A Morning Bible Study - How to Pray

Leonard V. Johnson      About

In the Book of Luke chapter 11, one of our Lord Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray. His instructions are preserved for us today on how to pray. In this Study, let us go over our Savior’s inspired guide to meaningful and effective prayer.

I know we’ve all seen them. Ultra-Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem or rather repeat a mantra, and shuckling (them rocking back and forth). And, they come up with a whole plethora of reasons why they do this, using their own logic, philosophy, and the Torah. But is this any prayer recognized by the LORD our God!?

1) Did our Lord Jesus Christ begin by telling His disciples (and us as well) to just repeat a mantra or prayer over and over?

“’ 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.’” – Matthew 6:7.

Nowhere did our Lord Jesus call this inspired guide on how to pray “the Lord’s Prayer” as a great many of our peoples do today. Nor did He encourage His disciples (and us as well) to just memorize a particular prayer and repeat it when praying. In fact, we just read this! Our Lord Jesus is just simply outlining the correct approach to Father God when we pray and the basic things we should ask for. After all─ “’ For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.’”

2) To whom did our Lord Jesus say we should pray!?

“’ In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, …’” – Matthew 6:9.

It’s IMPORTANT to understand that our Lord Jesus Christ (and yes, I often speak and write “Lord Jesus” along with His glorious title, “Christ” instead of just speaking or writing “Jesus”!) came to reveal Father God to all mankind.

“No one has seen God at any time …” ─ so this means that, as an example, the Prophet Moses had spoken “face to face” to the Word, who would become flesh and dwell among us – the Lord Jesus Christ! “ … The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” – John 1:18.

He always respectfully and reverently addressed the Father at the beginning of His prayers. Sadly, we’ve seen a great many people begin their prayers with, “Hey there. I don’t know if you exist, but …” Hebrews 11:6 clearly tells us that “he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently [and in faith, I add editorially] seek Him.”

So, our relationship with our heavenly Father should be as real and as intimate as the earthly relationship we ideally should have with our earthly father.

3) After Christ Jesus’ ascension back to the right-hand side of God the Father, should we also pray to our Lord Jesus Christ!?

Notice that the disciples prayed also to our Lord Jesus ─

The Apostle Stephen, while being stoned for his testimony for the Lord Jesus, looked up and called out, “ … ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’” – Acts 7:59.

The Apostle Paul prayed to the Lord Jesus at his conversion, asking, “ …’ Lord, what do You want me to do?’” – Acts 9:6.

Paul also pleaded with the Lord three times regarding the thorn in his flesh, asking that it be removed – 2 Corinthians 12:8.

The disciple Ananias at Damascus prayed to the Lord Jesus – Acts 9:10, 13-14.

The Apostle John closes the Holy Bible with a prayer to the Lord Jesus – Revelation 22:20, 21.

All those who belong to our Lord Jesus Christ also pray to Him! Praying to the Father through Jesus Christ gives honor and respect to BOTH, who are as ONE. “Heavenly Father, Heavenly Brother, hallowed be Your names!”

At the opening of our prayers, we should not only address and think of God as the Creator of the universe (not just as another god of a plethora of gods; such as a great many sadly like to call God, “Yahweh, the Israeli national god”. The LORD God of the Holy Bible, the family of God ─ which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus the Christ ─ are the CREATOR’S OF THE UNIVERSE AND OF ALL THINGS! – cf. John 1:1-3), but we should also revere and honor and praise Their holy names and office as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler, as well as Their character of the immeasurable love, greatness, and generosity unto mankind as a whole.

The LORD God’s holy and righteous name and the many epitaphs are to be held in absolute reverence. Our deep respect and awe for our heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior should be with our whole being! We should always address the LORD God in an attitude of respect, worship, praise, and adoration ─

“I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my Rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.” – Psalm 18:1-3.

Always focusing while we are praying to Father God and our Lord Jesus “in spirit and in truth” on the AWESOMENESS of the beings to whom we are speaking.

4) How did our Lord Jesus continue His guide prayer?

“’ Your kingdom come. …’” – Matthew 6:10.

Sadly, I’ve heard so many ministers at so many funerals just repeat this with no meaning and certainly with no understanding. Praying for God’s kingdom is asking for and looking forward to the time when the very government of the LORD God will be established upon the earth through the return of our Lord Jesus Christ as “King of kings and Lord of lords” – Revelation 19:11-16.

“ … that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets” – Revelation 10:6, 7.

“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 [here, God the Father] and of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!” – Revelation 11:15.

“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.” – Isaiah 13:9.

It will be the prophesied time of the “restoration of all things.”

“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, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven [here, the third 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 3:19-21.

