Letter to our Friends - July 28, 2023

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Founder

Dear Friends and Associates in Christ Jesus:

Greetings from West Central Florida.

We’ve been continuing to work on AI-generated audio articles, books, and booklets. We are continuing this most important work of God in what we believe to be the “short work upon the earth” spoken of by the Apostle Paul – cf. Romans 9:27-28. We are continuing to take steps related to what our Lord Jesus commissioned for us! This great Work undertaken by Jesus Christ is yet to be finished. And, perhaps more than ever should be shouted to Jesus Christ's spiritual ‘lost sheep’ of Israel, in which Jesus admonished us when He said, “’ FEED MY SHEEP!’” We are small in number, however, our desire to feed the sheep of Jesus Christ is huge and ambitious. We strive to teach the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God!

COJCOM Soundcloud Radio Channel

Greetings Everyone,

Big News to share today: We are proud and honored to announce our Soundcloud Radio channel, our new AI-generator partner Narakeet! The easy creation of AI voiceovers for our audio articles, books, and booklets!

As of July 28th, the analytics for our channel shows a growing demand for audio sermons, articles, books, and booklets! Our top listening city – Ashburn, Virginia! Our top listening country – Ireland!

Sadly, a great majority of worldly churches are labeling AI as evil! This is subjective. A great many things in this world can be used for evil purposes. Fabrice Jotterand, professor of bioethics stated in a 2018 interview with the incorrectly named The Christian Post, “We shouldn't say all technology, all AI, is necessarily, inherently bad, … My advice would be to be aware that this technology exists and know how it works, but use it to promote the human good and put boundaries [around it].” 1

What is AI-generated content?

AI-generated content is copy such as blogs, marketing materials, articles, and product descriptions written by a machine. The AI content creator generates the content after a person inputs information such as keywords, phrases, and topics. AI-generated content can help speed up the writing process.

To produce content, users enter the text format needed, a topic, and keywords. AI-generated content can be valuable in several ways. AI can create content much faster than people, which is probably the biggest benefit. An AI tool can produce an article in minutes. … AI also helps with language localization for various geographic areas and can create social media with personalization for various sites. … The pricing typically runs about $100 for tens of thousands of words. 2 Karen Hao wrote in MIT Technology Review, “Not too long ago, such deep fake voices had something of a lousy reputation for their use in scam calls and internet trickery. But their improving quality has since piqued the interest of a growing number of companies. … You can spot the trick if they speak for too long, but in short audio clips, some have become indistinguishable from humans. 3

COJCOM · Sample of a Narakeet AI Voice Actor

Revelation Series

Friends, if you could know the future, would you want to know!? And, what would you do with that information!? Where would you go – and who would you believe to tell you the truth about the future!? How would you know if you were being told the truth!? Listen TODAY to this series of audio articles about the truth concerning the Book of Revelation!

We’ve launched an audio series: Revelation – A Book of the Past and the Future. Over 1 hour and fifty minutes of FREE audio listening! A continuing work which will go on for some time.

Suggested Sabbath Day 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 are some

Instrumental Accompaniment to the Bible Hymnal available on our website).

• Opening prayer.

• Announcements – from the deacon or pastor.

• Sermon – from the pastor or guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “Overcoming Is Important” 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 Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website, as well as our additional YouTube channels –

The Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ

The Independent Christian Church of God

The Deacon Trevor Koonce channel

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

The United States of America and several allied nations held a large military exercise in Australia (See: ‘The Wall Street Journal - U.S., Allies Hold Record-Setting Military Exercise in Australia in Message Aimed at China’). The joint drills involving 13 nations are the most expansive in the Talisman Sabre exercise’s history, officials say.

Our brethren, the Australians, can hope to deter the Chinese dragon, but she is going to one day discover that her allies will have abandoned her, and her “friends” such as Germany shows her their back – cf. Lamentations 1:1-2. Let us also consider the Book of Jeremiah.

“All your lovers have forgotten you; They do not seek you; For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, With the chastisement of a cruel one, For the multitude of your iniquities, Because your sins have increased” – Jeremiah 30:14.

Sadly, Australia’s sins have been increasing! Her allies will one day forsake her.

Australia hopes to defend itself but realizes that it cannot defeat China on its own.

Carnally speaking, reliance on the military of the United States of America certainly makes sense, yet, God’s living word prophetically tells us that it soon will not be possible to rely on the USA. The prophetic reality is that the US military will not be able to protect Australia, let alone itself.

Also in world news – the European Union is leaning more towards South America and less towards the United Kingdom in regards to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. (See: ‘ZeroHedge - EU Signs Deal With Argentina Calling Falklands “Malvinas Islands”’).

God’s living word speaks about land blessings –

“And they blessed Rebekah [the mother to Jacob and Esau] and said to her: ‘Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them’” – Genesis 24:60.

“And of Joseph he said: ‘Blessed of the LORD is his land, With the precious things of heaven, with the dew, And the deep lying beneath, 14) With the precious fruits of the sun, With the precious produce of the months, 15) With the best things of the ancient mountains, With the precious things of the everlasting hills, 16) With the precious things of the earth and its fullness, And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come ‘on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.’ 17) His glory is like a firstborn bull, And his horns like the horns of the wild ox; Together with them He shall push the peoples To the ends of the earth; They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh’” – Deuteronomy 33:13-17.

But, our LORD God also speaks of land loss –

“’ If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this Book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, 59) Then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues ─ great and prolonged plagues ─ and serious and prolonged sicknesses. 63) And it shall be, that just as the LORD rejoiced over you to do good and multiply you, so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess’” – Deuteronomy 28:58-59, 63.

