Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Commentary: Evil Mocks God's Truth


by Guy LaMar


We must be careful with whom we share God's living truth. Evil will mock and insult YOU along with God's truth!

"'Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces'" - Matthew 7:6.

Evil does NOT appreciate God nor His truth. So, don't waste sharing the good things from God with people who will not appreciate them.

Instead, be a light unto all. Let Christ be seen in you. That's showing God's Way to others silently - but effectively.

We are to live for Jesus.

This world is NOT about Jesus, this world is about serving Satan the devil. And yet, most DO NOT even know it! In order to know God's living truth is to first KNOW JESUS CHRIST!

By knowing our Lord Jesus Christ, we learn His living word, and then His examples.

Jesus made it crystal clear that in order to be one of His begotten we MUST keep His commandments. We must love one another.

Next to our Lord Jesus, it's King David - who has the most glory in the kingdom of God. He was a man after God's own heart. What did King David do that was so great!? He kept the LAW of God! He rejoiced in them. He dwelled in them. He revolved his life around them.

Why!?

Because the LAW of God - summed up in the Ten Commandments - is the Way of God!

And, our Lord Jesus lived this LAW perfectly! That is what made Jesus perfect.

The LAW of God will be the Way of God's soon-coming kingdom on E A R T H!

His LAW is the Way of a true Christian!

Finding excuses to reject His LAW is simply rejecting GOD!

Simply put: God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are as ONE. The kingdom of God is the Government of God, which is run by God - made up of God's LAW. His LAW is the Way of God. Now, in order to be a begotten child of God you must obey and follow the LAW of GOD!

The RULES OF GOD!

The Way of GOD!

And, we LOOK TO JESUS because He lived as a fleshly human being - living in God's LAW perfectly! He gave us His great example.

We LOOK TO JESUS in how we are to apply the LAW of GOD!

We are to TURN AWAY from breaking the immutable and relevant LAW of God - which equals repentance and then we are to start living our lives in service to God's Way.

And this is the Christian Way. □


Additional Commentaries:

Commentary: A One Ruling Government Is Coming!MAKE no mistake about it - there has NEVER been a WORLD ORDER in which the whole world agreed to a ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT ideology! Mankind has not fully gotten along since Cain and Abel. [...]
Commentary: Does Your Appearance Count!? - I was once asked, “Why do you dress up in a suit and tie all the time?”
Commentary: Women In Church - As we go along in this journey towards the end of this age we are seeing more and more a great weakness within the Church of God. [...]
Additional Item of relevance: "Are We To Listen To Others? (Sermon)" by Minister Leonard V. Johnson
Be sure to CLICK on the photo to read Minister Michael C. Garrett's two-part article: The Day of the LORD

Why So Many Don't Understand Pentecost


by Leonard V. Johnson

Greetings Everyone! This year’s Pentecost will soon be here – June 4th at sunset until June 5th at sunset. Yet millions of our peoples around the world simply don’t properly understand what this Holy Day truly means!

A great many just simply can’t understand why we – the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches – observe the Day of Pentecost, let alone all of God’s holy festivals, for that matter. And yes, we too have been “laughed to scorn” – cf. Matthew 9:24 KJV.

King Hezekiah of Judah had discovered that God’s holy days were to be kept – after both the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah had ceased observing them for a very long time. And the king had sent messengers into the kingdom of Israel, from city to city and even into Ephraim and Manasseh, to teach the people of God’s Holy Days. “But they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them” – 2 Chronicles 30:1-10.

A great many throughout the remnant churches of God just simply observe these festivals because their congregation does, yet DO NOT fully understand why – the true meaning along with GOD’S PLAN in commanding them to be kept.

We can certainly think of the untold millions who each year observe Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras, Día de los Muertos, etc. – holidays that are NOT holy convocations and are abhorrent to God! The LORD our God’s days HAVE MEANING! And God wants us to properly understand this meaning! That’s why He commands us to repeat this meaning every year.

Not To Angels

Now, it is true that God (the great and awesome Elohim – the family of God) placed angels on earth long before He created Adam and Eve. They are spirit beings wholly composed of spirit – not physical matter. Why is it that GOD placed many angels upon this earth!? We find that angels were created long before the earth’s creation. Why!? Why were they placed here!? – cf. Job 1:6; 2:1; 4:18; 38:4-7.

Well, we read in Hebrews 2:5, “For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, …” – meaning the soon-coming Kingdom of God in subjection to angels.”

Now I personally do not believe that GOD ever had any intention of placing the Kingdom of God under the subjection of angels. GOD truly had – and has – a Master Plan from the very beginning! Humans were NEVER an afterthought.

Angels are a free moral agent. And a man of great wisdom once told us that Godly character – either good or bad character – cannot be instantly created by fiat. GODLY CHARACTER must be developed by experience over time. Cherubims and angels were created with minds that can attain vast knowledge, can think and reason, come to conclusions, and make independent decisions. GOD taught them of HIS GOVERNMENT.

God’s government is based upon His holy, immutable, and relevant LAW – summed up with the TEN COMMANDMENTS. Giving first and foremost a return of the love of God that He gives to all His creatures – in obedience, reverence, worship, in fellowship with God in a close relationship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also, we are told by the apostle Paul that never were the cherubims nor angels ever created to be sons of God –

“For to which of the angels did He [God] ever say: ‘You are My Son, …’ – Hebrews 1:5.

In a sense, cherubims and angels were placed upon the earth to finish its beautification and prepare the earth for mankind.

But Hêlēl – or rather Lucifer the covering cherub, meaning “shining one” – led angels in the opposite direction – at least a third of the angels; Revelation 12:4. The way of vanity, lust, greed, jealousy, envy, wrong competition, strife, violence, chaos, destruction, resentment, bitterness, and rebellion against the Word (see John 1:1; later to be known as Jesus Christ) and His authority over them.

The angels sinned – 2 Peter 2:4. Lucifer and his angels under him set their character as evil. And since Adam too sinned against the LORD our God, rejecting the GOVERNMENT OF GOD, Lucifer has remained the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), and will not be removed until a successor qualified to ESTABLISH the Government of God on EARTH (see Genesis 3:15) and to also be inducted into office (see Daniel 7:13-14).

Now came the GREATEST and MOST AWESOME PLAN OF ALL TIME!

God is Reproducing Himself!

The God family – at this time consisting of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – ARE REPRODUCING THEMSELVES!

So, what is to be said of the genetics of God?

In the 1st chapter of Genesis we learn  –

Verse 25 – “Then God [plural in form] said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …’”

So, notice it does not say, “My image,” it says, “’ Our image, according to Our likeness.’” And God did. Man is in the same form and shape as God. God has two hands, two feet, and five fingers. God has two arms and two legs. God has a mind. Yet, God did not make man of the same composition of which He is composed – Spirit.

So, creating mankind in “Our image,” but out of physical matter – yet needing the Spirit of God. A human being requires the gift of repentance, proper baptism, and hands laid upon them, the gifting of the Holy Spirit, with the help of the LORD God changing to His character. And after this, the mortal human being could, by a resurrection, be changed to wholly spiritual composition, with a holy, righteous, and perfect GODLY CHARACTER – born a child of the LORD God!

So, God formed man not out of spirit, but out of the ground – physical matter. Animals breathe too in and out of their nostrils the breath of life. In other words, what came from the dust of the earth became a soul. And in God’s living word He says “’ Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die’” – Ezekiel 18:4, 20. And to this very soul, He stated ‘if you partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, “you shall surely die”’ – meaning, the second death spoken of in the Book of Revelation chapter 20, verses 14-15.

I’m sure you’ve read that many times before. But, do you believe what God said!? What God told Adam “You shall surely die’”!?

Now, because of the rebellion of Hêlēl – or rather Lucifer and his demons – physical destruction occurred to the earth! Notice this – Genesis 1:2, “The earth [became] without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” And, we’ve covered this many times before – the Hebrew words which our great patriarch and prophet Moses used are tohu and bohu – which truly means “chaotic and in confusion.” God – “in the beginning created the heavens and the earth … And God saw that it was good – Genesis 1:1, 10.

In SIX DAYS God renewed the face of the earth – Psalm 104:30 – for the occupation of mankind.