Holy prophets such as the Prophet Moses ─ cf.

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” – Genesis 49:10.

The Prophet Enoch ─ cf.

“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.” – Jude 1:14.

5) Before the Kingdom of God is established on earth, did our Lord Jesus tell us that there would be witnesses (what we call “end time prophets”) preaching before the god of the earth, a final European civic leader, and a final Catholic religious leader, along with all the world as a witness to all the nations!?

Yes.

Notice ─

“’ THEN they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, …’” – we believe and teach that He is primarily speaking here of the end time prophets, which there is a high probability of being twelve in all (there were twelve apostles at the beginning of this “Church Age,” we believe and teach there will probably be twelve end time prophets at the end of the “Church Age,” although God’s living word does not directly say) ending with the Two Witnesses. “ … ‘and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. … And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.’” – Matthew 24:9, 14; Revelation 11:3-10.

6) What did our Lord Jesus tells us to pray for in the second half of Matthew 6:10?

“ … ‘Your will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven.’”

We should also ask our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus to help us understand and do Their will. We need to ask the LORD God to help us study the living Word, Truth, and ultimate Plan. To study the Holy Bible with our Lord Jesus Christ guiding us into all the truth (John 16:13). Such as this world’s ultimate and biggest questions. God’s living word has a right answer for them all: Why was I born? Who am I? Why am I here? What happens after death?

We should also ask our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus for Their inspiration and guidance in expressing the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Ask for meekness, humility, and the power of self-control over your emotions and temptations. “’ And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. …’” – Matthew 6:13.

Ask daily for the LORD God to ‘create in you a clean heart, And renew a steadfast spirit within you’ – Psalm 51:10.

7) What is next in our Lord Jesus’ guide prayer?

“’ Give us this day our daily bread.’” – Matthew 6:11.

We are to “’ seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’” – Matthew 6:33.

For our Lord Jesus tells us, “’ Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. …’” – which certainly indicates that the heathen calls on the LORD God for those things incessantly, and has no real faith or assurance that those things will be provided. Again, “ …’ For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.’”

As long as we are seeking first His kingdom and keeping His commandments, we know and have faith that Father God and our Lord Jesus will provide all those things. However, He has not promised to automatically provide what we have not asked for.

As an example: When my friend in Gulfport, Fl. was becoming increasingly ill after having had a heart attack. For months I prayed for the recovery of his health. Then, one day in prayer to Father God and our Lord Jesus I asked why he wasn’t appearing to get any better. I know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that the LORD God could have healed him completely. When suddenly a thought entered my mind in prayer─ he hasn’t asked. That answer shook me to my core! He hadn’t asked!? So, even though a “fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16) ─ “’ … who has known the mind of the LORD? Or, who has become His counselor?’ … For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:34, 36. We MUST never forget that it is the LORD God that is the ultimate provider and or Judge of all that we have and need – cf. James 4:12-15.

Also, “’ our daily Bread’” is dual in meaning. Our Lord Jesus tells us, “ …’ I AM the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me [and "on" Me, I add editorially] shall never thirst.’” – John 6:35.

In addition to physical food and drink, we REQUIRE spiritual nourishment!

CHRIST IN YOU!

“’ It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. … Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me [and again I add editorially “on”] has everlasting life. I AM the bread of life.’” – John 6:45, 47-48.

We should ask our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus daily for Their spiritual understanding and study His living word. “ … He might make you [and He certainly makes us know] that man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” – Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4.

8) Are we also to ask daily for the forgiveness of our sins?

“’ And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.’” – Matthew 6:12.

Truly, the word “debts” would have been better translated as “sin.” The Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary write, “A vitally important view of sin. … directs us to seek” forgiveness of sins. Also note, “our” sins, not “my” sins should be asked to be forgiven.

Note that even though the sins of Sodom were very grave, the Prophet Abraham asked of the LORD, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” – Genesis 18:16-33.

We do believe and teach that there will come a time when the LORD our God will not even want us to “pray for this people” ─ the modern-day nations of the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Or, to “lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession” to Him. For He will not even hear – Jeremiah 7:16. But, just like it took some 100 years for Noah to build the ark, there came a time when “Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark …” – Genesis 7:7. Do you think he was still praying to the LORD God for those of the earth that was corrupt before God after entering the ark, still praying for all those people that laughed and refused to listen to him in the century it took to build the ark!?

Let us continue to be concerned for others by having godly love, mercy, and compassion for them. Praying always for them. As the Apostle Paul instructs us – through inspiration –

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

Remember the LORD God will forgive us only if we are willing to forgive others. If you cannot rid yourself of feelings of bitterness, jealousy, envy, and resentfulness (a negative manifestation of anger) towards others, then ask our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus to clean up your heart and mind. Replacing those negative emotions with the positive ─ the fruits of the Spirit.

