We Are At War!

Here Ye! Here Ye! Read All About It...

We Are At War!

By Leonard V Johnson

We certainly are aware – or certainly should be aware – of our mortal and spiritual enemy, Satan the Devil. He is our adversary. He is the evil one who seeks to destroy the living Church of God. To destroy you. So, we must be prepared to fight and win this spiritual battle for our spiritual survival.

Bright and Beautiful Morning here in Spring Hill, Florida, dear brethren and friends from around the world – our friends in Gambia, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Port Elizabeth, and all here in the States. Welcome. Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries – I’m Leonard V. Johnson.

Deacon Trevor not long ago posted his latest BIBLE TALK entitled “Trevor’s War.” And today, for this sermon, I would like to talk about this spiritual war that all the soldiers for Christ Jesus have to endure in this life.

Turning to the Book of 1st Timothy chapter 1 –

Verse 18 – “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.”

The Apostle Paul knew, unmistakably, that we brethren, both in his day and throughout the coming generations, that we would be involved in a great many tribulations – troubles – and battles with the evil one.

In the second book of Timothy, he adds – 2nd Timothy chapter 2 –

Verse 3 – “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

We must submit ourselves willingly to the Rock of our salvation. And we must endure hardships, persecutions of all kinds, deprivation, tribulations, and even severe temptations – if we are ever expected to receive our crown of life.

Verse 4 – “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please [H]im who enlisted him as a soldier.”

Ever since our Lord Jesus Christ built His Church she has known war! Over and over again within God’s living word, the analogy of God’s begotten children are in a war. Though we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has said, “ … ‘on this [R]ock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades [the grave] shall not prevail against it.’” And that Rock upon which the Church of God is built is JESUS CHRIST Himself! Not upon any man. Jesus’ Church has prevailed through every generation.

But will you – as a soldier for Christ Jesus – prevail with it!?

To ensure that you will not become a casualty of this monumental battle against these principalities, these powers, these rulers of darkness of this age, you MUST LOOK TO JESUS!

Sadly, and I know this personally, many that literally were within the living Church of God have since thrown the precious grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ away from them! They stopped enduring. They stopped overcoming – with the LORD our God’s merciful help right up to the bitter end.

Verse 3 again of 1st Timothy chapter 2 – “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Brethren, things that cannot be taught in our basic training or learned from the Book, we MUST learn in the field. Courage is an example.

I can recall one such test in 2006 –

As I sat at the counter of a truck stop restaurant, I noticed a seat down from me which had a jacket thrown over the back of the seat and a neo-Nazi-looking man with a thick Russian accent was sitting next to that chair. Not long after I sat down, a young Mexican man sat down in the seat with the jacket thrown over the seat. He began a conversation with the thick Russian accented man – how his grandmother and father both had died on the same day. I half expected him to literally cry on this man’s shoulder.

While I sat there, a strong feeling came over me and a thought – they’re going to get up shortly and go off together. They continued sitting there together for another five minutes, when, sure enough, they both get up and are going off somewhere together. Another thought – say something to that young Mexican man, and stop him from going off with that other man. But, I was too scared – they would surely think I was a kook. I began to shake. But I never said anything to that young Mexican man. And they both walked out together.

I, personally, have had a great number of these types of exercises.

So, it is spiritual. If we do not exercise God’s gift of spiritual discernment and overcome and solve spiritual problems, trials, tests, and hardships – then we will not remain in very good spiritual shape. We will become spiritually weak.

In the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 20, the LORD our God said to the children of Israel –

Verse 1 – “’ When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, …’”

I can recall once many years ago now – I was laid over in Phoenix, Arizona. And I was at the Circle K on Buckeye Road. A rather seedy side of the city. I needed to walk next door to the Quick Stop for some food supplies, but there was a gang of hoodlums between the store and me. I began praying fervently to Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ for my protection. And, as I walked past them – they acted as if I was invisible.

As I looked upon that gang of hoodlums – that mighty army of a dozen, I had no might in comparison to them. But God’s powerful legion marshaled with me as I walked right on by them – unharmed.

Verse 2 – “’ So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest [and with the New Covenant, our High Priest is our Lord Jesus Christ!] …’” – “ …’ that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. 3) And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel [and even the spiritual house of Israel]: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. DO NOT let your heart faint, DO NOT be afraid, and DO NOT tremble, or be terrified because of them; 4) for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’”

The LORD our God wants soldiers who will strap on the armor of God and fight with undaunted veracity – relying always upon Him – until complete victory is won!

Our Commander

Even though bravery is certainly a quality that must be nurtured throughout a lifetime, it can be motivated and brought to the forefront if our Commander commands the same quality.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our Commander – we “were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), we belong to Him (cf. Psalm 100:3; Romans 8:9-11; 14:8).

“Our LORD God …” – and let us briefly explain –

Our “LORD God” – YHWH Elohim is a compound term that is composed of two nouns. As in English, Hebrew nouns are divided into two categories: common nouns and proper nouns. Common nouns refer to a general group or class, but proper nouns refer to a particular person, place, or thing. According to Hebrew rules of grammar, YHWH – as a proper noun – can only be followed by a noun or a noun phrase that either qualifies YHWH or is in apposition to YHWH (i.e., a noun or a noun phrase that refers exclusively to YHWH). Therefore, when the proper noun YHWH is used with Elohim, as in LORD God, both nouns must be interpreted as referring to the Godhead. 1

However, contrarily, the Hebrew rules of grammar today interpret Elohim as a reference to the angelic host. Again, according to God’s living word – i.e., Genesis 3:22 – and every passage that uses the combined YHWH Elohim – both YHWH and Elohim MUST be grammatically interpreted as names that identify the Godhead. 

So, the Godhead – for there is but one Godhead; consisting at this moment – God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – was and is the Commander of the children of Israel (both physically and spiritually speaking)! And an example of the Lord our God’s glorious leadership is shown to us in the Book of Joshua chapter 5 –

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, ‘Are You for us or for our adversaries?’

And this mighty Man standing there with His sword in hand said, “’ No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.’

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, ‘What does my Lord [notice the word ‘Lord’ is not all capitalized!?] say to His servant?’

15) Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, ‘Take your sandal[s] off you [feet], for the place where you stand is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” – Joshua 5:13-15.

The Lord our God Himself appeared before Joshua, drew His mighty sword out of its sheath, and said to Joshua, ‘I AM the Commander of the LORD’s army.’

This was a great inspiration to Joshua and his army during their soon-coming military campaign against their adversaries.

“The Captain of Our Salvation”

The Apostle Paul calls the Lord our Savior the Captain of our salvation – Hebrews 2:10. And as the living Church of Jesus Christ, we are a spiritual army. And, we are at WAR!

Our Lord JESUS CHRIST is also our shield in battle!

“Let all the earth fear [reverently fear] the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” – Psalm 33:8.

And, we as soldiers for Christ SHOULD stand in awe of our Commander In Chief – the living Jesus Christ! And if we do, we certainly will witness to nations and provinces far greater than anything else.

“For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. 10) The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. 11) The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to ALL GENERATIONS. 12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance” – Psalm 33:9-12.

Truly, blessed are our fellow brethren around the world of whom God the Father has called out of this world – we who are within the living Church of Jesus Christ!

“The LORD looks from [the upper heavenly realms]; He sees all the sons of men. 14) From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; 15) He fashions their hearts INDIVIDUALLY; He considers all their works. 16) No king [president, prime minister, governor, emperor, etc.] is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. 17) A horse [a tank, a fighter jet, a military aircraft carrier, etc.] is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. 18) Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, 19) To deliver their soul [their life] from death, And to keep them alive in famine. 20) Our soul waits for the LORD; HE IS OUR HELP AND OUR SHIELD” – Psalm 33:13-20.

And as long as we are obeying Him and doing His will, we have NOTHING to fear in any battle. And we will be victorious!

“The angel 2 of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them” – Psalm 34:7.

Again, as long as we are obeying God and doing His will – the “Captain of our salvation” – His mighty angels will protect us!

We Must Endure Unto the End!

Our Lord Jesus Christ encourages us – “’ These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, AND CAME TO LIFE: 9) ‘I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews [the chosen ones] and are NOT, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10) DO NOT fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison 3 …’”

It's interesting to note that the Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary writes in connection with the word “prison” –

“the accuser.” He acted, through Jewish accusers against Christ and His people. The conflict of the latter was not with mere flesh and blood, but with the rulers of the darkness of this world. tried – with temptation by “the devil.” The same event is often both a temptation from the devil, and a trial from God – God sifting and winnowing the man to separate his chaff from His wheat, the devil sifting him in the hope that nothing but the chaff will be found in him.” 4

“ … ‘ that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days [a short period of time]. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life’” – Revelation 2:8-10.

“Put on the whole armor of God”

Turn to Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

What is the ‘power of His might’? It’s God’s Spirit residing in you. And not just a little thimble full – but having God’s Spirit flow through you like a river.

Verse 11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – the tricky stunts that Satan performs upon people – you need to be aware that if you are not careful you can be tricked. Satan is not a real nice guy! Satan disguises himself. We’re told that he can appear as ‘an angel of light.’ And we’re also told that his so-called ministers – who claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ – in the end, are indeed ministers of Satan the devil. And they can appear as ‘ministers of righteousness.’ That’s what the Word of God says.

Our physical and spiritual enemy – Satan the devil – is like a deranged commander of a mighty army, who is plotting the utter destruction of his enemies – in this case, you and me! He launches blitzkrieg attacks so swiftly and cunningly, that it will more than often catch you completely off guard.

One plan of his attack against us is inspiring doubt and discouragement among God’s soldiers. About God, about His leaders, about our calling, the hope of the resurrection and eternal life – so strongly that it weakens our faith in God and His promises.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with TRUTH, having put on the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15) and having shod your feet with the PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16) above all, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Verse 17 – “And take the HELMET OF SALVATION, and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the world of God; 18) PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT, BEING WATCHFUL to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” – Ephesians 6:14-18.

God has fastened to our loins His TRUTH, let us NEVER unfasten His TRUTH!

So, without His TRUTH to protect us, our carnal mind – which is naturally hostile against God – begins to agree that the weight of His armor protecting us is just too heavy (we begin to be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of [their] deceitful plotting (Ephesians 4:14) and we take off God’s breastplate of righteousness.

Without His TRUTH to protect us, and without His breastplate of righteousness, we are a soldier now stripped bare – unprotected. Stepping off the FOUNDATION OF THE GOSPEL we drop to the ground “the elementary principles of Christ” – the foundation of repentance from dead works and of the faith toward God, proper baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Sadly, we begin to listen to “every spirit,” not testing the spirits to see whether they are of God.

God’s soldier throws down His shield of faith – and is now completely unprotected from “the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

And, it’s important to be reminded of what the Apostle Paul says – inspired by the very Spirit of God –

“For it is IMPOSSIBLE for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6) IF THEY FALL AWAY, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify Him again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame” – Hebrews 6:4-6.

Brethren, let us NEVER fall away! Let us not be misled by this “angel of light,” or his “ministers of righteousness” – 2 Corinthians 11:14.

Let us make certain that God’s whole armor is fastened tightly around our bodies and our life! And through our constant prayers and supplication IN THE SPIRIT (John 4:23-24), always WATCHFUL – “Therefore HUMBLE yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7) casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8) BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9) Resist him, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH, …” – 1 Peter 5:6-8, 9.

For the LORD God will grant us THEIR LIVING FAITH, as we humbly and boldly say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” □

Bibliography

1) Coulter R. F., The Holy Bible In Its Original Order A New English Translation, Jehovah Elohim in Genesis 3:22, York Publishing Co., © 2009, pg. 1360.

2) mal ´ āk, angel, a supernatural representative of God, sometimes delivering messages, sometimes protecting God’s people; the “angel of the LORD” sometimes shares divine characteristics and is sometimes thought to be a manifestation of God Himself, or the pre-incarnate Christ. #4397 In The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, pg. 1526.

3) PHULAKĒ – from phulassō, to guard, denotes (a) a watching, keeping watch. … See HOLD, WATCH. Vine, W.E., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, CAGE, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey, published by United Kingdom Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Publications, Ltd., 1981, pg. 163.

4) Jamieson, R., Fausset, A.R., Brown, D., Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary of the Whole Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, pp 1533.

Commentary: The Anointing of Cloths

 by Guy C. LaMar

If you prefer listening to audio? Then click the play button.

COJCOM · Commentary: The Anointing of Cloths - Audio Article

Just after the New Testament Church of God was built, the apostles and the evangelists continued the HEALING OF THE SICK, as well as preaching the true gospel!

And almost immediately AFTER the Day of Pentecost when the glorious Holy Spirit came down, Apostles Peter and John – in the name of Jesus Christ – healed the cripple and lame from birth – cf. Acts 3:1-11.

As a result, they were thrown into prison. After they were released they met with the other apostles and prayed earnestly to Father God, saying –

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30) by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.’ 31) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” – Acts 4:29-31.

Friends, this “boldness” will also come up in the second part of this commentary.

So, afterward, with the mighty power of the Spirit of God – so much so that even the Apostle Peter’s shadow passing over the sick resulted in their healing (Acts 5:15)! ALL THRU THE POWER OF GOD!

All those that came to these men of God – these ministers of Christ – for healing, PRAYER TO GOD, “were all healed” – Acts 5:16.

Philip the Evangelist traveled down to Samaria, and the sick were HEALED! – Acts 8:5-7.

Also, through the Apostle Paul’s ministry, the LORD our God healed the sick.

The demand on his time became so great – and many were at a distance he himself couldn’t reach and so desperately wanted to be healed – so God honored a SPECIAL MEANS. The Apostle Paul prayed over and anointed pieces of cloth – from that of handkerchiefs and aprons – and sent them to these requesting prayers for healing – and THEY WERE HEALED! – Acts 19:11-12.

We know and understand that through the same example, of laying on of hands for healing, the use of pure virgin first cold pressed olive oil is required. And, never forget – the pure olive oil – which has been blessed by God in which His true servants use in anointing has no power to heal. Also, there is no healing power that resides within the hands of the physical individual who is anointing – the healing power is not the audible prayer given – nor is there any healing power in the threads of an anointed cloth. GOD IS THE HEALER!

So, on the cloths, as a minister of Jesus Christ would on the forehead of the person with their hand (and NOT in the shape of a cross), so will the minister of Jesus Christ place some pure virgin first cold pressed olive oil upon a cloth.

Now, the LORD our God (the very Being who we know as our Lord Jesus Christ) is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) – and hundreds and hundreds in this 21st century are being healed by this very method – given to us in the living word of God!

All who request a special prayer are prayed for by a true and loyal Christian or one of the ministers of Jesus Christ. All who ask for prayers for HEALING are given special consideration and prayers.

Since it is impossible for a single minister of Jesus Christ in any one location to visit each of those who are sick in their homes or a hospital. The minister of Jesus Christ will pray over and anoint with pure virgin first cold pressed olive oil a piece of white cloth for each case – following the example given to us by the Apostle Paul – and this cloth will be mailed to the person who is sick and requesting it.

The anointed cloth is sent in a small plastic bag (because it’s been anointed with the olive oil which represents God’s Holy Spirit).

With Boldness of Speech

A person asked me – why did I use a particular word, which is considered offensive to the ears of a great many, in a recent sermon.

Here’s the skinny –

I was telling a story of a woman who was cheating on her husband sexually with another man.

This woman gets pregnant from this other man – while still being married to her husband.

She ABORTS the unborn baby.

Thus, in the eyes of our Eternal God, she has not only committed adultery, but she also is a MURDERER!

Yet, this woman is unrepentant and revels in her lustful actions!

Friends, where is her ACCOUNTABILITY!?

The Apostle Paul – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit – writes –

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: 19) whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their SHAME – who set their mind on earthly things” – Philippians 3:18-19.

SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on such “enemies of the cross of Christ”! 😢

The very definition of such a woman is found in the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary –

Slut \`slət\ n [ME slutte] (15c) 1 chiefly Brit : a slovenly woman 2 a : a promiscuous woman; esp : PROSTITUTE b : a saucy girl : MINX – slut∙tish \`slə-tish\ adj – slut∙tish∙ly adv - slut∙tish∙ness n – slut∙ty \`slə-tē\ adj

So, not only are a great many trying to change the very definition of “recession”! These same self-righteous people are trying to change the word “slut” to an “archaic” and “disparaging” – as in this new Woke Culture movement – a term that “belittles a particular ethnic, religious, or social group.”

Well, if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck – it is a duck!

It is a word that has been used by other ministers of Jesus Christ when speaking of such women. Sadly, that is what such a woman can be called.

Truly, there are a great many such words found in God’s living word – the Holy Bible – that don’t sit well with the sheltered fluffy fakes that claim that they read the Bible and know the truth of God.

To label such a sinful woman is not against God.

Our Lord and Savior Himself – while in the flesh – used some very abrasive and “disparaging” words in His description of certain types of people – e.g. calling them snakes and dogs.

There are a great many in this world that get too self-righteous in order to back up their own definition and ideologies of what words should be used and what shouldn’t.

May I suggest you do a word search of God’s living word – maybe using a Bible concordance – to see for yourself the many “archaic” words that are now, in this 21st century, considered vulgar or too “disparaging” – i.e. ass, whore, sinner, piss, dung. □

Additional Commentaries

Women in the 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.

Should Christians Vote? - THERE are a lot of arguments involving this question. Both sides of the argument are good ones. Either may be acceptable points of view.

Let NOTHING Get In The Way of Jesus! - THE point is: that it is a struggle to NOT allow the snares of this world - things that are material - to get in the way of JESUS!

Letter to our Friends - September 9, 2022

Leonard V. Johnson

Founder/Pastor

Dear Friends:

Greetings to you all from the Tampa Bay Area, Florida.

We are pleasantly surprised to see that our sermon “One God – One Mediator” is as popular as it is – and it’s not even a prophetic message (which often gets more views)! – Even despite having some negative comments.

Despite YouTube’s shadow-banning techniques on our channel, we had 227 views since November 20th, 2020! It may not seem like a lot – but this world as a whole is blessed by God if only one person hears His glorious Good News of His living Word, His Truth, and His ultimate Plan for the redemption of all mankind! Our suggested sermon for this week “Be Not Defeated” is also doing quite well, despite YouTube and its shady tactics.

With all that being said, we are pleased to announce we have had 4.8 k views on our YouTube channel since June 2015! Truly, it’s even more! Shadow-banning of Conservative Christians by Big Tech (which is intentionally trying to make it harder to find online) is the main reason why we started up additional video platforms, such as BitChute and UGETube!

Feast of Tabernacles in the United States of America

The Fall Holy Days are here! The Feast of Trumpets begins at sunset on September 25th!

In 2022, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day services are scheduled to begin on the evening of October 9th and will continue until the Last Great Day October 17th!

It is certainly time to plan, no matter where you live.

I personally am planning – and I want to remind all our brethren and friends that we are affiliated with the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ. We must never downplay this IMPORTANCE! “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls [lives], as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” – Hebrews 13:17. I would also like to remind you of how I, personally, met my spiritual mentor Michael C. Garrett in Owensboro, Kentucky –

July 18th, 2018 – For several years I had been speaking with Father God, and asking Him, “Where are Your people!?” I had contacted several splinter groups of the now defunct Church of God, and every single one that I had contacted I quickly discovered they were not bearing the fruits of God’s Spirit. I also, with God’s instruction and permission in relation to a spiritual teaching lesson – visited a Protestant Sunday-keeping church. Until God had told me, “Enough! Run!”

Well, I was busy posting another article on our website, when a thought came to my mind – “Get rid of everything you’ve done. Get rid of the website, Facebook, YouTube, and everything else, and follow Me!” The thought that came to my mind gave me no indication that there was anything else, just to “follow Me.” Now, I was very aware that a sycophant leader of a church organization was looking over the website with a fine-toothed comb in the hopes of finding something to prosecute me with. So, I was thinking at first this is why the thought in my mind was having me delete everything. But, I contributed this thought to God – yes, I contribute these types of thoughts to God; these types of thoughts and my actions have kept me safe all my life. I didn’t question this thought. I deleted everything – 7 years’ worth of work. All those years I had been proclaiming His Good News unto as many nations as financially possible – several thousands of dollars – and to all of a sudden rid myself of all of that took a lot. After speaking with Father God and our Lord Jesus at length, asking, “If that was not what I was supposed to be doing – what am I supposed to do!?” Again, “My LORD, where are Your people!?”

After much supplication and prayer, I went back to the computer. In its search engine, I typed “Mark Armstrong.” And the phrase “Bubble Boy” popped up. I was intrigued, why was this leader of this church organization called this!? So, I clicked onto the site and came across Minister Michael C. Garrett’s video sermon entitled “Disingenuous Propaganda”. I had never heard of this man of God before. I ended up watching the whole sermon! He had mentioned another sermon, “Look To Jesus, Not Moses”. I went and searched for that sermon, watched the entirety of it, and knew THIS IS WHAT GOD WAS TELLING ME!”

It is also vitally IMPORTANT to remember that God loves loyalty. The very word loyal brings to mind a powerful sense of belonging. It also brings to mind wholehearted fidelity and unswerving devotion and duty. And I can’t help but think of God’s living word – “we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15) but, speaking the truth IN LOVE, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – CHRIST” – Ephesians 4:14-15. This also brings to mind – “Look To Jesus, Not Moses.” In my latest Personal I speak of the Spirit of the Law. Our Lord Jesus had admonished the scribes and the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for neglecting the weightier matters of the Law – Justice, Mercy, and Faith. Notice: It’s good judgment, mercy, and faith. All spiritual things!

There are many examples of loyalty in God’s living word. In our relationship with our brethren, we are called to steadfast loyalty. The Apostle Paul speaks of his “loyal yoke-fellow” (NIV) in Philippians chapter 4. It was one who faithfully labored with the Apostle Paul. There is also Ruth. From the first words of the Book of Ruth, it truly constitutes a declaration of breathtaking love and loyalty – “’ Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God’” – Ruth 1:16.

For true Christians, loyalty is shown in our commitment to JESUS CHRIST and to His Message – “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life FOR MY SAKE and the gospel’s will save it’” – Mark 8:34-35.

– to observe the Feast in Owensboro, Kentucky. At the Logsdon Community Center 2400 Friendship Dr. Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 (unless unforeseen circumstances warrant changes). We graciously invite all who have a good spirit to attend. You can contact Minister Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for additional information.

There are optional activities in Owensboro, Kentucky to enjoy! There is the International Bluegrass Music Museum – website http://www.bluegrasshall.org/. There is also the Yellow Creek Park, which features hiking trails, and multi-purpose sports areas, as well as a Pioneer Village – website https://www.visitowensboro.com/listing/yellow-creek-park/. Also, there’s the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art – website http://www.omfa.us/.

Now, I personally have stayed at the Wingfield Inn & Suites in Owensboro, Kentucky several times. Its location is 3220 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, Ky. 42301.

Should you wish to stay there, the daily room rate is $95 per night, plus applicable taxes. You can call (270) 685-2433 to make reservations.

Certainly, ALL TRUE CHRISTIANS, AND THOSE THAT ARE CALLED BY FATHER GOD (John 6:44-45), ARE COMMANDED TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES AND THE LAST GREAT DAY unless their health or dire circumstances warrant preventing them.

According to Tripadvisor.com, Owensboro has hundreds of restaurants and dozens of hotels. Owensboro also has an airport – the Owensboro - Daviess County Regional Airport. Located near I-165 and adjacent to the US-60 bypass, the facility is easily accessible to almost 1,000,000 people in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. It covers an area of 880 acres.

Again, if you are planning on coming this year, please send Minister Michael C. Garrett an email and let him know – garrett158@roadrunner.com.

Mystery of Salvation

Friends, additionally, for this week’s suggested Sabbath service, I suggest downloading our free online PDF article Notes Concerning The Feast of Tabernacles And The Last Great Day.

Here is the main point I am emphasizing which the 29 page article goes into:

“Revelation 10:7 – Now I’ve been saying for a long time. And for many of the times I have said it, the people to whom I spoken to, simply did not understand what I was saying. Question is: When is the resurrection of the saints!? Now, I want you to understand that the WCG said that the resurrection of the saints would NOT occur until the SEVEN SEALS were over, and the SEVEN TRUMPETS were over, and the SEVEN PLAGUES were over, and sometime – they weren’t really sure - but sometime in there, the resurrection of the saints would occur. They actually said the seventh of the plagues was somehow the extension of the seventh trump. I don’t know, they really stretched the Scriptures on that one. “...the mystery of God would be finished, ...” And that mystery is that mortal human beings would one day enter into FULL sonship and daughtership into the Kingdom of God, into the Family of GOD. THE SEVENTH TRUMP IS THE MOMENT OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE SAINTS! The FIRST resurrection!”

The short article, itself, is still in draft form, and while it can be read online, it is likely not going to be the finalized version.

Our Suggested Sabbath Service

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

● TWO songs of praise. (our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is suggested, there is some Instrumental Accompaniment to the Bible Hymnal available on our website).

● Opening prayer.

● A song of special music. Might we suggest “Because He Lives – I Can Face Tomorrow” sung by Minister Michael C. Garrett.

● Sermonette.

● Announcements (if any) – from the deacon or pastor.

● Sermon – from the pastor or a guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “Be Not Defeated.” Other sermons are available at the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries UGETube channel.

● Closing song.

● Closing prayer.

In case you do not receive a ‘Letter to our Friends’ for any week, remember that there are many sermon messages on the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries BitChute channel, as well as our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

The United Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations and realms lost their Queen of 70 years yesterday. And as I had posted on my personal Facebook page - Our prayers are with the British Monarchy on this day, and with all her family and friends. Including, of course, the newly appointed King Charles III. Also, they got their THIRD female prime minister this week (See: ‘BBC - Who is Liz Truss? From teenage Lib Dem to Tory PM’). This brings to mind one of our posted articles – “’ Women Rule Over Them’ – Isaiah 3:12.” And, speaking of the United Kingdom, Russia as well as some of its allies are looking to eliminate Britain’s dominance of the international metals markets (See: ‘ZeroHedge - Eurasian Alliance Plans A Moscow World Standard To Destroy LBMA's Monopoly In Precious Metals Pricing’).

Getting back to Prime Minister Liz Truss, she has espoused positions that the EU certainly doesn’t like! Notice this from Thomas Byrne’s Twitter post – click on the photo to the left and read his posting on this.

And, by no means is she a Boris Johnson (who the EU certainly didn’t like), she is not likely to be able to deal with nor heal the great divide between the UK and the EU! Be sure to read our free online booklet “God’s Promises To Abraham - Chapter 1” in which Minister Garrett’s first chapter speaks of this Brexit.

The German Press reported –

What foreign policy issues face the UK's new leader?

The new prime minister will also have to steer the UK on the international stage with Russia’s war in Ukraine, an increasingly assertive China, and ongoing tensions with the European Union over the aftermath of Brexit topping that agenda.

Truss said she would tear up parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, a step that could lead to a new trade barriers or even legal difficulties with the EU.

A bill to unilaterally scrap some customs checks to ease the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain is working its way through the British parliament, and Truss said last month that if picked as prime minister she would seek to deliver that legislation in full. https://www.dw.com/en/liz-truss-to-be-next-british-prime-minister/a-63018397.

The Anglo-American world dominance is soon coming to an end!

In Israel – Israel365News reported that the Israeli government hinted at animal sacrifices in a brochure (See: ‘Israel365News - BEN GURION GEARING UP TO BRING ALL 70 NATIONS STRAIGHT FROM THE AIRPORT TO THIRD TEMPLE’). Since God’s living word – the Holy Bible – does tell us that regular animal sacrifices will be stopped in Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11, they must be started first – and in Israel, this will currently require Israeli government approval – approval that indirectly is being hinted at!

Concluding Comments

In one of our latest A Morning Bible Studies we asked the question - Are you able to give God’s definition of just what is a true Christian!? And we covered Matthew chapter 5:3-11. Also, notice what the Apostle Paul writes – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit –

“If ANYONE does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!” – 1 Corinthians 16:22.

How does one know that they are a true lover of our Lord Jesus Christ!?

Our Lord Jesus says –

“’ If you love Me [as well as ‘If you are loyal to Me’] keep My commandments’” – John 14:15.

“’ He who DOES NOT love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me’” – vs. 24.

“’ Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom [from] heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven’” – Matthew 7:21.

“The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” – 1 Corinthians 16:23.

Sadly, there are some Protestant groups that misinterpret, they misapply, they misrepresent the term ‘God’s grace,’ and they make it into the incorrect concept of ‘once saved always saved.’ You know, “Give your heart to the Lord, and it’s all said and done!” And there be some church leaders in the past that completely detoured around the subject almost altogether. And yet, the term ‘God’s grace’ – my friends, we have no chance unless God is gracious to us! And He has been gracious to us! His love, His mercy, His tenderness, His patience, that’s one of the aspects I think about! How long He has been so patient with me – and us as ONE BODY.

In Hebrews, the 4th chapter –

Verse 14 – “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, JESUS THE SON OF GOD, let us hold fast our confession. 15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Friends, I would like to ask that you pray for the evangelism of the Church of God and the preaching of the gospel message that goes out. That this veil would be lifted from the minds of those out there in the world – the 7.9 billion people – and that the shackles of Satan the devil would be broken. And that a majority would begin to see the light of Jesus Christ shine through in their life. Pray for this ministry and pray for God’s people out there – scattered all over the world. They need our prayers, and they need God’s healing hand. Pray for skill and understanding, for strength, for wisdom, and knowledge. Pray for those who are sick and afflicted – with all sorts of tribulations. And, friends, pray ‘Your kingdom come.’

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

A Morning Bible Study - God's Coming Kingdom

Leonard V. Johnson   About

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ascended to the upper heavenly realms some 1,992 years ago! He came to Earth to announce the glorious, Good News of His soon-coming kingdom! And His kingdom will rule over all nations, and its Ruler will be Jesus Christ Himself!

In A Morning Bible Study “God’s Definition of a True Christian” we briefly went over the fact that He will not be ruling by Himself. God’s living word – the Holy Bible – shows us that His Spirit-born saints will co-rule with Him.

His begotten children – true Christians – are now ‘growing in His grace and knowledge’ (2 Peter 3:18) for the exciting responsibilities God has in store for us! – 1 Corinthians 2:9-11. Co-ruling His government on Earth! – cf. Matthew 5:5; Revelation 5:10.

In this Bible Study, we’d like to go over a little about what we will be doing in this soon-coming kingdom of God. Along with how our Lord Jesus will begin to establish true world peace.

Perusing YouTube the other day I came across a religious channel proclaiming that after Jesus died He went to Hell. Is this in fact where He went!? Does Hell even exist!? In a Letter to our Friends dated July 2nd, 2021, we go over the fact that God’s living word – the New Testament – was originally written in Greek. Also explaining that there is a major problem with properly understanding because of the 1611 version of the Bible – commissioned by King James I. The English word “hell” is translated from three different Greek words. These words are tartaroo, hades, and gehenna. And they all have different meanings.

1) Yet, in truth, where did our Lord Jesus Christ actually go after death, and after His resurrection!? Let’s answer this in two parts.

Part A: A grave misunderstanding – and one which a good friend of mine had actually believed took place just after our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified [1] – is where the apostle Peter writes –

“By whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison” – 1 Peter 3:19.

Yet, all one needs to do is read the very next verse to properly understand when He came down to “prison” – which for these evil spirits is the earth itself.

“who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, …” – v. 20.

So, these passages of Scripture show us that tartaroo is – that the earth is a “prison” in which disobedient and evil angels are kept to await the judgment of the resurrected and immortal saints of God – cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

Let us take a look at this Greek word – tartaroo.

“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell [here the Greek word is tartaroo, meaning “hold captive in Tartarus; a derivative of the Greek noun ‘Tartarus’] and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment” – 2 Peter 2:4.

This is the only place in the New Testament where this Greek word is used.

So, where was our Lord Jesus after He died!? The Apostle Mark tells us that about the third hour – which was 9 o’clock in the morning – they went out and crucified Jesus. And about the sixth hour, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour – which was about 3 o’clock in the afternoon – and we know that that was exactly the time when the high priest slit the paschal lamb and spilled its blood. Exactly the time when the Roman soldier jammed that spear into the side of Jesus, and Jesus said, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ And ‘bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.’ He died. And that centurion soldier standing there said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!’ That was a Wednesday.

That evening – before the sun went down – the account in the Book of John tells us that it was a ‘Preparation Day.’ You remember Joseph of Arimathea was in a hurry to get the body down before the Sabbath day. Most people believe that that was the weekly Sabbath. But John’s recording here – the only apostle; the one that Jesus loved – said in John 19:31 “ … (for that Sabbath was a high day), …” Most people don’t understand what that means. We do. We keep the ‘Preparation Day’ before the first day of Unleavened Bread – the ‘high day,’ the ‘holy convocation.’ Jesus died on a Wednesday afternoon – probably right at 3 o’clock. By sunset, on Wednesday He was in the tomb.

Thursday was a ‘high day,’ the first day of Unleavened Bread. There was no work permitted. He was ONE DAY in that tomb on that Thursday.

Friday. Another ‘Preparation Day’ – the preparation for the weekly Sabbath day. “And the women who had come with Him from Galilee … 56) returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. …” He was DAY TWO in that tomb on that Friday.

Saturday. “ … And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.” The weekly Sabbath. There was no work permitted. He was the THIRD DAY in that tomb on that Saturday. And by 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon, the 72 hours would have been complete. As Jesus said, “ … ‘and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40) For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”

Do you believe our Lord JESUS CHRIST!?

To Note: ‘in the heart of the earth’ – “means simply the grave, but this is considered as the most emphatic expression of real and total entombment.” [2]

So, sometime AFTER 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon Jesus Christ stood up and walked through solid rock and came out of the tomb! And, Sunday morning comes around.

Our Lord Himself said to the apostle John and to us all – “ … ‘I AM He who lives, and was DEAD, and behold, I AM alive forevermore. Amen. …’” – Revelation 1:18.

When someone is DEAD, they “know nothing” – for “there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom IN THE GRAVE where you are going.” – Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.

And, for those that claim only the body sleeps in death, only God has immortality – cf. 1 Timothy 6:16.

Part B: We come to the final time that the disciples saw Him, which is often called ‘the ascension.’ Luke 24:51 – “Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven [into the atmosphere].” – and eventually all the way back to the Third Heaven.

Now, the Book of Acts talks about the same event. Acts 1. Do you know who the Book of Acts was written by!? It’s sometimes called the second book of Luke. Apostle Luke. Verse 1 – “The former account I made …” – referring to the Book of Luke. Now he says, ‘I’m going to write you another document.’ “…O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” – he’s writing this to someone who specifically asked him to do it. Verse 2 – “until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days [He came and went about forty days; and we just have NINE of these events recorded, we don’t know how many more there might have been] …” Such as John 21:25. “… and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

“She [referring to the tribe of JUDAH – which today is called ISRAEL] bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.” – Revelation 12:5.

Is Jesus Christ going to return to earth!?

Let’s notice John chapter 14 – classic Scripture, known by many, known by millions, read by millions, preached at many a funeral, sometimes not the whole three verses.

Verse 1 – “’ Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2) In My Father’s house [the Kingdom of God is what He’s referring to; in the Kingdom of God] are many mansions [dwellings, positions, or places]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’” – at many funerals, that’s the last they read of John 14. It’s sad because verse 3 is a powerful nugget of truth.

Verse 3 – “’ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again …’” – that’s the greatest promise in the Bible!! In fact, nothing comes close to that promise, and yet, many churches – so-called Christian churches – don’t even talk about this, don’t even think about it. It’s not even a part of their doctrine. But here He says, ‘I will come again!’ And there are some church groups that believe that Jesus Christ will return. Again, there’s a lot of confusion about when, where, and how. “…’ and receive you to Myself; that where I AM, there you may be also.’” – those are very encouraging Words, but He said, ‘I WILL COME AGAIN!’ Jesus Christ, someday, in the not-too-distant future, is going to return to this Earth, and when He does – or just before He does and as He does – there will be the Day of the Lord. It is a date in future history where Jesus Christ directly confronts rebellious evil sinful mankind and will punish this world, and quite literally, break it down, and then He will start over! Building a society that is often called the Millennium, the World Tomorrow, it will be the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ! Where finally, after things are cleaned up and straightened up, the Earth will become the utopia that God the Father and Jesus Christ always meant it to be. And that’s what the Day of the Lord is. The time when Jesus Christ intervenes and He stops all of the anger and all of the killing, all of the issues, false governments will be destroyed, false religions will be destroyed, false philosophies will be destroyed, false leaders will be destroyed, false religious leaders will simply be – well, they either change real quick or they will be eradicated. We’re going to get this EARTH cleaned up and the place God always wanted it to be!

2) Until when will our Lord Jesus Christ remain in the Third Heaven!?

Here, listen up – hear what the Spirit has to say – “’ Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it [sinning against God – denying the Holy One and the Just] in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18) But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ [listen up our brethren the Jews] would suffer, HE HAS THUS FULFILLED. 19) REPENT therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that TIMES OF REFRESHING may come, from the presence of the Lord, 20) and that He may send JESUS CHRIST, WHO WAS PREACHED TO YOU BEFORE, 21) whom Heaven must receive UNTIL THE TIMES OF RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” – Acts 3:17-21. Including Prophet Enoch! – cf. Jude 1:14.

Is our Lord coming with power and great glory!?

Luke 21:27 – “’ Then they will see the Son of Man [another phrase for Jesus Christ] coming in a cloud with power and great glory.’” – in fact, He will be with God the Father and all the angels of God. Verse 28 – “’ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.’” – and I ask, “In what form!?” In the form of the returning Jesus Christ! Verse 29 – “Then He spoke to them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30) When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.’” – like here at my home. We planted seven pots of Crown of Thorns in front of our home which truly begins to thrive between March and April until September. So, in March and April, these beautiful plants begin to produce more buds!

Verse 31 – “’ So you also, when you see these things happening [all the things He spent talking about in the “Olivet Prophecy” Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13], know that the kingdom of God is near. 32) Assuredly, I say to you, this generation [there would be one generation to whom this would specifically apply – I’m thinking and I’m hoping that and it’s a good chance, this generation is the one] will by no means pass away till all things take place.’”

Our Lord Jesus Christ enters and gets involved directly with human beings at the END of the Day of the LORD. However, the saints have ALREADY been resurrected. And we know from the Wedding Supper of the Lamb that the saints – the resurrected saints – and Jesus Christ, and God the Father, and the holy angels have ALREADY spent some time in New Jerusalem – the throne of GOD – in low earth orbit. And it’s hard to say HOW LONG that will occur. cf. Revelation 19, Jesus Christ directly engages in the battle. Now, Zechariah 14:1 – “Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, …”

NOTICE Zechariah 14:5b – “…Thus the LORD my God will come AND ALL THE SAINTS WITH YOU.” All the resurrected saints. This is AFTER the resurrection! So, friends, IF you understand that the RESURRECTION is on the SEVENTH TRUMP the LAST TRUMP, and then you’ve got the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES (which is another name for the Day of the Lord), now you understand that during the Day of the Lord the resurrected saints are ALREADY in the Kingdom of God. Already members of the Family of GOD. [3]

But, let’s read and study Revelation 19 – “Now I saw heaven [the atmosphere] opened, and behold, A WHITE HORSE. …” - A white HORSE! An animal. Many mistakenly believe – “There will be no animals in the Kingdom of God!” “There will be no need for animals.” “Well, the sacrifices will be over, so there’s no need for any animal.” Really!? Well, without getting into it here, we can take you to passages in the Book of Joel and the Book of 2 Kings and show you that there will be animals in the kingdom of God.

“ … And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and MAKES WAR.” – Revelation 19:11-16.

Notice that even the Prophet Enoch (who lived contemporaneously with Adam) prophesied that our Lord Jesus the Christ would be forced to begin His rule with WAR – “ … ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15) to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’” – Jude 1:14-15.

“’ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.’” – Matthew 24:30.

Friends, it is so very satisfying and humbling to us that when we read God’s living word, understanding the truth of God, we don’t have to sit wrestling with God’s word. A little while back – I had said that the subject of the “rapture” had come up – I was asked, “Why don’t you believe in the rapture?” And though I was asked while having a friends and family get-together at the pool and the question came out of left field – cf. 1st Peter 3:15 – I didn’t have to struggle with the question, because I know what God says, or rather doesn’t say, concerning the “rapture.” 

I began to slowly explain some things about what God’s living word actually says, but was stopped by my wife, “No one came here to talk about God!” So, I told her that I could go over some Scriptures which could help her out at a later time. God’s living word fits perfectly and always fits in place. And, when we read and study these Scriptures here God is saying there will be a great time of end-time ‘tribulation’ – and immediately after that ‘the sign’ of Jesus Christ coming will appear in outer space. And I describe it this way - when the throne of God, when New Jerusalem, begins to return to this earth, at some point, it will be a little small light in the night sky. And the next night it will be a little brighter – like the star Betelgeuse. And then, it becomes more and more obvious – and people will look up and go, “What is that!?” Now, most of the people of the world will think it is – and they really will – an invading alien force. Because the United States of America – especially since the mid-'40s – has been fascinated with space aliens and extra-terrestrials. In fact, in the Book of Revelation, John wrote – “the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every [bond] man and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, [think of such places as the Cheyenne Mountain Complex], and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’” – Revelation 6:15-16.

“’ The TEN HORNS which you saw are TEN KINGS [or rather, TEN KINGDOMS as God views kingdoms] who have received no kingdom yet, but they receive authority for one hour [a short period of time] as kings with the beast [an end-time final United States of Europe – for additional information, be sure to read “Prophecy Series – The Last Crusade”].”

Verse 13 – “’ These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14) These will MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are [or rather, who will be] with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.’” – Revelation 17:12-14.

Our mighty and powerful and living Lord Jesus Christ is soon coming to finally administer the government of God over all the EARTH! Lucifer – who became Satan the Devil – refused to complete the beautification of the earth for the preparation of mankind – cf. Genesis 1:2; Hebrews 2:5. And the First Adam failed to begin the administration of the government of God on the earth. THE ‘SECOND ADAM’ SUCCEEDED WHERE THE FIRST ADAM FAILED! – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:45-47.

However, when our Lord Jesus returns the majority of nations will refuse to yield to His authority and will actually try to attack Him!

3) Will our Lord JESUS CHRIST (of whom no other name under heaven can be saved) be the SUPREME RULER in the kingdom of God ON EARTH!?

Jesus Christ comes back and RULES from the throne of the earth – on which Satan the Devil is currently residing (cf. John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9) – just as the angel told Mary, “’ He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob [a united kingdom of Israel as well as all other kingdoms of the world] forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’” – cf. Luke 1:32-33.

“Then the SEVENTH ANGEL sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ [Jesus the Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!’” – Revelation 11:15.

Just WHERE will He establish His headquarters on earth!?

In New Jerusalem!

Notice: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven [the atmosphere], prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” – Revelation 21:2.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain [which represents the kingdom of God], and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem [the New Jerusalem], descending out of heaven from God. … 22:3 the throne of God [God the Father] and of the Lamb [our Lord Jesus Christ] shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” – Revelation 21:10; 22:3.

“’ At that time [the Millennium Reign of Christ] Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations [all the leaders of these nations] shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.’” – Jeremiah 3:17.

4) Will God’s Spirit-born children – the Spirit-begotten true Christians – who ‘overcome’ and are faithfully obeying Him and prove their loyalty to Him during their mortal lives – co-rule with Jesus Christ in His Millennial Reign!?

Notice the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ – “’ And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – 27) ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ – as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the Morning Star [a reference to Himself].’” – Revelation 2:26-28. See also Revelation 3:21; 5:10; 20:4.

The Prophet Daniel – inspired by the Spirit of God – wrote of our Lord Jesus’ coronation! –

“’ I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, [our Lord Jesus Christ], Coming with the clouds of heaven [the atmosphere]! He came to the Ancient of Days [to God the Father; cf. Ezekiel 1:26], And they brought Him near before Him. 14) Then to Him [our Lord Jesus Christ] was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.’” – Daniel 7:13-14.

Verse 18 – “’ But the saints of the Most High [God our Father] shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’” – see also Daniel 7:22, 27.

God’s holy and resurrected saints are said to be given crowns –

“’ Behold, I AM coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12) He who overcomes, I will make him [or her] a pillar [or rather, leader] in the temple [or rather, kingdom] of My God, …’” – Revelation 3:11-12.

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s holy saints will have God the Father’s name written upon them –

“ … ‘I will write on him [or her] the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him [or her] My new name.’” – vs. 12.

As Jesus Christ teaches us in His Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30; as well as Him speaking of the glorious kingdom of God in Luke 19:15-27 – if you’ve been given God’s Holy Spirit, you’ve been given a great amount! – whether you have more or less of His Spirit – you’ve been entrusted with great wealth!

Now, we, dear brethren, are a very ‘special people’ – whether we realize it or not – we are the begotten children of God, we are the chosen ones – the ones who possess God’s revealed truths. And, it’s vitally important that we use this great wealth – and stir it up!

So, as Jesus Christ Himself teaches us, many will be rulers over ten cities, or five cities – “’ For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.’”

So, to be a good and righteous holy priest – making judicial decisions for cities, or even nations – you will be given the grave responsibilities to lead in the very Way of God.

Now, you ask, “Me!? How can I attain that level of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness to be co-ruler with Jesus Christ in that way!? Without making any mistakes in my decisions of which I may hand down!?” Now, you say of yourself!? “I feel so weak, so inadequate.” And, yes, you are right brethren. If you are looking at yourself with only the human spirit within you. Because we all fall short. The Apostle Paul knew this. And he said so. He had concluded, “There is none righteous – no not one.”

5) As the nations in His Millennial Rule begin to witness positive results of the righteous and loving rule of God’s government, will they then begin to seek the rule of the kingdom of God and God’s Way of life!?

Prophet Micah was inspired to record the following:

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days [the Millennial Reign of Christ, see also Isaiah 2:1-4] That the Mountain of the LORD’s House [speaking of the kingdom of God] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [speaking of human governments], And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. 2) Many nations [minus “Gog and Magog” – which today is known as Russia and its provinces – see “Ezekiel 38- Gog and Magog” along with our article “Gog and Magog In Prophecy”; Revelation 20:7-9] and China and its provinces along with the likes of Siberia and numerous other Gentile allies] shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go to the Mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His Ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’” – Micah 4:1-2.

Will the nations finally learn true peace!?

Verse 3 – “’ He shall judge between many peoples, And REBUKE STRONG NATIONS AFAR OFF; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks [meaning, implements of war will not be made anymore]; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.’”

O' praise the great and merciful God, the God of gods—physical people are going to flow into His AWESOME Kingdom! You see, all this terrible bad news will lead right into THIS! "In the last days." See!? "In that day," "In those days," all of this terrible disgusting vile! All of this vile is going to lead right into this-most inspiring Good News you could ever hear! PRAISE ALMIGHTY GOD AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST❗❗❗

In short: The physical people of Israel, AFTER the return of Jesus Christ, will be brought back to their homes, their ancestral home – the land PROMISED to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and there they will be assembled into a new nation, the new nation of ISRAEL. And there they will have an army, and those physical human beings guided by their Ensign Jesus Christ, guided by their ensign the resurrected King David, will go forth and will destroy the heathen, which are around them. THIS IS A PART OF THE WORD OF GOD AND THE PLAN OF GOD!

6) Just how successful will the Spirit-born children of God be in teaching the Way of God to the world during His Millennial Reign!?

On our Facebook page notes titled “The Word of God is the FOUNDATION of Knowledge” is a photo representation of the great city of New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16. Isaiah the 11th chapter says that in that day, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.” As Revelation says, they “who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. [rather instead having been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)]. 15) And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Now, the majority of people think that they’re going to go off to heaven. And yet the living word of God over and over talks about the kingdom of God is going to be established here on this earth – an ‘everlasting kingdom’ – and that even the nature of the animals is going to be changed (cf. Isaiah 11:6-9). See also our article “’ Mysteries’ of God”.

Jeremiah 31 – this is an inspiring chapter. You’ve heard it read I’m sure many times. Even the writers of the New Testament quoted it on a couple of occasions. God said through Jeremiah 31:31 – “’ Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah – 32) not according to the covenant that I made with the fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33) But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel AFTER THOSE DAYS [meaning after the Day of the LORD], says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be My people.’” – that’s the relationship God has truly ever wanted! For Him to be God, and for human beings to be completely dedicated to Him. Verse 34 – “’ No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘[Do you know the LORD?],’ for they ALL shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.’” – He will redeem them! He will restore them!

There will be no religious confusion during the Millennial Reign of Christ – first off because Satan the Devil and his minions will have been completely restrained – cf. Revelation 20:1-3. Satan will no longer be the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), “who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Once God lifts the spiritual blindness from humanity, they will all become teachable – their eyes will be opened to God’s revealed TRUTH!

Friends, tomorrow's world of love, peace, cooperation, good health, prosperity, and joy is pictured by the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles, taught and observed annually by the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches.

7) What about health in tomorrow’s world!?

Notice what the Prophet Isaiah wrote – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit –

“’ Look upon Zion [New Jerusalem], the city of our appointed feasts; Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, A tabernacle that will not be taken down; … 34:1 ‘Come near, you nations, to hear; And heed, you people! Let the earth, and all that is in it [people in their graves], The world and all things that come forth from it. 2) For THE INDIGNATION OF THE LORD IS AGAINST ALL NATIONS, And His fury against all their armies; HE HAS UTTERLY DESTROYED THEM, He has given them over to the slaughter. 3) Also their slain shall be thrown out; Their stench shall rise from their corpses, And the mountains shall be melted with their blood. … 35:4 ‘Say to those who are fearful hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’

Verse 5 – “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped [both spiritually and physically]. 6) Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. …” – Isaiah 33:20; 34:1-3; 35:4-6. □

1) The Open Bible Standard Churches believe there is an actual place of hell and it is a place of “remorse” that is reserved forever for the devil and his angels and those whose names are not written in the book of life.

2) Jamison Fausset and Brown Commentary of the Whole Bible, Jamison, R., Fausset, A.R., Brown, D., Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, pgs. 924-925.

3) We have a six-part series entitled “Revelation – A Book of the Past and the Future” which covers much of this.

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament - Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Isaiah 11:6-9; 33:20; 34:1-3; 35:4-6; Jeremiah 3:17; 31:31-33, 34; Daniel 7:13-14, 22, 27; Micah 4:1-2, 3; Zechariah 14:1, 5.

New Testament - Matthew 5:5; 12:39, 40; 24:30; 25:14-30; Mark 15:34; Luke 1:32-33; 19:15-27; 21:27, 28, 29-30, 31, 32; 24:51; John 12:31; 14:1-2, 3; 19:31, 56; 21:25; Acts 1:1, 2-3; 3:17-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9-11; 15:45-47; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 3:15, 19, 20; 2 Peter 3:18; 2:4; Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 1:18; 2:26-28; 3:11-12; 21; 5:10; 6:15-16; 11:15; 12:5, 9; 17:12-14; 19:11-16; 20:1-3, 4; 21:2, 10, 16; 22:3.