NOT have to comply with the EU (see ‘German Foreign Minister Maas warns of hard Brexit as talks stall’). Well, sadly, what type of world order (or more to the point – European Order) is Heiko Maas pushing for!? He has made statements which plainly lets us know:

1. He spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and contradicted the POTUS Donald Trump’s nationalist agenda.
2. He pushed for the acceptance of the climate change agenda – which the US refused to be a part of.
3. He stated at the UN General Assembly, “Europe has proved to the world that multilateralism and sovereignty are not a contradiction in terms. On the contrary, in a world faced with immense global problems, we can only safeguard sovereignty if we work together!" – laying out his vision for a multilateral “United States of Europe.”
4. He had his first meeting for the Alliance for Multilateralism at the UN, he stated, “This is exactly what I had in mind when I first brought up the idea of an “Alliance for Multilateralism”: A network of countries coming together in flexible formats to address concrete policy challenges.”
5. He wants a united Europe to have a military independent of the US.
6. He has stated, “We need a magnanimous Europe that does not differentiate between larger and smaller states, between centre and periphery. When it comes down to it, one country [meaning Germany] on its own is too small to make a difference.”
7. He has stated, “Europe must play an active role in the world!” Which means a “United Europe” (see “‘The argument for “Europe United’”; retrieved 15 May 2020).
8. He has proposed draconian European internet censorship legislation.
9. He reiterated and pushed for – and got – a system that bypasses the US dollar (see ‘Germany urges SWIFT end to US payments dominance’).

Friends, it should be clear that leaders like Heiko Josef Maas are indeed pushing for a united Europe – which the Bible calls a final resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire, or rather the ‘beast’ power. God says it is soon-coming to this generation.

As Minister Garrett wrote:

Here in Revelation chapter 13, we see John, inspired by God, … “And I [John] stood on the sand of the sea.” Now, he’s seeing a vision … “And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.” – now this ‘seven heads’ are the seven resurrections of the “Holy” Roman Empire. And those ‘ten horns’ are the ten kings or the ten kingdoms that make up the final installment of the “Holy” Roman Empire. … after the seven heads and ten horns, it says in verse 2 – “Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard ... feet of a bear, ... and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.” … The final installment of the “Holy” Roman Empire, as it were, would be a bit of all of these kingdoms. And then it says Verse 5 – “And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months [again, 3 1⁄2 years].” Verse 7 – “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8) All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life ...”

(Read More – “Prophecy Series – The Final Empire!”).

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 “The Treasure of Your Heart” by Michael C. Garrett.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is “The Rest Of The Dead” 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, we have a social network aggregation known as Flipboard with 160 “flips,” and 10 “magazines” at https://flipboard.com/@ocojc2019.

Concluding Comments

Friends, in our article “Glory in Tribulations - Romans 5:3” I had quoted the apostle Paul, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4) and perseverance, character [godly character]; and character, hope” – Romans 5:3-4.

We should also learn obedience to God Almighty and Jesus Christ through our suffering – as the Book of Hebrews has the following:

“though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9) And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM, 10) called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek’” – Hebrews 5:8-10.

Let us walk and follow our Savior Jesus Christ’s example – learning obedience through our suffering – which perfected Him. Let us always strive to be perfect – through and with God’s Spirit – Matthew 5:48.

Do not – like the apostle Paul says of some – become “dull of hearing.”

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

 

'Glory in Tribulations' - Romans 5:3

In the Book of Revelation, the 18th chapter an angel cries out, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen …’ And, later in that chapter, another voice cries out, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.’

Now, Revelation 18 is talking about what happened in chapter 17. “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great [whore] who sits on many waters, 2) with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication [spiritual fornication], and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’” A great religious institution that has ‘fallen, is fallen.’ Completely wiped out! A religious Babylon!

Verse 8 – “Therefore her plagues will come in one day – death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.”

Verse 9 talks about ‘the smoke of her burning.’

Verse 10 – “…’ Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’”

Verse 17 – “’ For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’”

Verse 18 – talks about ‘the smoke of her burning.’ That whole institution is simply destroyed! It is speaking of a great religious institution who ‘sits on many waters.’ It’s not the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any other nation – rather it is, basically, Vatican City.

This great religious institution has committed abominable practices.

God’s people are not to be partakers of her sins it describes in that chapter.