Now the emotion of hate is often misunderstood. The LORD God hates many things. Including, “a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Interestingly, according to Marianna Pogosyan Ph. D., a consultant specializing in the psychology of cross-cultural transitions ─

“In fact, one of the challenges of studying hate is that most people can’t think of a time when they experienced true hate. … You hate someone because of what they are, and you are angry at someone because of what they did. … Hate can spread from one generation to another much easier than anger or frustration.” 1

So, the LORD God hates the things men do ─ the sin.

By replacing the negative with the positive your prayers won’t be hindered.

9) At the closing of our prayers, in whose name should we acknowledge that we are praying?

“’ And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.’” – John 16:23.

Our prayers to Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ should be made in our Lord Jesus’ name. We can faithfully and confidently speak to Father God “in Jesus’ name” when we know that it is His will ─ our Lord Jesus Christ’s authority stands behind our requests.

10) How should we close our prayers?

“ … ‘For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’” – Matthew 6:13.

The word in Greek is amēn, which means, “the truth; surely, so be it.”

As our prayers to Father God and our Lord Jesus begin with reverence and adoration, so should it close. □

1) Pogosyan, M., Ph.D., Understanding Hate – 9 insights into hate from psychological research, 25 Nov 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament ─ Genesis 7:7; 18:16-33; 49:10; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 18:1-3; 51:10; Proverbs 6:16-19; Isaiah 13:9; Jeremiah 7:16.

New Testament ─ Matthew 4:4; 6:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 33, 34; 24:9, 14; Luke 11:1; John 1:1-3, 18; 6:35, 45, 47-48; 16:13, 23; Acts 3:19-21; 7:59; 9:6, 10, 13-14; Romans 11:34, 36; 2 Corinthians 12:8; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:12-15; 5:16; Jude 1:4; Revelation 10:6, 7; 11:3-10, 15; 19:11-16; 22:20, 21.

Personal... American dominance is coming to an end.

Leonard V. Johnson     About

You can listen to this article. Click the play icon below.

COJCOM · Personal - American Dominance Is Coming To An End - Audio Article

In this 21st century, just what is prophesied─ within the pages of God’s living word─ for the nations of China, Russia, North Korea, Japan, and India?

We’ve been seeing and hearing our conservative news media’s proclaiming that China is going to attack the United States of America─ to the extent that a great many people are very frightened. Let us, in this Personal, look into God’s living word for the truth. These news media’s could know. Our leaders could know. This world as a whole could know. And, with God’s living word, you can know.

We currently are seeing nearly all of Asia expanding her influence, with this region─ on the world stage─ becoming one of the world’s largest and leading manufacturers! Also, with her Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, or B&R), known within China as the One Belt One Road global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations, CHINA is greatly increasing her influence globally.

This alone is leading to a wealthier Asia that is able to finance a military strength unheard of in history. Russia and India are making greater inroads as well.

Yet, not everything is coming up roses. China herself, as an example, is also becoming gravely polluted. A 2021 report by the BBC writes China's emissions exceed all developed nations combined. It goes on to say: “China emits more greenhouse gas than the entire developed world combined, a new report has claimed. The research by Rhodium Group says China emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019. … China's emissions more than tripled over the previous three decades, the report from the US-based Rhodium Group added. The Asian giant has the world's largest population, so its per person emissions are still far behind the US, but the research said those emissions have increased too, tripling over the course of two decades.”

India’s air pollution is greater than ever. A Boston College news article in 2023 writes, “Air pollution in India resulted in 1.67 million deaths in 2019— the largest pollution-related death toll in any country in the world—and also accounted for $36.8 billion in economic losses, according to a new study led by researchers from the Global Observatory on Pollution and Health at Boston College, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Public Health Foundation of India.”

But despite this, China and India─ along with Russia, Japan, and North Korea─ are increasing and strengthening their military power.

As far as our ally Japan, notice this 2013 article by Michael Fitzpatrick of Fortune:

“Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, has started a process to reinterpret a critical part of the country’s constitution. The result of this reinterpretation is that it will allow the Japanese military to help friendly countries under attack, a development that has caused anxiety in East Asian countries that were once at the receiving end of Japan’s armed aggression. Not all reactions have been negative. The reinterpretation has been welcomed by Japan’s most important ally, the US…

“Japan enjoyed an isolationist status until now,” says Narushige Michishita, a past adviser to Tokyo on defense and now director of the security and international program at Tokyo’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. “It was very convenient; we didn’t have to get involved in conflicts. But now the U.S. wants Japan to be more proactive,” he says. Japan’s ruling party, the LDP, acknowledges this.