All the physical known finite universe is created from matter.

Now, I suppose I should say here that I am rather ignorant on the subject of physics, so please, be gentle 😊 But, as I have mentioned before, the law of decay is a real physical law described in mathematical manners that describes the properties of a nuclear atom in a state of decay. The radioactive decay law states that this decay is constant. For if nothing was done about this law of decay, this corruption will ultimately lead to the complete annihilation of the universe. For I refer to a little physics here, the laws of thermodynamics.
  • First Law - Energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
  • Second Law - Entropy – or disorder – always increases.
  • Third Law - The entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the temperature approaches heat, and eventual death.
The apostle Paul tells us that this known universe waits for the revealing of the born children of God to stop its decay – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19) For the earnest expectation of THE CREATION eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20) For THE CREATION was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it IN HOPE; 21) because THE CREATION itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption [as well as decay] into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22) For we know that THE WHOLE CREATION groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” – Romans 8:18-22.

And this bondage of corruption is exactly what the LORD our God describes in His living word. God the CREATOR of the universe gave mankind the highest possible honor in the created order. His living word describes for us the LORD our God’s glory and dignity which He will give unto His born sons and daughters –

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4) What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? 5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. 6) You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands.” – Psalm 8:3-6.

So, the very Second Law of Thermodynamics surely testifies that EVERYTHING in the known universe is “winding down.” This agrees with the living word of the Eternal One. In who says, “ …’For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, …’” – Isaiah 51:6. The presence of corruption in the known universe DOES NOT contradict God in His overall Plan for His universe. It gives further testimony to the sin of Adam and Eve – see James 1:15.

Le Moustier by Charles R. Knight, 1920
Neanderthals

So, in the formation of GODLY CHARACTER, man had to have a mind, to know and to think, to reason, to come to conclusions, and to make choices and decisions. Yet, a question can be asked – what about the Neanderthals!?

Here is something by the renowned Professor Roy Schulz –
Using the general guide provided by the Bible, it is possible to isolate many specific features about the society before the Flood. Consider, first of all, the “giant” of Genesis 6:4. Can they be identified in terms of archaeology and history?

The English word “giants” is used in various places in the Authorized or King James Version of the Bible. It is translated from two original Hebrew words – Rephaim and Nephilim. The Rephaim are mentioned only after the Flood; they were tall men, like [the] Anakim. The term Rephaim [the Moabites calling them Emim] is translated “giants” in Deuteronomy 2:11, 20 and other places; and they are mentioned directly in Genesis 14:5 and 15:20.

However, in the Scripture we are presently concerned with – Genesis 6:4, which is primarily concerned with pre-Flood times – the original is Nephilim. This word nephal means “a feller” – one who fells a tree – or, by extension, one who brings down another because of his unusual strength. The term implies a “tough” or a bully, an individual of great physical might. Nephilim, then, were shorter, very stocky, and had tremendous power! In other words, they were giants in strength but not in tallness of stature. The point of emphasis here is that the word Nephilim does not require tallness as part of its definition! Any men of unusual height who existed prior to the Flood were distinct from the Nephilim.

In the history of ancient Europe, archaeologists have defined three basic cultural zones – Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic. Now the Middle Paleolithic, which occurs well within the story of early human history, was the cultural zone of the famous Neanderthals. Now the Neanderthals were squat, stocky, powerful human beings! In short, the descriptions of the Nephilim and of the Neanderthals match perfectly! They are one and the same!

(Schulz, R., EXPLORING ANCIENT HISTORY -- THE FIRST 2500 YEARS, Social Studies Department Imperial Schools at Pasadena, Ca. 1967 – underlining and italics added for emphasis).
To give mortal man this mind power, God placed within humans a spirit that imparts intellect to the human brain – cf. 1 Corinthians 2:11. Many animals have brains larger than humans. And, not long ago I watched on television “Blackfish” – which certainly tugged at the strings of my heart, showing us point-blank that orcas have emotions too! Of course, the debate in this world whether animals have intellect is hotly debated. But, as an example: a young man meets a young woman. They are immediately attracted to one another. They both say to themselves, “Now there is someone I’d like to marry.” At that point, if emotions alone (or for that matter, according to Colonel Sanders of the movie The Waterboy, the medulla oblongata) had its way, there would be a wedding. But the intellect intervenes, questioning the impulsive emotional response. Do animals have will!? Meaning, are they willing to give up a lifestyle for another? Are they willing to assume the added responsibility!? Are they a free moral agent!? – No. They lack a spirit that imparts powers of intellect.

Yet – and I’ve covered this before – this human spirit (Job 32:8-9) does not see – the brain sees through our eyes. The brain hears through our ears, etc. Knowledge is stored in the human spirit, working like this computer storing instant recall for thinking. But the spirit is not the man – only something added. It is capable of receiving and storing knowledge only through the human brain and therefore confined ONLY to physical knowledge. Also, the spirit does not impart human life. Our life resides in our blood.

It is the Holy Spirit of God that imparts spiritual understanding – the love of God, the faith of Christ, and the power to overcome sin.

STAGES OF CREATION

Are you aware that the LORD our God creates in a process of duality!? As an example: the creation of mankind began in a physical creation. This means that there’s a physical and then there’s a spiritual creation of mankind. The physical creation began some 6,000 years ago in the creation of Adam and Eve. But the spiritual creation actually began nearly 1,989 years ago in Jesus Christ!

That is the ultimate stage of mankind’s creation. And that is the stage that is going on now. And it has a lot to do with why I’m writing this up as well as why you are reading this right now all around the United States of America and around the world.

So, the LORD God is calling us brethren. And He has called only those that He is going to use in the ESTABLISHMENT of His GOVERNMENT on earth – the formation of the kingdom of God. God has called us to reveal knowledge to us, to make us His government, and to see if we will obey Him and His immutable and relevant LAW.

Parenthetical

And I want to take a moment and pause here, because I’ve been speaking this morning with a dear Brother in Christ, via Facebook Messenger, and I want to remind us of just why we were called in this age having to contend with and overcome Satan the devil. Because the Lord our God has a MOST IMPORTANT purpose in calling us now, instead of later.

IMAGINE THIS! There are more than 7,949,643,016 human beings on earth today! Yet, of this vast sea of humanity, the Lord our God in our very own time has called and placed within the Church of Jesus Christ only a few. The others will be called later – most not in this age.

But why were you called now!?

Comparatively speaking, Father God has been calling almost NONE in this age!

This article is on Pentecost – how many of us, brethren, have become unmindful of the MEANING of the Feast of Firstfruits!? How many of us have become unmindful of the purpose for which God the Father has called us and placed us within the Church of Jesus Christ NOW! – After all, it’s His Church – cf. Matthew 16:18 – ahead of others!?

The Day of Pentecost is called in God’s living word the Feast of Firstfruits. We, brethren, are merely the first minute (pronounced mī - noot) preliminary HARVEST of God’s children.

Also, how many of us in this 21st-century world have become unmindful of God’s purpose – and just assume that we were called and placed within Jesus Christ’s Church ONLY for our personal salvation!? But what about the estimated Billions upon Billions that have died since the beginning of creation, and have never been called!? For, except the Father call them, none could come to our Lord Jesus Christ! He says so!

The greater majority in this “Christian” world just suppose that Jesus the Christ came to earth to “save the world,” or to “start a soul-winning campaign.” They assume that our Lord God started a religion to try and convert the whole world. And they truly believe this – that’s one of the main reasons why the Jehovah’s Witnesses knock on your front door! They believe this is THE “day of salvation” – and that this is the ONLY age in which humanity may be “saved.”

They interpret wrongly the apostle Paul’s teaching –

“(For He says, ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is an acceptable time. Behold, now is a day of salvation)” – 2 Corinthians 6:2 NET. {1}

Apostle Paul rightly contributed this to what our Lord Jesus Christ stood up and announced: “ …’ To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD’” – Luke 4:19.

The greater majority of the unlearned insist and argue that it says, “now is THE day of salvation.” And they misconstrue it to mean that this is the ONLY time when God is trying to convert and “save” the world.

