Thursday, February 25, 2021

Letter to our Friends - February 22, 2021

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES
SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606


Leonard V. Johnson                                                                                                                                                                   
Pastor and Overseer

Greetings Friends and Warm Hearts from Spring Hill, Florida, just down from Weeki Wachee Springs –

Friends, I begin this week’s letter with a dire warning – a warning concerning Iran.

The “Harris-Biden” Administration has already basically capitulated with Iran in order to begin talks for a nuclear deal with them:
Biden Withdraws Trump’s Restoration of UN Sanctions On Iran:

February 19, 2021

UNITED NATIONS – The Biden administration on Thursday rescinded former President Donald Trump’s restoration of U.N. sanctions on Iran, an announcement that could help Washington move toward rejoining the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at reining in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council on behalf of President Joe Biden saying the United States “hereby withdraws” three letters from the Trump administration culminating in its September 19 announcement that the United States had reimposed U.N. sanctions on Tehran.

Mills said in the letter obtained by The Associated Press that sanctions measures terminated in the 2015 council resolution endorsing the nuclear deal with six major powers, but restored by Trump in September, “remain terminated.”

Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, in 2018, accusing Iran of serious violations.

Biden has said the United States wants to rejoin the pact, and the State Department said Thursday that the U.S. would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the original agreement — Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and Iran. …

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations would not support reimposing sanctions on Iran as the United States was demanding until he got a green light from the Security Council.

We also received this important report in our email from Zerohedge:
In Major Nuke Deal Breakthrough, Biden Tells Iran ‘We’re Ready For EU-Sponsored Talks’:

February 18, 2021

“The United States would be ready to hold talks with Iran if the European Union extended an invitation, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday, sketching out a possible diplomatic path to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal,” Reuters reports late in the day Thursday.

Further the official said the administration’s “goal is to get both sides back into compliance with the nuclear deal” and has extended the invitation to Iran: “Let’s talk about how to get there.”

Previously the administration appeared to balk when initially just such an offer was made two weeks ago by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif for the European Union to coordinate a piecemeal approach for dropping sanctions and Iran’s return to conformity.

But now Reuters has cited a top admin official to say “We are ready to show up if such a meeting were to take place” – in what’s clearly an invitation for Iran to signal the same.

Iran has indicated it will begin blocking IAEA inspectors from its nuclear facilities starting Sunday, February 21st, hence this new scramble out of the Biden administration to find a way forward before this next escalation measure that many fear would be hard to roll back takes effect. Both the US and Europe are warning against such a step. …

At the start of this month State Department spokesman Ned Price appeared to shrug off EU-backed talks when asked directly about Tehran’s expressed willingness to engage through the Europeans. He said there are “many steps” that had to be taken before engaging “directly with Iran” and before the US is willing to “entertain any sort of proposal.” Later the White House appeared to walk back the comments.

The central point of controversy since Biden took office was over who would “move first”. The Biden White House has been adamant thus far that Iran must return to compliance with enrichment caps and walking back breaches of the terms of the JCPOA. At the same time Iran has pointed to US hypocrisy of backing out of the deal in the first place (under Trump in May 2018) but now demanding Iran’s conformity. Iran has been adamant that all sanctions be dropped.

Now, certainly, Iran does not have the military strength to truly defeat the United States of America, yet it does have the ability and the means to cause grave damage. It has suspected EMP’s (electromagnetic pulse weapons) along with such capabilities as “dirty bombs” which could gravely harm the US.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is not pleased with the “Harris-Biden” Administration:
Israel: US pushing path to Iranian nuclear bomb with push to rejoin JCPOA:

February 19, 2021

Israel warned that the United States was helping Iran develop a nuclear weapons arsenal with its decision late Thursday night to push to rejoin the 2015 Iran deal.

“Israel remains committed to preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons and its position on the nuclear agreement has not changed,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Israel believes that going back to the old agreement will pave Iran’s path to a nuclear arsenal. Israel is in close contact with the United States on this matter,” it added.

Now, we have been witnessing and warning – be sure to watch our sermons “’ This is a rebellious people’” along with “’ Tell My People Their Sins’.” As well as “’ Blow the Trumpet’!” Also, we’ve been warning of an end-time Iranian/Syrian alliance in our letters since May 9th, 2019.

In God’s living Word, is a future two-fold prophecy concerning peoples that appear to be within modern-day Iran (Elam) as well as modern-day Syria (Kir; see Isaiah 15:1) which will ultimately gravely damage the tiny nation of Israel in this end time –

Let’s turn in our Bible to the Book of Isaiah chapter 22 –

Verse 6 – “Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. 7) It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.”

Continuing with verses 8 & 9 – “He [Almighty God] removed the protection of JUDAH. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9) You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; …”

Grave death and destruction are coming to the modern-nation of Israel. Removing sanctions could be interpreted by Iran or Israel to attack militarily against one another.

