Do You Know Your Enemy?

                                                                                            Satan the devil and his minions look like a lamb, but within are roaring lions seeking to devour!     Photo created by Leonard Johnson

by Leonard V Johnson

The LORD God’s living word tells us that Satan the devil is as a roaring lion. Are you aware of Satan’s tactics and do you know how to defend yourself against this evil that is devouring!?

I was shocked when my mother-in-law screamed at me the other day out of the blue, “You’re in a cult! You’re going to hell!” Her words stabbed deeply into me. Now, she has been recently diagnosed as having dementia – more specifically alcohol-related dementia. I couldn’t help but think of God’s living word when the apostle Paul was berated by a certain fortune-telling servant girl – saying to them sarcastically, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” It is revealed to us that Satan’s method is to deceive and that he and his minions have the power to place thoughts, suggestions, or impulses into unsuspecting human minds – unless we are alertly on guard against it.

True Christians are often attacked because those of this world insist that we should just accept all of these degradations as “our way of life.” And I’m speaking of our brethren all around the world who are victims – people who fear God, accept Jesus Christ and obey His commandments, accept the principles of the New Covenant, properly understand the kingdom of God, the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God! Our brethren who have been called of Father, repented, baptized, and have had hands laid upon them – receiving the glorious gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who indeed try – with the help of God’s Spirit – to live a life in accordance with God’s living Word – the Holy Bible. As a servant of the LORD God I have planted seeds, tried picking out thorns which others have planted – and I’ve seen the faces of those who have laughed at me, have spit at me, screamed at me to leave them alone. I have personally explained to many about the glorious hope of the gospel message, of the potentiality of eternal life, and the great hope of the resurrection of the dead in Christ into the very family of God. And, of one I have in mind, who had indulged in a lifestyle which God abhors and finds abominable, rolling her eyes and laughing at me.

I personally have had several experiences with invisible agents.

In the early years of my life, about 1976, I experienced for nearly two weeks, every time that I began to drift off to sleep, I was struck on the head with something that wasn’t there. It would hurt something fierce.

Once, while driving over the road, I had a black man approach me – dressed to the nines – and ask me for a ride – which reminded me of the story of the crossroads. An old fable story among the blues community in the South about a musician who took his guitar down to the crossroads at midnight to be greeted by a satanic stranger. I didn’t give him a ride!

Another time, late in 2006, I encountered another experience.

After spending nearly two hours in prayer to Father God and our Lord Jesus in the truck, I went and had dinner in the truck stop restaurant. When I was finished eating, I was paying my bill at the register. A man came up behind me and suddenly stopped – backing away from me as if he’d seen a ghost. A frightened look came across his face! He wouldn’t come near me. After I paid my bill I turned to move towards him, and he began shaking and looked as if he was ready to fall onto the floor. I just walked away from him without saying a word.

Once, while I was traveling through the mountains of Nevada a strange thing happened. I heard a voice call out, “Pull over immediately!” I thought I was just hearing things, so I continued driving down the road for at least another ten miles. I heard the same voice again, this time a little louder. Still thinking I was just hearing things, I continued driving, when the voice a third time was heard, this time even louder and emphatic: “PULL OVER NOW!” I finally saw a rest area and quickly pulled in. I parked and went into the sleeper and spoke with Father God and our Lord Jesus while lying on the bunk. Lying there with my eyes closed, I soon saw in my mind’s eye a vision of a green tanker truck traveling in front of me driving recklessly, swerving and passing vehicles aggressively. Finally, the green tanker swerved too much and careened over – bursting into flames just in front of my truck! After lying there for a little while, I got back up, caught my logbook up, and returned again to the highway. At the very next on-ramp, there was that truck I had seen in my vision parked on the side of the road! I began to praise and thank Almighty God and our Lord Jesus over and over again! After about thirty minutes the tanker passed me doing about 90 mph and out of sight he went. I never saw him again.

In early 2010, I had stopped in my car at a truck stop early in the morning to get some coffee. And, after purchasing the coffee and exiting the building. I hurried to my car. I got in and jumped behind the wheel – closing the door quickly. Suddenly, I heard a voice say, “Look Up!” When I did there was an evil-looking man standing directly in front of the car staring at me. He stared at me for a few more minutes, then turned and walked away. The voice a second time said, “See, all these many years, I have kept you safe.” I began to cry and praise Almighty God!