Apostle Paul’s quote is from Isaiah 49:8, where it reads, “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee …” not “the day.”

Turning to the Book of Romans in the 11th chapter it becomes even clearer. There were some who were saying that God had cast away His people Israel, but the apostle Paul clarifies their mistake. Paul reminds them that there was in the mid-first century a minute few that had received the loving grace of God – compared to the some 200 million.

“What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8) Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day’ – Romans 11:7-8.

So, when our Lord Jesus Christ comes, the whole world is going to be called! They won’t be cut off from God anymore. It won’t be that God the Father calls only those He wants for say – a special mission. But – and I want you to understand this – they are not going to qualify to sit with Christ on His throne, as we must. They won’t have to overcome Satan the devil, we do! It’s IMPORTANT that you understand this! Again, today is not God’s time of trying to “save” the world!

We, brethren, are called the Firstfruits. And we are called for a very special job – a special calling. We are called now to learn the living WORD OF GOD, THE TRUTH OF GOD, and the ULTIMATE PLAN OF GOD. To learn the gospel Message which our Lord Jesus brought from God the Father, and which is recorded for us in the writings of the New Testament, along with the Old Testament. Recall our Lord Jesus says, “ …’ hold fast what you have till I come. 26) And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; …’” And we, brethren, have to learn how to do that. As an example – if you were ruling with a rod of iron, what would you do to a radical Islamic state that commits heinous atrocities against humanity, and abhors and rejects Jesus Christ!? What Would Jesus Do!? Well, we have to learn how now, and we have to learn about God’s Government, how He governs, and how God teaches. And how God teaches us to live, and His Way of life.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came and preached the good news of the glorious kingdom of God, the establishment of the Government of God on this earth. And this is one of the most important things to God at this moment. Because it is the basis of the development of GODLY CHARACTER and for the LORD our God’s ultimate overall purpose for the whole of His universe.

We say to you so that the Spirit of God will come to you – “ … ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. WHOEVER desires, let him take the water of life freely.” – Revelation 22:17.

But, the Holy Spirit had not yet come, at that time. Because our Lord Jesus Christ had not yet been glorified. And God the Father did call some to our Lord. Jesus says that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him. And Father did begin to draw some – in fact, only 120 had been drawn within the whole 3 ½ years of His ministry. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God came and entered into those 120.

Also, in Acts chapter 2 we read that there were many others from around the nations on the Day of Pentecost, and the apostle Peter standing up with the eleven raised his voice and said to them, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” They were convicted in heart, because many came to realize that they were the ones who had the Savior of mankind murdered – or at least, had caused it. They asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The apostle Peter answered, “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.” And that day about THREE THOUSAND were converted.

So then, NO ONE can come to our Lord Jesus Christ! God the Father has cut others off from Him. Why!? Most people think it’s man cutting themselves off from God. No, God has cut Himself off from man. Most people will say, “This isn’t fair.” The LORD our God has not given them any chance at conversion – yet. He hasn’t given them any chance of salvation – yet. Again, most will say, “That’s not fair.” Why is it that the LORD our God gives some a chance and others not!? Well, He gives us the answer –

“And He said to them, ‘To you [the disciples and to those whom God the Father will call afar off (Acts 2:39)] it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside all things come in parables, 12) so that, ‘SEEING THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE [or be aware or conscious of], AND HEARING THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND; Lest they should turn [repent], And their sins be forgiven them.’ – Mark 4:11-12.

The apostle Paul teaches us that there is no partiality with God – Romans 2:11. The reason that the LORD our God has drawn some, as I stated earlier, is to prepare for the kingdom of God. And I want you to get this: He is not drawing them to just save them. NEARLY EVERYONE will eventually be drawn unto salvation in the end.

But – as I asked earlier – what about the estimated Billions upon Billions that have died since the beginning of creation, and have never been called!?

Are they FOREVER CUT OFF FROM GOD!? DO THEY NEVER HAVE A CHANCE FOR SALVATION!?

God’s Master Plan – Involving Pentecost

We, brethren, are only the FIRSTFRUITS. And we are represented by the Day of Pentecost in the LORD our God’s annual Holy Day – just the first harvest. And we who are called now certainly have to overcome this evil present age, ourselves, and Satan the devil.

Truly, only a relatively few people on this Earth in this 21st century know and understand God’s Master Plan. And His Master Plan is given and unfolded before us through His seven annual Holy Days and the seven annual festivals. (Yes, there are SEVEN commanded holy convocation days of rest, other than the weekly Sabbath – 1st and last day of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and the four holy days that occur in the seventh month of the year.) And there are relatively only a few on this Earth in this 21st century that actually observes them properly.

The LORD our God began to reveal this to me some forty-one years ago now. I found out that they are binding forever, and that they were observed by our Lord Jesus Christ and the original apostles along with the New Testament Church of God.

Now, 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.

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.” – Acts 2:2-4.

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) 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 pictures 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 that 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.’”

So, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said that only a minute few are chosen – Matthew 22:14. So this smaller harvest will be made up of the relatively few brethren who are truly submitting and obeying God TODAY.

The vast majority of our peoples who have ever lived or will ever live will have their opportunity for eternal salvation during the Millennium and the “Great White Throne Judgment,” of which the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day picture. This is considered the great fall festival.

Sadly, to the majority of this world, the Day of Pentecost remains a mystery. But you are being given a chance to understand now. This holy day of Pentecost represents your chance in God’s Master Plan.

Again, a glorious meaning of the holy Day of Pentecost: “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the FIRST RESURRECTION. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of [God the Father] and of [Jesus Christ], and shall reign with Him a thousand years” – Revelation 20:6.

One of the amazing meanings of the glorious Day of Pentecost is now revealed to you. What is your next move going to be!? □

{1} Editor's Note: The NETBible Tagger, Provided by bible.org even has this interpreted wrong. My NET Bible Version - A Faithful Version with Commentary rightly has this verse translated " ... now is a day of salvation."

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Are Two Able to Walk Together? Sermon