For many years, Argentina has made it clear that it wants the Falkland Islands back. And, the people who live on the Falkland Islands flat-out want to remain a part of the United Kingdom. They have consistently made this known. But, many in Argentina feel they are entitled to that land. Sadly, a greater number in Latin America are seeing the presence of the United Kingdom in that region as evil colonialists.

We in our Lord Jesus’ Church have been knowing and teaching for decades that the UK along with the USA would ultimately lose the majority of their sea gates. And, we believe that our great nations possessed the majority of the sea gates around the world because of the blessings of the LORD God. Yet, they would lose them because of their growing iniquity and their blatantly turning their back on the LORD God!

The losses of the majority of the sea gates around the world by the Anglo-Saxon nations show us that Bible prophecies are being fulfilled. For nearly two centuries, the United States and Britain (along with our allies) have controlled nearly all of these important sea gates. In fact, the possession of these strategic sea gates was directly responsible for the emergence of America and Britain as world powers. Sadly, this world’s news media appears oblivious to this important fact.

Also in Australian news – a former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, recently stated, “I do hold the view that the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonized by the British.” (See: ‘BBC News - Colonisation by British 'luckiest thing' to happen to Australia - John Howard’). Well, luck had NOTHING to do with it!

Why!?

Because of various biblical prophecies.

God’s living word shows us that the Patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed by the Lord God to Israel, had 12 sons (Genesis 35:22). And, even though he was not the oldest child, God’s living word shows us that Joseph received the birthright –

“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel ─ he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright; 2) yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s ─ ” – 1 Chronicles 5:1-2.

Here the birthright had to do with NATIONAL GREATNESS – consistent with what was first promised to Patriarch Abraham, which was passed down to his son Isaac, and then to Isaac’s son Jacob. And before the death of Jacob, Joseph took his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to visit his elderly father.

In Genesis 48 – now, this is after Joseph had been taken into captivity and risen now to a powerful position in the government of Egypt – like a Vice Pharaoh. And now his family is returning unto him. And lo and behold he finds out that Jacob (Israel) his father was still alive, and it says in verse 1 – “Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, ‘Indeed your father is sick’; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. … 3) Then Jacob said to Joseph: ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, 4) and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’” And then we have this situation where they were actually blessed. Verse 8 – “Then Israel [Jacob] saw Joseph’s sons, and said, ‘Who are these?’ 9) Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.’ And he said, ‘Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.’”

And then we find out that there was a crossing of the hands. Verse 15 – “And he blessed Joseph, and said: ‘God, before whom my father’s Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, 16) The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my father’s Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’” – and so a nation and a company of nations were to come from these two young boys and their progeny. And again, I think we understand how that came about and who they are. And what a blessing it is that we get to share in those blessings.

Ephraim represents the British-descended peoples. And, we see them in the British Isles (where my descendants came from, 60% located in Channel Islands, England), Australia, Canada, New Zealand, along with some also in the likes of South Africa. The descendants of Manasseh would end up in what has become known as the founding stock of the United States of America – which was prophesied to be “a nation.”

This line or group of people would become known both historically and prophetically as ISRAEL. Or, the people of Israel, or the House of Israel.

Concluding Comments

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14) For IF we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15) For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven [the atmosphere] with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with THE TRUMPET OF GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Friends, we know that the Bible talks about the resurrection from the dead. We know in 2 Timothy we hear the phrase, ‘at His appearing.’ Not this immediately ‘off to Heaven.’ We notice in Titus 2 – “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” 1 John 2:28 – “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” Over and over and over, nothing happens until Jesus Christ Returns! That’s what the Bible says! And if that be true, then what is all of this immortality of the soul and going off to Heaven!? It just doesn’t agree with the Bible. The resurrected saints of God are not going off to Heaven, but rather Heaven – the throne of God, the Kingdom of God – is coming to the Earth!

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,

1 Showalter, B., Artificial Intelligence, Transhumanism, and the Church: How Should Christians Respond? The Christian Post, 27 Jan. 2018.

2 Hetler, A., Pros, and cons of AI-generated content, Whatls.com, 29 March 2023.

3 Hao, K., AI voice actors sound more human than ever—and they’re ready to hire, MIT Technology Review, 9 July 2021.

Commentary: The Day of the Sun

by Guy C LaMar

On March 7th, 321, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great issued a civil decree – making Sunday a day of rest from labor. Stating, “All judges and city people and the craftsmen shall rest upon the venerable day of the Sun.”

It was Emperor Constantine the Great in 321 AD who proclaimed the Day of the Sun as the day of worship for the Roman Empire.

In the fourth-century AD, the Catholic Council of Laodicea affirmed Sunday worship and declared that all Sabbath-keeping Christians are heretics.

And, sadly, even to this day, true Christian Sabbath-keepers are considered heretics and are persecuted in many nations, countries, and provinces around the world! They OBEY the LORD God rather than the ideologies of men who were and are influenced by Satan the devil!

The Catholics adopted Sunday as the day of rest because they didn’t want to be like the Jews. Even though it was the LORD God – not mankind – that instituted the SABBATH! The Sabbath is from Friday sunset until Saturday sunset.

Exodus 20:8-11

“’ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9) Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10) But the SEVENTH DAY is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11) For IN SIX DAYS the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the SEVENTH DAY. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.’”

It was Satan the devil who influenced mankind to embrace SUNDAY over the Sabbath.

1st John 4:1

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

The keeping of the holy Sabbath is a TEST COMMANDMENT – a sign between God and His chosen begotten children.

It is a command from the LORD God to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Again, it was from the LORD God! Not mankind!