A regional war in the Middle East is on the horizon.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is this weeks suggested Sabbath service:

● 2 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is “The Old Time Gospel”).
● Opening prayer.
● Announcements (if any; you may also use this letter).
● Sermon. The one suggested is “The Spirit of Kindness Part 2” by Minister Guy C. LaMar. Additional sermons are available at:
● 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 Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel. We also have a Godtube channel.

World News Items

We are seeing dire issues between the United States of America, Israel, and Iran (See: ‘Iran producing uranium metal in violation of 2015 nuclear deal, U.N. inspectors say’). Let us remember what our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (certainly a reference to Daniel 11:40 between the final king of the North and the king of the South). And there will be famines, pestilences, … 8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.’”

Friends here is but a shortlist of ‘pestilences’ just since September 11, 2001 –

● 2001 Nigeria cholera epidemic – 400+ deaths
● 2001 South Africa cholera epidemic – 139 deaths
● 2002-04 SARS outbreak pandemic worldwide – 774+ deaths
● 2003 Algeria plague outbreak/Bubonic plague – 18+ known cases
● 2004 Afghanistan leishmaniasis epidemic – 3,958 known cases
● 2006 Luandra cholera epidemic – 1,200 known cases
● 2008-2017 China hand, foot, and mouth disease epidemic – 3,322+ deaths
● 2008 Zimbabwean cholera outbreak – 4,293 known deaths
● 2009 Swine flu pandemic worldwide – estimated death toll 284,000 to 151,700-575,400
● 2010s Haiti cholera outbreak – 10,075 known deaths
● 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreak – 935 known deaths as of 7-4-2020.
● 2013-2016 West Africa Ebola virus epidemic – 11,323+ known deaths
● 2017-2018 United States flu season – 61,000 upwards to 46,000-95,000 known deaths
● 2019 – present COVID-19 pandemic worldwide – 2.4 million as of 2-2021.


The former POTUS Donald Trump was acquitted in the mock trial – the Senate failed to reach a 2/3 majority to impeach him (See: ‘Senate Acquits Trump in His Second Impeachment Trial’). The United States of America is a greatly divided nation – and a great many have divisions even stronger between the two main political platforms in the US. Many in Europe see the USA in decline (See: ‘Nord Stream 2 saves European industry several billion euros – German gas group’ as well as ‘Special Program – Biden’s America: Too damaged to lead?’).

Be sure to watch DW News’ “Special Program” – China rising, Europe reluctant – can America lead again?

But, apparently, Europe - at this present time – still wants to rely on the United States of America as their first responder militarily and China as a supplement to their economy. An important question – what is the future of Taiwan!?

Concluding Comments

Friends – we are continuing to witness ever-greater promotions of the LGBTQ+ agenda around the world.

The states of Australia will essentially begin forcing people to promote aspects of the LGBTQ+ agenda, specifically related to transgender pronouns and the inability to change from certain biblically-condemned sins (See: ‘Victoria, Australia, makes it illegal to not affirm gender dysphoria’).

God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – teaches that the LGBTQ+ practices are abominable unto Almighty God – Leviticus 18 -

Verse 1 – “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I AM the LORD your God. … 22) ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. IT IS AN ABOMINATION.’”

Also, chapter 20 of the Book of Leviticus –

Verse 13 – “’ If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.’”

Also, the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 22 –

5:1 – “And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: ‘Hear, O ISRAEL, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing TODAY, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. … 22:5) ‘A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on women’s garments, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God.’”

Now, God’s living Word also teaches that those who do such things can repent and change – 1st Corinthians chapter 6 of the NET –

Verse 9 – “Don’t you know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers [as well as spiritual adulterers – going after strange gods], nor abusers of themselves as women [meaning sexual perverts], nor homosexuals. 10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11) And such were some of you; but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Colossians chapter 3 –

Verse 5 – “Therefore, put to death your members which are on earth – sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6) Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7) Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in these things. 8) But now, you should also put off all these things: wrath, indignation, malice, blasphemy, and foul language from your mouth.”

Verse 9 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man together with his deeds, 10) And have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him Who created him.”

Friends – we as true Christians are not to be involved (in any way) with this LGBTQ+ agenda or “lifestyle.” Nor are we to condone such activities according to God’s living Word – turn in your Bible if you would to the Book of Romans chapter 1 –

Verse 18 – “Indeed, the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”

Verse 24 – “While professing themselves to be the wise ones, they became fools.” – and in respect to this passage as well as verse 32 – “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only practice these things themselves but also approve of those who commit them.” – such ignorant remarks as “Well, I guess I don't deserve to live. ” when I had mentioned that many people around the world are condemning Romans 1:22-32.

Also, also notice this from the LORD our God’s living Word – still from the NET:

“’Now go, write it before them in a tablet, and note it in a book, so that it may be for the time to come forever and ever, 9) That this is a rebellious people, lying children. They are children who will not hear the Law of the LORD; 10) Who say to the seers, [and may I suggest you read our recent article “’ Blow the Trumpet!’”], ‘See not,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions; 11) Go out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel [the living Jesus Christ] to cease from before us.’” – Isaiah 30:8-11.