Over in 2nd Corinthians, the 6th chapter, the apostle Paul makes a similar statement when he is writing to the church there in Corinth. In this second letter here he uses a statement that I believe has been misinterpreted over the years within the churches of God and even abused in some cases. But is indeed a similar demand for Christians as we read in the Book of Revelation.

2 Corinthians 6:11 – “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you!” – in other words, ‘we are able to speak frankly with all of you.’ “ … our heart is wide open.” – ‘we have great sympathy and understanding for you.’ Verse 12 – “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.” – in other words, ‘It’s not because we don’t have this great heart with the love for you, but it’s because of your heart.’ Verse 13 – “Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.” – in other words, ‘I’m like a father who is speaking to his children.’

Verse 14 – “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”

And this is where I wish to focus for a moment.

Let’s look at this term ‘unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ How is that possible!? How are we to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers!? Is the apostle Paul saying here that we are to not have any contact with unbelievers!? What about my wife!? She is an unbeliever. How are we going to make it through this life if we have to avoid unbelievers?

Are we to be like a commune? – like the Essenes of the 1st century? The Essenes went out into the wilderness throughout Roman Judea and dedicated themselves to voluntary poverty, daily immersion, and asceticism. Or, a more modern commune – such as the Amish or even the Mennonites – which practices complete abstention from society as a whole? Is this what we’re supposed to practice?

Now, in his preface, Fred R. Coulter, who put together a faithful version of the Holy Bible with commentary – I absolutely love this Bible which I received from someone I love dearly – he says, “A secular humanist worldview has emerged over the past fifty years, gradually eroding the knowledge of the true God. As a result, a form of “Christianity without God” has developed.”

He continues, “Central to this removal of God from the public conscience is the destruction of the Bible itself. Indeed, the foundation of Christianity is being subverted and corrupted with new “easy-to-read” translations that alter the Word of God so dramatically that the true message of God has become lost – unrecognizable to the reader.”

Have you ever heard someone say, “You can prove anything from the Bible”? Well, that statement is true – and false. It’s true if only isolated passages are used. But it is utterly false if the whole divine revelation is in view. In other words – if you take the entirety of the Bible and you look at all the references for your specific idea, then you will find out that what you thought was true was absolutely false. And, as F.R. Coulter points out – the public is designing Bibles in such a way that one only needs to use isolated passages. When one only selects one passage of Scripture and attempts to use it to support their idea – it is very dangerous and can have lasting consequences.

Sadly – and I’ll tell you this story. A friend of mine who just passed away – who had been at one time a minister with the Open Bible Standard Churches – would use isolated passages to try and prove his idea of reincarnation. Such passages as John 1:21, John 9:2; and even including his twisted take on Luke 16:19-23 – not having any understanding that this is but a parable. And, indeed, it was dangerous and had a severe consequence on his life.

Now, I mentioned the Amish and the Mennonites. Somewhere back in their history, someone said to them, ‘this is what we need to do!’ And look where they are today. Hundreds of years later and they’re still observing this practice of abstaining. Like Weird Al Yankovic’s words echo – “You know I shun fancy things like electricity. At 4:30 in the morning I'm milkin' cows.  …  Living in an Amish paradise.”

I’ll give you another example of only picking a Scripture out of the Holy Bible – you know that God’s living Word says, “’ There is no God.’” Do you know where this is at!?

Psalm, the 14th chapter. But if you read the whole context it says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” We are to read the whole passage – you cannot just pick and choose from the Bible. One must use the whole Bible to gather His truth.

There are those who will take a single passage and establish a doctrine, or a standard which governs their life – such as my friend who I spoke of earlier. And, the lives too – unfortunately – of their followers.

So, what does it mean to be ‘unequally yoked’!?

Well, what does this word ‘yoked’ bring to your mind? Well, for me it makes me think of a yoke of oxen. A yoke of bondage – like we read in the Book of Exodus when the children of Israel were under bondage. Traveling through Ohio in Amish country, I have seen oxen yoked together.

Very early God instructed His people to be separate.

Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, is not to be that closely related to an unbeliever. And I’ll explain this.

First, let’s address my wife.

Turn with me if you will to 1st Corinthians, the 7th chapter, verse 13 – “And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.” – so, it’s alright for them to be married.

Verse 14 – “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, …” – because she believes somehow in God’s eyes they’re protected. “ … and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; …” – so, either spouse - if there is a believer - they’re set apart in God’s eyes because of the one that does believe. “ … otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” – so, God’s protection is around the whole family.