“They know we have to be commensurate with our stature as an economic superpower,” he adds. “The U.S. is asking us to be more proactive in, not rearming, but making use of those arms.” 1

Asia is becoming wealthier! China has secured various sea gates, including heavy involvement in the Panama Canal. As well as taking other steps that will increase her influence─ interestingly, in 2018, Panama was ranked the seventh-most competitive economy in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index. The Heritage Foundation reports, “The BRI is a top priority of Chinese Communist Party Secretary-General Xi Jinping, who designed it to extend Chinese influence around the world. The Oxford Business Group reports BRI projects are currently underway in 18 Latin American and Caribbean countries. And Panama has been a focal point of that activity. In 2018, Panama became the first Latin American country to sign a BRI compact.” 2

China herself appears to be doing exactly what the late Deng Xiaoping expressed─ a Chinese revolutionary leader, military commander, and statesman who served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China from December 1978 to November 1989: “hide brightness, nourish obscurity.” According to China Daily, the former leader meant, “to describe China's strategic diplomatic thinking in the early 1990s, he was asking Chinese diplomats to be calm, to attentively observe the global changes and be prepared to seize any opportunities that might arise.” 3

Well, China is no longer obscure and is no longer hiding her brightness. And she is seizing every opportunity─ because of America's utter weakness─ that she can!

As most nations are coming to realize, because of America’s shown weakness ─ shown to all upon the world stage ─ it is better economically to diversify their markets and not be dependent upon a single one, the United States of America’s.

Tougher trade talks with the Trump Administration brought this further to the forefront of their minds, which pushed China more towards de-dollarization than ever before.

My friends, God’s living word─ the LORD God’s eternal word─ shows us that immediately after the re-emergence of a final United States of Europe, it will be increasingly more prosperous for many nations. And, at this very moment, many within Asia are looking to the consumers in the European Union to replace those in the US as purchasers of its many manufactured products. The greater majority of Asian nations are bonding together for economic growth.

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) are moving ever forward to reduce and break this world’s dependence upon the US dollar. Notice this Leftist article by The Business Standard, a Bangladeshi daily newspaper: A BRICS threat to the dollar? My friends, this rubbish popped up right away and was at the top of the list when I typed in on my keyboard “China and the dollar”! Good ‘Ol Google! It actually has the ignorance and the audacity to say, “The eclipse of the dollar would not necessarily be a bad thing for the US.” Tell that to the US citizens who would become─ overnight, I might add ─ unable to access their bank accounts! Truly, a scary thought: America could become the next Greece! An end to the United States of America dominating this world’s economy is coming to an end. And so is Pax Americana!

Regarding China and Asia

For the last three years via our website ─ www.owensborocojc.com ─ Asia and Southeast Asia have been witnessed to! Our website, thanks to Google Translator can be translated into nearly 130 languages! Including Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, and Korean. This is GOOD NEWS to our brethren and friends in Asia who have not normally received much of God’s living truth ─ the gospel message!

Including, for the last three years, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Egypt, Singapore, etc. 0.5% in India, which includes Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Also, Iran, Japan, and Russia.

Asia also includes many other peoples. Many of them, in one way or another, have come across the website ─ www.owensborocojc.com. These include for the last three years, according to Statcounter.com: Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand.

God’s living word mentions their ancestors in Genesis 10 –

“The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras” – Genesis 10:2. 

“GOMER (the firstborn of JAPHETH) was the first to settle central Europe, but at the End of the Age, we find his descendants in Asia — in the Far East. In Ezekiel 38:1–6, we find GOMER associated with MAGOG, MESHECH, TUBAL, PERSIA, ETHIOPIA (eastern CUSH, of the Hindu KUSH), PHUT in India and Ceylon (not as the KJV states as Libya). This means that GOMER and all his bands long ago became Asiatic powers, and they are still Asiatic powers at the End-Time.” 

(Martin, E.L. Dr., Prophetic Geography and the Time of the End, 1992. Internet Edition. Retrieved 22 Feb. 2022).

Any biblical map will show that the descendants of Japheth migrated north and northeast into the territories occupied today by Russia and the Oriental races.

In this 21st century, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches have been reaching our peoples throughout the Asian lands, through the Internet – www.owensborocojc.com and www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com and other means, such as our YouTube channels, which has been able to reach our peoples in Egypt (7.3%) and India (0.11%).

