Just What Is The New Testament?

In this mostly humanist world today, many view the New Testament as nothing more than a collection of very cleverly concocted myths and stories designed and established around a religious movement or created by an ecclesiastical empire to rule over others.

The truth of God – which can indeed be proven – is that the New Testament is a divinely inspired work of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings truly fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies.

It is a message and a witness sent by God the Father and Jesus Christ to all mankind. And as the apostle Paul says, “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” set forth by God the Father’s Master Plan for all mankind's salvation – called the “gospel of grace” (Romans 11:6) or “the gospel of the kingdom of God” (cf. Matthew 24:14; Mark 1:14-15).

God the Father, within the New Testament, proclaims His love for the world, demonstrated by His forgiveness of our sins, and reveals the Way to eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ, as summarized by John 3:16 –

“’ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’”

The Holy Bible is the most important book of all time! This living book – of both the Old and the New Testament - constitutes the entirety of the living word of God revealed to the world He loves.

The New Testament is God the Father’s personal revelation of His Son – Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth was, of course, no ordinary man, or teacher, or a religious sage! He was God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). He was the very Creator – the LORD God of the Old Testament, the Word of God, the very One who became Jesus Christ! Cf. John 1:1-4, 9-14.

But why was the New Testament even written!?

Truly, truly the ultimate reason for the New Testament having been written is found in the rebellious refusal of humans throughout some 51 centuries to heed His guidance and admonishment.

Our first parents – Adam and Eve – utterly rejected God’s Law in the garden of Eden by taking unto themselves what they believed is good and evil – hence, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil – Genesis chapter 3.

Now, in prophet Moses’ time – when God thundered His perfect and very relevant Law unto the children of Israel from Mount Sinai – they, trembling and frightened, justified their final refusal to listen to God by going to prophet Moses and announcing, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die” – Exodus 20:19.

So, although the children of Israel promised to obey God, they ultimately did not!

Only a year-and-a-half after they left the captivity of Egypt, prophet Moses announced that God was going to lead them into the Promised Land, but in grumblings and in complaints – they were not taken – Numbers chapter 14.

Because of this disobedience, the children of Israel were barred from entering the Promised Land –

“’ Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give your fathers’” – Deuteronomy 1:35.

God sentenced that evil generation to wander aimlessly in the Wilderness for forty years. In spite of this punishment, time and again the Israelites refused to believe God and rebelled against Him and His servant Moses.

Prophet Moses prophesied about Jesus Christ!

Recall that the children of Israel, after having been brought out from the bondage of Egypt, said they were willing to listen to prophet Moses – a man. Well, during their wanderings, they refused to even listen to him as promised.

Yet God, with His ever-enduring patience, gives the children of Israel another chance! He revealed through the prophet Moses that He would be sending another Man – a Prophet like His servant Moses. If they failed to recognize or heed this Prophet, they would certainly no longer have an excuse.

“’ The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, … I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him’” – Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19.

The Son of God literally became a Man – in order to fulfill this promise to the children of Israel – the Word of God, who pre-existed with God the Father as the Creator of all things – He came in the flesh as a Man to speak with men – cf. John chapter 1.

Jesus of Nazareth was that Man – the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary. God the Father sent Christ (the Messiah) to reveal the Father’s love and grace along with His master plan for the redemption of all mankind. He also came to reveal the Father to all who would believe the gospel message.

Jesus Christ announced –

“’ All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him’” – Matthew 11:27.

Indeed, as Jesus Christ told the Jews, “’ Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” And He was the only One who could reveal the Father, because Jesus was His Son manifested in the flesh.

Jesus the Christ was that “Prophet” foretold by prophet Moses! He also alludes to calling Himself a “Prophet” -

“ … ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house’” – Mark 6:4.

The apostle Stephen made this abundantly clear when he boldly, full of faith and power, announced before the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia) – libertines, called freethinkers in religious matters -

“’ This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear’” – Acts 7:37.

Also, in the temple at the hour of prayer – on the porch which was called Solomon’s – the apostle Peter makes this abundantly clear to the Jews –

“’ Men of Israel, … For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people’” – Acts 3:1, 22-23.

John the Baptist had been announcing the arrival of the Son of God!

Cf. – 

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom [from] heaven is at hand!’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’ … ‘I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire’” – Matthew 3:1-3, 11-12.

“Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. And they came to John and said to him, ‘[Teacher], He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified – behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!’

John answered and said, … ‘You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ … ‘For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, … The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, …’” – John 3:25, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36.

God fulfilled the prophecy which He gave the prophet Moses by manifesting Himself as a Man, in order to announce and witness unto all mankind.

Thus indeed, the Holy Bible is the very words which God Himself would speak to you if He was face-to-face with you! Every human being will eventually be judged from His living words which are written within the Holy Bible – cf. Revelation 20:11-12.

God becoming a Man was indeed a profound, beautiful, and loving act! It was the greatest thing God could do! God the Father did not speak directly to us, nor did He speak to us through His angels or His prophets – but by His Son.

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days [the last days of the Old Covenant] spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” – Hebrews 1:1-2.

The New Testament is also a witness!

Like the Old Testament, God did not leave the world without the ability to know and to understand His Master Plan! He left a true witness! The Holy Bible – which includes the New Testament!

In fact, like the end-time prophets which will soon be witnessing unto the subjugated modern nations of the house of Israel – the New Testament itself is a witness unto all nations and to all religions – even to every human being. The apostles of Christ - who would go on to write the New Testament are those witnesses –

“’ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’” – Acts 1:8.