Truly, all churches of the world that claim to be “Christian” and keep Sunday as the rest day are daughter churches of the Roman Catholic Church!

The Roman Catholic Church is a church of Satan the devil!

Research their history! Research how they always have and continue to do things AGAINST the LORD God’s commands!

Isaiah 58:13-14

“’ If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words [such as implementing Sunday as a rest day], 14) Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.

The mouth of the LORD has spoken.’”

ALL Sunday-keeping churches are the daughter churches of this “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH”! The Roman Catholic Church!

Too strong of words!?

Too harsh!?

SOLID FACTS!

Ephesians 6:12

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places [such as the atmosphere].”

The LORD God will not tolerate false religions! It certainly breaks the FIRST COMMANDMENT –

“’ You shall have no other gods before Me.’”

ANYONE that keeps Sunday as a “holy” rest day HAD BETTER STOP! It is acting against the LORD God and serving Satan the devil!

John 8:44

“’ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.’”

The Sabbath is a HOLY TIME!

And, our Lord Jesus Christ is our example for all Christians to follow!

Our Lord Jesus kept the Sabbath – as did all those who followed Him in the first century AD, and those who follow Him in this twenty-first century!

IT IS NOT A JEWISH THING! IT’S A GOD THING!

Mark 2:27-28

“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28) Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.’”

OBEY THE LORD GOD, or be against the LORD God!

Obey and keep the holy Sabbath or continue to follow Satan the devil!

Harsh as this may sound, the fact is ANYONE who has been shown the living truth of God cannot say that they have not been warned.

ANYONE who is continuing to keep SUNday as the Sabbath day is rejecting the LORD God and is in fact following Satan the devil! Thus, their god is Satan! With all of his wicked lies of deception.

2nd Corinthians 11:12-15

“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14) And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, WHOSE END WILL BE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.”

The holy Sabbath is in force!

The holy Sabbath is IMPORTANT to the LORD God!

When our Lord Jesus spoke concerning this soon-coming end-time trauma, which will also befall Judah (the tiny nation today called Israel), He made it clear that those in Judea should pray that their flight to the mountains does not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.

Why!?

Because they will still be keeping the Sabbath! It is a HOLY TIME! And, it will still be a HOLY TIME at the end of this age!

The LORD God NEVER changes!

“’ For I AM the LORD, I do not change; …” – Malachi 3:6.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8.

Exodus 31:12-16

“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 13) ‘Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I AM the LORD who sanctifies you.

14) You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.

15) Work shall be done for six days, but the SEVENTH is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death [not only physical death but even more a spiritual death and even eternal death].

16) Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations AS A PERPETUAL COVENANT.’”

per·pet·u·al - never ending or changing. □

What Happens After death?

After death then what!? Is death the finality!? Is there life after death!? It’s time to understand.

IT DOESN’T MATTER who you are ─ as Benjamin Franklin was known to say, there are only two certainties in this life, one being death and the other being that you will have to pay taxes. Sooner, or later, you are going to die!

King Solomon, who was blessed by the LORD God with great wisdom wrote –

“To EVERYTHING there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; …” – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2.

From the very second of our birth, physical life is limited.

Why!?

Well, human cells die, basically, because of Apoptosis. The process of programmed cell death. Very little was known about the mechanism until Robert Horvitz ‘68 and other researchers identified and described the process of programmed cell death. “At the time [Horvitz began his research], most scientists thought that cells died because they had no choice,” says Craig B. Thompson, chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania. Scientists believed that cells died when they were deprived of oxygen or damaged by something in their environment.

Horvitz identified specific genes that trigger cell death in the cells of a millimeter-long soil-dwelling nematode named Caenorhabditis elegans. Without the presence of these genes, Horvitz determined, certain cells could live indefinitely. In subsequent studies, he showed that similar genes are present in humans.

“That changed everything,” says Thompson. “It turned out that these cells choose to eliminate themselves.” In essence, they commit suicide. By proving the genetic component, Horvitz was able to demonstrate that programmed cell death is a normal, fundamental, and controlled biological process in cells. 1 Human cells deteriorate, tissues deteriorate, organs deteriorate, and our body deteriorates. And this deterioration ends with death.

And, even though scientists have extended the lives of flies, worms, and mice through genetic tinkering or technology that mimics the effects of caloric restriction, we will all inevitably die.

So, one of the most important questions is – what happens after death!? If we all end up dying, what is the purpose of living!?

A Question of the Ages

That truly is a question of the ages. As far back as recorded time, mankind has been concerned about death and an afterlife. Is there life after death!?

Ancient Egyptians were greatly concerned about death. And their attempts to solve the enigma of life and death went far and wide. They believed that death led a person to the afterlife, where he/she would lead an immortal existence. But, for this afterlife to happen, it was necessary to preserve the body of the deceased, so that the soul could identify the body that it belonged to. 2

Every civilization that has ever existed, including down to our 21st century, has pondered about life and death. And, nearly everyone has their own ideas and opinions on this most vital and important subject.

Why is there such grave (no pun intended) confusion!?

Where can a person find the clear and plain truth concerning life, death, and an afterlife!?

Utter Confusion

One woman writes concerning this age-old question, and after a long convoluted article says, “There is no purpose of living. Living is the purpose.” 3

Various comments to her article illustrate the mass confusion concerning life, death, and an afterlife which is rampant in the world.

One lady answers, “But the universe is going to end and will take all life with it. … Who knows.”

Another answers, “Life is all about new experiences and stuff, there is no purpose. It’s just that we were born and humans are who we are due to evolution. People try to find ways to comfort them about death, when you die, you die just like every animal too. So really don’t worry about finding your worth of living, it’s just a coincidence we are here.”