Verse 15 – “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”

So, a believer can be married to an unbeliever and still be in God’s eyes a holy person and be under God’s protection.

So, to be ‘unequally yoked’ with an unbeliever is like the idea of ‘can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ – Amos 3:3. We are not to have social or religious FELLOWSHIP – in other words, close friendship – with any except those who know and OBEY the TRUTH of God. We must try to WORSHIP with them – and attend those churches.

Let’s turn back to 2nd Corinthians in the 6th chapter. The apostle Paul continues here in verse 14 – “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” – here he’s making a comparison. Verse 15 – “And what accord has Christ with Belial? …” – or rather, Satan the devil. What association is there between the two? “ … Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16) And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’”

He’s sort of asking the question here – how can these two opposites coexist and yet the Christian remains pure!?

Now, in 1st Corinthians 5:9, we read about the incestuous relationship that was taking place within the church there in Corinth, and they wrote letters to Paul. And, of course, Paul obliterated the idea of leaving those people within that congregation. “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10) Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11) But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother [or sister], who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner – not even to eat with such a person.” – talking about people that are inside the Church that have these characteristics.

Now we’re told in Matthew 18:15 that if we have a problem with a brother or a sister we are to go directly to them! And, you are to take witnesses with you, so that everything will be established. Then, if they won’t listen, go to the Church.

He taught in Galatians 5:9 – “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” This one abominable practice that is within the Church could destroy the whole flock. Because everybody will say – ‘well, he’s getting away with that. I should be able to get away with this.’ Paul knew that that had to be dealt with immediately. Now, Paul’s ex-communication of this man – was it permanent? It is evidence – later on – that Paul wrote to them and said, ‘you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.’ If he repents he should be allowed back. And, that was the apostle Paul’s heart – and I believe it was a wonderful example of how he dealt with that. Unlike what was done to me. After I had repented of a doctrinal error on my part, the minister of a church of God dropped me like a hot potato. Not following our Lord’s admonition in His parable of Matthew 18:12-17.

Indeed, we are to separate ourselves from evil. And that separation is from desire, from the motive, and the acts of the world and its present world system.

Let’s talk a little concerning this.

Revelation of the 13th chapter talks about a ‘beast’ power - a reorganized and revitalized concept of the “Holy” Roman Empire. It says, “And he [this great ‘beast’ power] was given a mouth [a great worldwide religious institution] speaking great things and blasphemies, … 6) Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7) It was granted to him to make war with the saints …” – a war against the true people of God. Implemented by these two very false and diabolical leaders. “ … and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”

Now, you want to talk about WORLD POWER!

Verse 8 – “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Now, the word “world” here is a Greek word – kosmos – meaning, the whole of the universe, or, a system opposed to God. And, indeed, Satan the devil has organized this world of unbelieving mankind, which is based upon his principles of force, greed, selfishness, self-righteousness, of ambition, and personal pleasure.

This soon-coming end-time world system is going to be imposing and extremely powerful – with mighty armies. Even including today - many of these pagan nations (meaning non-Israelite nations) have extremely powerful armed forces! – e.g. China – second only to the U.S. and Russia, with available manpower of over 752 billion! Japan – available manpower of over 53 billion! Russia – available manpower of over 69 billion! 1 And, they are so-often outwardly religious! Outward religion in China is growing! 2 In Japan, 70.4 percent of the population practices Shintoism, 69.8 percent Buddhism. 3 In Russia - Orthodox Christianity remains the biggest religion in Russia at 71 percent. 4 They are scientific, cultured, and even elegant. As an example – look at the beautiful buildings of St. Petersburg, Russia – of St. Isaac’s Cathedral (a museum) - with its phallus which towers into the sky! Indeed, that ‘Empire style’ architecture resembles that which you see at the Papal Basilica of St. Peter’s in the Vatican – much of which is so gothic in their appearance. And, I believe they should be dynamited and blasted from this Earth – because they look to me as if they have been influenced by Satan the devil! They have these gargoyles and demonic creatures on them. And it’s supposed to be a religious building!? And yes, you go inside of them and much of the time the ceilings are painted with beautiful art that will knock your socks off – talk about culture and elegance! Gilded gold, silver platers, marble floors! There was no expense held back upon the building of these cathedrals.

