OWENSBORO CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY 42303
June 22, 2020
MICHAEL C. GARRETT
FOUNDER, PASTOR
Greetings from West Central Florida:
Friends, as usual, it has been another full week of working on matters related to the short-term as well as the long-term aspects of the final phase of God’s work.
Which indeed brings these Scriptures to mind:
“’ Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD.’” – Amos 8:11 NKJV, unless otherwise noted.
We will continue preparing and publishing articles in multiple languages, adding articles to our Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ – Florida website, and continuing to prepare for God’s prophesied ‘famine’ of His living Word!
Since we are not at that prophesied time yet, the following words of our Lord Jesus Christ came to mind:
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38) Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” – Matthew 9:37-38.
Yes, indeed, please pray for more laborers of the harvest.
COVID-19 and Prakasam, (Ongole) Andhra Pradesh, India
Friends, people from all parts of the world are continuing to suffer from COVID-19. In India, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the largest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases (see ‘WHO reports largest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases’). Our heart grieves for this continued havoc throughout the world, and while we cannot supply all funds needed for food, medical supplies, and shelter, we indeed do pray always for our fellow brethren worldwide (Philippians 4:19) and ask Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ what Their will is.
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10.
Our dear friend David Raju in India wrote via Facebook:
“Good morning brother greetings in Jesus Christ.how are you brother We are praying.please pray for coronavirous, Covid-19 peoples are suffering.please try help to Church members. warm greetings in Jesus Christ.”
Yes, we are reaching people around the world!
We are continuing to assist people in turning to the true God.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
World News Items
In the United States of America – the Supreme Court decided that although the ’64 Civil Rights Act was not intended to support the LGBTQ agenda, it should be interpreted to do so (see ‘Mind-blowing makeover: Supremes redefine 'sex'’). Sadly, the very idea that the US Supreme Court – as well as other courts within the US – can blatantly ignore the intent of laws, the Constitution of the United States, and the Declaration of Independence continues to be a hallmark of the very things which God
has called perverse!! Friends – Sodom and Gomorrah were indeed sexually immoral. And, the Holy Bible tells of a very early event that occurred in those towns:
“Then the LORD [the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ] rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. 25) So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” – Genesis 19:24-25.
And, why did God allow it to happen!?
“ … the cities … having themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, and set forth AS AN EXAMPLE, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” – Jude 7.
Though it is not “politically” or “socially” correct to say so – homosexuality is a form of sexual immorality that involves going after “strange flesh.”
The LORD God emphatically says, “’ Speak to the children of Israel [not just the physical descendants of Jacob/Israel, but also the spiritual descendants of Abraham], and say to them: ‘I AM the LORD your God. … You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.’” – Leviticus 18:1, 22.
The LORD God –
“ … [turned] the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them AN EXAMPLE to those who afterward would live ungodly.” – 2 Peter 2:6.
So, therefore, the utter destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. Yet, despite God’s DIRE WARNINGS, many modern leaders of this world endorse so-called homosexual “rights” and “same-sex marriage.” The LORD God, however, warns these leaders:
“’ As for My people [the house of Israel], children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.’” – Isaiah 3:12.
“’ For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed.’” – Isaiah 9:16.
(Be sure to read God's Promises To Abraham - a seven-part series – which explains the physical and more importantly spiritual descendants of Abraham, and God’s blessings upon them).
Barack Obama, when he was president, refused to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act, and eventually supported its removal. He assisted a great many in declaring their sins like that of Sodom and Gomorrah! GOD'S WORD EMPHATICALLY STATES that homosexuality, lesbianism, and cross-dressing are WRONG, and GOD also condemns those who condone all forms of sexual immorality – cf. Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV; Romans 1:24-32.
So, notice also, the Bible WARNS against women ruling. And, it’s not that they cannot help, but God says those who promote such things are causing His people to err and get their way destroyed. God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – does not teach that the world would be a better place if men stepped aside and let women rule! The Bible essentially warns against doing that! The soon-coming kingdom of God is indeed the solution!