Said another man, “Well at fundament, you live to pass on your genetics, that is your prime biological function. One could say those who dwell on such unanswerable things will eventually take themselves out of the gene pool or use it to find a more effective way of passing on their genetics.”

The fact is most people do believe in some kind of life after death.

But, isn’t it time to understand the TRUTH concerning death and what happens after death!? And, there is only one reliable source available for learning this truth about life after death – our LORD God – through the living word of God! The Holy Bible.

That source is the very Creator of all life! But, what He has to say is probably not what you want or think. The majority of people would be surprised to learn and discover what God’s living word reveals about life, death, and an afterlife!

Do We Have An Immortal Soul?

Well, contrary to popular belief, God’s living word nowhere mentions that mankind has an “immortal soul”! However, His living word does say that man is a living soul – “And the LORD God [the very family of God; the Elohim] formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” – Genesis 2:7, KJV.

So, man is not an immortal soul, man is a living soul.

The very Hebrew word – let us not forget that the Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language – for the word soul is nepeš, which is exactly the same word used for beasts and creeping things.

And, Gods living word says that a living soul can die!

“’ Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die’” – Ezekiel 18:4, 20.

So, the very false understanding concerning the idea that man has an immortal soul falls flat. This idea came straight out of ancient Babylonia and Egypt. And, it was popularized to the masses through Greek philosophy – especially Plato.

The 1912 Jewish Encyclopedia Volume 6 says, “The belief that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body is a matter of philosophical or theological speculation rather than of simple faith, and is accordingly nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture. … The belief in the immortality of the soul came to the Jews from contact with Greek thought and chiefly through the philosophy of Plato, its principal exponent, who was led to it through Orphic and Eleusinian mysteries in which Babylonian and Egyptian views were strangely blended, …” 4

Is Death A Finality?

As I had spoken of before – I had a friend who was an ordained minister from the Open Bible Churches, who was teaching that death didn’t actually mean death, but life – eternal life. However, in TRUTH, God’s living word reveals that when you die – you are dead. You do not reincarnate into another human body. You do not fly off to heaven. You do not go down into the depths of a hell. The supposed heaven or hell for “immortal souls” is another of mankind’s fantasies! According to God’s living immutable word, the dead do not see, do not hear, do not think, do not feel – the dead know nothing.

“For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. 6) Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; …” – Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.

Truly at the moment of death – the body loses consciousness and life ceases. Along with thoughts and emotions.

“His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish” – Psalm 146:4.

God’s living word is clear and plain. It is not convoluted. Death is death. For when we die we go the way of all flesh, and in this respect, we are no different than any animal –

“For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20) All go to one place: all are from dust, and all return to dust” – Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.

Mankind, composed of dust returns to the dust of the earth. The man that returns to the dust is the soul which was. Therefore it is the soul that disintegrates into the earth. Notice the following verse – “Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the [soul] of the animal, which goes down to the earth?”

Yes, there is a spirit in man.

“But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding” – Job 32:8.

And, this spirit in man returns to the LORD God who gave it.

“Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” – Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Animals do not have a spirit. Man needed this spirit to empower his brain with mind power - see 1 Corinthians 2:11. This human spirit enters the human embryo at conception. The spirit is like the “hard drive on a computer” – it stores information. The spirit essence is NOT an immortal soul or an eternal spirit. The spirit in man is NOT the man. It is something in the man. It has no life of itself. At death, it has no consciousness of itself, for it sleeps (1 Corinthians 11:30; 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:14). Like a tape recorder, it forms a permanent record of the qualities of mind and character built by a man during his lifetime. And much like a used tape is stored lifelessly on a shelf till activated in a recorder, so also does the spirit of man “return to GOD who gave it” after death, until the resurrection when life is again given to a person (Ecclesiastes 12:7). This was the way that our Lord Jesus Christ – through His servant – explained it to me and I hold fast to this that is good. Furthermore: the spirit in man was transmitted from Adam. Spirit comes from the father from a sperm cell – from Adam all down through all humanity.

Immediately after the Apostle Peter was filled with God’s Holy Spirit on Pentecost 31 AD, he spoke of King David – “’ Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” – Acts 2:29. And furthermore, “David did not ascend into the heavens” – Acts 2:34.

Our Lord, Savior, Master, and Elder Brother, Himself says that “’ No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven’” – John 3:13.

A great many want to argue against our Lord Jesus Christ’s living word here – saying, “Jesus was only talking about His validity and His authority.” Well, listen to the context in which this is said – “’ If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?’” With eyes, you still do not see, and with ears, you still do not hear. Our Lord Jesus spoke with no ambiguity to those who are blessed and received the gift of the Holy Spirit – the very mind and power of the LORD God!

The Greatest of Potentials

God has a Master Plan by which He is bringing about the fruition of His AWESOME purpose for all mankind. And our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ His Son is the CapStone!

Now you can know ... ...
URL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iC7hEdggGh3VzJ2euCwq2SsyqlKELwW2/view?usp=sharing. 🙂

The LORD God – the family of God; the Elohim – said, “’ Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …” – Genesis 1:26. The ultimate potential for human life is to eventually be born into the very family of God! Not as one popular answer earlier states: “Life is all about new experiences and stuff, there is no purpose.” THERE IS A TREMENDOUS PURPOSE! And, sadly, it is a great mystery to the religions of this world! We are on this Earth for a stupendous reason!