A Roaring Lion

Satan the devil is an adversary to true Christians! The apostle Peter – through God’s living Spirit – warns us that “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” – 1 Peter 5:8.

Truly, what I have experienced in these five decades is that ‘Satan has desired to have [me], that he may sift [me] as wheat.’ – cf. Luke 22:31.

Over and over throughout Scripture, it speaks about Satan the devil being there causing a thorn – a roadblock – among God’s people hindering them somehow. He tries to get the advantage over true Christians – our Master calling him ‘the enemy’ – Luke 10:19. If we resist him – he must flee from us! In the Book of Ephesians chapter 6 – the apostle Paul uses a term called “the wiles of the devil.” The Greek word he uses is methodeia, meaning “scheming, or craftiness, a strategy.”

It's like - yesterday my wife and I spent all afternoon filing at the Clerk of the Circuit Court a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against her mother’s abusive boyfriend, only to have the judge say we don’t have enough “evidence”! Satan the devil uses certain individuals to attack and torment begotten children of God. He has been trying to defame my name and unjustifiably ruin my reputation. These vicious attacks have been going on for four months!

It’s difficult to imagine a world without the influence of Satan the devil and his minions. The grave influences of this demonic world in our movies, television, radio, literature, the governments of the world, in the weather, and the health of this world – the land, the sea, the atmosphere – are incalculable!

But what is even more important is the constant drain upon the human heart and mind of man – even a man of God. The havoc which reeks upon this world – of the outlook, the true happiness, and dignity of the human families – can only be compared with the Great Flood which had encompassed this earth!

You may have heard the saying, “You must know your enemy.” Because when you know your enemy, it is easier to defeat him. In prayer last night to Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ I was reprimanded in remembering that there are in this world multiple thousands of people who are going through tribulations much greater than mine. Our enemy wants us to believe that our tribulation is greater than anyone else’s. In Israel alone, our brethren are being viciously and heinously attacked by the enemy! I was ashamed that I had been so self-absorbed and preoccupied with my own feelings and situation to the point that it was beginning to “devour me.” Let us be reminded always that in Jesus we have peace – “ … ‘In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’” – John 16:33.

Satan Is Camouflaged

We are told by the apostle Paul – through the inspiration of God’s living Spirit – that “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” He is perfectly camouflaged to the world at large. Like the tares in a wheat field, his “ministers of righteousness” blend in with Jesus’ flock. Their religious-sounding words merge with the living truth of God, transforming themselves into “apostles of Christ.” Satan is quite visible masquerading as an “angel of light.” The greater majority of our peoples believe he is something he is not.

But as the Universal Law of Cause and Effect states: Every cause or action has a specific and predictable effect. Look at the world around us – there is a cause for all the evil. God’s living word tells us that cause.

In a series of Personals I began writing, I went over Some Prehistory Facts. And I began with the rebellion of the evil one – Satan the devil. Because of this rebellion physical destruction occurred to the earth! Notice this – Genesis 1:2, “The earth [became] without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” The Hebrew words that our great patriarch and prophet Moses used are tohu and bohu – which truly means “chaotic and in confusion.”

Hêlēl (in Hebrew #1966), Lucifer in Latin – meaning “shining one” – became known as Satan the devil and rebelled, influencing a third of the holy angels to follow his rebellion and an attempted coup d'état of the Third Heaven – the very throne of the Master of the universe! He attempted to seize the very GOVERNMENT of the entire universe! – cf. Revelation 12:4; Jude 1:6.

Satan the devil did not want to continue in the beautification of the earth – preparing it for the age of man. And as I have said before - we learn from God’s living word that angels were never meant to rule the earth or the universe – “the world to come” cf. Hebrews 2:5. He became filled with pride and jealousy – cf. Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28.

But “pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” – Proverbs 16:18.

A great battle for the control of the universe literally caused great physical destruction upon the earth – Genesis 1:2. Truly, between the first verse and the second verse of Genesis chapter 1, billions of years could have passed. The earth BECAME chaotic and void, and DARKNESS (of which Satan and his demons are) was on the face of the deep. The very word “deep” in Hebrew is tehôm, meaning “depths, with the associative meanings of darkness and secrecy, controlled or inhabited by mysterious powers.”