Jesus Christ’s testimony continued after His death and His glorious resurrection unto life as the apostles preached and witnessed through the power of the Holy Spirit. His testimony continues today for all generations through the divinely inspired witnesses who keep His commandments and have His testimony and who preach from His living word – the Holy Bible.

We too witness against this world’s religions and its leaders!

After our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious resurrection unto life, the greater majority of the Jews completely rejected Him – refusing to believe that He was the Messiah. And while from the beginning, the so-called “Christian” groups typically claim that Jesus is “the Christ,” (Matthew 24:4-5), they have ultimately rejected His teachings and commands, and have substituted their own traditions in place of His living and clear words! (Matthew 15:6-9; Colossians 2:8).

So, not only are these living words of God preserved for all mankind in the New Testament as a witness against Judaism – but also against all other religions of the world. Because they all, in one way or another, reject Jesus Christ, His words and commands, in order to preserve and observe their own traditions and worship their own gods and idols.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ calls for all to repent!

“Now after John [the Baptist] was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe [which also means obey] in the gospel’” – Mark 1:14-15.

“ … ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’” – Mark 2:17.

Well, just what is sin!? God defines sin as the transgression of His Law – 1 John 3:4. Anyone who transgresses the Commandments of God is living in a state of sin and is technically “dead” – cf. Ephesians 5:14.

Salvation unto eternal life is through Jesus Christ alone! 

As the apostle Paul says, “What then? Are we [the Jews] better than they [the Gentiles]? NOT AT ALL. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks [Gentiles] that they are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one!’ … [F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:9-10, 23.

In 30 A.D. – after the Day of Pentecost had fully come – the apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached powerfully of the repentance of sin –

“ …’ Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” – Acts 2:38.

True baptism is by full immersion in water – which is symbolic of the burial of the old sinful self in a watery grave – and this must come after true and deep repentance.

True repentance is a complete abhorrence and intolerance of one’s sins – a complete turning from sin – from the transgression of God’s Law and His Commandments.

Salvation by grace. After genuine repentance and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior, the believer must be baptized by immersion in water and have hands laid upon them for the remission of sins. Once the believer has been justified by grace, he or she stands in a state of grace before God the Father.

The apostle Paul is clear –

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” – Romans 5:1-2.

Salvation by grace does NOT mean the complete freedom to act as you wish or think is best – recall, the apostle Paul basically retorted, ‘just because you can doesn’t mean you should (1 Corinthians 6:12) Jesus says, “’ If you love [or are loyal to] Me, keep My commandments’” – John 14:15.

The apostle Paul also confirms that salvation by grace is demonstrated in works – not by humanly devised traditions or works of religion – but the good works of keeping God’s Commandments – Ephesians 2:8-10.

Truly, the New Testament confirms God’s glorious promise of the spiritual seed of Abraham!

When we fully understand the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God – it becomes crystal clear that God – in His covenant with Abraham – promised the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul states, “Now to Abraham and his Seed [Jesus Christ] were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ” – Galatians 3:16.

So, ultimately, this glorious promise refers to Abraham’s spiritual seed, who would receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

God’s living word – through the apostle Paul – made it abundantly clear that the Old Covenant was only temporary – but that a “better covenant” is offered to the spiritual seed through the New Covenant which is eternal – cf. Hebrews 8:7-12.

The Old Covenant never offered eternal life – but, under this glorious New Covenant, people of every nation and every race can inherit the promise of eternal life by becoming the spiritual children of Abraham through faith –

“[J]ust as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. … So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” – Galatians 3:6-7, 9.

He went on to say, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” – v. 29.

And like our Lord Jesus Christ, those who are children of God – the spiritual seed of Abraham – will indeed be resurrected unto immortality and will inherit eternal life and live as glorified spirit beings in the family of God – the kingdom of God!

“The Spirit [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified together” – Romans 8:16-17.

When the first fruits of the children of God are glorified, the very words of Jesus Christ will be fulfilled –

“’ Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. …’” – Matthew 13:43. □

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Prophecy - According To Jesus Christ (Sermon)

Welcome. The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries would like to present our latest sermon via our YouTube Channel.

Prophecy - According To Jesus Christ

In this sermon presented by Minister Leonard V. Johnson, he covers the Book of Revelation chapter 6 in relation to the Book of Matthew chapter 24, for a fascinating look into - as revealed by our Lord Jesus Christ - of the true meanings behind Revelation chapter 6.

Here is a direct link to the sermon - Prophecy - According To Jesus Christ.

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Personal From... Compassion

The other day my wife was telling me of an elderly man – a homeless man – which rides her bus almost daily. She has known this man over seven years – reminding her of Will Geer of The Waltons. He’s had his wheelchair stolen from him four different times. He has nowhere to live and cannot receive help from the government until he has a permanent address. He’s been abused, beat up, has had everything stolen from him, and has no living relatives to ask for help.

Is caring and compassion for others becoming obsolete!?

Do we have compassion for the sufferings of others!?

How much compassion we have truly affects the zeal with which we yearn for our Lord Jesus Christ’s return – which will begin to end this world’s suffering.

One way to learn compassion is to begin expressing compassion. I suspect that almost daily someone comes to us who truly needs help in some small or even large way.

How can we honestly express compassion, empathy, and pity!?

1. We need to listen.
2. We need to show that we humbly understand.
3. We need to show love and patience.
4. We need to express openness, honesty, and trust.
5. We need to offer hope.