So, we are in a world which has these elements – but is seething with national and commercial rivalries, and ambitions which are held by armed forces. This indeed is a system – as we are beginning to witness from the “totalitarian” systems being implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic – can force you to worship a certain god if they so desire. And, they are dominated by satanic principles.

Our Lord Jesus Christ encountered this when He was on this Earth. In Matthew chapter 4 let’s look at a couple of examples – where Jesus made some interesting statements.

Matthew 4:8 – the very first recorded encounter He had with Satan the devil – who appeared to Him while Jesus was in the wilderness tempting Him over and over with all these temptations. “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” – beautiful and marvelous places! Cities upon hills – with towering church buildings! Verse 9 – “And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’”

And, it has been pointed out – Jesus did not deny the fact that those things belonged to Satan, that he is in charge of this world.

John the 12th chapter. Jesus said, “… ‘Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’” And, some of the people there looked around and said, ‘was that thunder!? Was that a voice!?’ And Jesus said to them, “’ This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31) Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.’” – talking about Satan the devil here is the ruler of this world.

Turn over to chapter 18, verse 36. Jesus told Pontius Pilate while He was standing there at this mock trial for His life, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – now, most people believe that Jesus Christ came to save this world. He did not! “ … ‘If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’”

In Ephesians chapter 2, verse 2 – Satan the devil is called “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”

In Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12 – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Sometimes, when you are going through a terrible trial – and surely, this past month has been a great trial for me of magnitude proportion. It appeared as if nothing was working out. And I was reminded of the Scripture, “glory in tribulations.” Indeed, this is hard for anyone. It’s been difficult for me this past month – because what I thought was a blessing from God Almighty and Jesus Christ was but of my own doing. And the actual blessing was the undoing. Satan the devil – using my own desire and concern for others – tried to burden me, to place a yoke about my neck. And, even in America, it just appears as if we’re under attack! And we so often forget to read this Scripture right here – ““For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Very wicked, powerful, demonic spirits!

Have they declared war upon us!? Well, maybe they have!

In 2nd Corinthians chapter 4, verse 3 – “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4) whose minds, the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” – talking about the power of Satan the devil and how he’s blinded the minds of people.

So, we are to separate ourselves from any association that could cause us to fail or to fall. We are also to separate ourselves from false teachers.

Here is what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2. Now, we don’t have a single word recorded by Timothy. But what we have is what Paul wrote about Timothy. And, you can read between the lines and tell that Timothy may have been a type of person who needed a lot of encouragement. And, Paul was trying to bring him along and try and encourage him to deal with the problems within the Church, to stay close to God’s Word, study to prove yourself worthy of the gospel given to you. Stick to the principles of God. And, Timothy did a wonderful job.

Verse 14 – “Remind them of these things, …” – of personal conduct and of relationships. “ … charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.” – about people getting stuck on a word – and they would argue back and forth about what that word meant.

Verse 15 – “Be diligent to present [to study the Bible!] yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16) But shun profane and idle babblings, …”

Another true story. When I was growing up, my father and uncle would get in long argumentative discussions over the Bible – of what the Bible did or did not say – while inebriated with alcohol. Often such arguments were over a single word or phrase in the Bible. This Scripture is describing useless debates – may be genealogical histories of the history of Jesus Christ! In fact, I recall one such discussion between my father and uncle concerning this – my uncle argued quite vehemently that Queen Jezebel was related to Jesus Christ! A hair-splitting debate that went on for hours! Paul calls this, ‘profane and idle babblings.’ “ … for they will increase to more ungodliness.”

Verse 17 – “And their message will spread like cancer. …” – it is like a cancer within a congregation that can split that congregation into so many fragments.

Later in that same chapter, he says, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” – it’s only going to start a fight. Now, I get statements and questions, and I will read it if it is a legitimate question. I certainly, out of the bottom of my heart, want to help people understand. The apostle Paul told Timothy to use gentleness and to be kind. And to help people through problems. But we are not to get into a religious argument with someone.

Jesus Christ when He prayed said, “’ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.’” – talking about His disciples.

In 1st John chapter 2, verse 15 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. …” – and yet we see John 3:16 which says, “’ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, …’” God knew humans potential.

You know, it would only take a few in every city of our great nation to repent to God and stave off this terrible pandemic. Because God gives us an example – He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So, think about that. Here is Sodom – a heinous city with abominable acts unto God – and He says, ‘if you can only find ten I won’t destroy the city.’ So those few people are like ten in one million that God looks down upon and says, ‘I’m going to protect that city because of that one person.’ And, that’s whether they’re in a marriage, or in a town, a city, a state, or nation. Also, look at the example of the prophet Moses – when God wanted to wipe out the whole nation! And one man got on his knees and prayed to God and said, “Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people.” And the LORD – the God who would become Jesus Christ – relented from the harm He said He would do to His people. He was moved by the faithfulness and righteousness of one man! Friends, those are glaring examples!

Conclusion

In 1st John chapter 5, verse 19 – “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” – this certainly is a banner which should be plastered on the news every night!

Friends, this is the battle we face. We’re very naïve at times – when we’re out shopping, the movie theater, to the mall. We should realize the wickedness and the evil that is out in the world. It is there.

Romans chapter 12, verse 1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

This is one of the reasons that the Pharisees condemned Jesus Christ – recall that He would eat with tax collectors and sinners, and recall the time when a woman who was a sinner took an alabaster flask of fragrant oil and began to wash His feet with her tears as she wept. And the Pharisee who saw this spoke up and said, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” Jesus associated with tax collectors and sinners. But the difference is – Jesus wasn’t trying to conform to their way of life, He was trying to get them to conform to His Way of life. And that’s the difference. He was trying to bring them to repentance, to heal them of their infirmities, to bring them to a place of forgiveness of all of their sins – both physical and spiritual.

God the Father and Jesus Christ really can’t use us until we have this complete separation from sin.

Let me explain – turn over again to 2nd Corinthians chapter 6, verse 17 –

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them …’” – the apostle Paul quoting Isaiah 52:11. “ … ‘And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ 18) ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.’”

Now, Jesus was a prime example of that – Hebrews 7:26 says that He was ‘separate from sinners.’ In other words, He didn’t partake in the same activities that they did – yet He loved people who were laden down with sin and was sympathetic to their needs.

So, God’s living word instructs us not to be ‘yoked together with unbelievers’ in case it might pull us away from God. Whether it’s our social group – with their language and actions, motives, habits. Or, your group of friends which do not exhibit godly habits that may eventually infect you. You need to ask yourself – what do they like to do? What do they like to watch on television or in the movies? Where do they like to go? Is this or can this affect my behavior? It might even be your job that forces you to continually decide between ethical and moral observances or moral and immoral behavior. In a few rare cases – like the church in Corinth – it could be a church group that doesn’t practice or exhibit biblical values or qualities. Now, don’t just march out of the Church because you just don’t like somebody – that’s not at all what the Bible teaches.

The overwhelming evidence points to the fact that you are to come out of those areas that will drain you of your Christian zeal, which will continue to stretch your faith, batter your compassion, and understanding – and harden your heart in such a way that God and Christian living seem completely unattractive and of little worth in a world in which principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness are against you. There lies the destructive nature of these acquaintances.

Friends, if we do this – our LORD God says, “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters!” □

Bibliography 

1) https://www.globalfirepower.com/.
2) “Religious observance in China is on the rise.” Council on Foreign Relations, Religion in China, Eleanor, A., 11 Oct. 2018; retrieved 11 May 2020.
3) Religion in Japan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Japan. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
4) Major Religions in Russia - https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-beliefs-in-modern-russia.html. Retrieved 11 May 2020.

Letter to our Friends - May 7, 2020

Michael C. Garrett

Pastor and Overseer

Greetings friends from West Central Florida:

Condolences here in Florida

First and foremost our prayers go out for the comfort of Brother Bud’s family.

The following is from The Messenger:

Albert Douglas “Bud” Offutt, 78, of Mortons Gap, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020, at Baptist Health in Madisonville after a long illness.

Mr. Offutt was born on April 21, 1942, in Madisonville, to the late Albert and Alma Offutt.

He was a member of Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ; was the owner/operator of Machine Masters in Mortons Gap, until 1988, and Adventure Enterprises until 2009 when he retired.

In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

Mr. Offutt is survived by his loving wife, Alice Offutt of Mortons Gap; sons, Sidney (Kathy) Offutt, Troy (Cathie) Offutt, Daniel (Michelle) Offutt, Shawn (Casey) Rawlins, and Anthony Rawlins; three sisters, Mildred Tyson, Alice Boyd, and Carolyn (Jerry) Bean; two brothers, Ronnie (Joyce) Offutt and Jimmy (Barbara) Offutt; nine grandchildren, Brett Offutt, Katie (Jared) Fuller, Cameron (McKenzie) Offutt, Hunter (Carrie) Offutt, Riley Rawlins, Aston Rawlins, Skyler Rawlins, Chloe Rawlins, and Avery Rawlins; and three great-grandchildren, Layla Rae Offutt, Avery Rose Offutt, and Brady Ray Offutt.

(https://www.the-messenger.com/obituaries/article_a23fde71-e543-5187-be44 c45f10fed056.html. Retrieved 7 May 2020).

Indeed – we cannot wait to see our dear brother again in the glorious kingdom of God!

From everhere:

… We are sad to announce that on May 1, 2020 we had to say goodbye to Albert Offutt
(Mortons Gap, Kentucky), born in Madisonville, Kentucky. …

He was predeceased by: his parents, Albert Offutt and Alma Offutt. He is survived by : his wife Alice Offutt of Mortons Gap, KY; his sons, Sidney Offutt (Kathy), Troy Offutt (Cathie), Daniel Offutt (Michelle), Shawn Rawlins (Casey) and Anthony Rawlins; his siblings, Mildred Tyson, Alice Boyd, Carolyn Bean (Jerry), Ronnie Offutt (Joyce) and Jimmy Offutt (Barbara); his grandchildren, Brett Offutt, Katie Fuller (Jared), Cameron Offutt (McKenzie), Hunter Offutt (Carrie), Riley Rawlins, Aston Rawlins, Skyler Rawlins, Chloe Rawlins and Avery Rawlins; and his great grandchildren, Layla Rae Offutt, Avery Rose Offutt and Brady Ray Offutt.

(https://www.everhere.com/us/obituaries/ky/mortons-gap/albert-offutt-10795653. Retrieved 7 May 2020).

This weeks suggested Sabbath service includes a very special sermon by Minister Michael C. Garrett entitled “Bud Offutt – 1942-2020” which honors our dear brother in Christ – of whom I would love to sit down with someday and have a long conversation about ‘back in the day.’

‘MYSTERIES’ OF GOD Article

On May 1st I posted “’ Mysteries’ of God” which – these mysteries are NOT mystic, or astrological or cultic, but rather the great T R U T H ‘of obtaining eternal life, the hope of eternal life’ – a hidden truth. The truth is hidden from most people.

World News Items

A great many nations, including the United States of America have seen a loss of liberty in relation to COVID-19 (see ‘Tucker Carlson: During coronavirus pandemic, totalitarianism doesn’t shock us anymore’). There have been leaders of nations which have suggested a type of “immunity passport” in order to travel abroad (see ‘Mayor Of Nice Demands "Health Passports" To Enter/Leave France’). Also, notice what ZeroHedge reported last month - '" Immunity Certificates" Are Coming - COVID-Survivors To Get 'Special Passports' Enabling Return To 'Normalcy'.

Friends, this COVID-19 has greatly affected the world and is indeed setting the stage for ever-more governmental controls!

God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – shows us that totalitarian controls, including the control of religion, are coming to a “United States of Europe”!

Minister M.C. Garrett wrote:

Now, early on in Revelation 13, verse 2 we read about a concept which is called “the beast,” … That refers to a reorganized and revitalized concept of the “Holy” Roman Empire. Countries in Europe unifying in the end-times. And Revelation 13:15 – “He [referring to a great religious leader here. It’s not referring to a political leader here] …” Well, look at verse 11 – “Then I saw another beast [speaking of this great religious leader] coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.” This is referring to a great religious leader who has its roots of power in the continent of Europe – and has had for almost two-thousand years. Verse 12 – “And he [this second beast] exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” – now, what’s that “deadly wound”!? Well, the Roman Empire – the greatest world Empire ever in the ancient world – had its height of power and completely controlled most parts of Europe, and the Middle East, and North Africa. And yet, that great Empire eventually struggled and crumbled and disappeared. And then there were revivals of the concept the “Holy” Roman Empire. Up to this point in history, we’ve had six revivals. The last one being Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. The Bible says there will be seven revivals altogether. We haven’t gotten to the seventh revival yet. But the seventh revitalization of the “Holy” Roman Empire is what chapter 13 is talking about early on. And so this second beast is a great religious movement.

(Garrett, M.C. The Mark of the BEAST, 2019, pp. 11-12).