The Prophet Job knew why –

He once reached a point in his life in which he lost everything he loved dear to him. He lost all of his children to a tornado, as well as all of his wealth and belongings to thieves and fire. He became afflicted possibly with hyper-Immunoglobulin E syndrome – a condition that affects several body systems, particularly the immune system. A condition called Job's syndrome or Buckley syndrome in certain medical circles. “ … painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” He was physically stricken by Satan the devil. The idea of death must have seemed sweet to the Prophet Job at that time.

He asks, “If a man dies, shall he live again? …” And he answers himself with the following words, “All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. 15) You shall call, and I will answer You; You shall desire the work of Your hands” – Job 14:14, 15.

And, the Apostle Paul doesn’t want us to be ignorant –

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep [those who have died], lest you sorrow as others who have no hope [the hope of the resurrection]. 15) For if we believe that Jesus died …” – sadly there are a great many that do not, as I stated at the beginning of this article – “ … and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15.

A Man Shall Live Again!

How is it that a man dead, in the grave, will live again!? Our Lord Jesus Christ answers, “’ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth─those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation [judgment]’” – John 5:28-29.

Speaking of two separate resurrections. There is an accounting for your behavior in this life! And, you will be in one or the other resurrection. But, what does the LORD God mean by a resurrection!?

The FIRST Resurrection

The Apostle Paul describes to us that a first resurrection will take place at our Lord Jesus Christ’s Return. He begins in verse 13 (which we covered above) of 1st Thessalonians chapter 4.

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep [those who are dead; dead in Christ].

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven [the atmosphere] with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET] of God. And the dead in Christ will RISE FIRST” – 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16.

The Apostle John speaks of this same FIRST resurrection –

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls [the lives] of those 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. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. … This is the FIRST RESURRECTION” – Revelation 20:4, 5.

He ends this with, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests [ministers and teachers] of God [Theos, God the Father] and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” – Verse 6.

Truly, all those who will be in the first resurrection are described in Romans 8:14 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are [children] of God.”

And, as we’ve been mentioning for several years – the five cities on the plain of Jordan were allowed to be destroyed because there weren’t even ten righteous people in the city of Sodom. And, brethren, let us not sell ourselves short – but we should wonder – is it that Almighty God is holding back the utter destruction of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth of Nations, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand respectively – because there are maybe ten in one-million righteous people within these nations!? It should make us wonder. Is that number depleting as time goes by!? In prayer to Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ – a thought crossed my mind – just before the blowing of the SEVENTH TRUMP very few saints of God will be left. There will come a time when the LORD our God cannot find ten righteous people! As ‘this generation’ continues many of these cities the cup of their iniquity becomes full. And the LORD God has no choice but to exact judgment upon that nation. It is something to ponder.

As our Lord Jesus says concerning the end time – “ … ‘ because lawlessness [sin] will abound the love of many will grow cold.’”

All those in the first resurrection will rise out of their graves as wholly spiritual sons or daughters of Father God and brothers or sisters to our Lord Jesus Christ! They will never have to face death again. Notice –

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed─ in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET]. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible [this sinful nature] must put on incorruptible [wholly spiritual nature; the very character of God], and this mortal [flesh and blood] must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” – 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.

He is speaking of those who are called by Father God, and who wholeheartedly repent and change, who are properly baptized and had hands laid upon them, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit in this life – receiving the glorious promise of eternal life through the Holy Spirit which imparts the LORD God’s divine nature – 2 Peter 1:4.

But, what about the billions and billions of people who had lived and had never even heard of our Lord Jesus Christ ─ the Savior for all mankind!? All our peoples past, present, and immediate future, who were and are kept from the glorious knowledge of the Eternal One!? – cf. Mark 4:11-12.

The SECOND Resurrection

The Apostle John was told by our Lord Jesus Christ, “’ What you see [in Spirit], write in a book …’” And he describes a SECOND resurrection –

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven [the atmosphere] fled away. And there was found no place for them.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books [the Holy Bible] were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books [the Holy Bible].

The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades [the grave] delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works” – Revelation 20:11-13.

Notice that the Book of Life is also opened. Meaning that they are then offered to receive eternal life. It truly will be a time when the whole of humanity will come to know the LORD God – the family of God! And a time when they are offered true and heartfelt repentance, proper baptism and of hands laid upon them, and the gifting of the Spirit of God!

“ … ‘ Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, … I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, … Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,’ says the LORD’” – Ezekiel 37:1-14.

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

Our LORD God’s message is clear ─ and as the Apostle Paul admonishes, it’s time to awaken from the darkness and see and receive the Light!

The LORD God’s living word is sure! It will happen! Any claim to be an atheist, an agnostic, or even an atheist spiritualist (whatever that means), will not change the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. Nor will it change the reality concerning life, death, and what happens after death.

Our LORD God even warns that just because one disbelieves, it will not be an excuse –

“For the wrath of God IS REVEALED from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress THE TRUTH in unrighteousness.

Because what may be known of God IS MANIFEST IN THEM, FOR GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes ARE CLEARLY SEEN, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE” – Romans 1:18-20.

The Apostle Paul also writes, “DO NOT BE DECEIVED, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption [death], but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” – Galatians 6:7-8.

“For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written:

‘As I live, says the LORD,

Every knee shall bow to Me,

And every tongue shall confess to God.’” – Romans 14:10, 11. □

Bibliography

1 Schwenker, A., Why Cells Die, MIT Technology Review, 1 March 2003, Retrieved 15 July 2023.

2 Why Did the Ancient Egyptians Mummify Their Dead? Here’s the Answer, HistoryPlex.

3 Wang, M., If We All End Up Dying, What’s the Purpose of Living? Medium.com, 1 Aug. 2015.

4 Mirza, U., Immortality of the Soul, The Jewish Encyclopedia, Vol. VI, 1912, pgs. 564, 565.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND BOOKLETS REGARDING THIS SUBJECT

What Is Repentance? A Morning Bible Study

Just what does it mean to repent? Is real repentance just an emotional feeling? Is it just merely feeling sorry for having made some mistakes in life!? What is God's definition of true repentance? Let us here in this Bible Study examine what true repentance is and is not, detailing what God's definition of real repentance truly is.