Yet, indeed, just like the Cologne gang sexual assaults on women in 2015-16, not all residence of Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals. Yet, notice that the utter destruction that struck their cities destroyed all that was a resident. And, notice that something like this is due to occur again, so says our Lord Jesus Christ:
“’ And, as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27) They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28) Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29) but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30) Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.’” – Luke 17:26-30.
Please note – a large asteroid (1,100 feet across), named Apophis, will pass by Earth within 19,000 miles of Earth’s surface Friday 13th, 2029. Even though scientists are positive it won’t strike Earth, it could pass through what is called the Yarkovsky effect – as it could get too close to Earth’s gravitational pull and nudge Apophis’ orbit for a strike in 2036 – not that we are giving a date for Christ’s return.
Friends, God’s word WARNS against accepting and condoning forbidden practices like homosexuality and lesbianism – which is something that the United States of America did do June 26th, 2015:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, … 24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [not proper]; 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:18, 24-32.
This “Homosexual Agenda” will end in utter destruction!
Also, speaking of the United States of America – there is a great division within America (see ‘Entire South Florida SWAT team resigns after the chief of police and local officials took a knee with protesters who called for an investigation into dawn raid which killed black man’). And, last week an area called the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone was formed in the city limits of Seattle, Washington – and the mayor ordered the police to leave (see ‘CHAZ chews on what to do next’). This is but a great symbol of the deep divide within the USA. And, this division will not end well – cf. Matthew 12:25.
And, speaking of division – we are continuing to see ever-more division between the USA and Europe. The Germans are upset that the United States intends to reduce American troop levels (see ‘German officials call US troop withdrawal a ‘wake-up call for Europeans’ & chance to loosen ties’). And the Europeans and the Arabs are upset that the United States is not stopping Israel from annexing lands in Judea-Samaria (see ‘Jordan’s Abdullah Presses Washington to Oppose Israeli Annexation’).
Indeed friends, as our Lord Jesus Christ WARNS:
“’ For nation will rise against nation, …’” – literally, ethnos – meaning, ‘a people will rise against people.’ “ ‘… and kingdom against kingdom.’” – Matthew 24:7.
There will be an intifada of ethnic groups against an ethnic group. Europe will temporarily align with a power from the Middle East and North Africa (Psalm 83:3-8; Daniel 11:27). And, an intifada in the Middle East could ultimately involve Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and Iran (Isaiah 22). There will come great damage to Jerusalem and Palestine, and Israeli leaders will look seriously for peace deals.
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 recently spoke with Brother Roger, and we should have our collection of hymns completed before the Feast of Tabernacles.
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is “God’s Children are of the Light” by Michael C. Garrett. An accompanying article by the same title is also available on our Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ – Florida website.
● Announcements (if any; you’re welcome to use this letter) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is "Pray Not For This People - 6/23/20" by Michael C. Garrett. Many more sermons are available at 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 – Home website. Don’t forget we have a Twitter page where you can find news from around the world in relation to biblical prophecy @aservant1God.
Concluding Comments
Friends, our Lord and Savior – the awesome Son of God – said:
“’ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls [your lives]. 30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” – Matthew 11:28-30.
Now, this passage has nothing to do with replacing the holy Sabbath. And, for so many people – including those people on the SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN) - to incorrectly teach this is deceitfully handling of the living word of God! They are not allowing the Spirit of God – the true Spirit of God, the true mind of God – to teach them that the holy Sabbath is still in effect.
“’ My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” – what is He talking about!?
He is comparing the New Covenant with the overwhelming restrictions of the Old Covenant.
Why there are churches and synagogues throughout the world who continue to want to live in this Old Covenant mentality. Mr. Garrett has been speaking for years concerning this. Why are they doing that to themselves!? We don’t live in the Old Covenant anymore – we live in the New Covenant.
Also, in Matthew 23:1 – “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2) saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3) Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’” – in other words, He is referring to the grave burdens of the Old Covenant religion – i.e. utensils, pots, pans that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa, grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten, and you must write words of Torah on the doorposts of your house. In fact, I have a Jewish friend – who is now living in North Carolina – who affixes a mezuzah to his doorpost in his belief of what Deuteronomy 6:9 says. And, because of their living so deeply in the Old Covenant, they will never see the light of Almighty God and Jesus Christ! He says so, in verse 16 – “’ Woe to you, BLIND guides, …’”!