Notice what Minister Michael C. Garrett teaches about Asia and Russia, in regards to Revelation 20:7-8 which will take place during the time of the Millennium:

“Concerning WHY Satan the devil and his horde is released for a short season Revelation 20:3b … because immediately he goes out to the four corners of the world – And will be DESTROYED. And dead bodies will be piled high when the “Great White Throne” resurrection occurs. ... Revelation 20 ... Verse 7-8 – to Gog and Magog (Siberia, China, Russia area) to gather them together to battle against the beloved city of God and of the saints. A THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE WILL BE INSTANTLY SHATTERED WHEN SATAN IS LOOSED! It will demonstrate… people AFTER a thousand years, multiple generations (possibly 25 generations), may hear people like you and I resurrected, many hundreds of years before, they may hear us say, “Well, you know when Satan lived upon this Earth, it was very difficult for people to obey God because he caused so many troubles.” And after a while, some of those people are going to say, “O’ come on! That’s like saying Grandpa said he had to walk 6 miles to school through the snow. I don’t believe he had to walk 6 miles through the snow. It wasn’t that tough. It really wasn’t that bad!” Well, people will have become a little immune, or thick-headed in their skulls about that Message. And then at the end of the Millennium, when this horrible monster called Satan and his associates called demons are let loose, they INSTANTLY plunge the world into crisis again!” 4

Thus, it is our understanding at this present time, that Gog basically represents the land of Russia (plus some peripheral lands), while Magog is mainly the land and peoples of Asia, at least partially, from Japheth.

Notice what our Lord Jesus Christ has commissioned –

“’ Go therefore and make disciples [meaning, TEACH] of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, TEACHING them to observe all things that I have commanded you; …’” – Matthew 28:19, 20.

We also, keep the command given to the original twelve –

“’ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’” – Matthew 10:6.

And, www.owensborocojc.com goes over in the article “Freedom ─ A True Blessing From God,” many of the modern-day nations of the physical lost sheep of the house of Israel.

▪ Reuben is FRANCE.          ▪ Zebulun being HOLLAND.

▪ Issachar is FINLAND.       ▪ Dan being IRELAND.

▪ Gad being SWITZERLAND.      ▪ Asher being BELGIUM.

▪ Naphtali being SWEDEN.          

▪ Joseph is Ephraim and Manasseh - United Kingdom and her Commonwealth of Nations and the United States of America.

▪ Benjamin being NORWAY.        ▪ Simeon, Levi, and Judah – ISRAEL.

Minister Michael C. Garrett, with his online book “God’s Promises To Abraham” brings a clearer understanding of just who the progenitors are TODAY of the house of Israel and the house of Judah – respectively.

The Worship of the Beast

Historically, Asia has prided itself on being distant from the religions of the Western world. But things are changing in Asia, and indeed have been for quite some time. Notice: A Pew Research Center publication, as an example, for a change of religions in India contributes it to: Fertility rates, Religious switching (or conversion), and Migration. 5 Asia Society writes, “Historically, Koreans lived under the influences of shamanism, Buddhism, Daoism or Confucianism and in modern times, the Christian faith [speaking of Catholicism] has made strong inroads into the country. 6 The article goes on and states, “During and after the Korean War (1950-53), the number of Catholic belief organizations and missionaries increased. The Korean Catholic Church grew quickly and its hierarchy was established in 1962. … The ever-growing vitality of the Protestant Churches in Korea saw the inauguration of large-scale Bible study conferences in 1905. Four years later, "A Million Souls for Christ" campaign was kicked off to encourage massive new conversions to the Protestant faith. Protestantism was warmly received not only as a religious credo but also for its political, social, educational, and cultural aspects.”

A 2017 report by Al Jazeera, a state-owned Arabic-language international news network of Qatar, and a news source of which congressman Jack Bergman wrote in the Washington Examiner that “Al Jazeera's record of radical anti-American, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel broadcasts warrants scrutiny”─ and in which we concur, wrote, “Putin and the ‘triumph of Christianity’ in Russia. ‘After the fall of communism, there was a great abyss …, a void, because everything began to fall down into the black hole. All the certainties, all the truths, all the things that were taken for granted in one moment disappeared,’ says [Alexander Dugin, editor-in-chief of Russia’s most ultra-conservative Orthodox channel]. With Putin’s help, Dugin explained, the Russian Orthodox Church is filling this void.” 7

God’s living word shows us that there will be a global acceptance (though temporary) of a powerful European civic leader that shall arise with flattery (cf. Daniel 11:29-39; Revelation 13:1-4). Throughout many generations, apparitions claiming to be Mary have been recorded. This powerful final Catholic European civic leader along with a powerful final Catholic religious leader will be in accordance “to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” And, as I was witness to in 1996 when hundreds of thousands were drawn to the Seminole Finance Corporation building in Clearwater, Florida because they claimed the “Virgin Mary” appeared in the rainbow swirls which formed on the glass outside the building. Thousands appeared with candles, kneeling and worshipping.