Water Baptism? A Morning Bible Study

When someone finally comes to recognize and understand that they have been living a life contrary to the holy immutable Law and very purpose of their Creator, what should they then do next!?

Is God's Spirit Within You? A Morning Bible Study

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tells us that we will know a true Christian by their fruits – Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33-35. Is God’s Spirit within you? Are you a Spirit-begotten child of our living God – and how can you tell!?

The Confusion About Death! (Booklet)

What is death? What will happen AFTER death? There is grave confusion that exists in our culture concerning death and in particular the fate of the dead. It's a complex web of conflicting religious dogma that leads to a whole plethora of thoughts, teachings, and beliefs. Here are the answers to many of your questions from God's divine Word - the Holy Bible!

The Two Resurrections (Booklet)

TODAY, Christianity is divided as never before into literally hundreds of different sects, divisions, and denominations - with a plethora of interpretations concerning life, death, the hereafter, and the resurrections. But why should there be so many different ideas regarding God's clear and plain TRUTH!?

From the Beginning... God's Master Plan!

If God did see that we would eventually “fall” under the weight of sin, did He have a plan that would somehow rectify the situation?

Think About This ... Forgiveness

by Guy LaMar

Brethren, here are some Scriptures of inspiration – from God’s living word.

Upon the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, He will bring with Him His mighty angels, and out of His mouth goes His living word – sharper than any two-edged sword, shining brighter than the sun in its full strength! And, when we see Him, we will fall at His feet as dead. He will say to us, ‘Do not be afraid; I AM the First and the Last.’

Let us also be reminded, brethren ─

“’ But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, …’”

FORGIVENESS IS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I FORGIVE HIM? Up to seven times?’

Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but UP TO SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN.’” – Matthew 18:21-22.

“’ For IF YOU FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’” – Matthew 6:14-15.

“ ‘ … whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets [the Law of Moses and the books consisting of the prophets of God].’” – Matthew 7:12.

Speaking primarily concerning the possibly twelve end-time prophets ending in only the ‘two witnesses’(see Rev. 11:3-12), our Lord Jesus says, “’ Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness [recall 1 John 3:4] will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.’” – Matthew 24:9-14.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, tenderhearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32.

“’ And whenever you stand praying, if you have ANYTHING AGAINST ANYONE, FORGIVE HIM, that you Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you DO NOT forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” – Mark 11:25-26.

Why!? Is it for their benefit!? No. It’s for your benefit! Notice –

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.” – Proverbs 25:22.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this point –

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’” – Romans 12:19-20.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and THE TRUTH [God’s living word] is not in us. If we confess our sins [confess only to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8-10.

Brethren, the Apostle Paul admonishes us –

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only DO NOT use liberty as an opportunity FOR THE FLESH, but through love [the love of God; the Greek word agape] serve one another.

For the law [the whole of the Ten Commandments] is fulfilled in ONE WORD, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

But if you bite and devour one another, BEWARE lest you be consumed by one another!” – Galatians 5:13-15.

Our beloved Paul explains that THE FLESH and THE SPIRIT are in conflict with each other within us, thus it is necessary that we deny any sinful desires and obey the Holy Spirit – the very mind of the LORD God!

“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren … We urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to LEAD A QUIET LIFE, to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, and TO WORK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10, 11-12.

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes [religiously or academically], knowing that they generate strife. And A SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT QUARREL but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, IF GOD PERHAPS WILL GRANT THEM REPENTANCE, so that they may know THE TRUTH, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:22-26.

“Let NO CORRUPT WORD [including any FALSE DOCTRINE] proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29.

“REMIND them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. … But shun PROFANE and IDLE babblings [gossiping], for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like [canker; meaning gangrene, the local loss of blood supply – spread by an infection]. …” – 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 17.

King Solomon, who was blessed with great wisdom and knowledge from the LORD God adds –

“He who goes about as a [tattletale] reveals secrets; Therefore DO NOT associate with one [who gossips] with his lips.” – Proverbs 20:19.

“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no [tattletale], strife ceases.” – Proverbs 26:20.

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his [life] from troubles.” – Proverbs 21:23.

“A perverse man [a person involved in moral error] sows strife, And a whisperer [a gossiper] separates the best of friends.” – Proverbs 16:28.

“Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.” – Proverbs 10:18.

“He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.” – Proverbs 17:9.

And the Apostle James, a very brother to our Lord Jesus Christ says –

“If ANYONE among you thinks he is religious, and DOES NOT bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

PURE and UNDEFILED RELIGION before God [our Lord Jesus Christ] and the Father [God the Father] is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:26-27. □

Additional Things To Think About ...

A New Sodom and Gomorrah - A guy that is involved with the University of North Alabama (UNA) posted something against homosexuals on his own PERSONAL social media account. [...]

Could Jesus Christ Return in 2029? - What about 2030!? What about 2031!? Or, 2039!? [...]

A Soon-Coming Kingdom - Personally, I firmly believe the following – and it surely makes a lot of wonderful sense. It certainly beats believing – and having never been shown God’s truth [...]