Today, in this personal note to you, I want to talk about these five points.

Listening. The first point is listening. When my wife was telling me about this man’s plight and distress – and how it was truly distressing her – I listened. So many people talk when they should be listening. Often they don’t want to hear about other people’s problems. ‘I have enough of my own,’ they say. But if we, as true Christians, intend to be sympathetic and compassionate, we must first listen.

God’s living word is bursting at its seams with men and women who poured out their hearts unto Almighty God. He is not embarrassed or put off by what His children tell Him – He knows all things (cf. Hebrews 4:13).

Second – we need to earnestly show that we’ve heard. Again, when my wife compassionately told me of the serious plight of this man – I heard the seriousness and the distress in her voice.

Now, no one can fully understand the pain and suffering of another – so the person who is hurting feels alone. When we respond to a hurting person, we are communicating: ‘I want to understand what is happening to you and help you carry this burden.’

Friends, the person who truly cares is sincerely humble, not pretentious, is willing to learn, and is in no way inclined to look down on others with what I often call a ‘nose in the air’ type perspective. Too many so-called Christians would truly drown if they were stuck out in a heavy monsoon rain!

It is no accident that our Lord Jesus Christ was the most compassionate human being that ever walked the earth. He was the most humble man. The Book of Romans chapter 12 is brimming with practical instructions for love, compassion, caring as a true Christian. Let us take time to read it.

Compassion, patience, and sensitive giving are of prime importance! Such love – godly love – is patient and kind. It originates with God and is indeed one of the fruits of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A compassionate person stays with the one in need, giving him or her time to grow, patiently meeting needs, and expecting that healing will truly come in due time. Like love, true patience comes from God.

In our societies of this 21st century, we are trained to stifle our feelings in public. To stifle our emotions. But truly compassionate people should seek to develop a genuine concern for others and should learn to honestly show compassion.

Over the 20-years of driving over the road, I had experienced many times when I should have spoken up with greater love, compassion, and caring. In 2006 while sitting at a restaurant counter, I noticed one seat down from me had a jacket thrown over it with a “Neo-Nazi” sitting beside it. With a thick Russian accent, he asked for another cup of coffee from the waitress. Then, not long, a young Mexican boy came and sat down at the counter where the jacket was thrown and began telling his troubles to this “Neo-Nazi” looking man. How his grandmother and father had both died on the same day. And he began to literally cry on this man’s shoulder. While I was sitting there, a strong feeling came over me along with a thought. ‘They’re going to both get up out of their chairs shortly and go off together. Say something to this young man and stop him from leaving with this man.’ Sure enough, not long, they both got up together and were leaving! But I was too scared to say anything. In 2007, a young waitress had eyes of much pain. I wanted to comfort her and speak up and tell her she needs to go before God, and that it is never as bad as it appears. But I was too afraid to do or say anything.

All of us need someone who is authentic, genuine, honest, compassionate, and brave enough to speak with true love and concern.

Do you remember when you were first learning how to ride a bicycle!? I do. My father jogged up and down the sidewalk behind me holding onto the seat with one hand. Before long and without me knowing it – he let go. But, he stayed close behind ready to grab me if I was to fall. Then, one day, I was able to ride without him.

Can you imagine how very difficult it would be to have compassion for someone if you couldn’t offer hope!? Hope involves a desire for something we want but yet do not have. When we hope, we yearn for something we cannot obtain by our own strength or resources. Hope brings comfort and mobilizes energy and enables us to keep going even during troubling times. A compassionate person must exude hope.

More than any other person, our Lord Jesus Christ showed great compassion –

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24) Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them” – Matthew 4:23-24, NKJV.

“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep’” – Luke 7:13, NKJV.

He set an example for us.

Let us harken to the apostle Peter –

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9) not returning evil or reviling for reviling, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” – 1 Peter 3:8-9, NKJV.

My wife’s heart is truly wrenched concerning this poor homeless man that she has known and spoken with for seven years – who weeps before her. When she asked me if she could bring him home for a meal, a hot shower, and maybe a place to lay his head for a while, I said, “Absolutely!”

“’ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, …’” – Isaiah 58:7, NKJV.

“’ But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14) And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just’” – Luke 14:13-14, NKJV. □

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Letter to our Friends - May 14, 2021

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor/Overseer

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida:

The glorious and Holy Day of Pentecost is upon us!

With the sequence in the Book of Exodus, the Jews (and they are called Jews because they are from the tribe of Judah, from the kingdom of Judah – cf. 2 Kings 16:6, KJV. Recall, the kingdom of Israel divided) rightly believe that the Day of Pentecost is when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments inscribed upon stone tablets. But, the Day of Pentecost is even more than this – it has a most AWESOME MEANING! And for this Holy Day of Pentecost – 2021 I teach on the most significant and important meaning of this holy day. Much more than just the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New Testament Church of God!

‘On the Sabbaths Day’

Pentecost is from sunset May 15th through to sunset May 16th this year. As always, this means two Sabbaths – back-to-back.

Now, one does not grow in grace and knowledge without gaining knowledge. We must continue to grow spiritually. So, in addition to sermons on our YouTube channels, we have a website devoted to articles in helping you shine a little brighter with the light of Christ - www.owensborocojc.com.

The apostle Peter wrote, under the inspiration of God’s Spirit –

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts …” – meaning set your heart apart and consider it holy unto the LORD our God. “ … and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” – 1st Peter 3:15, KJV.