Leonard V. Johnson







Greetings Everyone! I was trying to think up a subject for the sermon this holy Sabbath – and it appears as if God helped provide an idea. The LORD our God asks in the Book of Amos – “’ Can two walk together, unless they are AGREED?’” And the question can be asked, will your pet cat meow in the wild to their own kind!?
     The LORD our God desires us brethren to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” – 1st Corinthians 1:10.
     The apostle Peter says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” – 1 Peter 3:8.
     The apostle Paul tells us, brethren, “let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, … you stand fast in ONE SPIRIT, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27.
     Today on Facebook – and this of what I bring up here is in relation to today’s message – I had innocently responded to a person in pain from the loss of their beloved pet. “I'm sorry for your loss.” And believing that this person was of the “same mind and Spirit” I suggested that she might enjoy our article “Do Animals Have A Spirit?” She responded with a seemingly cold reply, “I was born and raised in the church and know that all men have their opinions of what will happen in the kingdom.” And she stated very matter-of-factly, “We will have power to bring our pets back to life just like He did with Lazarus.”
     Again, the LORD our God says to us, “’ Can two walk together, unless they are AGREED?’”
     God’s living word gives us NO INDICATION that He will allow us to do such a thing! It might bring us great joy and hope to think that we would be able to bring back to life our long-dead pets. But again, God’s living word simply does not indicate this. Now, animals of all kinds will continue to serve their physical purpose even in the Millennium, yet, we should not teach as a matter of fact that just because “with God all things are possible” that we will have the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ to resurrect our long-dead pets. {1} The apostle Paul warns us – “If anyone teaches any different doctrine, and does not adhere to SOUND WORDS, …”
     Simply put: Based upon the living word of the Eternal One, we must conclude that the LORD our God did not place within animals a spirit for the purpose of resurrection. Resurrecting animals is nowhere indicated or implied. “SOUND WORDS” – meaning, if the LORD our God were to resurrect or allow the resurrection of, a beloved animal, would it not also seem logical for the LORD our God to resurrect all animals and creatures!? Where would the LORD our God draw the line!?
     God admonishes us to emphatically “all speak the same thing.” And the apostle Paul continues, “even those of our Lord Jesus Christ, …” – 1st Timothy 6:3.
     As an example: Just believing that the Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming USA is a giant petrified tree does not make it so. {2}
     Brethren, if we are led by the glorious Holy Spirit of God and are so blessed to enter into His holy Kingdom at the blowing of the SEVENTH TRUMP, will God’s Kingdom be of one mind!?
     Again, the apostle Paul teaches, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.” – Romans 15:5.
     Now it’s true that everybody has an opinion. But when that opinion is put in place of SOUND DOCTRINE and SOUND WORDS, then to God it is but foolishness – cf. 1st Corinthians 3:19.
     We are to aim for restoration. But what I am witnessing with the churches of God is grave division!
     The apostle Paul teaches us – through the inspiration of God’s Spirit – 2 Corinthians chapter 13 –
     Verse 11 – “In conclusion, brethren, rejoice! Be perfected; be encouraged; be of the same mind; be at peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” The English Standard Version uses the phrase, “Aim for restoration.”
     We are, so to speak, in the process of being perfected in mind and in SOUND WORDS for the entrance into the glorious Kingdom of God – in which we shall even be judging disobedient angels – 1st Corinthians 6:3.
     A kingdom that does not have sound doctrine or sound words – and one which does not have the same mind toward one another CAN NOT STAND!
     Now, many might feel that the resurrection – or no resurrection – of animals is petty. And I agree, it doesn’t have anything to do with salvation – but it has to do with SOUND WORDS! The LORD our God, if indeed His living Spirit is within you, is perfecting you to speak with SOUND DOCTRINE and SOUND WORDS! Here is something that Minister Guy stated, and it is something that we all need to keep in mind as servants of the LORD our God:
     “As for animals: That’s up to God. It’s MANKIND that has evolved animals into more than what they were designed for. We are told to care for our animals, but PEOPLE have made many of them into what they wanted. It used to be that dogs – as an example – were used primarily for hunting and scavenging. Cats were once pagan idols. Many folks who are animal lovers place their emotions as their reasoning for those animals being resurrected. I’ll tell you what – whatever God decides is perfect with me.”
     And this is the attitude all servants of God should have! Because – “’ Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.’”
     Now the apostle Paul instructs us in Romans chapter 16 –
     Verse 17 – “Now I urge you, brethren, NOTE those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18) For those who are such DO NOT serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, …”
     And brethren who want to argue God’s living word and get upset when another brother or sister is unable to communicate with them and then goes and tries to cause divisions and offenses with other brethren should be marked and avoided – so says the LORD JESUS CHRIST!
     And “avoid them” means just that. Walk away from them. Do not invite them into having a chat with them in a chat room. Stay away from people who gossip to you they will gossip about you. We should avoid those who want to argue, cause division amongst brethren, or offenses – and for that matter, gossip about others.
     To the Church God commands, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother [or sister] who is walking IRRESPONSIBLY and not according to the ORDINANCE that he [or she] received from us. … 14) Now if anyone does not obey our word by this epistle, TAKE NOTICE of that [person] and do not associate with him so that he may be ashamed.”
     Now, brethren, I’m not speaking of shunning. As I stated recently in a text to someone, “I speak with everybody. I give everybody the benefit of the doubt. Whether Catholic, Protestant, or Islam. I will talk with them. That doesn't mean I agree with them.” Back in 2020, I wrote an article that will help you understand what I mean, “’ You’re Not Welcome Here!’” But it is so very important that He had the apostle John, in roughly A.D. 85 – 95, write, “If ANYONE comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11) for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” – 2nd John 10, 11.
   Even now, on Facebook, there are “Facebook Friends” who claim to be servants of God, yet are causing division, UNSOUND WORDS, and offenses – NOT speaking the same thing as Christ Jesus.
     And, “by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” The simple being the unwary, the unsuspecting. They deceive those who listen to them – claiming to serve God but DO NOT agree with God.
     There are more than a few on Facebook which has their own “Christian Group” that uses flattering speech and arguments concerning Scripture to try and lure away unsuspecting brethren. So they send out “flattering speech” in texts, attempting to associate God’s Church with their own. Saying, “I have argued in the past with some of the people of a certain group about the difficult Scripture of Paul’s. And I had to straighten them out.” In other words, to question and doubt the validity of the doctrines CHRIST JESUS had placed within His Church! Also saying, “Some brethren have apostatized from the truth, … I ‘spread the truth’ only.”
     But, TRUTH BE KNOWN – the apostle Paul pleads with us, “brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, …” – 1st Corinthians 1:10.
     But, I ask, how can that be done!? How has the LORD our God provided the Way that we may all speak the same thing!?

Revealed to us in His living word!

     FIRST – the apostle Paul shows us why all did not speak the same thing. He said some were looking to the apostle Peter, some to the apostle Cephas, some to the apostle Apollos, and some were looking to the apostle Paul. In other words, they were looking to MEN – and not to JESUS CHRIST!
     In chapter 2 of the book of 1st Corinthians, the apostle Paul says he did not come with clever and flattering speech. He says, “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words [another way of saying, ‘with favorable to one argument or unfavorable to the other argument’] of human wisdom, but in DEMONSTRATION of the Spirit …” – recall, the fruits of the Spirit; cf. Galatians 5:22-23 – “ … and of power, 5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men [or even of ONE PARTICULAR MAN] but in the power of God.”
     In Philippians 2:5, God tells us, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
     No one will come to understand the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God except by receiving the Spirit of God.
     Again the apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians chapter 2 –
     Verse 10 – “But God has revealed them [speaking of the truth of His living word] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches ALL THINGS, …” – yes, including SOUND WORDS on the resurrection – or no resurrection – of animals. {3} “ … yes, the deep things of God. … 11) … Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”
     Yet, division is among the churches of God. The LORD our God placed His true doctrines into His Church through the writers of the Holy Bible! Yet, even today in this 21st century, His Church would rather believe different MEN than to believe JESUS CHRIST!
     The Holy Bible is the living word of the Eternal One in print!
     Thank you so much for joining us today for this holy Sabbath day. Have a wonderful and spirit-filled Sabbath. Until next time, this is Leonard V. Johnson for the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. Goodbye for now.

Editor's Notes:

{1} Editor's Note: Afterthought. Just like we are to obey our earthly parents, we will obey our heavenly Parents. And it may not be God's will to resurrect animals. Never should ANYONE on purpose promote or teach something that has no SOUND DOCTRINE or SOUND WORDS! Does it really make a difference what we believe - even if it has nothing to do with salvation!? Sound doctrine based upon the Bible and sound words are IMPORTANT because what we believe affects what we do. Behavior is an extension of theology, and there is a direct connection between what we think and how we act. As an example, at the grave of a recently lost pet; one believes it's alright to talk to their dead pet, and the other believes that God considers talking to the dead (certainly human or animal) a detestable practice. Their actions equate to two not walking together in one mind and in one Spirit.
{2} Editor Note: Mr. Johnson uses this as an example because a great many professing Christians glom onto many false claims, such as that the Devil's Tower is a petrified tree stump. In fact, a friend's nephew (who claims to be a Christian) believes in this false information.
{3} Editor's Note: Something to consider. First and Foremost, if we are so blessed and honored to be born into the family of God - the very GOVERNMENT OF GOD - we will be busy! In a hundred years, a thousand years, even more, will your long-dead pet which you had at the human age of 53 even come to your mind!? 

Where Are We Headed? Sermon


Leonard V. Johnson







Good Morning here from the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. I recently noticed Minister Guy LaMar posting a reminder, “I am NOT setting dates --- BUT do CONSIDER the POSSIBILITY of Christ JESUS returning around the years of 2027 to 2033 {1}.” I commented myself - I too, dearest Brother, would NEVER set dates (cf. Matt. 24:36). However, back on November 6th, 2016, while I lay in my bed at night I had a dream, and behold, I was looking up at the clearest night sky I had ever seen before, filled with crystal clear bright shining stars. I watched the glistening of the stars until I heard a booming voice. It appeared to be the end of a conversation, and the voice spoke - "They only have 10 years left." That was the end of the account. But, as for me, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and I keep the matter in my thoughts and mind, not knowing the meaning.
     Well, there truly is only ONE source that can give you genuine understanding of this world’s events – and that is God’s living word!
     I was afraid that it was going to happen. That PBS’ Masterpiece Victoria would include this LGBTQ movement in regards to homosexuality. It did! And because of that, I will NOT watch another episode. {2}I refuse to accept it and I refuse to be an audience to it! – cf. Romans 1:26-32.
     TERRIBLE and IMMORAL changes have been happening in our societies and will grow ever worse in the next FOUR YEARS!
     The majority of our peoples around the world DO NOT even see most of these terrible and immoral changes.
     But, you need to know. And you need to take action – while there is still time!
     I am currently typing up another article entitled “Is This the Beginning of the End?” {3} which will certainly address much of this too.