“’Cry aloud, do not spare, lift up your voice like a ram’s horn, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.’” – Isaiah 58:1.

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

Sadly, a greater number of people do not want to hear the truths related to God’s holy and very relevant Law or the prophecies from His living Word.

Because of this, the https://www.facebook.com/owensborocojc/ page has repeatedly been forbidden to “boost” many of our articles and sermons (e.g. “Does God Have Your Attention?” and “’ Blow the Trumpet’!” – their reasoning being “Your ad may have been rejected if it mentions politicians or sensitive social issues that could influence public opinion, how people vote and may impact the outcome of an election or pending legislation.”

Indeed, so many in this final end-time want to ‘suppress the truth in unrighteousness.’

Friends, this does NOT mean that we are to personally insult people nor intentionally provoke the LGBTQ crowd (cf. Matthew 10:16-17), but we are to speak God’s living truth “in love” – Ephesians 4:15 – while condemning sinful behavior – cf. Romans 1:18-32.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Letter to our Friends - February 15, 2021


CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES
SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606




February 15, 2021


LEONARD V. JOHNSON
Founder, Pastor


Greetings Friends and Warm Hearts from Spring Hill, Florida.

We hope and pray that you have had a spiritually productive week.

Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day 2021

Because of this terrible COVID-19 issue, we should begin the process of knowing where we will meet this year.


I myself visited with our brethren The Independent Christian Church of God in Athens, Alabama – and if all things remain the same, this could be a definite possibility. Be sure to contact Minister Guy C. LaMar via his Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/gc.lamar.520/ for additional information if this is where you would like to meet to keep God’s commanded Feast. I know from personal experience that where the church meets – The Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel 1222 Kelli Dr. Athens, Al. 35613 – is comfortable, convenient, and reasonably priced. Here is their website address - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcuathx-hampton-suites-athens-i-65-huntsville-area/.

A Sermon Series

The recommended sermon for this week is part of a sermon series I have begun – entitled “Our Fundamental Beliefs.”

I have already given two sermons regarding our fundamental beliefs – a complete list of them can be found on our website - https://www.owensborocojc.com/2019/02/statement-of-beliefs-of-church-of-jesus.html.

I am sure that many of the listed items will come as heresy to many of our Roman Catholic friends and our Protestant friends. The hope of doing this series of sermons is that it will greatly help our fellow brethren around the world in these last days “to instruct many” (Daniel 11:33) during a coming time (and in many parts of the world, even now) of persecution. It is our goal to help unite our brethren all around the world. Unfortunately, as Minister Guy LaMar recently said, the problem which we are faced with is that many of them are holding onto their egos or their leaders' egos and are forgetting the glorious teachings of Jesus Christ.

We should also take into consideration the remaining of that quoted two-fold Scripture of prophet Daniel’s – for in this time of the end, “ … many days they [our own fellow Christians, our brothers, and sisters in Christ] shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34) Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many [many of our fellow Christians] shall join with them [shall join with this seventh resurrected “United States of Europe” and its mouthpiece, “The Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth” and will receive their mark] by intrigue. 35) And some of those of understanding [even some of our fellow brethren who do know God’s Master Plan – From the Beginning] shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.”

Christian Radio

It is my great pleasure to announce that The Independent Christian Church of God may soon be on Christian Radio! I will definitely keep you abreast of this. We are indeed continuing the great commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ per Matthew 28:19-20. And, in one respect, Matthew 24:14 via the internet, in the literature (we are also considering written publications to be printed, published, and distributed to i.e. Christian book stores or to those who request). This new radio tool is another way to reach many people!

In Minister Guy C. LaMar’s latest sermon – “Faith and the Kingdom” – he mentions that all people need to be aware of our connections, of our affiliations. That we are all of ONE BODY – cf. 1 Corinthians 12. As the apostle Paul says – “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5) There are DIFFERENCES OF MINISTRIES, but the same Lord. 6) And there are diversities of ACTIVITIES …” Some ministries, as an example, travel around the world physically and some via the internet. “ … but IT IS THE SAME GOD who works all in all.”

O’ how I pray that so many of those church organizations – those many different manifestations of the churches of God – would truly understand what the apostle Paul was trying to explain. That within the living Body of Christ there are different ministries, different activities – “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” As Minister Michael C. Garrett asks in our free no-obligation online PDF booklet “Is Your Belief Biblical? … and can you prove it?” “Is Christ divided? The answer is supposed to be – no! But in reality, we know that in this present era the Church of God is divided in a lot of different directions. And, some have gone far, far, far, afield. Some have stayed pretty close to the Truth of God. And God will judge those accordingly.” It has been witnessed that we have indeed been trying to unite brethren “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” – Jude 1:3.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is this weeks suggested Sabbath service:

● 2 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is “The Old Time Gospel”).
● Opening prayer.
● Announcements (if any). I also highly suggest The WatchMan by Deacon Robbie Lamb.
● Sermon. The one suggested is “God the Son.” Additional sermons are available at:
● 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 Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel. We also, as a reminder, have a BitChute channel.