Again, Minister Michael C. Garrett:

“This great church that has its roots in central Europe has always been organized just as the Roman Empire. And so when you read ‘the image to the beast,’ it’s referring to a spiritual or religious organization led by a great so-called holy man and is constructed – designed – after the concept of the Roman Empire. … it’s a church organization.” 8

Truly, when our peoples in Asia and elsewhere see the power, the signs, and the lying wonders of this final ‘beast’ power─ they will marvel –

“ … those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is” – Revelation 17:8.

They will marvel because of this final powerful Catholic European civic leader’s great wealth. Also because its powerful religious leader will literally claim himself to be God “or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God [in Jerusalem], showing himself that he is God” – 2 Thessalonians 2:4. For “He [will] exercise 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 [will have been] healed. He [this final powerful Catholic religious leader] performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven [the atmosphere] on the earth in the sight of men” – cf. Revelation 13:11-13.

The people of the earth may also marvel because supporting this final ‘beast’ power may give them additional wealth and land.

God’s living words WARNS us of a time─ after the USA has lost her sovereignty─ when certain lands will be divided –

“Thus he [speaking of this final powerful Catholic European civic leader] shall act against the strongest fortresses [and in this end-time ‘the strongest fortresses’ would be the United States of America and the United Kingdom] with a foreign god [a god of fortresses], which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; …”

In 2019, I had spoke of ‘dark matter.’ The Europeans have been working hard on aspects of dark matter on their Large Hadron Collider (LHC). They also want something even larger than their current LHC (See: ‘CERN Wants to Build a Bigger, Badder Particle Collider’). Could this scientific technology be used – eventually – for military purposes in ‘honoring a god of fortresses’!? (cf. Daniel 11:38).

“ … and he shall cause them to rule over many and divide the land for gain” – Daniel 11:39.

Again, the “he” spoken of here in this duel end time prophecy is a final European ‘king of the North.’ Certainly, in this end time, the ‘strongest fortresses’ are the United States of America and her Anglo-descended allies. With China and Russia affirming their economic cooperation─ at least for the next several years, Asia will certainly assist the final ‘king of the North’ and receive some divided lands for payment.

Note: there are also a few verses in the Book of Lamentations that strongly supports this understanding that verse 39 of Daniel chapter 11 is speaking of the fact that the Anglo-nations’ lands will be divided for gain.

“The anger of the LORD hath divided them; He will no more regard them …” – Lamentations 4:16, KJV.

This word “divided” in Hebrew is ḥālaq, meaning, “to divide, apportion, assign.” It is the same word used in Daniel 11:39. Also, it is the same word used in Ezekiel 5:1 – “ … divide the hair.” – representing these ‘strongest fortresses’ in the time of the end; the USA, UK, and Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – respectively.

End Time Witnesses

During and immediately after the subjugation of these end time ‘strongest fortresses,’ the LORD God will provide strong witnesses to the nations of the house of Israel, as well as to the god of this world and his servants─ the final European civic leader and the final Catholic religious leader, and to all ‘both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond’ who DOES HAVE A MARK on their right hand or on their forehead. Notice:

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth [which represents humility]. These TWO OLIVE TREES and the TWO LAMPSTANDS standing before the god of the earth. … When they finish their TESTIMONY, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit [speaking of Satan the Devil] will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them” – Revelation 11:3-4, 7.

Again, Minister Michael C. Garrett:

“Now, see all the context, all the things that are going to happen… and now… we read about something that is spectacular! “’ And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.’” – meaning very simple affair, they won’t be all dressed up in fancy robes and headdresses. They won’t be dressed up in tuxedos. They’ll be very simple clothes. Who knows maybe it will be sweatpants and a sweatshirt!? … “’ These are the two olive trees …’” – meaning they are filled with God’s Spirit. “…’ And the two lampstands …’” – meaning, from them shines the light and the truth of God. “…’ standing before the [g]od of the earth.’” – Now, this is not the Almighty Creator God, the god of the earth is Satan! And they’re not bowing before Satan, they’re standing against him! This ‘god of the earth’ is indeed Satan the devil! …

“’ When they finish their testimony, …’” – probably about 3½ years, “…’ the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit …’” – meaning Satan the devil. Remember, it talked about the holy city. Verse 8-9 – “’ And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt …’” – Jerusalem. Verse 10 - “…’ the earth will rejoice over them, …’” – they’ll have a huge celebration because these two men, they think which has tormented them – but what they don’t get is that these two men represent God – “…’ because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.’” Verse 11 – “’ Now after three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.’” – And in that time - satellite, television, everyone on the face of the earth who has access to a computer or to television will see this! And I think Verse 12 is remarkable! I do believe verse 12 is saying – and maybe I’ve got it wrong; maybe someday I’ll figure it out differently, but, until I’m shown by God differently – I believe that these two witnesses, these two candlesticks, will be allowed to be resurrected and be before the throne of God before anybody else is resurrected! Probably not by a whole lot, but that’s the honor that God shows them for the Work that they do. And Notice Verse 15 talks about the SEVENTH ANGEL, THE SEVENTH TRUMP – the resurrection of all the other saints. That’s why I believe just the way that it is written and the sequence, that very possibly, the two witnesses will be the first two people resurrected from their death into eternal life in the Kingdom of God, and most likely, will have an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ and God the Father.”

(Garrett, M.C., “The Two Witnesses” 2019).

“Now, I can’t say one way or the other – but let’s just say there are twelve. Six groups of two – apparently working in tandem. Because that’s what Jesus did earlier in the “gospel” accounts. He sent them out two by two. And five of these groups will be martyred. Ten people – probably. Two will be left alive until the very end – and they will be called the Two Witnesses. They will end up in Jerusalem – directly opposing the great false leader of Europe and the great false religious leader of Europe. Just like Moses and Aaron did as they went into the court of a pharaoh. And they will curse the world with different plagues. And eventually, these two people will be martyred. But three-and-a-half days later they will rise again.”

(Garrett, M.C., “Day of Atonement = End-Time Trauma” 2019).

Our Lord Jesus Christ also speaks of this same era of time:

“’ Then they will deliver you up to tribulations [speaking here mostly of the end-time prophets; the end-time witnesses] and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. ... And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world AS A WITNESS to all the nations, and then the end will come’” – Matthew 24:9, 14. □

Sources:

1) Fitzpatrick, M., Inside Japan’s Invisible Army, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2023.

2) Roberts, J.M., Chinese Challenge in Panama, The Heritage Foundation, 21 Aug 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2023.

3) Wenchang, Y., Diplomatic words of wisdom, China Daily, 29 Oct. 2011. Retrieved 13 April 2023.

4) Garrett, M.C., Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, 2019, pgs. 13, 26-27.

5) Kramer, S., Causes of religious change, Pew Research Center, 21 Sept. 2021.

6) Asia Society, Education, Historical and Modern Religions of Korea, Retrieved 14 April 2023.

7) Ellis, G., Kolchyna, V., Putin and the ‘triumph of Christianity’ in Russia, Al Jazeera, 19 Oct. 2017.

The "Lord's Supper"

Early Christian painting of an Agape feast.

The Apostle Paul wrote his letters to the Corinthian church to correct them concerning a great many things.

Most of the wrong practices and heresies were apparently the result of false apostles and deceitful workers, whom the brethren had allowed to come into their congregation and teach FALSE DOCTRINES and ANOTHER JESUS!

“For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit [an evil spirit or sour spirit] which you have not received, or a different gospel [a different message] which you have not accepted─ you may well put up with it!” – 2 Corinthians 11:4.

The apostle Paul further warned them that regardless of how these false apostles and deceitful workers appear or what they say─ they were of Satan the devil and not of the LORD God.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself [can, we add editorially] transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also [can, again we add editorially] transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Now, one such practice was the “Lord’s Supper,” “Communion,” or “Passover” ─ all these words can be used to acknowledge and reference the LORD God’s Passover. However, there were some in the congregation who mistakenly believed that the Apostle Paul was correcting them for inappropriately eating the Lord’s Supper.

Yet, in truth, he was correcting a known heresy─

“Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worst. For FIRST OF ALL, when you come together as a Church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I BELIEVE IT. For there must also be factions [heresies] among you, that those who ARE APPROVED may be recognized among you” – 1 Corinthians 11:17-19.

The Apostle Paul was explaining that the teachings concerning the Passover were those that he personally had received from our Lord Jesus Christ!

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread” – 1 Corinthians 11:23.

That very night in which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was betrayed was the Passover night─ notice:

“Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, ‘My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.’

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. WHEN EVENING HAD COME [sunset], He sat down with the twelve” – Matthew 26:17-20.

Now, the Apostle Luke’s account reads─

“So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. When THE HOUR HAD COME, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you BEFORE I SUFFER; for I say to you, I will no longer eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God’” – Luke 22:13-16.

The Apostle Paul says─

“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump [an unleavened lump], since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast [two-and-a-half decades after the human existence of Jesus Christ on the earth and he’s still teaching them], not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.

Obviously, Paul fully acknowledged and put his stamp of approval on the idea that ‘You all are supposed to keep Passover, and you all are supposed to keep Unleavened Bread.”

But, whatever meal the Corinthian Church of God was eating and calling the “Lord’s Supper,” “Communion,” or “Passover,” it was not to be eaten when they assembled. Notice, in strong admonition, the Apostle Paul wrote─

“Therefore WHEN YOU COME TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE [for the Passover, we add editorially], it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper” – 1 Corinthians 11:20.

The Greek word for not is ou, which means “no, not, not at all, in no way, and absolutely not.” IN NO WAY of eating the “Lord’s Supper, “Communion,” or “Passover.” Furthermore, the Apostle Paul specifically wrote that if anyone was hungry, he or she was to eat at home BEFORE coming to observe the New Covenant Passover. Notice─

“But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. …” – 1 Corinthians 11:34.

Now, much later the word “Eucharist” came from the Roman Catholic Church in Rome and Egypt. And, because the Roman Catholic Church teaches it, the majority of our peoples just ass-u-me, believe, and accept as fact that the “early church fathers” were the true successors of the apostles of Christ. However, proper research shows us that they WERE NOT the true successors to the apostles of Christ, but were the successors of the likes of Simon Magus – the first pope of Rome, Justin Martyr, Nicholas of Samaria, Cerinthus, as well as other “founders” of Counterfeit Christianity.

Now, as far as the word “Communion” – which, truly, as stated earlier – can be used to acknowledge and reference the LORD God’s Passover ─ is more akin to the Roman Catholics, because the translators of the 1611 King James Version of the Bible translated the Greek word koinōnia as “communion.” In truth, the word should be translated into English─ fellowship. Thankfully, in the New English Translation translated by Minister Fred R. Coulter, it is properly translated as “fellowship.”

In 1st Corinthians 10:16, the Koiné Greek word koinōnia should be properly translated as “fellowship” instead of “communion” in reference to the New Covenant Passover. A more clear, easy-to-read English Version makes it clear─

“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread [unleavened bread] that we break, is it not the fellowship of the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16, NET.

Returning once again to the New King James Version, the Apostle Paul continues ─

“For we, though many, ARE ONE BREAD and ONE BODY; for we all partake of that ONE BREAD [that being Christ Jesus our Lord]. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I saying then? That AN IDOL IS [and certainly can be, we again add editorially] ANYTHING, or what IS OFFERED TO IDOLS IS ANYTHING? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice THEY SACRIFICE TO DEMONS and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You CANNOT drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you CANNOT partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons” – 1 Corinthians 10:17-21.

Apparently, from these verses, it appears as if the Corinthian Church was still trying to practice some pagan rituals. And, sadly, after the death of the apostles of Christ, the Greco-Roman confederation of churches that began to emerge even in the first century in Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Rome gained momentum.

Any reputable encyclopedia will show you that through the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church appropriated various pagan festivals and just simply renamed them, placing a “Christian” veneer on them and ascribing a new meaning to their observance.

In the book My Catholic Faith, by Louis Laravoire Morrow, the Bishop of Krishnagar─ one of the oldest municipalities in Bengal─ confirms that this is in accordance with the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church:

“In the history of the Church we find that she often christened pagan festivals, making use of dates and ceremonies, and endowing them with an entirely new and Christian significance. …” pg. 416.

The ancient kingdom of Israel also adopted pagan practices in direct violation of the holy commands of the LORD God. Notice─

“’ Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you FOREVER, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. 

When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE NOT ENSNARED TO FOLLOW THEM, after they are destroyed from before you, and THAT YOU DO NOT INQUIRE AFTER THEIR GODS, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 

You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. 

WHATEVER I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it’” – Deuteronomy 12:28-32. □

March Stats

GREETINGS EVERYONE! Welcome! It's a new month! - April 2023. Here are the analytics for last month that You helped make very possible! Thank you so much!

In the glorious and awesome name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

www.owensborocojc.com. 

Locations

Systems

Traffic

Top Five Articles of Last Month

● END TIME PROPHETS (Online Book) - Chapter 4

● END TIME PROPHETS (Online Book) - Chapter 3

● Letter to our Friends - March 21, 2023

● Being Born Again (Sermon)

● Commentary: Do Not Despair

The COJCOM's YouTube channel had 84 views in the month of March. 37% less than Jan. 29-Feb. 28, 2023. Also, the channel had 5.2 watch time (hours) in the month of march. 60% less than Jan. 29-Feb. 28, 2023.

We thank you for your continued love and support,

www.owensborocojc.com.