     Certainly, many younger people will continue to assume that everything will just continue along the way that it always has. “Sure,” they say quietly and personally, “we made a huge mistake with Joe Biden, but we’ll get over it, a new president will be elected, and we’ll carry right on.” But we need to realize, my young friends, that landmark changes have occurred in our societies and that events will NEVER be the same as they were again. What we have at this moment is the beginning of a major storm! What our Lord Jesus Christ has called, “’ the beginning of sorrows.’” A storm that will eventually envelop the whole national and international scene.
     Even now, as we are very aware, Russia and Ukraine are a powder keg ready to explode; the Iran nuclear “agreement” and where that fiasco is heading towards; China’s growing boldness; Germany increasing her military budget, and Europe’s unease.
     And even on the domestic scene, the groundwork was being laid even during the Clinton Administration not only for the current Russian and Ukrainian war but the very foundation for the soon-coming complete destruction of the United States of America!
     And, getting back to homosexuality – and be sure to watch Minister Michael C. Garrett’s lovingly and enlightening sermon “He Will Heal Them” – this homosexuality is now taken for granted as an alternative lifestyle that has no physical or spiritual penalties. In the United States of America – what once was an “In God We Trust” God-fearing nation – on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on homosexual “marriage,” legalized it in all fifty states, and required states to honor out-of-state homosexual “marriage” licenses. And homosexual “marriage” is legal in all parts of the United Kingdom. And, as we are aware, the Roman Catholic Church ordained Robert Carter – an openly gay priest. And a great number of this world’s churches have also ordained admitted and openly gay ministers into their churches!
     IT IS A WORLD TRAGEDY!
     And it certainly is if you examine what God’s living word directly and clearly states! But how many theologians do that anymore!?
     Why, if this world’s ministers would do that people might get the idea that stealing, lying, fornication, adultery, and homosexuality were actual SINS that should be abhorred and deeply repented of! That certainly would lose too many of their people, wouldn’t it!
     And in the very realm of natural forces gravely afflicting large areas of Africa, and even the Anglo-Saxon nations, it is prophesied that they will experience far greater devastation like famine, earthquakes, drought, and disease epidemics such as have not struck nations before!
     And certainly, a great many of our peoples can see – including many secular experts – that the U.S. dollar will eventually be replaced with the Chinese Yuan as the key reserve currency for international trade and commerce. And a rising foundation that is already being laid by the European Community, will unite ten nations (or rather kingdoms; as God sees kingdoms {4}) in EUROPE which will quickly begin to exert not only a major economic, but a political, religious, and military power upon the Western world. And the very power and strength of this final resurrection of this “Holy” Roman Empire will not only startle the Western hemisphere but will certainly be a catalyst for the Islam nations to unite into an Islamic confederation of nations – known in Scripture as ‘the king of the South’ – cf. Daniel 11:40.

How Do We Know!?

     Last November’s Personal I answered this question. My wife even asks me this question often when I tell her just what God says within His living prophecies, “How do you know!?” Well, human opinion is not worth anything in matters pertaining to God’s ultimate Plan for the future of all mankind – such as dire important questions like why we are here and what is the purpose of life.
     There is, however, as I stated earlier, THE SOURCE of proper knowledge and understanding of such matters that is absolutely infallible! And that Source is JESUS CHRIST! When honestly and properly understood, God’s living word reveals with immovable accuracy the meaning behind all human events – past and present – and of our ultimate outcome.
     As Sir Winston Churchill stated, “I will say that he must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked out here below of which we have the honor to be the faithful servants.” Our great CREATOR intervenes, when He chooses, in the affairs of men and nations. Thousands of our readers have proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that God’s living word – the Holy Bible – is our great Creator’s inspired “Instruction Manual” of essential knowledge for all mankind.
     It is also of grave importance to understand that nearly 1/3 of the Holy Bible is prophecy! Yet, it is for the largest part, neglected by mankind. The apostle Peter wrote, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” – 2 Peter 1:19-21.
     And, our Lord Jesus Christ says, “ …’ it is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD of God’” – Luke 4:4.
     In setting forth this very ‘beginning of sorrows,’ our Lord Jesus Christ states: “’ Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place’” – Matthew 24:34.
     So when God’s true servants write these articles of the very prophesied events which will unfold, it is with a deep sense of awe and respect for Almighty God that we honestly, faithfully, and boldly proclaim His inspired messages.


    In what is often called the Olivet Prophecy, our Lord Jesus Christ privately was asked by His disciples for details of when specific events would occur and what would be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the age – Matthew 24:3.
     He specifically stated that there would be, over the centuries, false ministers saying that He is the Messiah, yet deceiving many. That throughout the centuries we would hear of wars and rumors of wars, that there would be world wars – “’ nation will rise against nation.’” And that towards the close of this world’s evil present age “‘ kingdom against kingdom,’” famines, pestilences, and major earthquakes in different places – verses 4-7.
     And then He WARNS that, even before all this gets too bad, the “End-Time Prophets” will arrive on the scene and will eventually be delivered up to tribulation and will be killed and hated by all nations for His name’s sake – verses 9-11. Yet, before they are killed, these end-time prophets will preach the gospel of the kingdom in all the world as a witness to all nations! – verses 14.
     In apostle Luke’s account of this same prophecy, our Lord Jesus Christ WARNS, “’ But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you [speaking primarily concerning the end-time prophets] and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings [presidents and prime ministers] and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony’” – Luke 21:12-13; see also Revelation 11:7-13.


     Now, the prophet Jeremiah wrote more than a hundred and fifty years after the ancient northern kingdom of Israel – the house of Israel – was taken into captivity in roughly 734-732 BC and the ten tribes eventually being “sifted” into other nations. Yet, he prophesied of a future punishment that would strike their descendants as well as modern-day Judah – Jeremiah 30:4.
     Even today a great many of our people do not realize that patriarch Jacob’s name had been changed to Israel. Yet, the term Jacob is often used for his descendants. It is also vitally important to properly understand that when the LORD God prophesies against Israel and Judah, it is actually two separate peoples He is speaking about. It is NOT only the Jewish people He is speaking about. If you do not understand this important revelation, be sure to read Minister Michael C. Garrett’s “God’s Promises To Abraham – a seven-part series.” Read this masterful set of articles online, or download them, at no cost.
     Continuing in the Book of Jeremiah chapter 30 in verse 7 – the LORD our God describes a time of absolute TERROR which will fall upon our peoples – “’ Alas! For that day [speaking of the Day of the LORD!] is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, …’”
     He is clearly delineated the exact same time period of which the Lord our God Jesus Christ speaks of in His prophecy. For there CAN NOT be two such times of trouble “worst ever.” Our Lord specifically WARNS, “’ For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be’” – Matthew 24:21.
     So then, this “ ‘great tribulation’” falls upon Jacob’s descendants – and not only the Jews who are descendants of Jacob’s son Judah – but also upon the United States of America and the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations who have shared the promises of national greatness and great blessings bestowed upon Jacob’s birthright son Joseph – yet who have FAILED to “TRUST IN GOD’ and honor Him!
     Verse 8 – “’ For it shall come to pass in that day,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘That I will break his yoke from your neck, And I will burst your bonds; Foreigners shall no more enslave them.’”
     A terrible “yoke” of national servitude – of subjugation – to a foreign mighty power is prophesied for our nations UNLESS WE TRULY REPENT of our national and personal sins and turn to God!
     And AFTER being released from this national servitude by the returning Lord Jesus Christ and His saints, our peoples “shall serve the LORD their God, And David their king, Whom I will raise up [in other words, resurrect] for them” – verse 9.
     Friends, it is the time of the resurrection! King David will once again rule over the reunited people of the house of Judah and the house of Israel – see also Ezekiel 37:16-24.
     In chapter 3 of the Book of Jeremiah, the LORD our God describes the time AFTER the returning of our Lord Jesus Christ and His saints, “’ In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come TOGETHER out of the land of the north to the land that I have given as an inheritance to your fathers [speaking of the land of Palestine]’” – verse 18.
     Almost every prophecy describing Israel and Judah at our Lord Jesus Christ’s return shows them both in a condition of subjugation to a powerful foreign power which He will deliver them from, and reunite them and begin teaching them His Way that they know not – see Hosea 1:11; Zechariah 8:13; 10:6-9.