World News Items

We are witnessing ever more protests and conflicts around the world (such as Myanmar, Haiti, Hong Kong, Ethiopia, Russia, Yemen, Syria – and Iran). Indeed friends, “’ Tell us, … what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ “’ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom [see cf. Daniel 11:40]. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.’” – be sure to watch the sermon “’ Tell My People Their Sins.’”

Within the United States of America, a new “Shock Poll” was released by Zogby Analytics which reveals that “a plurality of Americans expect another civil war to occur at some point in the future. 46% of Americans indicated that the occurrence was likely, with 30% stating it was “somewhat likely” and 16% stating it was “very likely.” The amount of Americans who believe that a civil war will occur is actually up from about 34% in a Rasmussen report taken last June.

Also within the United States, she is holding a mock impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump. Indeed, the USA is divided, and certainly, this mock trial will greatly deepen an already divided nation. (See: ‘Donald Trump and the impeachment trial dividing America,’ as well as ‘Trump trial starting: ‘Grievous Crime’ or just ‘theater’?’).

Also also – speaking of the USA, we are beginning (again) to witness grave issues between her and the nation of IRAN (See: ‘Biden: US Won’t Lift Iran Sanctions’ along with ‘Iran: the US must lift sanctions before it lives up to nuke deal’).

Let us also friends be aware of these reports:
Tehran, Iran — Iran’s intelligence minister has warned the West that his country could push for a nuclear weapon if crippling international sanctions on Tehran remain in place, state television reported Tuesday.


In comments first reported in Iranian state TV on Tuesday, Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi emphasized, “Our Nuclear Industry is strictly peaceful. Iran’s supreme leader said in a fatwah that producing nuclear weapons is against Islamic norms, is haram.”

But then the powerful intelligence chief pivoted to a “threat” at a moment of a continued standoff with the Biden administration over the restoration of the JCPOA nuclear deal:

“I will only say this: if a cat is backed into a corner, it might behave the way it wouldn’t while free. If Iran is pushed in that direction, it will not be Iran’s fault. Under the regular circumstances, Iran has no such plans,” he said.

Alavi affirmed further: “If they push Iran in this direction, it won’t be the fault of Iran, but the fault of those who have pushed Iran.”

The greatest terrorist nation today is getting ever closer to obtaining nuclear weapons (if they don’t already have them)! WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS ON THE HORIZON! We are boldly and fiercely blowing the trumpet! Be sure to read our article “’ Blow the Trumpet’!”

Concluding Comments

“Faith without works is dead” recorded Saint James. But what exactly did he mean!?

Turn with me if you will to Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Yet, we need works. Saint James was inspired to write: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16) and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” – James 2:14-17. And, he repeats it yet again, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” – verse 20. And yet again, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” – verse 26.

In the Word of God, when you see things repeated over and over and over, you realize that God’s truly trying to get you to wake up and to understand that this thing that He’s saying is VERY IMPORTANT!

Now I had highlighted those three words – grace, faith, and works. The word grace comes from the Greek charis which means “the state of kindness and favor toward someone.” The word faith is from the Greek pistos which means “faithfulness, belief, trust, with the implication that actions based on that trust may follow.” And, the word works comes from the Greek ergon meaning “work, deed, activity, task, job.”

Now the majority of Protestants and Catholics alike base their belief wholly on the works of charity. And most Protestant churches teach that the fault with the Old Covenant was God’s Law, and that as the Old Covenant was made with Israel, the New Covenant is made with Gentiles. And that the New abolishes God’s Ten Commandments and is based wholly on promises. This, of course, is NOT true! Complete obedience to God’s eternal and universal Law is a condition we must meet to have salvation. Be sure to read Acts 15:13-39 and Acts 21:17-26 – the apostle James indeed endorses apostle Paul!

In your Bible’s turn with me over to Acts 5:32 – “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Also, Jesus Christ’s own words, “ …’ If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him’” – John 14:23. Also, “’ IF you love Me,’” – ‘if you are loyal to Me’ – “’ keep My commandments'” – John 14:15.

Friends, THAT IS OUR WORKS! OBEDIENCE TO GOD!

God’s grace and faith saves us. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” – Ephesians 2:10.

Faith & works tie in together.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,
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Monday, February 15, 2021

'A Wicked and Adulterous Generation'

Greetings friends in Kenya, New Zealand, Italy, and all throughout the United Kingdom – along with our friends within the United States of America. Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries – I’m your host Leonard V. Johnson in beautiful Spring Hill, Florida.

