Saturday, August 21, 2021

Letter to our Friends - August 20, 2021


Leonard V. Johnson
Founder/Pastor


Dearest Friends in Christ:

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida.

Haiti Earthquake

On 14 August 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti. The earthquake struck with a 10-kilometer deep hypocenter near Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, approximately 150 kilometers west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince!
7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Haiti; leader says lives lost

August 14, 2021

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, with the epicenter about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Haiti’s new prime minister, Ariel Henry, said on Twitter that the ″violent quake″ had caused loss of life and damage in various parts of the country. He said he would mobilize all available government resources to help victims and appealed to Haitians to unify as they ″confront this dramatic situation in which we’re living right now.′

People in the capital felt the tremor and many rushed into the streets in fear, although there did not appear to be damage there. …

The impoverished country, where many live in tenuous circumstances, is vulnerable to earthquakes and hurricanes. It was struck by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in 2018 that killed more than a dozen people, and a vastly larger magnitude 7.1 quakes that damaged much of the capital in 2010 and killed an estimated 300,000 people.

The National Hurricane Center has forecasted that Tropical Storm Grace will reach Haiti late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Friends, Haiti has had grave problems and troubles, and this massive earthquake surely made matters even worse!

Please keep those in Haiti in your prayers.

We, of course, do realize that our Lord Jesus Christ predicted earthquakes and troubles in various places for this end-time:
“ … ‘And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows’ – Mark 13:8.

’ Take heed, WATCH AND PRAY; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming – in the evening at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning – lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: WATCH!’ – Mark 13:33-37.
So, it’s important to notice that our Lord Jesus listed earthquakes as one ‘sign’ that precedes the ‘great tribulation’ – Matthew 24:4-22; see also “Prophetic Events To Watch For”. And He told His servants to ‘WATCH AND PRAY’!

In the article, we listed weather sorrows and troubles around the world as one of the many things we are to ‘watch’ for.

Massive earthquakes can trigger supervolcanoes! Notice this from 2017 –
Almost 770 earthquakes have been recorded in Yellowstone Park over the past two weeks — more than normal but not a sign of volcanic activity, scientists say.

As of 11:30 Friday morning, 769 quakes had been recorded in the current swarm, said Jamie Farrell, a research professor of seismology at the University of Utah.

The swarm, which began June 12, is ongoing, he added, though the frequency of earthquakes has slowed down a bit. Typical swarms comprise 10 to 50 quakes, Farrell said.

“As of now, everything that we can see looks like these are tectonic in origin,” he said. “There’s no volcanic signature to any of these events that we’ve found.”

There are many so-called “experts” who believe that such disasters could never happen in our lifetimes. But they are wrong! Notice what the apostle Peter was inspired by God’s Spirit to write –
“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3) knowing this FIRST:

That scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4) and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since our fathers fell asleep [died], all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’

5) For this they willfully forget [are ignorant of]: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6) by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.

7) But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for FIRE until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8) But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is LONGSUFFERING toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10) But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you be in the holy conduct and godliness, 12) looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

13) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15) and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation – as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16) as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

17) You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18) but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” – 2 Peter 3:1-18.
Notice also what the apostle Luke had written –
’ And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven [the atmosphere]. … And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ – meaning, demonic powers will be cast down unto the earth!

’ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory’ – Luke 21:11, 25-27.
We should expect some serious earthquakes in 2021 and 2022! So, God’s living word tells us that there will be great earthquakes that will indeed level mountains and in turn will cause the seas to roar with waves! – hence massive tsunamis!

According to the living word of the LORD our God, these prophecies are faithful and true – Revelation 22:6. Even our people who do not live near water or mountains will be affected! Never think that utter devastation is only limited to places like Haiti.

The LORD our God warns us –
’ But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day [the Day of the Lord] come on you unexpected. 35) For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36) WATCH THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’ – Luke 21:34-36.

Hello In Dhaka, Bangladesh

One of our dear friends in Dhaka wishes us all well.
“Dear brother.
Leonard Johnson.
Greating to YOU in jesus name. I am evanjalist From Bangladesh. I hope you naw well in jesus name. I am fine grace of god. I am independent evanjalist.
Worknat bccb pastor. Plz pray for Bangladesh.
No 1% people are christian in Bangladesh.
May good blsed YOU.
From evanjalist shamim Rahman Bangladesh.”
Suggested Sabbath Day Services

Here is our suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered brethren and friends around the world:

● 2 hymns. (a free printable “Old Time Gospel” hymn site is “The Old Time Gospel”).
● Opening prayer.
● Suggested Sermonette: “Five Main Doctrines” by Leonard V. Johnson. Other audio sermonettes are available on our Soundcloud Radio channel.
● Announcements (if any - a great video for announcements is Deacon Robbie Lamb’s Watchman brief insights of world news in relation to biblical prophecies!).
● Suggested Sermon: “Miracles and Prayer” by Leonard V. Johnson. Additional sermons are available HERE.
● 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

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the quick takeover of the Taliban terrorists (again as Gomer Pyle would say, “surprise, surprise, surprise!”) has been dominating the news worldwide (See AP - Taliban sweep into Afghan capital after government collapses’) along with (NPR - The Latest On The Taliban's Advancement In Kabul’). There are a great many who see TERRORISM RISING in Afghanistan as well as terrorism coming from displaced refugees fleeing Afghanistan, feeling utterly betrayed by the United States government! (See NBC - The coming U.S. political fight over accepting refugees from Afghanistan’).

The Harris/Biden Administration will bring in Afghan refugees, and many of our people and Congress will support this!

Now, France’s president has raised concerns regarding the European Union accepting refugees from Afghanistan –
August 18, 2021

The first European leader out of the gate to warn about what’s coming was French President Emmanuel Macron, who in surprisingly blunt Monday comments warned that Afghanistan is about to once again become a “sanctuary for terrorism”. It was his statement on Europe embracing itself for “irregular migratory flows” that immediately evoked most controversy:
Speaking on Monday in a televised address from his summer residence, Macron described the situation in Afghanistan as an “important challenge for our own security”.

“We must anticipate and protect ourselves against significant irregular migratory flows that would endanger the migrants and risk encouraging trafficking of all kinds,” he said.
Macron: “We must anticipate and protect ourselves against significant irregular migratory flows…”

There be some US officials which have voiced their concerns that the takeover by these Taliban terrorists of Afghanistan will certainly make that country a base for their terrorist activities! This would be consistent with a prophecy mentioned in the Book of Psalm –
“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4) They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’

5) For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6) The tents of Edom [the progenitor of the Turkish people] and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; Moab [think Jordan] and the Hagrites [they anciently dwelt in the land known as Syria today]; 7) Gebal [Lebanon], Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [Turks]; Philistia [modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon] 8) Assyria [whose descendants migrated to Germany] also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot [Moab and Ammon in modern Jordan] – Psalm 83:3-8.
Nearly all the above peoples are in lands dominated by Islam–and many countries are accepting refugees and immigrants from those lands!

This end-time prophecy involves TERRORISM!

Why!?

Because ‘they have taken crafty counsel’ indeed sounds as if it could involve some terrorism.

Friends, bringing in Muslim immigrants into North America will very likely result in some of them fulfilling terroristic prophecies (be sure to read ‘How Democrats are using multiculturalism and immigration to destroy America’).

Without national repentance, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and even Bermuda are doomed. Notice that lack of repentance is indeed listed as a reason that the ‘king of Assyria’ – the final ‘king of the North’ – will become Ephraim’s king:
“’ I taught Ephraim to walk, … 5) But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6) And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7) My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him’” – Hosea 11:3, 5-7.
Speaking of vile evil – Islamic terrorists, the United States of America has issued a decree that those who DO NOT agree with their COVID-19 policies – and those who question the last presidential election, and even those who keep ‘religious holidays’ are now considered to be potential domestic terrorists!

Michael Snyder posted the following that is partially related to this –
They Have Come Up With Some Ominous New Definitions For What Constitutes “Domestic Terrorism”

August 16, 2021

Are you a potential domestic terrorist? You may not think so, but the Department of Homeland Security may see things quite differently. A brand new terrorism advisory has just been issued, and some of the things that it identifies as “potential terror threats” should chill us to the core. You see, the truth is that the definition of a “terrorist” is constantly evolving. In the old days, a Middle Eastern male that dresses in traditional Islamic attire, that grows opium in his field and that carries around an AK-47 would have been considered a “potential terrorist” by U.S. authorities. But now … our spooks need a new group of “potential terrorists” to send to Guantanamo Bay, and so they are setting their sights on you. …

You may be tempted to think that I am exaggerating.

I truly wish that I was.

NBC News is telling us that a “terror alert” has just been issued by Homeland Security, and during their report on this new “terror alert” a very alarming graphic was shown to the viewers.

Under the heading “POTENTIAL TERROR THREATS”, the following three categories were listed…


We have never seen anything quite like this before.

Now “opposition to COVID measures” is something that can make you a “potential terrorist”?

Wow.

So precisely what does that mean?

Does someone become a “potential terrorist” if they speak out against masks, lockdowns or vaccines?

What about sharing information that contradicts the official narratives about COVID? Will that make someone a “potential terrorist” as well? …

I was absolutely shocked to learn that you can get banned on YouTube for offering to pray for someone that has COVID. Apparently, that can qualify as “content” that encourages people to avoid needed medical treatment…

“Content that encourages the use of home remedies, prayer, or rituals in place of medical treatment such as consulting a doctor or going to the hospital”

We really are becoming a “1984 society”, and it is only going to get worse. …

Personally, I am stunned at how rapidly our society is changing … a bill has actually been introduced in Congress which would permanently ban those that have not been fully vaccinated from ever flying again. …

Now dark times are here, and if you express your love for freedom too loudly you may soon discover that authorities have identified you as a “potential terrorist” too.

This truly is a most disturbing development from a nation that claims it is a nation in freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

We are continuing to see very odd weather in the USA as well as in other nations (See CNN - Utah wildfire forces thousands of homes to evacuate as the nation's largest fire in California rages’ and CNN - Dangerous record heat bakes the US on both coasts’). Truly, while God oftentimes uses weather to encourage repentance on a national scale (e.g. Amos 4:7-9), we are not seeing any national repentance! We should expect to see evermore troubles and problems weather-related!

Concluding Comments

The apostle Paul says
“Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all? 2) Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.

3) Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4) Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.

5) Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, 6) who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to His rights as God, 7) but laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men” – Philippians 2:1-7, TLB.
My brethren, we need to have love for one another, and like our living Lord Jesus, be willing to give up our lives for the truth to help increase love throughout all eternity!!

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

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