An IMPORTANT Prophecy

     But what of – in regards to the title of this article – where in the world are we heading in the next four years leading up to the major crisis at the close of this world’s present evil age!?
     Well, such a foundational prophecy concerning this very thing is set forth in Leviticus chapter 26 as well as Deuteronomy 28. These prophecies are speaking of the descendants of all THIRTEEN tribes of the house of Israel.
     And they detail just what the LORD our God will do IF His people do not turn back unto Him and forsake their own way.
     Be sure to read Leviticus 26:3-13 – in which the LORD our God sets forth great blessings which we could have IF our peoples sincerely turned back unto Him, keeping His statutes and keeping His commandments and serving Him with their whole heart. “’ But IF you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, … 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’” – verse 16.
     Surely this prophesied time of national crisis began for the United States of America in greater force on September 11, 2001. The world as a whole changed dramatically after 9/11!
     “’ I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies’” – verse 17. It has been said that America has won its last war – and certainly the Vietnam War is surely an obvious example to back up this point. The Korean War – which my father served – ended the career of a great general - Douglas MacArthur. And it also marked the beginning of a new era in America’s war strategy: limited warfare.

It Gets Far Worse

     Let us all in this time of crisis carefully read this foundational prophecy in Leviticus chapter 26, noticing that AFTER each series of events it’s as if the LORD our God pauses to see if we will repent. If not, then He continues adding far worse punishments.
     “’ Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you SEVEN TIMES more plagues, according to your sins’” – verse 21.
     Finally, the LORD our God says that if we will still not repent, “’ then I will also walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you SEVEN TIMES for your sins’” – verse 28.
     “’ I will lay your cities waste and bring your sanctuaries [church buildings] to desolation, …’” – verse 31.
     And our people will be taken into subjugation by a conquering powerful foreign invader.
     Friends, referring to all these end-time events, our Lord Jesus Christ admonishes us, “’ But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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.
     Friends, this utter destruction will come IN OUR GENERATION in the form of either a direct nuclear attack – or perhaps an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon – IF the nations which have descended from the house of Israel do not repent and turn unto the LORD our God!
     The LORD our God will remember His people Judah and Israel under their subjugation: “’ I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph. I WILL BRING THEM BACK, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I AM the LORD their God, And I will hear them’” – Zechariah 10:6.
     When these terrible events take place – as surely as the Lord lives – then the nations will remember that God’s true servants WARNED them ahead of time and they “shall come with weeping, and with supplications” and the LORD our God shall lead them” – cf. Jeremiah 31:7-9.
     What GREAT AND GLORIOUS NEWS!
     So, we thank you for joining us for this holy Sabbath day. We hope and pray that you continue to have a most glorious and wonderful Sabbath!!! We love you and we pray for you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!!
     So, until next time, this is Leonard V. Johnson for the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries saying, goodbye for now.


Editor's Notes:

{1} Editor's Note: Mr. Johnson meant 2033. The original said: "2013."
{2} Editor's Note: My wife and I recently tried to watch Downton Abbey (Series 1) and the very first episode has homosexuality!
{3} Editor's Note: Mr. Johnson has since changed the title to "Is This 'The Beginning of Sorrows'?"
{4} Editor's Note: Afterthought: I think that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are considered "old school" by modern standards.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Revelation - A Book of the Past and the Future (Part 6)


6ο Μέρος

Greetings EVERYONE! It’s very good to be here with you once again! Welcome our friends in Malaysia; here in the States, Evansville, Indiana; Owensboro, Kentucky, and all around this world. Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and this sixth part of a series on the Book of Revelation – the revelation of Jesus Christ! And I want to give a shout-out to all our brethren around the world – the congregations that are out there and our brethren that work every week to set up a place where God’s holy name is, a place to meet and observe the Sabbath day. Sometimes it is sort of like a thankless job to have to set up and make a place for everyone to meet for Sabbath day – even if you are watching the sermons online. Our dear brethren like Don Everly who Sabbath after Sabbath makes sure that Minister Garrett is ready to go without any hiccups. Or our dear brother Erick Odhiambo in the Republic of Kenya of Eastern Africa who is making certain that all our brethren there have access to God’s living Word, Truth, and Plan for the redemption of all mankind! I just want to extend a warm THANK YOU and great appreciation for all of you – because we don’t get to talk to all our brethren and friends that are out there, and we often get asked, “When are we going to come to Owensboro again or to Kenya and speak with us!?” And most time our financial situation doesn’t allow us to go and visit all the places that we need to go. And I know that we surely need to. And we read in the writings of the apostle Paul how he had a great desire to go to many places, and a great many of them he didn’t make it to. But he always wanted to go and he had a fond place in his heart for all of them – as we do here.

Well, here we are in the Book of Revelation! In the last of this series we left off at verse 13 of the 8th chapter – “And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven [the atmosphere], saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!’”

So, everything up to here has been most horrible! But now this angelic being is announcing, “You haven’t seen anything yet!” The last three are going to shake the world to the core!

So here we are reading what the apostle John wrote in which our Lord Jesus Christ had informed him to write. He was seeing in vision (s) – a vivid dream, and even possibly some nightmares upon reading some of the portions of the Book of Revelation. That the apostle John actually saw – in vivid color – with our Lord Jesus instructing him, “’ I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, … who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” With no doubt that it was JESUS CHRIST – the Revelator. He was instructing John to write down just what he saw and to distribute these writings to all the seven churches which were in Asia Minor at that time. Throughout this series, we have identified Him as the Lamb of God, and in these early chapters, we went over Him beginning to open these seals – the first being a WHITE HORSE. And if we compare this with the Book of Matthew chapter 24 – we believe this has a DOUBLE MEANING. We think it may partially be referring to our Lord Jesus Christ in unleashing the end-time ‘great tribulation’ upon the peoples of the world. But, it also is talking about FALSE RELIGION. The false religion in the guise of the Mother Church of Europe helping to plunge this world into another world war! We know that our Lord Jesus revealed just what those seals picture.

The second seal was a RED HORSE. And we don’t think there’s any question about what this represents. It’s talking about war! And in the Book of Matthew, our Lord describes this very seal – “’ 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.’

The third seal was a BLACK HORSE. Referring to famine. Which in vision the apostle John saw ‘he who sat upon this horse having a pair of scales in his hand measuring a quart of wheat for a penny and three quarts of barley for a penny – and to be careful not to harm the oil or the wine.’ Of course, these are major food items. Items which we need to live.

And then the fourth seal which was a PALE HORSE. Emblematic of pestilences and death – which often occurs after wars and famine.

And, something which does need to be understood. This FOURTH SEAL begins just prior to the Day of the LORD – what the prophet Jeremiah calls ‘Jacob’s trouble’ – Jeremiah 30:7. The majority of the Anglo-Saxon nations – the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and her Commonwealth Nations – Australia, Canada, and New Zealand will be affected.

Now, the fifth seal is the martyrdom of the saints. Throughout history, many people were martyred doing God’s work. In the very near future, there will be even more. There are people out there who have a little of God’s Spirit, but are not doing much with it – it’s sort of just sitting there on a shelf, spoiling. And these people will be thrust into a severe tribulation in this end-time. A group of end-time prophets (of which I spoke of in the latest sermon “Just Where Are We Headed?”) – which is not a biblical term. In great likelihood (cf. Ecclesiastes 1:9) since the New Testament Church began with twelve apostles, the end of this age may end with twelve end-time prophets!? Though God’s living word does not directly say. Twelve individuals hand-picked by Jesus Christ to go into ‘all the world as a witness to all nations’ and preach the gospel message of the soon-coming kingdom of God. – Matthew 24:14. Taking this message to legislative branches, world leaders, presidents, and even the European civil leader. So, this fifth seal is talking about the martyrdom of God’s true servants - what we have dubbed “the end-time prophets.”