Do you recall Abraham’s plea to Almighty God!? “Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place.” And the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” And then Abraham said, “Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous?” And then, forty, and thirty, and then twenty, and finally ten. And the LORD said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten righteous people.” And we know the result. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, couldn’t even convince his own family to leave. It was only his wife and his two daughters who were still living at home which left Sodom. Those five cities on the plain of Jordan were allowed to be destroyed because there weren’t even ten righteous people in that city. And, brethren, let us not sell ourselves short – but we should wonder – is it that Almighty God is holding back the utter destruction of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth of Nations, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand respectively – because there are maybe ten in one-million righteous people within these nations!? It should make us wonder. Is that number depleting as time goes by!? In prayer to Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ – a thought crossed my mind – just before the blowing of the SEVENTH TRUMP very few saints of God will be left. There will come a time when the LORD our God cannot find ten righteous people! As ‘this generation’ (cf. Matthew 24:34) continues many of these cities the cup of their iniquity becomes full. And the LORD God has no choice but to exact judgment upon that nation. It is something to ponder.

Friends, what does Almighty God say about a wicked and spiritually adulterous generation!? A generation of which we live in today!? How are we to conduct our lives in the very midst of a vile and evil generation!? Minister Guy C. LaMar, not long ago, gave a sermon on this very topic, entitled, “What should Christians do in these trying times?” Be sure to check out this enlightening and well-informed sermon.

If you have your Bible in front of you – maybe a piece of paper and a pen for taking some notes – turn with me to the Book of Exodus the 23rd chapter –

Verse 2 – some of the very beginning of the instructions which God gave to the nation of Israel. “’ You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.’” – like joining into a mob scene that is going to destroy or subvert justice.

In the Book of Leviticus the 18th chapter –

Verse 1 – “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) ‘Speak to the children of Israel [and in ‘this generation’ - spiritual Israel, the spiritual children of Israel and heirs to the promises of God – cf. Galatians 3:7. As well as the physical modern descendants of the house of Israel], and say to them: ‘I AM the LORD your God. 3) According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall NOT do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I AM bringing you, you shall NOT do; …’”

So, He’s bringing them from Egypt into the land of Canaan – and they were not to follow the ordinances of either one of those lands.

The LORD God says – verse 4 – “’ You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I AM the LORD your God. 5) You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I AM the LORD.’”

Now, the apostle Paul quoted this very passage, saying, “Yet the law [speaking here of the Mosaic law of the Old Covenant] is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them’” – Galatians 3:12 NKJV.

Turning now to the Book of Numbers the 16th chapter –

We know that the children of Israel came out of the land of Egypt and wandered in the wilderness some forty-years. And over time they indeed began to wonder. They began to complain about not reaching the Promised Land. They began to blame the LORD God, along with Moses and Aaron. Surely it became monotonous – even though they had the LORD with them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Well, there came up an uprising, both religious and political. Called ‘the rebellion of Korah.’

Verse 1 – “Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi [making him the great-grandson of the patriarch Levi and first cousin to Moses and Aaron], with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; 2) and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown.” – so these were leaders that were “famous” in their time and well known.

Verse 3 – “They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, …”

This reminds me of something that my sister-in-law’s friend said to me once, she said, “Everyone is a messiah.” But, since she didn’t explain - I’m not sure just what she meant.

Now, in reference to these malcontents’ insurrection, the Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary, states, “that Moses had, by an arbitrary arrangement, taken away the right of primogeniture, …” – meaning, the right of succession belonging to the first-born child. “ … which had vested the hereditary dignity of the priesthood in the first-born of every family, with a view of transferring the hereditary exercise of the sacred functions to a particular branch of his own house.” 1

Korah felt that they too [the Reubenites] were entitled to the priesthood, not just Moses’ own household. And they resented Aaron, that he was the high priest. But Dathan and Abiram had an additional “ground of their mutiny … for while Korah murmured against the exclusive appropriation of the priesthood to Aaron and his family, they were opposed to the supremacy of Moses in civil power.” Id. They felt that they should be the leaders. So, not only was it a religious uprising, but it was also a political uprising.

Verse 4 – “So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face; 5) and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, ‘Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him.”

And so Korah and his company were told to take censers, put fire in them and place incense within them and place them before the LORD in the morning, and they will see just who the LORD chooses to be His holy one. 

Then down in verse 17 – “Let each take his censer and put incense in it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty censers; both you and Aaron each with his censer.” 

Verse 20 – this was Almighty God’s reaction. “And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 21) ‘Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.’”

God is about to destroy the whole congregation! 

Verse 22 – “Then they [the whole congregation] fell on their faces, and said, ‘O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and You be angry with all the congregation?’”

Verse 23 – “So the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24) ‘Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’” – now, Korah being a Kohathite, his tent could not have been in the Reubenites camp. Id. At 125

Verse 26 – “And he spoke to the congregation, saying, ‘Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.’” – and, of course, we know what happened!

Verse 31 – “Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32) and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods.”

So, a great earthquake literally splits the ground open – and all of their tents, cattle, and households were swallowed up into the earth.

Verse 35 – “And a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense.” – in other words, from the clouds in the sky destroying Korah and those Levites who were with him.

It was indeed a harrowing experience for the children of Israel. I imagine it was a great example and lesson to them concerning the rebellion from the hands of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and all the rest.