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2nd Peter 3:17-18, NKJV.

The Day of Pentecost

Most who profess Christ know something about Pentecost. Many properly consider it the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

The apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power of the Holy Spirit –

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard Me; 5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Acts 1:4-5; NKJV and hereafter unless otherwise noted.

So, they waited. And –

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” – Acts 2:1.

Notice it was when the Day of Pentecost had fully come. The Bible is clear that the events that follow were directly related to the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. And the apostles were all observing it together.

Here is what happened –

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven [the sky], as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

38) Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off [in the generations to come], as many as the Lord our God will call.’ 40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 47) [P]raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:2-4, 38-42, 47.

They received some of the power of God’s Spirit. The Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, the greater majority of Protestants, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Church of God all believe that this was the beginning of the New Testament Church of God. And rightly so. The Holy Spirit (be sure to watch “The Truth Concerning the Trinity Explained” which Facebook tried to ban a few weeks ago now (that issue has been resolved, though now they have banned a gospel song performed by Minister Michael C. Garrett, “Amazing Grace”) was gifted at a certain time (the same time that many Jews observed Pentecost).

That was not a coincidence.

Many may not realize that Pentecost represented more than just the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

Minister Michael C. Garrett has this to say concerning the Day of Pentecost –

“Christ In You! … we must have God’s Spirit which is represented by the Feast of Pentecost. And so, individual salvation – that Plan is given to us in the Spring Holy Days. … The Spring Holy Days are a continuum. What happens in Passover and Unleavened Bread, and down as you get into the Feast of Pentecost – a continuous series of events which are all interrelated and intertwined. And the same thing is true with the Fall Holy Days. …

Just a quick perusal, turn to Acts 2 – the account of where we read about the Day of Pentecost – when God for the first time pours out His Spirit in mass on human beings. Now keep in mind there had been multiple times throughout biblical history where God indeed had given His Spirit to servants and prophets of God. But here on this day, on A.D. 31, something very special happened. And, we won’t read every Scripture here, but let’s go to verse 21 of Acts chapter 2 – “’ And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD [the Lord Jesus Christ] Shall be saved.’” Verse 22 – “Men of Israel [and you men of the different organizations which want to be a part of the kingdom of God and wish to pursue the teachings of this Bible], hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – 23) Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken …” this is Peter speaking to the men, some of which have called for His death. Some of which, just a few days before – a month-and-a-half before – were chanting ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ And yet, here, Peter says, “by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He [Jesus Christ] should be held by it …” - isn’t that a beautiful concept!? Jesus Christ walked out of the tomb! And by that He established a pattern, and an example that someday all of us who is called His sisters and brothers, His friends, will someday have the same opportunity!! If we die before the return of Jesus Christ we too will walk out of our graves! I love that thought!

Verse 38 – listen carefully to what Peter says – this is an extremely well-known and recited verse; this is a foundational Scripture that all of us need to know about, think about, and appreciate. And give thanks to Jesus Christ because it’s in the Book! The reality of it – it is true! “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, …’” – what does the word repent mean!? It means simply change your ways. Change your direction. Change your focus. Change your goals. Change your motivation. “…’ Repent, and let every one of you be baptized…’” – and listen to this next part – “…’ in the name of Jesus Christ …’” – no other name. No other name under heaven, on earth, anywhere in the universe by which you could be saved. “’ Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ …’” – that wonderous, glorious name and title! Jesus, the Anointed One! Jesus, the Messiah! Jesus, the Savior! And if you do you will have your sins forgiven “…’ and you shall receive the gift of [God’s] Holy Spirit.’”

Also, looking at other passages provides even more valuable information about this sanctioned and commanded day of the LORD God, and its meaning.

The Feast of Pentecost was kept by true Christians after the initial one, yet, without speaking in different languages. The apostle Paul continued keeping Pentecost decades after the Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2. Notice his inspired words, written about A.D. 55 –

“For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8) But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.” – 1 Corinthians 16:7-8.

This shows us that Paul knew when Pentecost was and that he felt that the Corinthians knew when Pentecost was and that the Ephesians would have known when Pentecost was. So, it was being observed by Paul and the Gentiles in Ephesus and in Corinth.

Here’s another year, the apostle Paul wished to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, around A.D. 61-64 –

“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” – Acts 20:16.

So, true Christians in Jerusalem were still observing Pentecost and Paul was observing it too! Otherwise, there would have been no obvious reason why Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.

The Greek term for Pentecost means 50th. And, that term is derived from the following Hebrew description of calculating the correct date –

“’ And you shall count for yourselves from the day AFTER the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; …’” – Leviticus 23:15-16.

The Day of Pentecost in Scripture goes by different names, and because of that, many have been confused about it. Its other biblical names include the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of first fruits.

We, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries, and our affiliated churches observe the biblical method.

Christians should remember that our LORD God, Jesus Christ, condemned the Pharisees for relying way too much on their oral law over God’s written Law (Mark 7:5-13). Jesus told them they were ‘making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.’ – Mark 7:13.

Why is Pentecost on May 16th in 2021? By Brother Samuel LaMar

Sadly a great many are confused when the Day of Pentecost is. Many Jews do not keep it correctly. Instead, they will be keeping it on May 23rd. Why!?

The latter date (the 23rd of May) appears to be seven weeks from the Days of Unleavened Bread, and the early date seems to be a week too early. But, here is the proper teaching on this –

The instruction for counting Pentecost is found in Leviticus 23:15-16. It tells us to count 50 days from the day of the wave-sheaf offering.

Normally, the task of counting is straightforward. However, when the Days of Unleavened Bread begin on the first day of the week and end on the weekly Sabbath, the Sabbath referred to in Leviticus 23:15 and the day after it for the wave-sheaf offering cannot both fall during the festival. Because of this timing, there are two potential dates to consider for the wave-sheaf offering (the “morrow after the Sabbath” mentioned) from which we count Pentecost—either the wave-sheaf offering coincides with the First Day of Unleavened Bread, or the wave-sheaf offering happens after the Unleavened Bread festival, one week later.

Which date is correct?

Thankfully, there is a scriptural example that indicates which date to use and brings clarity to this issue. In the year described in Joshua 5, the Unleavened Bread festival began on the first day of the week, just as it does in 2021. In verses 11 and 12, we find that the Israelites ate of the spring harvest on the day after the Passover, something they could not do until the wave-sheaf offering had been made (Leviticus 23:9-14). The wave sheaf, an offering taken from the spring crop before harvesting was allowed to begin, was offered on the same day from which Pentecost was to be counted (Leviticus 23:15).

The only way for the scene described in Joshua 5:11-12 to take place was that the wave sheaf was offered on the first Holy Day of Unleavened Bread, allowing the Israelites to begin eating the spring crop immediately. It also meant that Pentecost fell seven weeks from that day.

This example shows us how to calculate Pentecost in a year such as 2021 when the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the first day of the week and ends on the weekly Sabbath. That's why we know that the correct date for Pentecost is May 16.

Suggested Sabbath Day Service

Here is this weeks suggested Sabbath service –

● 2 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is “The Old Time Gospel”). Also NOTE: Minister Guy LaMar has several spiritual songs on the TI CCOG YouTube channel!

● Opening prayer.

● Announcements (you’re more than welcome to use this letter).

● Suggested Sermonette: “Mother’s Day” by Minister Guy C. LaMar. Additional sermonettes are available on the TI CCOG YouTube channel.

● Suggested Sermon: “’ Why Should You Die, O House of Israel?’” by Minister Leonard V. Johnson. 

Additional sermons are available at:

http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwFd99BM0EXyAdM7MWtKcjw.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0DU4XpzdeYeOLf3Ydk9w.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIhmqdkH1mJ5iDLUh4qBQg.

● Final hymn.

● Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE OUR CHURCH LETTERS ON OUR WEBSITE.

Suggested Day of Pentecost Service

Here is our suggested Holy Day Pentecost service

● 2 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is “The Old Time Gospel”). Also NOTE: Minister Guy LaMar has several spiritual songs on the TI CCOG YouTube channel!

● Opening prayer.

● Offertory “Day of Pentecost Offertory – 2021” Other sermonettes are available on our YouTube channel.

● Announcements (if any).

● Sermon by Leonard V. Johnson “Day of Pentecost – 2021” Available 5/15/2021 @ 8:00 P.M. EST. on our YouTube channel.

Additional sermons are available at:

http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwFd99BM0EXyAdM7MWtKcjw.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0DU4XpzdeYeOLf3Ydk9w.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIhmqdkH1mJ5iDLUh4qBQg.

● Final hymn.

● Closing prayer.

World News Items

In the Middle East, we have seen a massive escalation of violence against Israel (See: ‘VOA – Medics: 200 Palestinians Hurt in Al-Aqsa Clashes With Israeli Police’). Along with ‘VOA – Violence Renews Near Iconic Holy Site in Old Jerusalem’ and also ‘VOA – Israel, Hamas Trade Deadly Rocket Strikes as Tensions Mount Over Jerusalem.’ Is this a civil war!? (See: ‘AP – Israel Steps Up Gaza Offensive, Kills Senior Hamas Figures’). Surely, hate is accelerated around the world as Satan the devil knows he has but a short time! Cf. Revelation 12:12! If you haven’t already, be sure to read “’ Blow the Trumpet!’”

In news from the United Kingdom – Newsweek reported that a 71-year-old Protestant pastor was arrested under the UK's Public Order Act for what they labeled ‘homophobic comments’ because he has a sermon on biblical marriage. (See: ‘Newsweek – Pastor Arrested After Sermon on Marriage, Police Cite Complaints of ‘Homophobic Comments’). Also, in Canada – a Canadian Protestant pastor was arrested for encouraging people to attend church services in violation of their COVID-19 guidelines (See: ‘NTEB – Canadian Pastor Shockingly Arrested And Put In Chains For ‘Inciting People To Attend Church’ in Violation of Canada’s Fascist COVID Laws’). Also, in Finland – a woman has been threatened with severe jail time for defending marriage as defined by God (See: ‘Ecumenical News – Christian Finnish lawmaker who opposes same-sex marriage faces potential 6-year jail term!’). Friends, such persecutions should not take place! Especially in a government that purports (according to Wikipedia) to be a Christian nation of some 59%! In Finland – being (according to Wikipedia) a nation of 67.76 Lutheran! But, we are WARNED by Almighty God that these persecutions would occur in the latter days – cf. Matthew 24:9-13. In primarily EUROPE it will soon get even worse with persecutions because of the rising of the ‘beast power’ along with a revitalized Roman Catholic Church and a pope of magnificent stature – cf. Revelation 13:15-18.

Concluding Comments

Minister Michael C. Garrett was inspired to write –

“1 John 3:1-2 – the people of the world do not understand what you are about to read – but many of you reading this have heard it before, and you do understand it! I just hope that we always deeply appreciate it! “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He [shall appear], we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” We will be like the resurrected Jesus Christ!

Now, quite frankly, if you have been baptized – you were in the water, you were brought out – you had hands laid upon you and a prayer said over you and in the prayer the minister asked you be granted the Spirit of God. Now when the Spirit of God enters you, it probably starts out as just a very small quantity. It is as it were… it combines with our mind, and it gives our mind an extra level of understanding. Before your baptism, before receiving God’s Spirit, you might have tried to read the Bible, might have been wanting to understand the Word of God, but because of all the incorrect messages which you have heard throughout your life. I mean if you’ve grown up in the Methodist church or the Baptist church or the Catholic church or whatever religious training you had, you might have had a lot of the misconceptions of those denominations clouding your mind. And making it difficult to understand what the Bible was actually saying. There was all this static and interference, like having a radio station and it’s not tuning in very clearly. Sometimes, because of all this noise. The noise being other churches, other teachings, other preachers. Now, back in those old days, as it were, you could have studied your Bible religiously, as they say, maybe reading it a half-hour every night or reading it two or three times a day. And you would read it, and your mind would see the words, but I do believe – and I’d be willing to bet – you never saw or understood the overall Plan of God.

Now, with that in mind, turn to 1 Corinthians 2 – Paul was inspired to write, and he was quoting much of this from the Old Testament, Verse 9 – “’ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’” And then Paul added to this Old Testament passage, Verse 10 – “But God has revealed them to us [by and] through His Spirit.” – the Spirit of God that combines with our brain, to make our brain special. But, as it says back in 1 John 3:2 – “…it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, …”

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,

Debt Forgiveness

by Guy C. LaMar

When people do good deeds for others and expect something in return for those good deeds, then that person is offering a loan.

But if that person gives the impression that they are helping them out freely, and doesn’t tell the other person whom they are helping, and that they are actually expecting to be paid back, then they are doing something with a hidden agenda. That’s called an involuntary loan.

If they try to project themselves to others as being a good person, who is offering to help out someone freely but are actually expecting to be paid back, then that person is being a fake. People like this do things for others for bragging rights.

It’s an ego thing.

People that are money hungry are especially out to get paid back when they see the one that they helped out is back on their feet.

But If someone does something for someone and expects to be paid back, then the one who is being blessed must first know they have to pay back the debt. That’s called a loan.

If someone does something for someone freely and expects nothing in return that’s called “Christian Charity” or a “love offering”.

Anything else is just a loan.

But if someone offers to help someone out, coming off as though they are doing it out of love, with nothing expected in return, but then, later on, they turn around and want to be paid back, then that person is absolutely underhanded and fake.

It’s very rare when we find someone who will actually go out of their way to help others and expect NOTHING in return.

There are generally hidden agendas.

Often it’s people that do good deeds for others who are doing it really for show.

Most people are NOT blind to what they are up to either.

Often the person will give some crybaby story as to why they are justified in wanting to be paid back.

Yet they never let the one they helped out know they had to pay them back but rather even worse they made them think they were having something good and freely being done for them.

They want to be seen as a “good” person by others.

They are seeking to be a hero in the eyes of others.

They want to be approved by others.

Yet, later on when they think the person that they did something good for is back on their feet and doing good they come out of the blue wanting to be paid back.

This is a petty selfish snake in the grass move.

It happens often and clearly reveals the type of person that they truly are.

Of such are just offering an involuntary loan.

Most of the time it is the broken down and poor that will go out of their way to help someone else and never ever once expect anything in return.

Because they are 100 percent genuine good people.

But when someone does something for someone and acts like they are doing it out of love with nothing expected in return but yet, later on, expects to be paid back then they are a FAKE person.

Which is the same as being a liar.

Unless they make an agreement before they partake in helping someone.

In that case, it’s called a loan!

Anything else is an involuntary loan.

A TRUE CHRISTIAN forgives a debt before they offer to help someone.

If they agree that they will be paid back and the Christian isn’t ever paid back it’s the Christian duty as a follower of Christ to forgive the person their debt.

Otherwise, they are NOT a true Christian.

People that take advantage of Christians kindness will reap what they sow.

Jesus said it’s better to give than to get.

Love is to give and not expect anything in return.

That’s the Way of Jesus.

Remember this always - what sincere good deeds that we do for others without expecting anything in return are building up treasures in the kingdom.

But doing things expecting something in return is for the glory of now.

Personally, I’ve witnessed this often.

If someone does something for me I make sure to ask them if I’ve got to pay them back.

If they say no then I take them on their word.

I’ve run into some crooked liars in the past so I’m very cautious.

I detest people that want to keep other people down or who want to control others.

Once I was renting from someone and when that person found out that I had a better paying job they raised the rent on me.

So I just ended up moving.

I despise that type of underhanded greed.

I’ve been around some very crooked and evil types in my life that just LUST for money and gain.

That takes advantage of others for their own gain.

It’s all evil greed and I personally recognize it with ease.

It’s these types of people that THINK that you’re so beneath them that you don’t deserve what they feel that only they deserve.

I’ve known entire families that were obsessed with greed.

People that look down on others because of financial situations.

Yet God’s Word tells us that the poor are closer to Him than the more financially secure.

Of such types are of Satan the Devil.

Judas was such a type.

Filled with greed.

Filled with lies.

Filled with deception.

Look at how the brothers of Joseph did him.

Truly the love or yearning for money or for gain is the gateway to evil.

Evil people will bully others for self-gain.

God’s people are even kind to the wicked people.

It’s hard to do at times but it’s the Way of a Christian.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

Luke 6:35 –

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

Matthew 5:42 –

“’ Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.’”

Exodus 22:25 –

“If you lend money to any of My people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”

Matthew 6:12 –

“’ And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’” □

Letter to our Friends - May 7, 2021

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor/Overseer

Greetings from the Tampa Bay Area, Florida:

MeWe

I’ve added a personal (at this time) MeWe site! Like Mae West would say, ‘Come on [over] and see me some time.’ MeWe is an American social media and social networking service which lauds itself as the “next-generation social network.” According to the socialist-like Wikipedia, MeWe’s “light approach to content moderation has made it popular among American conservatives, conspiracy theorists, and anti-vaxxers. Due to concerns with possible pro-China censorship of Facebook, the site also gained popularity in Hong Kong in November 2020.” Can you tell that Wikipedia doesn’t like this social media network!? If you were to look up Facebook on Wikipedia – they practically praise Mark Zuckerberg!

Now friends, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries is NOT, nor our affiliated churches, into “conspiracy theories” – cf. 2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 8:12-13. And, as far as “anti-vaxxers” I think that’s a personal matter. But, I do know –

Big Brother – also called Big Tech – and the government of the United States of America are more and more monitoring (remember Edward Snowden, who has been known to say, “Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say”) and restricting ideas as well as free speech. And Facebook appears to be at the forefront.

Well, here is something related to our “Big Brother” –

January 28th, 2021

Protestant … Robert AJ Gagnon was suspended by Facebook on Tuesday for 24 hours after speaking out against transgenderism and President Joe Biden’s new transgender military policy. Facebook claimed that Gagnon’s critique of this ideology violated the social media’s “Community Standards on violence and incitement.”

The post was ironically referring to another post written by his friend, Laurie Higgins, who was suspended for seven days for blasting Biden’s policy.

“There was absolutely no incitement to violence on our part. We abhor violence done to any person,” Gagnon told PJ Media. “This is just a thinly veiled and pathetic excuse for censorship of any critical views toward trans-tyranny over our consciences, religion, and reason.”

“Only one point of view is being allowed,” he said. “Trump was not the great danger to the Republic. Left-wing canceling is.” …

The following is the text from the post-Gagnon got suspended for:

My friend Laurie Higgins has been suspended for 7 days, for making an accurate and witty satirical post, by left-wing FB overlords who seek to squash all dissent on the issue of transgenderism, no doubt emboldened by the Biden/Harris administration. There’s nothing inaccurate about this post.

Biden’s lifting of Trump’s transgender military ban will indeed put women military personnel in the awful position of having to shower with biological males.

Trans-promoters aren’t content with having men invade the domain of women’s sports and shelters.

“Transgender” ideology is indeed a pseudo-science, compelling people to reject basic biological facts.

Promoters of “transgenderism” do indeed exhibit traits of a religious cult in their mind-numbing, science-denying conformity. The censoring and suspending of Laurie Higgins rather proves the point, doesn’t it?

“We have these standards to prevent and disrupt offline harm,” Facebook communicated to Gagnon.

(Read More: https://www.israel365news.com/164686/christian-bible-scholar-banned-by-facebook-for-incitement-after-opposing-transgender-ideology/).

Facebook – a.k.a. Mark Zuckerberg - shouldn’t suspend someone for something like that.

God’s living word teaches:

“’ Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins’” – Isaiah 58:1, NKJV and throughout, unless otherwise noted.

Friends – pro-abortion (basically, pro-murder), transgenderism, homosexuality, pornography, lesbianism, along with the other sins being promoted by the Biden Administration is WRONG! And we, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches would be considered, in this new society – a domestic terrorist.

But it isn’t just our Big Brother that wants to muzzle us American Conservatives concerning certain aspects of immorality.

Notice this:

Would YOU Be Considered a Domestic Terrorist Under This New Bill?

After 9/11, the entire country collectively lost its mind in the throes of fear. During that time, all civil and Constitutional rights were shredded and replaced with the pages of The USA PATRIOT Act.

Almost 20 years later, the U.S. has again lost its collective mind, this time in fear of a “virus” and its “super mutations” and a “riot” at the capitol. A lot of people called this and to the surprise of very few, much like after 9/11, Americans are watching what remains of their civil liberties be replaced with a new bill.

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2021

The DTPA is essentially the criminalization of speech, expression, and thought. It takes cancel culture a step further and all but outlaws unpopular opinions. This act will empower intelligence, law enforcement, and even military wings of the American ruling class to crack down on individuals adhering to certain belief systems and ideologies. …

Soon there will be no rights left for Americans

In the last twenty years, Americans have lost their 4th Amendment rights, and now they are losing their 1st. All that remains is the 2nd Amendment, and both the ruling class and increasing numbers of the American people know it. Dark days are ahead.

(READ MORE: https://www.theorganicprepper.com/domestic-terrorism-act-2021/. Retrieved 7 May 2021).

Sadly, the USA is resembling the early stages of being a police state.

God’s living word WARNS of the seventh resurrection of a “Holy” Roman Empire within a united Europe! But, prior to this, Almighty God has this warning for the modern-nations of Israel – the house of Jacob –

“’ But IF you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15) and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16) I also will do this to you: I will even appoint TERROR over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17) I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. THOSE WHO HATE YOU shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you’” – Leviticus 26:16-17.

“’ The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be TERROR within For the young man and virgin, The nursing child with the man of gray hairs’” – Deuteronomy 32:25.

Friends, the America we grew up in has drastically changed – a lot since September 11, 2001 – and will continue to change for the worse.

YouTube LIVE STREAMING

I have decided to utilize YouTube live stream. Very soon I will be having live sermons via YouTube every Sabbath day beginning at 9:00 A.M. EST. If this time changes, I’ll be sure to let you know. I look forward to having you there with us!

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”). Also, note G.C. LaMar’s spiritual songs!

● Opening prayer.

● Announcements (this week I added a short personal message)

● Suggested Sermonette: “Frustration” by Minister Guy LaMar.

● Suggested Sermon: “What Was Jesus Like In Person – How He Handled Sinners” by Minister Leonard V. Johnson. Available 5/7/2021 @ 8:00 P.M. EST. on our YouTube channel.

Additional sermons are available at:

http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwFd99BM0EXyAdM7MWtKcjw.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0DU4XpzdeYeOLf3Ydk9w.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIhmqdkH1mJ5iDLUh4qBQg.

● Final hymn.

● Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE OUR CHURCH LETTERS ON OUR WEBSITE.

World News Items

There are a great many in – or were once part of – the French military is gravely concerned about the possibility of a civil war because of the major presence of Islam in the nation of France (See: ‘Zero Hedge – Majority of French Agree With Military Generals That Nation Is Nearing “Civil War,” New Poll Finds’).

In Germany, the Alliance ‘90/The Greens – a political party in Germany (which has 101,561 members, making it the fourth largest party in Germany by membership) has put forth support for the federalization of the European Union. Meaning, a proposal by which the European Union (EU) could be transformed from an informal confederation (a union of sovereign states) into a federation (a single federal state with a central government). (See: ‘Express – EU Army Warning – Candidate to replace Merkel demands ‘serious steps’ taken – huge backlash’). According to God’s living word, EUROPE will end up with a “great army” and will use it! – cf. Daniel 11:25.

In the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom – all have issued statements criticizing China’s treatment of the Uyghurs (a Turkic ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central and East Asia). But, New Zealand abstained. (See: ‘BBC – Five Eyes: Is the alliance in trouble over China?’). If our brothers in New Zealand think that this abstention will prevent major issues in the future, they are sorely mistaken. On a related note – Australian leaders are concerned that a war with China is near (See: ‘CNN – Why are Australian officials hinting at war with China?’).

Concluding Comments

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

“Well the earthquakes spoken of by Jesus Christ in His “Olivet Prophecy,” I believe occur at or near the time of a massive world war – think Daniel 11. ‘king of the North’ and the ‘king of the South.’ However, the Bible does also speak of another demarcation of time, which is called the Day of the LORD. And it is a series of progressions of end-time events in which God Almighty and Jesus Christ pour out Their judgment upon a rebellious sin-filled and ill- fated world, and as it were become face-to-face involved – direct involvement. Just as God destroyed the world in the days of Noah, so that He could – in effect – just start over. Just as God allowed Jerusalem and the temple, and the temple elite, to be destroyed in A.D. 70. He allowed it. And why!? Because He was going to reinstitute the priesthood of Jesus Christ. No more Pharisees, Sadducees, or the ancient Levitical priesthood. Now it was going to be the priesthood of Jesus Christ!

And according to the same pattern, I believe that God Almighty and Jesus Christ is going to destroy whole segments of this world. Its leaders, its governments, its armed forces, its religions, its economy, its morals, ethics, and more, its cities, and major segments of its people! We have no idea what awaits on the horizon! Jesus said it would be a time like no other in the history of mankind! Never has happened before, and will never happen again! But it will happen somewhere out there on our horizon.

And why does God do this!? Because He’s going to start over. He’s going to create the world as it were from scratch – and make it into the Kingdom of God, the government of God, upon this earth. Remember in Revelation 21:5 quotes Jesus as saying, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He starts by simply obliterating everything that is old.

The pages of the Bible are filled with information about this event! Now, I’ve said this before, but the Day of the LORD – without a question – is the single most prophesied event in the Bible! Bar none! Nothing comes close to it! And yet over the decades, I don’t believe that we of the Body of Christ have fully appreciated the magnitude of that Message. Jesus Christ in Luke 21:22 said, “’ For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.’” And those aforementioned ‘days of vengeance’ refer to God’s vengeance. We read in Hebrews 10:30-31 – “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” And that’s something we have to remember as human beings. There were different moments in my life where I wanted to exact some personal vengeance, and these words kept coming back into my mind – ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.’ And I simply stopped and went, “I put it into Your hands dear God!”

Well, remember back in Genesis 6 – the time of Noah? It says in verse 3 – “And the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, …’” and he goes on to describe in verse 5 – “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” – like 100% evil! Just rotten! Verse 6 – “And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7) So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, … for I am sorry that I have made them.’” And then he says down in verse 11 – “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12) So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13) And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.’” He just wiped it out and started again!

Well God is indeed a God of love. That verse that many people love to quote, but you know it’s in the Bible, it’s the Words of Jesus Christ and those are our words too! “’ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, …’” – to be a sacrifice for all of humankind. God has a tremendous amount of love! Jesus Christ so loved His creation and we His people that He risked His eternal existence to be tortured to death in order that we might have a pathway for salvation. That’s a level of love that I can’t grasp! But I’m very thankful that He did it!”

(Jacob’s Trouble by Michael C. Garrett).

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,