Moving onto the sixth seal is a major earthquake which is prophesied to occur – the likes of which the world has never witnessed before!

And picking back up where we left off – we come to the SEVENTH SEAL. “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2) And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.”

So the seventh seal is equivalent to the beginning of the SEVEN TRUMPETS.

Again, let’s focus a moment on the word “silence.” This word silence is used here poetically and is akin to something which the prophet Job writes – “ … A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice …” – Job 4:16. A hush, a whisper, a calm comes over God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Also poetically used to indicate respectful attention – even a kind of melancholy. A sadness which befalls God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, because They know what is about to occur to the world They love.

Now, this is a prophetic statement – “silence in heaven for about half an hour” – the wrath of God is about to completely fall upon all mankind! “ … a memorial of blowing of trumpets, …” – Leviticus 23:24. That has a most prophetic meaning even back then, and this is the meaning right here!

We have previously gone through the opening of this seventh seal - each one of these corresponding to one of the angels that as he blows his trumpet these plagues are falling upon the earth.

Now, as we and our affiliated churches teach, we have a theory – though we can’t prove it; but we can’t disprove it – that we believe the Two Witnesses have a direct hand in some of these early trumpet problems.


Revelation chapter 8 –

Verse 7 – “The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.”

This is natural catastrophes around the world intensifying!

Verse 8 – “Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.”

Massive volcanoes spewing forth lava into the oceans!

Verse 9 – “And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, …”

Verse 10 – “Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11) The name of the star is Wormwood [meaning bitter]. A third of the waters became wormwood [bitter], and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.”

According to Dr. Natalie Starkey, cosmochemist and author, “If we fail in the future to protect the planet from space threats, then we could expect a large asteroid or comet impact to wreak havoc on the Earth’s surface, resulting in major global changes and high death tolls.” Since 70% of Earth is covered in water, there’s a huge chance that an asteroid impact would happen in the ocean instead of on land. Starkey noted that the effect of an asteroid strike in the ocean can be compared to a pebble causing ripples as it hits a pond. In an actual impact scenario, mega-tsunamis will act like ripples as they travel across several miles and wipe out coastal areas. [1]

Verse 12 – “Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, …” – surely indicating that there is a lot of smoke and pollution in the atmosphere blocking out the sun during the day and the moon at night.


Our Lord Jesus Christ said that there would be a major outbreak of evil just prior to His second coming! He described a time of ‘great tribulation.’ He says – “’ 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 [Satan and his demons being thrown down to the earth from the atmosphere].’” – Luke 21:25-26. He even describes this grave time as of ‘little faith.’ Asking the question “’ Will He Really Find Faith?’”

And as stated earlier – the prophet Jeremiah describes this end-time as a time of ‘Jacob’s trouble.’ And we know just who Jacob is in this generation. It’s imperative to know just who Jacob is and how his name was changed to Israel – and that his descendants became nations and not just the tiny nation of Israel which is in the Middle East today – but is rather a multitude of nations that is scattered around the world. A time which will be great trouble for Jacob – or rather Israel as we understand them and the identity of them.

The prophet Daniel calls it a “time of trouble, such as never was.” Unprecedented in all of history! And often it’s difficult to imagine this, especially when you read back in our history concerning the Inquisitions back in the Dark Ages, and World War I in which some estimated 4 MILLION civilians died! World War II along with many of the global events which have taken place - of city-states that had overthrown the known world!? The Sumerians, the Elamites, the Amorites, the Chaldeans, the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Persians, the Roman Empire, and just how brutal they were to civilizations! This is speaking of a time that is going to surpass all of that! Unimaginable to think of! “The end of the age”!

Chapter 9 –

Verse 1 – “Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. …” – Again, Satan and his demons being thrown down to the earth from the atmosphere. “ … To him was given the key to the bottomless pit, 2) And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.” – as I mentioned in “A ‘Secret Rapture’?” certainly an indication that the atmosphere will be thick with volcanic ash towers or even radioactive dust and ash! And, as I have witnessed there is grave trouble with America’s disaster response. [2]

Verse 3 – “Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4) They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal [the glorious Spirit of God] on their foreheads.”

Now, we and our affiliated churches teach, we have a theory – though we can’t prove it; but we can’t disprove it – that we believe there’s a very good chance that they may be using nuclear electromagnetic pulse weapons. This great army of radical Islamic soldiers 200 million strong ( cf. Revelation 9:16) will go forth swarming like locusts and as ferocious as lions. But they don’t ‘harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree’ like we see in the Book of Joel – they destroy men with different types of weapons which destroy not the buildings, trees, or grass. It’s interesting in knowing that many nations have this technology and what damage these types of weapons can indeed do.

We know that God has a seal for His true servants.

Let’s turn to the Book of Ezekiel the 9th chapter. It’s IMPORTANT that we take this in light of what we’re reading here in the Book of Revelation and of what is being prophesied here.

Verse 1 – “Then He called out in my hearing with a loud voice, saying, ‘Let those who have charge over the city draw near, each with a deadly weapon in his hand.’ … 3) … And He called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side; 4) and the LORD said to him, ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.’”

Verse 5 – “To the others He said in my hearing, ‘Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. 6) Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.’”

What an absolutely remarkable statement! A hard to imagine event! Where the LORD God would command the slaughtering and the utter destruction of every living person except for those who possess the mark that God has placed upon them!

So, if we have God’s mark and seal upon us we will be protected from such a hideous and troubling time!

In the Book of Revelation chapter 7, it says –

Verse 2 – “Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom was granted to harm [or to damage the earth, as my margin says] ... and the sea, 3) saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.’” Certainly, the implication is, ‘Don’t do any of this stuff until we make sure God’s true servants are sealed with God’s Spirit.’

Our Lord Jesus Christ says “’ 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 21:36.

And we believe this and we stand upon this promise of the LORD our God! That is our hope! That even in the midst of a world gone completely insane to where it will completely annihilate itself – we have hope that we will survive and that our families will be protected. And, I want you to understand – to not necessarily survive being alive – but more akin to what the apostle Paul writes at the end of his life – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day [again, speaking of the Day of the LORD], and not to me only but also to ALL who have loved His appearing” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Recall, our Lord Jesus says, “’ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life IN THIS WORLD will keep it for eternal life’” – John 12:25.

Going back to the Book of Revelation chapter 9 –

Verse 11 – “And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.”

Now, hold your place here in chapter 9, and turn to the 13th chapter. Verse 4 – “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

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

(Garrett, M.C. The Mark of the BEAST, 2019, pp. 11-12).
So, this end-time final European ‘beast’ is directly controlled by Satan the devil.

Parenthetical -

In Luke 21:22 the Lord Jesus says of these days – “’ For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.’” – meaning all of the prophecies may be fulfilled. And we are on the edge of that time. Are we there right now!? No, I don’t think so, because world conditions do not yet comply with the things we read of in the Bible. Jesus was very specific – when you see armies surrounding Jerusalem. And then we’re told when you see that great false religious leader stands in the temple of God in Jerusalem, proclaiming that he is God. That’s when you know! The ‘abomination of desolation’ has taken place, and that’s really the big explosion that starts everything rolling! Now, to note, in our latest The WatchMan Report I briefly speak of this prophesied “temple” being built in Jerusalem in this end-time, and the fact that it doesn’t necessarily need to be a physical temple, but could very well be a “tent,” a “home” or even an “altar.”

In the Book of Daniel, there is a two-fold prophecy in which he speaks about ‘bringing an end to sacrifice and offering.’ Daniel 9:24-27.