Now, I went over this with you from the Old Testament – because there is a connection with just what is happening in this world today. There is something about this idea of being overly tolerant of evil – that can be a vexation to a large portion of a nation. Now, case in point – we have high-office leaders here in the United States of America, such as, Nancy Pelosi, and “The Squad,” and others of their ilk which are evil – and are representatives of the evil one. And like what the apostle Paul said concerning receiving “a different spirit” or “a different gospel” – you may well put up with it! And that’s what a great majority of this nation is doing – putting up with this evil which is amongst us! Or for that matter, those of any province, country, or nation. But especially to those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ.

I’m sure what I just said is “politically incorrect” to some who may be reading this – but my authority comes from our living Jesus Christ!

Let’s look at an example of this very Authority –

Ezekiel 3:18-19 – “’ When I [the great and awesome LORD God] say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his [or her] life, that same wicked man [or woman] shall die in his [or her] iniquity; but his [or her] blood I will require at your hand. 19) Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he [or she] does not turn from his [or her] wickedness, nor from his [or her] wicked way, he [or she] shall die in his [or her] iniquity; but you have delivered your [life].’”

Now, people do not like their evil exposed and do not want anyone else to expose them. The vast majority of this world’s so-called Christians will go against Almighty God’s living Word and literally stand up for Satan the devil and will fight the LORD God and condone and support evil! How can one love what God abhors!?

In the Book of Numbers chapter 33 –

Verse 50 – “Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, 51) ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, …’”

Now, notice this – verse 52 – “’ then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places [their temples and sacrificial altars].’”

The Canaanites were NOT to keep alive their evil practices. Now, what comes immediately to my mind: is the United States of 1889. The Native American Mandan tribe, which today, post-1983, uses (and presumably a less harsh form) ritual suspension of humans by their skin – what was known as the Okipa ceremony. If you’ve seen the 1970 movie A Man Called Horse, then you know of what I am speaking of – only in the movie, it was called a Vow to the Sun. Today, this vile ritual of suspension has spread into other groups and subcultures all around the world! Do you think there are so-called Christians which stand around watching and cheering for their favorite participant who is topless pulling a car using ropes attached to flesh hooks in their backs!? – such as the Doo Dah Parade, Ohio of 2011!?

Verse 55 – “’ But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell.’”

Now, ask yourselves – is this happening in the modern nations of Israel today!? I believe it is happening today to the modern nations of Israel. When they tolerate evil and wicked practices – whatever they might be – which is contrary to God’s will and God’s Law.

Turning now into the Book of Deuteronomy, the 12th chapter –

Our LORD God tells us that we are to follow Him, and Him alone.

Verse 29 – “’ When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30) take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you DO NOT inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.’”

I can recall from our history that John Lennon said – coinciding with the band’s 1966 US tour, “We're more popular than Jesus now.” And I can also recall that The Beatles, back in 1968, had famously traveled to India attempting to find spiritual enlightenment with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi – dealing with Hinduism and its 33 false gods. In reflection, I personally don’t believe that Lennon’s words were taken out of context – Americans at that time, heard loud and clear, and there was a backlash – for a short time. And then, “they put up with this wickedness which was amongst us.” Here, the LORD our God’s very instruction is that we are not to even ask this question – ‘How do these nations serve their gods!?’ The Beatles was indeed truly an invasion.

Verse 31 – “’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.’” – and this is absolutely a despicable act! I can’t imagine families taking their children and sacrificing to their gods!? And even TODAY, my friends, in places like China, there is infant cannibalism! 2

Friends, the LORD our God warned the ancient house of Israel against that – and what did they do!? Well, they absolutely fell victim to that!

Verse 32 – “’ Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.’”

Now, in regards to this world’s professing Christians – I’ve heard so many say, “I’m going to worship God my way.” And, last Easter (or rather, Ishtar), my mother-in-law said to me that God has many religions. And, she added, “At least you believe in God!” Indicating that one can worship God as they please.

But the LORD our God is telling us here that we are to worship Him the Way He tells us to worship Him – and we are not to add or take away from that. These are His instructions – not mine.

So, we’ve seen here in the Book of Deuteronomy – a Book of recapitulation – that we are to follow Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Them alone. We’ve quoted the LORD our God through all these many years through the prophet Jeremiah involving this world’s holiday – the Mass of Christ. In which the LORD our God states, “’ Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; …’”

Now, there are great blessings to our people who choose to truly follow the LORD our God! King David was a man who observed this.

Let us turn now into the Book of Psalm the 1st chapter –

Verse 1 – “Blessed is the man [or woman] Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2) But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And in His Law he [or she] meditates day and night.’”

Verse 3 – “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water [certainly symbolic of the great “river of water of life, clear as crystal” which will proceed from the very throne of God the Father and of the Lamb – cf. Revelation 22:1] that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”

I remember growing up in a two-story white farmhouse in Oregon which had a seventy-five or one-hundred-year-old twisted Garry oak tree in front. Its branches touching the ground, making it very climbable. That old Garry oak is still standing there on that piece of property! Indeed, your life will be just like this tree if you will follow Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ!