Personal From ... Armstrong Religion

Leonard V. Johnson   About

Throughout my proclaiming God’s living Word, Truth, and Plan of God ─ the glorious Gospel message. The very message preached by JESUS CHRIST and His Church, concerning the history of our Lord Jesus of Nazareth, and His soon-coming kingdom to this earth. Including the very message of what our Lord Jesus had done in the past, what He is doing now, and what He will do. The message of the NEW COVENANT ─ I had never been called a “spiritual murderer”! But, today I have!

Let me give you the skinny of what happened.

The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries shares many of our posts and publications with our affiliated church - a Facebook group page - The Independent Christian Church of God – administered by Minister Guy LaMar. And there was a posting from a group page calling itself “Recapturing Tomorrow.” Apparently, this administrator has many Facebook group pages, there’s also one called “Samuel W Kitchen” which its intro states, “A third-generation baptized member of the Worldwide Church of God (WCOG). Asst. Editor @ The Worldwide Church of God Archives”

Well, with the grace of the LORD God – and as I said in a 2021 Personal – in 2018 I had accepted a challenge. A multi-month intense Bible study. Breaking down and methodically going through each doctrine of God’s living word – I truly wanted to understand and know biblical truth and knowledge and to properly distinguish, differentiate, and discern between biblical truth and biblical error. I needed to erase the chalkboard – but not forget – everything I was taught for those 3 ½ years that I had attended the WCOG.

I discovered that the WCOG was based upon biblical truths and partial truths! I discovered that I was not, nor could I, just go along with the crowd.

The religion of Armstrongism is very much alive! 

 It’s a religion of Satan the devil!

On The Independent Christian Church of God Facebook group page this “member” had posted an article concerning the LGBTQ+. And it was great that he was warning that “parents need to protect their children, … If they aren't following God 100% they will lead their children into the hands of perverts who will teach them the ways that will destroy them and bring them suffering.” But, you could easily see in that writeup that he was attacking anyone that didn’t think or believe that Herbert W. Armstrong was an apostle.

I don’t normally respond ─ and if you follow my Facebook page you know this to be true ─ back to these sycophants. But, God’s Spirit moved me, and I responded – this is what I wrote – 

“Dear Brother, be not deceived. Our LORD God is not calling them - yet.

Let us, dear brother, “’ seek FIRST AND FOREMOST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ...’” Do not worry about trying to “save” or proselytize those who have no knowledge or understanding of the living Word of God, Truth of God, or Plan of God.

Also, Herbert W. (let's not forget the W) Armstrong was NOT an “apostle.” PLEASE read and or listen to our articles! cf. Look to Jesus. 

To JESUS CHRIST BE THE GLORY!

LOOK TO JESUS - look to no mortal man.

Also, as you state, “Sodom and Gomorrah had similar LGBTQ lifestyles. They celebrated their pride and went on a march” is at the least conjecture. In an article I state: “Why were Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain destroyed!? Certainly, homosexuality along with all sexual immoralities was rampant in other cities of the world at that time!? Yet, unlike Sodom and Gomorrah, they were not destroyed. Why were they not!?”

True there was grave homosexuality in those cities, but there was much more that our LORD God was concerned with – 

I go on to say in that article, “In Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain it no longer shocked their sensibility if one saw a homeless person impoverished, or the worship of a modern-day false idol – such as Beyoncé. ... As Sodom became, the United States of America (as well as the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations) are now at the point in which social and sexual values are not bound by any stable spiritual or social rule – lifestyles can be whatever each individual wants. ...

Our societies are truly in the depths of what can be labeled a “gutter society.” And what we are witnessing in our nations in ‘this generation’ is truly just the tip of our gutter societies within our cities.”

Truly, truly, our Lord Jesus Christ asks, " ...’ When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?’"

Not just faith of those God the Father has called out of this wicked, perverse, and adulterous world, but also faith in general. As in - faith in a Creator God. Notice this BBC Science Focus report from 2021. 

From a spiritual standpoint, why did God DIVIDE the LIGHT from DARKNESS? Was it merely to create a day and a night in our physical world? The answer is no. The entire spiritual Plan of God can be summed up in this one verse – Genesis 1:4.

God is telling us His whole plan right from the beginning of the Bible, and He repeats it at the end - Revelation 22:16 – “’ I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I AM the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’” 

Verse 17 – “And the Spirit and the bride [the living Church of Jesus Christ] say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” – again we see Acts 26:18 – “ …’ in order to turn them from DARKNESS to LIGHT, …’” 

Our Lord Jesus emphatically says, " ... ‘the night [the darkness] is coming when no one can work. As long as I AM in the world [along with those that belong to and follow Him], I AM the light of the world.’"

Sadly, those of those abominable sexually perverted lifestyles will not see our Lord Jesus’ Light in this lifetime, unless God the Father calls them out of this growing darkness. 😢

Thank you for your work in Christ. And WARNING this world of our LORD God's soon-coming wrath! - cf. Ezekiel 33:11.”

He responded back by saying, “I am speaking to those within the Worldwide Church of God in this article.”

At first I asked myself – does he know that the WCOG is a defunct organization!? But, it is apparent that an Armstrong religion is being kept alive in this 21st century present evil age!

I suppose if I had praised and worshiped Herbert W. Armstrong, he would not have attacked me!? But I instead praised and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ! I glory no man.

The Apostle Paul writes, “For though I preach the gospel, I have NOTHING TO GLORY OF …” – 1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV. 

I gave and will continue to give glory to JESUS CHRIST!

I had and have great respect, admiration, and love for Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong and Mr. Garner Ted Armstrong. They, I knew. But, these sycophants are umbrellaing under their name and prestige for financial gain. 