Sadly, a great many of the churches of God badly bungle the truth concerning this two-fold prophecy. And I openly admit that in my early years of preaching, I too was following their misunderstanding of this amazing living two-fold prophecy – until the LORD our God showed me His living truth in regards to this SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY – vs. 27. In verse 25 God’s living word is specific that the prophet Daniel is speaking of our living Jesus Christ! – “Until Messiah.” That is who he is speaking of here. “He [our Lord Jesus Christ] shall confirm a covenant with many for ONE WEEK.” Which is biblical language meaning one day for every year – SEVEN YEARS. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Certainly, we know just who was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind! Jesus Christ! And when did He die!? He was executed in the MIDDLE OF THE WEEK – WEDNESDAY. His human life ended after 3½ years of His public ministry. Now, according to this living two-fold prophecy, He was supposed to make a covenant with many for ONE WEEK – for SEVEN YEARS! What became of the remaining 3½ years!? Well, it will be fulfilled in those events upon His glorious and powerful return. His Millennial reign actually doesn’t begin until after the first 3½ years – in which He is remolding and reshaping the earth – the people of the earth. Of getting their attitudes right. “As a Rod of Iron.” He will wield a club. He uses the physical people of the house of Israel as part of His club.

In short: The physical children of Israel, the relatively few, who have survived the end-time ‘great tribulation,’ – recall our Lord’s words, “’ but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened’” – will be gathered together from around the world in order to form the new and the revised nation of Israel. This newly formed nation of Israel, people of God, under the leadership of the recently resurrected King David, and led by Jesus Christ, will become an army that will fight and destroy the ungodly nations and people of the region. Think radical Arab and radical Islamic nations.


Revelation chapter 9 –

Verse 12 “One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.”

Verse 13 - “Then the sixth angel [or rather, messenger] sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, [ – remember you have the seven seals, the seventh seal being seven trumpets!]. 14) saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ 15) So the four angels [or, FOUR COUNTRIES - Back in the Book of Daniel we read about that - these angelic beings or demonic beings were in charge of certain states], who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.’”

Verse 16 – “Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; …”

We believe that this as well as the prophesied ‘kings of the east’ is referring to a collection of Islamic people from the eastern countries – including Indonesia, which is the most populist Islamic country in the world – with an estimated millions upon millions of Moslems in India, Pakistan – all of these countries of the east. [3] Another bloc of nations – ‘kings of the east.’ And logically we believe them to be China, Korea, and Japan. A spirit of war is spread by Satan the devil, the final “beast” power of Europe, and the final “false prophet.”

Brethren and friends – this living prophecy is not difficult to understand when you allow God’s Spirit to teach you God’s living truth in regards to His prophecies – to grow in His grace and knowledge. Surely, much of His prophecies are indeed as the apostle Paul says – “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” – 1 Corinthians 13:12.

But here we see God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ had been holding back – restraining – this massing, this assembling into one body – of a radical Islamic confederation of armies that long ago could have caused worldwide devastation the likes of which this world has never witnessed before (with the very real possibility of having obtained nuclear and or biological weapons). But here God releases the four angels (and these radical Islamic COUNTRIES would certainly be under the charge of demons) who are bound at the great river Euphrates. A terrible and bloody battle! And this Islamic army will end up being comprised of 200 million soldiers! And it appears in this generation that we have Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Moslem people of India on a counter-attack! They desire Jerusalem as well. Yet, in the end, this mighty army is destroyed!

Now, I hope and pray that I’m not losing you with all of this – it is a deep subject.

Now, we can ask ourselves the question – is our living God justified in the utter destruction of these radical Islamic confederations of armies – 200 million strong!? Why all the bloodshed!? Why all of the destruction!? The LORD God is adamant, ‘IF you will not obey Me, then I will destroy you!’ That is His judgment! He is a God of love and mercy. But His living word STANDS FIRM!

And here is a grave description of our peoples that will be destroyed –

Verse 20 – “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols …”

Now, this may come as a shock to you, but true Christians and Moslems DO NOT worship the same God! To Note: as proof that I speak the truth, we need only turn to their Koran itself –
“The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was no more than God’s apostle and His Word which He cast to Mary: a spirit from Him. … God forbid that He should have a son! His is all that the heavens and the earth contain.” – Women, 4.171.
Clearly, the Koran (written about 600 A.D.) DENIES the Son of God, Jesus Christ!

“ … of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21) And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

Almighty God, so full of grace and mercy, gives them a chance to repent after each trumpet blast – to change. But they DO NOT REPENT!

Over in the Book of Isaiah the 13th chapter – the prophet Isaiah speaks of this end-time ‘great tribulation,’ this end-time ‘Jacob’s trouble’ – the Day of the LORD!

Verse 6 – “WAIL, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7) Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8) And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames.”

God says He won’t do anything unless it is declared from His prophets! Not only has He declared it through His prophets, but He’s also declared it through His WORD!

Verse 9 – “Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it.”

Verse 10 – “For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; …”

Note the LORD our God Jesus Christ mentions this very thing, “’ Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; …’” – Matthew 24:29.

“ … The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine.”

Verse 11 – “’ I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; …’”

So, if you’ve ever wondered just what is going to happen to all of the utterly wicked – here it is! Some of these terribly evil and wicked nations along with their leaders richly and absolutely deserve justice and judgment from God!

Now, earlier in the parenthetical I had briefly mentioned the physical children of Israel, the relatively few, who have survived the end-time ‘great tribulation,’ will be gathered together from around the world. In the Book of Joel the prophet Joel speaks of this –

Book of Joel chapter 3 –

Verse 1 – “’ For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem.’”

Here speaking about a two-fold prophetic statement at the time of the end when these nations are going to be in a type of subjugation. Now, do we ever hear this talked about in our news media!? That we here in the great United States of America could be someday in a state of subjugation by a foreign power!? Absolutely prostate on the ground in front of our enemies!?

Verse 2 – “’ I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.’”

There in this region where a great battle is going to take place – “They gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew Armageddon” – Tel-Megiddo.

Down in verse 9 – “Proclaim this among the nations [the Gentile nations]: ‘Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10) Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”

The nations who used to be afraid of the United States of America and all of our allies, are now standing up, burning our flag, and saying “DEATH TO AMERICA!” “Allah is great, Death to America, death to Israel, A curse upon the Jews, Victory to Islam!” They are saying, ‘I am strong.’

Our great and mighty God is saying to them, ‘go ahead, stand up, be strong, grab your weapon, meet Me down here in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.’

Verse 11 – “’ Assemble and come, all you nations [Gentile nations], And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD. 12) Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.’”

Every one of these nations that want to cast the tiny nation of Israel into the sea and destroy the multitude of the nations of Israel, they are going to meet Almighty God down here on this plain – and throughout history, Tel-Megiddo was the site of many great battles!

Verse 13 – “Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. …” – and in my margin, I have written, “see Revelation, chapter 14.”

“ … ‘Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow – For their wickedness is great.’” – this is the reason why.

Verse 14 – “’ Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15) The sun and moon will diminish their brightness.’” – again cf. Matthew 24:29-30.

Verse 16 – “’ The LORD also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the LORD will be a shelter for His people, …’”

Again, the thread – the hope – that runs through this terrible Message today. And surely this utter destruction of the nations doesn’t have to happen! If our nations as a whole would turn their hearts unto the LORD God and turn from their evil ways – as the Lord GOD lives, ‘Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ REPENT!

This is the Message of the Gospel!

Verse 17 – “’ So you shall know that I AM the LORD your God, …’”

In the Book of Romans, it says, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’

At the very name of Jesus Christ every knee shall bow. They certainly are not bowing now, they don’t want to bow down, they don’t want to hear about our Lord Jesus Christ, they don’t want to know about the Gospel Message, they don’t want to hear this Message!

But there is coming a day when they are going to bow before Him! – or die. □

Bibliography:

[1] Monzon, I., Asteroid Impact In The Ocean Will Cause High Death Toll, Scientist Warns, International Business Times, 10/12/2019. Retrieved 09 May 2022.
[2] Atkin, E., “The Troubling Failure of America’s Disaster Response” The New Republic, 17 July 2018. Retrieved 09 May 2022. https://newrepublic.com/article/149899/troubling-failure-americas-disaster-response.
3 “Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world by population, with over 200 million (88.2% of the total population) …” Praying For Indonesia. Retrieved 17 May 2022.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES OF THE SERIES: