Letter to our Friends - November 4, 2022

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

P.O. Box 6458

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606

www.owensborocojc.com

Leonard V Johnson

Pastor/Overseer

Greetings friends from Spring Hill, Florida:

Here we are in America and it's election time again. Much of the media is focused primarily on next Tuesday’s midterm elections. The Republicans are screaming that the Democrats are destroying this nation and must be eliminated in order to “Make America Great Again.” The Democrats are screaming that the Republicans are a threat to their “Radical Left-Wing Agenda.”

Friends and brethren, do not allow yourselves to get all caught up in this idiocy! We, brethren, as soldiers for Christ Jesus should not engage ourselves with the affairs of this life, that he may please [H]im who enlisted him as a soldier – 2 Timothy 2:4.

Also, we are admonished in God’s living word – “Let every soul [life] be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” – Romans 13:1. And, at the time that the Apostle Paul was writing here, Emperor Nero was the fifth Roman emperor and final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his death in AD 68. And as most should be aware of – his reputation preceded him! So, if you think President Joe Biden is a terrible president, many of the apostles had to deal with Nero! The Roman historian Tacitus relays to us that Nero had extensively tortured and executed Christians after the fire of 64! 1 We just simply have a president that is cognitively impaired! Notice this October 4th article from the New York Post – “America deserves answers on President Biden’s cognitive function.”

Our Lord and Savior says, “’ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, …’” – Matthew 6:33.

Minister Guy LaMar writes:

“We, as true Christians, MUST take a stand while we have an opportunity available.”

(LaMar, G., “Commentary: Should Christians Vote?” 2/20/22).

Even though we shouldn’t get all caught up in their idiocy, it is our contention that it is a duty and a responsibility of every true Christian to vote. But to vote for leaders who are living and promoting godly principles. For as we just read, our Eternal LORD God is most certainly in control, but as we are told “whatever you do, do it heartily, as TO THE LORD and not to men” – Colossians 3:23. God’s living word instructs us to obey legitimate authority UNLESS that authority contradicts the LORD God’s commands, statutes, and judgments. Any candidates that are running in an election that is knowingly violating the LORD our God, as in life, family, marriage, or faith – should NEVER be supported or voted for!

Our brethren in a great many nations, countries, and provinces around the world are being oppressed, persecuted, and even silenced. They are suffering under a government that they are powerless to help change. A government that hates our faith and our great and merciful LORD God! Our beloved brethren preach and teach the same gospel Message we preach and teach here in the United States of America. Here in America, we have been truly blessed by the LORD God to speak up about and to choose our leaders without fear of persecution or retaliation. Of course, as we continue to proclaim – that great blessing has been taken away because our nations continued falling away from God! e.g. “Thanksgiving To God EVERY Day!”

On June 10th, 2020, in our Letter to our Friends I had written –

“Because of the wrongful killing of suspected criminal George Floyd and the terrible aftermath of the often violent protests and rioting, this has been a tumultuous week. A relative of my wife and mine have been non-violently protesting in New York City. … He quoted on his Facebook page:

‘Tonight was the 2nd night in a row that I personally witnessed police officers using excessive force on a group of completely peaceful protesters.

They threw one man to the ground resulting in what some said looked like a broken arm. Pushing countless others into walls and fences while they obeyed orders. The police then trapped ~1000 protesters and held us. When Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who was part of the protest, approached the police chief to ask why we were attacked the chief's only response was that it was past curfew and we were blocking traffic. Before long the chief agreed to let the protest continue but protesters were too shaken to resume.

I was shoved onto a car by the police while obeying their orders and backing away with my hands up.

This is how police treat people that they have been trailing for hours and know are peaceful. No riots. No looting. Nothing even close. We got the least of it compared to other peaceful NYC protests.

What do you stand for?’”

And, because I felt so strongly, I wrote him back and said – “In my personal opinion, protesting in this manner (and I understand it was non-violent) is not truly helping, it's adding to the chaos. Unfortunately, the way this government system works is a change from the top down. We must create change through leadership. We should take advantage of our right to vote (something the apostles - except for maybe Paul who was a Roman citizen - did not have the ability to do) and vote for leaders in government that do not abuse our rights as citizens - no matter what creed, race, or religion.”

What about the candidates that are running for election for this next Tuesday’s midterm!? Do any of them live and promote godly principles!?

We, as true Christians, should certainly be praying for them! As the Apostle Paul writes –

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made FOR ALL MEN, 2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all goodness and reverence. 3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

So, notice that we are to pray earnestly for world leaders and those who have authority over us so that we may “lead a quiet and peaceable life.”

We should also pray –

“The will of the Lord be done” – Acts 21:14.

Our Lord Jesus teaches us –

“’ And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8) Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9) In this manner [in other words, ‘as an example’], therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hollowed be Your name. 10) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven’” – Matthew 6:7-10.

This should be the type of prayer that all true Christians should have concerning the elections. For we are told in His living word –

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6) In ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, And He shall direct your paths” – Proverbs 3:5-6.

Certainly voting for a candidate that promotes evil, like abortion (as nearly all Democrats do) is NOT doing the will of God! – it is not something a true Christian should do!

Facebook and Google Censorship IS REAL!

As I had written in my latest Personal - We here at the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries, and this certainly affects our affiliated churches, have been persecuted for Christ Jesus and His living Word, Truth, and Plan for the redemption of all mankind; and I’m certain that we shall continue to be persecuted until our final breath. The most popular and influential social media platform around the world – Facebook – has silenced our Lord Jesus Christ’s voice. The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries' Facebook page was “disabled” because they say that we went against their “Community Standards.”

Back in 2018, one previous Facebook employee had had enough! –

October 16th, 2018

“Brian Amerige, whose last day at Facebook was Friday, told Fox News' “Tucker Carlson Tonight” that “you can't have conversations about ... anything that's a tenet of the social justice ideology, effectively, without being attacked personally.” He added that the company's recent policy cracking down on so-called hate speech was a particularly sensitive topic.

“You can't even have conversations about that policy inside the company without having your character attacked -- and I've experienced this personally -- without being called a sexist or a racist or a transphobe or an Islamophobe,” said Amerige.”

(“Former Facebook engineer who railed against liberal culture explains why he quit” Retrieved 4 Nov. 2022).

Left-leaning groups – which are very much real – often are aggressively opposed to God’s living Word, Truth, and Plan as taught from His living word. And various ones have been taking steps to censor biblically oriented content on the Internet!

But friends this grave trouble with Facebook is not just trouble for Brian Amerige, or even the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches – it is terrible trouble for the whole world!

Notice the following concerning the mega-company Google –

October 10th, 2018

Is the world’s largest search engine really free? And, if not, are its users? An 85-page document leaked to Breitbart argued that in order to prevent certain political events, tech companies would have to start censoring web content. … Google’s analysis explained how a shift from that American free speech policy toward one that is more in line with the European tradition: promoting civility, dignity, and editing. The precise wording is that the European method is “favoring dignity over liberty and civility over freedom.” According to the document, Google wants a new role as a “editor and publisher” of the content that provides civility and dignity. …

(“Report Urges Google to Abandon Free Speech and Be 'The Good Censor’” Retrieved 4 Nov. 2022).

This grave censorship, persecution, and biases of “social media companies” are becoming more and more prevalent – and accepted. Also when you read that article, which includes the internal Google memo entitled “The Good Censor,” it is encouraging the adoption of a European model of censorship as opposed to the one established by our forefathers – the American model of freedom of speech and press, and freedom of religion!

The LORD Our God shows us that even greater restrictions are soon coming –

“’ Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. 12) They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, But shall not find it’” – Amos 8:11-12.

So, the LORD our God tells of a time that will come when the word of the LORD will not be found. And that would certainly seem to be because the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God will be taken off the Internet altogether. Here in the 21st century, the Internet is accessed by people in every nation, country, and province. So, some type of Internet restriction, suspension, or outright deletion is coming!

And while the self-proclaimed ‘king of social media’ along with Alphabet Inc. – this world’s third-largest technology company! It is one of the BIG FIVE American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft -continue to set the stage for this prophecy to come to full fruition, God’s living word shows us that a United European power will arise and essentially FORCE people to accept a particular, along with a false leader and prophet.

God’s living word shows us that Satan the Devil will give power and authority to a soon-coming European “beast” and those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will worship this “beast.”

Here is Minister Michael C. Garrett's 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 unifying 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 his 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 was 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).

This ‘European model’ will not end well for the United States of America – see “Freedom – A True Blessing From God” as well as “Prophecy Series – A Final Empire!” Even greater censorship is coming! A totalitarian police state is also coming! – cf. Revelation 13 – see also “’ Equity Cannot Enter’” as well as “Authoritarianism Can Happen Again!”

In North America, Daylight Saving Time Ends

This coming Sunday, November 6th, at 2 AM, the United States of America along with several other nations (such as Canada, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, and Haiti) change our clocks to go back to Standard Time. And because our clocks change, sunset will be over an hour earlier next Friday in the U.S., Canada, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, and Haiti. This certainly may very well affect your work or school schedule, but also your health. Notice again a report from the New York Post – “Here’s why turning back the clocks is bad for your health.”

Suggested Sabbath Day Services

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 are some Instrumental Accompaniments to the Bible Hymnal available on our website).

• Opening prayer.

• A song of special music. Might we suggest “Hold Onto Me” performed by Minister Guy LaMar!?

• Announcements – from the deacon or pastor.

• Sermon – from the pastor or a guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “Future Rulership With Christ” delivered by Minister Leonard V Johnson.

• 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

Speaking of this upcoming election in the United States of America, there are some who are pointing out that a “blood moon” is expected then and that it is an important warning sign (See: ‘Israel365News - RARE BLOOD MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE ON US ELECTION DAY”). Now, as I have, personally, spoken of in the past – years ago – this “blood moon,” like the earlier ones of 2013 and 2014, are simply natural phenomena, and we shouldn’t be dismayed by them – as we are told in Jeremiah 10:2 – “Thus says the LORD: ‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.” In fact, I just speak of this in a new article “New Wine In Old Skin”. This includes the next “blood moon.”

Over in the eurozone – which is currently comprised of 19 EU nations that have adopted the euro €, inflation has hit an all-time high since it was formed – and there have been protests in Europe (See: “DW - Eurozone inflation jumps to record-high 10.7%”).

Violent civil unrest in different parts of Europe will continue before the “beast” power rises up. We are seeing ever-increasing protests – and protests may worsen as winter approaches.

Concluding Comments

The Apostle Paul in Titus wrote:

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 9) But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10) Reject a divisive man [a person who tends to cause disagreement or hostility between others] after the first and second admonition, 11) knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” – Titus 3:8-11; NKJV.

Minister Garrett has written:

“ [A] … man who actually claimed to be a member of the Church of God was claiming that abortion was a “good thing.” And he was just incensed that anyone would be against abortion. And obviously, there were people on the other side. And I guess it almost went to a bear knuckle brawl!? Now imagine - At a church holy festival people are getting so animated to the point of hatred, to the point of just intense rancor, and displeasure, that they almost got into a fistfight over something they can’t control. … And then, somewhere else there was a heated argument over discussions of political candidates! … And even today, I’m sure that there are church groups where people get into major disagreements over politics. And they do it on the Sabbath day while they’re attending church. And folks, it’s just not good! It’s not good! My suggestion is – to stay off the topic. Now I think you can discuss politics in a calm manner. I think I’ve done it many times in my life. But when all of a sudden that becomes your team, and that becomes your player, your star, your captain, your coach, and you’re not about to let anybody disparage your side, your team – then you have a problem! Folks, LOOK TO JESUS! And, how many times have I said that!? Look to Jesus! And especially on the Sabbath day! If you’re gonna get together, talk about something that Jesus Christ would talk about. Talk about something about Jesus Christ or the New Covenant, or blessings that have come about in your life or challenges that are coming in the future. And you wish for people’s good thoughts and prayers to be on your behalf. But to dive down into the ugly sewer of politics is just unbecoming and unacceptable – if you wanna know the truth. It’s just unacceptable.”

(Christ In You (Unleavened Bread) 2017 Day 6).

The lack of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’ of those insisting on being improperly divisive should be crystal clear. Yet, those who do such things do not properly see their ‘lukewarm’ work – cf. Revelation 3:14-16. They need their eyes properly anointed to see and to repent (change) – cf. Revelation 3:18.

Friends, “’ He who [truly] believes in Me [in Jesus Christ]…’” will surely believe what the living Bible says and teaches and will continue to support the Work of God and be careful in maintaining good works unto God.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

1) Tacitus, Annals. XV.44.