He comments back – 

“But concerning you...

Your words are an attempt to undermine the fact Herbert W. Armstrong is an apostle, a true apostle of Jesus Christ just like Paul of Tarsus was an apostle of Jesus Christ.

I was emphasizing that, because men and women like yourself tend to de-emphasize it, so they can “get away with murder” (so to speak), and can assume certain authority over doctrine, and therefore control over the people. You do not want to scare away new potential money sending donors, and so “washing the subject out” to a less “pointed” take is what your trying to advise me to do. … you are standing in the crossways (Obadiah) and would rather suppress the call to remembrance.” 

In that same Personal I asked – is it not clear that there are, even today, two groups!? This grave division of these two basic groups is with us even to this day. I was speaking about, in that Personal, the great division between God’s Church and this world’s churches. But, this can also apply to the fact that there is, even today, a great division between God’s Church – Jesus Christ’s “’ little flock’” – and the “Church of Armstrong,” which has many splinter groups. 

Notice this quote from Minister Michael C. Garrett –

“Yes, Worldwide was a very unique outfit, and it flourished for a long time, but eventually its leaders started to think of themselves as being MORE IMPORTANT than God. And its leaders were fascinated with power and control. And I think that Worldwide had its lampstand yanked and thrown away! I’ve heard several people over the years say, “Well, Satan destroyed the Worldwide Church of God!” No, Satan couldn’t have touched the Worldwide Church of God IF God didn’t allow it! But I think God is up to here with the Worldwide Church of God! He was up to here with the hubris, the arrogance, the haughtier, the self-promotion, the self-lining of pockets, the positions, and sense of power.” 1

We hold this truth to be self-evident - let facts be submitted to a candid world.

What is an Apostle – According to God’s living word!?

In Koine Greek, the Apostle Paul (cf. Romans 1:1) uses the word apostolos – meaning an apostle, a representative, a messenger, an envoy, a divinely appointed founder of the Church. And, there are two primary uses for the word apostle. 1) specifically referring to the twelve apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2) a generic term referring to other individuals who are sent out to be messengers or ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These twelve apostles are referred to in several places throughout God’s living word – 

“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus [Judas son of James] whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.” – Matthew 10:2-4. 

“Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. …” – Mark 3:14- 18, 19.

“But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.” – Mark 4:10.

“And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.” – Mark 6:7.

“And He sat down, called the twelve, and said …” – Mark 9:35.

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. … In the evening He came with the twelve.” – Mark 14:10, 17.

“He answered and said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, …’” – Mark 14:20.

“And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also names apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.” – Luke 6:13-16.

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” – Luke 9:1.

“When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.” – Luke 22:14.

“He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.” – John 6:71. 

“Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, …” – Acts 6:2.

“and that He was seen by Cephas, and then by the twelve.” – 1 Corinthians 15:5.

These were the twelve apostles – Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon the Zealot, Jude (Thaddeus), Judas Iscariot (who was replaced with Matthias). The first messengers of the glorious gospel message after the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. And, it was these twelve apostles who were the FOUNDATION of the Church of God!

We – built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone – continue to bring you the great and awesome message of God - which is based upon the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. Our mission and our purpose is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ, when He said, “’ FEED MY SHEEP!’” We do the will of God the Father and Jesus Christ - to preach the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, of the opportunity for all of us, to have Jesus Christ as our great High Priest and to live under the promises of the New Covenant, and to someday be a part of the glorious Kingdom of God!

To be clear: this type of apostle is NOT present in God’s Church today. The qualifications to be this type of an apostle were –

1. To have been a witness of the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

“Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?” – 1 Corinthians 9:1.

      2. To have been explicitly chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.’” – Acts 9:15.

      3. To have the ability to perform signs and wonders.

“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” – Acts 2:43. 

“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.” – 2 Corinthians 12:12.

Now, there were a few in the New Testament who were called an apostle in a generic sense. Such as Barnabas – Acts 14:14. And, the same Greek word translated as an “apostle” is used in reference to Titus – 2 Corinthians 8:23. As well as Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25. So, the term apostle can be used to refer to a “messenger” of the gospel besides the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Anyone who was “sent” could technically be called an apostle.

However, there is a growing number of people who are calling themselves an apostle with the same office as the twelve apostles. This is BLASPHEMOUS! The majority of the time those claiming this position seek authority equal to, or rivaling, the authority of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ! There is absolutely no biblical evidence to support such an understanding of the role of apostle today! Truly, this would fit with the LORD God’s dire warning of a false apostle –

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13. 

Brethren, in a sense, and in a generic term we are all to be ambassadors for Christ Jesus! Notice – 

“And Jesus came and spoke to the, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples [teach] of all the 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; and lo, I AM with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” – Matthew 28:18-20.

“Now all things ARE OF GOD, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

NOW THEN, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.

Brethren, we are all ambassadors for Christ – not just one individual!

It's sad to know that a great many people who followed (or even follow today) Herbert W. Armstrong, called him an apostle equal to the apostles of Christ Jesus! And, many would even say to him, "But you are also our "Father in Christ."    Is this not a title they give to the Catholic pope!?

Brethren, the Apostle Peter saw too in his day, writing that "false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, EVEN DENYING THE LORD who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." - 2 Peter 2:1.

Remember, our Lord Jesus Christ says that the Holy Spirit which will reside within us will TESTIFY OF HIM! -

"'But when the Helper comes, [which] I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth [which] proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.'" - John 15:26.

Let us, dear brethren, bear witness to Jesus Christ - of what our Lord Jesus had done in the past, what He is doing now, and what He will do. Not any mortal man. □