Verse 4 – “’ For they [these religious guides] bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; …’” – the keeping of the innumerable Old Covenant laws which are ‘heavy burdens.’ Even teaching such things as ‘You cannot eat out on a Sabbath.’
Verse 5 – “’ But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.’” – a phylactery, or its also called tefillin, is a small square leather box containing slips of paper inscribed with Scriptural passages. Jesus is saying of them in essence – “’ Look at me! Look at how religious I am!”
Friends, as the Apostle Paul wrote - “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Be not deceived, Jesus Christ stated emphatically, ‘My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’
In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,
We are continuing to assist people in turning to the true God.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
World News Items
In the United States of America – the Supreme Court decided that although the ’64 Civil Rights Act was not intended to support the LGBTQ agenda, it should be interpreted to do so (see ‘Mind-blowing makeover: Supremes redefine 'sex'’). Sadly, the very idea that the US Supreme Court – as well as other courts within the US – can blatantly ignore the intent of laws, the Constitution of the United States, and the Declaration of Independence continues to be a hallmark of the very things which God
has called perverse!! Friends – Sodom and Gomorrah were indeed sexually immoral. And, the Holy Bible tells of a very early event that occurred in those towns:
“Then the LORD [the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ] rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. 25) So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” – Genesis 19:24-25.
And, why did God allow it to happen!?
“ … the cities … having themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, and set forth AS AN EXAMPLE, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” – Jude 7.
Though it is not “politically” or “socially” correct to say so – homosexuality is a form of sexual immorality that involves going after “strange flesh.”
The LORD God emphatically says, “’ Speak to the children of Israel [not just the physical descendants of Jacob/Israel, but also the spiritual descendants of Abraham], and say to them: ‘I AM the LORD your God. … You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.’” – Leviticus 18:1, 22.
The LORD God –
“ … [turned] the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them AN EXAMPLE to those who afterward would live ungodly.” – 2 Peter 2:6.
So, therefore, the utter destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. Yet, despite God’s DIRE WARNINGS, many modern leaders of this world endorse so-called homosexual “rights” and “same-sex marriage.” The LORD God, however, warns these leaders:
“’ As for My people [the house of Israel], children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.’” – Isaiah 3:12.
“’ For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed.’” – Isaiah 9:16.
(Be sure to read God's Promises To Abraham - a seven-part series – which explains the physical and more importantly spiritual descendants of Abraham, and God’s blessings upon them).
Barack Obama, when he was president, refused to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act, and eventually supported its removal. He assisted a great many in declaring their sins like that of Sodom and Gomorrah! GOD'S WORD EMPHATICALLY STATES that homosexuality, lesbianism, and cross-dressing are WRONG, and GOD also condemns those who condone all forms of sexual immorality – cf. Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV; Romans 1:24-32.
So, notice also, the Bible WARNS against women ruling. And, it’s not that they cannot help, but God says those who promote such things are causing His people to err and get their way destroyed. God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – does not teach that the world would be a better place if men stepped aside and let women rule! The Bible essentially warns against doing that! The soon-coming kingdom of God is indeed the solution!
Yet, indeed, just like the Cologne gang sexual assaults on women in 2015-16, not all residence of Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals. Yet, notice that the utter destruction that struck their cities destroyed all that was a resident. And, notice that something like this is due to occur again, so says our Lord Jesus Christ:
“’ And, as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27) They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28) Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29) but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30) Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.’” – Luke 17:26-30.
Please note – a large asteroid (1,100 feet across), named Apophis, will pass by Earth within 19,000 miles of Earth’s surface Friday 13th, 2029. Even though scientists are positive it won’t strike Earth, it could pass through what is called the Yarkovsky effect – as it could get too close to Earth’s gravitational pull and nudge Apophis’ orbit for a strike in 2036 – not that we are giving a date for Christ’s return.
Friends, God’s word WARNS against accepting and condoning forbidden practices like homosexuality and lesbianism – which is something that the United States of America did do June 26th, 2015:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, … 24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [not proper]; 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:18, 24-32.
This “Homosexual Agenda” will end in utter destruction!
Also, speaking of the United States of America – there is a great division within America (see ‘Entire South Florida SWAT team resigns after the chief of police and local officials took a knee with protesters who called for an investigation into dawn raid which killed black man’). And, last week an area called the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone was formed in the city limits of Seattle, Washington – and the mayor ordered the police to leave (see ‘CHAZ chews on what to do next’). This is but a great symbol of the deep divide within the USA. And, this division will not end well – cf. Matthew 12:25.
And, speaking of division – we are continuing to see ever-more division between the USA and Europe. The Germans are upset that the United States intends to reduce American troop levels (see ‘German officials call US troop withdrawal a ‘wake-up call for Europeans’ & chance to loosen ties’). And the Europeans and the Arabs are upset that the United States is not stopping Israel from annexing lands in Judea-Samaria (see ‘Jordan’s Abdullah Presses Washington to Oppose Israeli Annexation’).
Indeed friends, as our Lord Jesus Christ WARNS:
“’ For nation will rise against nation, …’” – literally, ethnos – meaning, ‘a people will rise against people.’ “ ‘… and kingdom against kingdom.’” – Matthew 24:7.
There will be an intifada of ethnic groups against an ethnic group. Europe will temporarily align with a power from the Middle East and North Africa (Psalm 83:3-8; Daniel 11:27). And, an intifada in the Middle East could ultimately involve Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and Iran (Isaiah 22). There will come great damage to Jerusalem and Palestine, and Israeli leaders will look seriously for peace deals.
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 recently spoke with Brother Roger, and we should have our collection of hymns completed before the Feast of Tabernacles.
● Opening prayer.
● Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested is “God’s Children are of the Light” by Michael C. Garrett. An accompanying article by the same title is also available on our Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ – Florida website.
● Announcements (if any; you’re welcome to use this letter) and one hymn.
● Sermon. The one suggested for this week is "Pray Not For This People - 6/23/20" by Michael C. Garrett. Many more sermons are available at 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 – Home website. Don’t forget we have a Twitter page where you can find news from around the world in relation to biblical prophecy @aservant1God.
Concluding Comments
Friends, our Lord and Savior – the awesome Son of God – said:
“’ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls [your lives]. 30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” – Matthew 11:28-30.
Now, this passage has nothing to do with replacing the holy Sabbath. And, for so many people – including those people on the SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN) - to incorrectly teach this is deceitfully handling of the living word of God! They are not allowing the Spirit of God – the true Spirit of God, the true mind of God – to teach them that the holy Sabbath is still in effect.
“’ My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” – what is He talking about!?
He is comparing the New Covenant with the overwhelming restrictions of the Old Covenant.
Why there are churches and synagogues throughout the world who continue to want to live in this Old Covenant mentality. Mr. Garrett has been speaking for years concerning this. Why are they doing that to themselves!? We don’t live in the Old Covenant anymore – we live in the New Covenant.
Also, in Matthew 23:1 – “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2) saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3) Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’” – in other words, He is referring to the grave burdens of the Old Covenant religion – i.e. utensils, pots, pans that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa, grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten, and you must write words of Torah on the doorposts of your house. In fact, I have a Jewish friend – who is now living in North Carolina – who affixes a mezuzah to his doorpost in his belief of what Deuteronomy 6:9 says. And, because of their living so deeply in the Old Covenant, they will never see the light of Almighty God and Jesus Christ! He says so, in verse 16 – “’ Woe to you, BLIND guides, …’”!
Verse 4 – “’ For they [these religious guides] bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; …’” – the keeping of the innumerable Old Covenant laws which are ‘heavy burdens.’ Even teaching such things as ‘You cannot eat out on a Sabbath.’
Verse 5 – “’ But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.’” – a phylactery, or its also called tefillin, is a small square leather box containing slips of paper inscribed with Scriptural passages. Jesus is saying of them in essence – “’ Look at me! Look at how religious I am!”
Friends, as the Apostle Paul wrote - “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3.
Be not deceived, Jesus Christ stated emphatically, ‘My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’
In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,
Leonard V. Johnson
Pastor
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