Verse 4 – “The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5) Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment [again, a reference to the ‘Great White Throne Judgment’ – cf. Revelation 20:11-15], Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

Verse 6 – “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish [cf. Revelation 20:15; 21:8].”

Continuing in the Book of Psalm chapter 26 – let us look at what King David thought of evil and wickedness.

Verse 4 – “I have not sat with idolatrous mortals [spiritually idolatrous] …” – meaning, he has not sat with people who worship other gods. “ … Nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5) I have hated the [congregation] of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.”

And friends, again – and I know I’ve mentioned this quite a lot toward the end of this last year – but it was a great lesson from Almighty God for me. And I pray that it may be a testimony to you – in that this last year I was invited to attend the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and that while there I was verbally attacked by one of their sycophant ministers. And how Minister Guy LaMar told me something very profound and wise. He said, “We cannot walk with Almighty God while holding hands with Satan the devil.” A variation of what our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, “’ No one can serve two masters; … You cannot serve God and mammon.’” – meaning, wealth and assets. Certainly, with that church organization, it’s about their wealth and their assets. You threaten their family wealth and assets, they will attack you with great ferocity!

Now a great many – even many from that church organization of which I speak and them of that ilk – will quote this very passage from King David and teach, “See, God doesn’t even want you to sit down with those you consider evil or wicked.” And they use this as a proof text for this erroneous teaching. But was this the attitude and example which our Lord and Savior showed us!? After all, He is to be our example! Did He not sit down with publicans and sinners!? Cf. Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29!? Did Jesus do what I heard this sycophant minister claim he had done - that he was in line at a McDonald’s ordering food when two homosexuals got in line behind him. He said that he immediately turned around and began to berate them and call them terrible homophobic names!? Did our Lord and Savior insist on leaving, turning, and saying, ‘Get away from Me sinner!?’ No, He stated, “’ Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.’”

Now, there is nothing wrong with hating evil. We should indeed hate evil and wickedness!

Psalm 139 – reading here from the New English Translation –

Verse 19 – “Surely You will slay the wicked, O God; therefore you bloody men, depart from me. 20) For they speak against You wickedly and Your enemies take Your name in vain.”

Well, it certainly doesn’t take us much to find people today who meets this description.

Verse 21 – “O LORD, do I not hate those who hate You? And am I not grieved with those who rise up against You? 22) I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.”

King David does make a bold statement here concerning evil and wickedness and of hating his enemies and the enemies of God. Now, certainly, Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ accepted this psalm here of King David – that those who hate God are King David’s enemies. However, our Lord Jesus Christ emphatically commands us and says, “’ You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” – as it was said here by King David. “’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that YOU may be sons [and daughters] of your Father in heaven; …’”

Now in the Book of Proverbs King Solomon – through the writings to his son – warned us of having monetary gain and power and becoming associated with wicked men. Cf. Proverbs 1:10.

So, what should we do – as Christians – if someone evil or wicked comes in contact with you or with the Body of Christ – the living Church of God!?

Let us turn over into the New Testament – beginning in the Book of Romans the 16th chapter. Turning back to the New King James Version.

Verse 17 – the apostle Paul had to deal with this on a number of occasions. There are many examples of disruptions that happened within the Church – people that were trying on a number of occasions to destroy the congregations, to divide the Church. And the apostle Paul had to deal with it over and over again. Here he ends this letter to the church which was in Rome – “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions …” – it means to make a note of that person. “ … and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” – doesn’t say, ‘hate them,’ does it!?

Verse 18 – “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, …” – so they are there for their own gratification, their own gain. “ … and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” – ‘For those who are such,’ meaning, like he writes and tells Brother Timothy, “For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, …” Even the church organization I speak of – they love widow women who send money and asks no serious doctrinal questions. ‘The simple,’ meaning, the unwary, the unsuspecting.

Turning to 1st Corinthians the 5th chapter. We read this during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 1st Corinthians was written in 56 AD. Which is twenty-five decades after the human life and death of Jesus Christ. The Book of 1st Corinthians, in one sense, it’s simply Paul saying, “Hey, Corinthians, you’re screwing up big time! And I want you to get this straight!” So, 1st Corinthians by enlarge is a letter of correction. It’s an admonition – it’s a ‘you’re not doing this right!’ “Your glorying is not good.” As he says to the Corinthians in verse 6 – “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” So, the apostle Paul is indeed saying – that a person within their congregation (here speaking about one being married or having a sexual relationship with one’s own step-mother) committing heinous acts will eventually leaven the whole lump. Such as the old idiom, a rotten apple spoils the (whole) bunch.

God emphatically commands us over in 2nd Corinthians chapter 6 –

Verse 14 - “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15) And what accord has Christ with Belial [another name for Satan the devil]? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16) And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you [your physical body] 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.’ 17) Therefore ‘COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE, SAYS THE LORD. …’”

Now, that does not mean that we cannot have contact with this world or people of other beliefs. And, it certainly does not mean that you cannot buy food from a store staffed with unbelievers, or with professing Christians of other beliefs.

The apostle Paul clarifies back in 1st Corinthians –

Verse 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 [a so-called 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.”

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.

In the Book of 2nd Thessalonians chapter 3 –

He explains this a little further.

Verse 6 – “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother [one which is in the congregation calling themselves a brother or sister] who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which [they] received from us.”

The word “tradition” is the Greek word paradosis, which is more akin to the meaning, teachings, or ordinances. Meaning the ordinances which were laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ under the New Covenant!

Verse 7 – “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; …”

And, how will you recognize them!?

Let us turn over to the Book of 1st Timothy chapter 3 –

Verse 1 – “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come …”

And he’s not just speaking of this world, but also of professing Christians. Recall, our Lord Jesus Christ said, “ … ‘Many will be offended …’” – many professing Christians will be offended i.e. that you preach the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. “ … ‘will betray one another, and will hate one another.’” – and as I’ve said before, as Brother Paul WARNS, “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” “’ Many false prophets [and surely false ministers] will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound …’” – and He is speaking concerning the churches of God – “ … ‘the love of many will grow cold.’”

Verse 2 – “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, …”

Now, when you are reading this – just imagine what not only this world is like TODAY, but also what so many ministers are like. Many ministers and church organizations do not have the fruits of God’s Spirit and are indeed lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, and unholy. Recall, Jesus said, “’ You will know them by their fruits.’” So many ministers who put on a ‘Really Big Shew’ as Ed Sullivan would say, are but “ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15)! These “ministers of righteousness” are quick to point their finger to the world and anyone in their flock they deem unrighteous, but they are not so quick to look at themselves.

Verse 3 – “unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, …” – and here is where we know that the apostle Paul was not just speaking of the world at large –

Verse 5 – “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

Now, is it possible that a very leader of a church organization among the people will secretly bring in false teachings (what I had previously called ‘erroneous teachings’) and will actually deny the Lord who bought them!? The apostle Peter says, ‘Yes indeed!’

Turn with me over to the Book of 2nd Peter chapter 2 –

Verse 1 – “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly [meaning, they will act as “ministers of righteousness”] bring in destructive heresies, EVEN DENYING THE LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

Verse 2 – “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3) By covetousness they will exploit you …”

Now, brethren, I speak to you here - what we might find revealing is — both from our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles — is how revealing the everyday lives of false teachers are about their falseness. They are not just false in their teaching, but also in their living. For beneath their erroneous teachings is doctrinal error – however subtle it may be. And, sadly, these subtle deceptions may not appear overnight; they may take time. But they will come out!

Here are the living words of Jesus Christ on this matter –

Matthew chapter 7 –

Verse 15 – “’ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16) You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17) Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20) Therefore by their fruits you will know them.’”

Jesus said it twice for clarification and importance: You will recognize them by their fruits. 2 Peter I find remarkable in how it fleshes out our Lord Jesus’ warning about the fruit of false teachers. Verses 1 and 3 mentions generalities “destructive teachings” and “false words” which indeed relate to teaching. But then, nothing further in this chapter focuses on their teaching. Everything else is about their lives.

We can certainly break it down to three essential categories – all three being about character and conduct, not their teaching:

  1. Pride, or defying authority – v. 10. They deny “the Master who bought them with a price.” See also verse 12-13, 18.
  2. Authoritative – v. 2. “Many people will follow as authoritative their destructive ways.” See also verses 10, 12-14, 19.
  3. Greed for money and monetary gain – v. 3. “through insatiable greed they will with enticing messages exploit you for gain.” See also verses 14-15.
So, their falseness comes out in sin – sin against themselves, against others, and against Almighty God and Jesus Christ. In their greed, they fleece their flock for monetary gain. Or, in their lust of flesh, they compromise sexually (i.e. fornication, adultery, or even homosexuality, which the apostle Peter eludes to in verse 6). Or, even in their pride, they “despise authority” – v. 10. And the greatest Authority in all the universe is GOD THE FATHER! In which JESUS CHRIST is in complete unison!

But in the end, my brethren – the apex of Brother Peter’s teaching here is this – the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of trials.

Our Lord and Savior, as I testify to you, is not only the greatest Teacher who ever lived, but He is also our great SAVIOR, who has redeemed us from the death penalty and will truly keep us from those who wish to destroy our eternal life – our promised crown. For like what occurred to me just this last year during the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, Jesus saves those who know His voice – John 10:27. □


Bibliography:

1) Jamieson, R., Fausset, A.R., Brown, D., Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary of the Whole Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, pp. 124.
2) Dale, Y. “Chinese cannibalism of infant flesh outrages the world” The Washington Times, 31 Dec. 2014, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/31/chinese-cannibalism-infant-flesh-outrages-world/. Retrieved 12 Feb. 2021.
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