The apostle Paul also spoke of one in the latter days called ‘the son of perdition’:

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming [the Second Coming] of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, …” – meaning, the resurrection of the saints of God – see 1st Thessalonians 4:17. “ … we ask you, 2) not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the Day of Christ [the Day of the LORD] had come. 3) Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; NIV unless otherwise noted. (see also Matthew 24:23-24).

Mr. Garrett continues:

[T]his is talking about, I believe, a future religious leader from the homeland of Europe, practicing the historic religion of Europe, who claims – and notice… THIS IS THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKES DESOLATE! Verse 4 – “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (ibid. p. 9).

In the Middle East, Judah – known today as Israel – wants to go forward with annexing areas called Judea and Samaria. And, of course, the Palestinians as well as the Europeans do not like this (see ‘Abbas Threatens to Dissolve PA If Israel Annexes an Inch of Judea and Samaria’ as well as ‘US Prepared to Recognize Application of Israeli Law to Areas of Judea and Samaria’).

As far as COVID-19 research, a leaked report from the ‘Five-Eyes’ – an “intelligence alliance” comprising of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States (see ‘Coronavirus NSW: Dossier lays out case against China bat virus program’) indicates that China was working with bat viruses at the Wuhan, China laboratory.

Indeed, the human consumption of God-ordained unclean animals – such as bats, cats, dogs, rabbits, possums, and even opossums – is a major factor in this COVID-19 pandemic:

The Word of the Eternal God specifically mentions that humans are NOT to eat bats:

“’ But these you shall NOT eat: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, 13) the red kite, the falcon, and the kite after their kind; 15) the ostrich [and surely that would also be the ostrich egg!?], the short-eared owl, the seagull, and the hawk after their kinds; 16) the little owl, the screech owl, the white owl, 17) the jackdaw, the carrion vulture, the fisher owl, 18) the stork, the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat’” – Deuteronomy 14:12-18.

Friends – especially our friends in the southern parts of the United States – not consuming biblically-unclean meats is something that is wise. Yet, we are not hearing major governments denouncing the eating of these unclean meats!

As you peruse the daily news – and as the world is focused on COVID-19 – did you notice this!? ‘Explained: What is Cinco de Mayo and why is it celebrated?’ Friends, although Cinco de Mayo is indeed a celebration of the defeat of French forces, in Mexico it has become known as a day of Mexican pride – and one where United States acquisition (which my wife calls ‘theft’) of formerly Mexican territories is denounced. And US denouncement is not limited to only Cinco de Mayo. In 2019 protestors in Colorado pulled down the American flag and replaced it with a Mexican flag (see ‘Anti-ICE protesters pull down American flag, raise Mexico flag, vandalize 'Blue Lives Matter' flag’). A great many in Mexico (and apparently even many Americans) want land – including Colorado – given back to Mexico, which they call “reconquista” – reconquering in English.

Again, God’s living Word teaches us that a final seventh resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire is rising – also called a final European ‘king of the North’ – will empower and takeover the Sovereignty of the United States of America and will divide her land for gain:

“Thus he [this ‘king of the North’] shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain” – Daniel 11:39.

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). To Note: Again, I will be speaking soon to brother Roger concerning a collection of hymns for the church.
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is “Through Faith, God Healed Bud” by Michael C. Garrett. An accompanying article by the same title is also available.
● Announcements (if any) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is “Bud Offutt – 1942-2020” 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, we have a social network aggregation known as Flipboard with 160 “flips,” and 10 “magazines” at https://flipboard.com/@ocojc2019.

Concluding Comments

Friends, notice this from the prophet Isaiah:

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2) Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house [the kingdom of God; remember, Jesus Christ said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [shall be established and crush all human governments], and shall be exalted above the hills; And ALL NATIONS shall flow to it. 3) Many people …” – and, there will be some nations in Christ’s Millennial rule which will not go up to New Jerusalem and will not keep God’s holy feasts – cf. Zechariah 14:16-19. “ … shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His Ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion [New Jerusalem; see Revelation 21:1-8] shall go forth the Law, And the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem” – Isaiah 2:1-3.

Indeed, ‘this world’ is changing rapidly! But, the glorious kingdom of God is coming!

And, as the LORD our God taught, let us pray for it soon to come –

“’ Our Father in heaven, Hallowed by Your name. 10) Your kingdom come. Your will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven.’” – Matthew 6:9-10.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,