Looks Like A Lamb

Lambs are as beautiful as a newborn child. Are gentle and kind. They each have, like human beings, their own individual personalities. They can be bold, or they can be shy. They can behave collectively or alone. And, if you take time to assess who’s who in a herd you find that its structure is determined by an INDIVIDUAL SHEEP and their relationship with other sheep. 1 In photographs lambs are adorable, cuddly, and playful.

But realize this: Satan the devil and his minions look like a lamb – they have the pretense of gentleness and innocence. But, they have a diabolical nature about them. They do not ever appear as a ferocious beast. Satan and his insatiable cohorts palm themselves off as lambs – “angels of light” and “ministers of righteousness”  – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15.

Satan the devil and his minions look attractive and appealing. And this world – with its cares, its entertainment, its pursuits – certainly looks appealing and enjoyable. But within the seemingly innocuous outside exterior lurks a ferocious beast that is ready to attack your jugular and gorge itself upon you. Like the structure of a herd of sheep is determined by an individual sheep, Satan the devil wants his unwary followers to snuggle close to his “ministers of righteousness” to lure them away from ever truly seeing the light of Christ.

Territorial

Our physical and spiritual enemy – again, is likened to a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” And, like a lion, Satan and his minions are extremely territorial. He and his minions roam around their territory seeking to kill you. He and a third of the angels were cast to the earth and are confined to this planet and its atmosphere.

And speaking of Satan the devil and his minions being “cast to the earth” ─ when it comes to UFOs─ even though I believe that the majority of UFO sightings are simply mistaken identity, only about 2-5% of all UFO sightings are truly unidentified objects in the sky─ 2 how can any physical object, no matter how old an “advanced race” becomes (which is based wholly on evolution), defy the laws of physics!? Truly, this is more spiritual than natural.

Author Gary Bates summarizes –

“They [UFOs] are already here. Some way and somehow they appear to be emanating from our own planet. They are visible yet do not seem to be real physical objects. In other words, they do not seem to be bound by the same physical laws as the rest of our material/natural world.” 3

Since the very beginning of the world, Satan the devil and his followers have been deceiving people into believing there is no true LORD God, becoming the “god of this age” having blinded those “who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” – 2 Corinthians 4:4.

And what an ingenious way! Satan and his demons want to confuse people and keep them from having the gospel of Christ shine upon them. What better way to confuse an advanced technological world ─ than truly an evolutionary humanistic religion called UFO religion.

Every nation, province, country, and territory is Satan the devil’s killing ground. He leads a legion of demons seeking what suffering they can cause – cf. Mark 5:1-13.

We are warned by the apostle Jude – under divine inspiration – “But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11) Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam [a pagan seer, in the time of Moses], for profit, … 12) THESE ARE SPOTS IN YOUR LOVE FEASTS, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13) raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; WANDERING STARS for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” – Jude 1:10-13.

In God’s living word it is true that the kingdoms of this world are likened to “beasts” – cf. Daniel 7:17.

As Alexander the Great was known to have said, “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Lions, with their huge manes and rather majestic appearance, have been considered the king of beasts since time immemorial. And like a lion, Satan the devil leads his legion (within the limits that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ allow) to influence all kingdoms of the world. He can raise to the highest of positions the very dogs of humanity. Truly, Satan the devil is the god of this world – as surprising as that may sound – 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Brethren and friends, God’s living word is clear. Satan the devil stalks stealthily through the spiritual blindness, using cunningness and deception to get close to his prey. He is always trying to catch us off guard and for us to turn our backs upon Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ! And like a lion, Satan the devil prefers to attack the weak rather than the strong.

And, the begotten children of Father God – the Church of Jesus Christ, cf. John 6:44; 17:9-26 – are especially appetizing to Satan the devil and his minions! Our part in the glorious Plan of the LORD God makes us big game. And a child of God who has some besetting spiritual weakness is like a lamb separated from the “Individual Sheep” – “‘the Door,’” cf. John 10:7-10.

But, if any of us find ourselves spiritually weak and being attacked by our physical and spiritual enemy, cry out unto God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! As our beloved King David had done! –

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. 2) From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to THE ROCK that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:1-2.

“Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. 2) Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity, 3) Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows – bitter words.” – Psalm 64:1-3.

God Bless. □

Bibliography:

1) Bekoff, M. Ph.D., Why Sheep Matter: They're Intelligent, Emotional, and Unique, Psychology Today, 12.5.2019.

2) Gary Bates. Alien Intrusion. Updated and Expanded Edition. (Powder Springs: Creation Book Publishers, 2004). Pg. 16.

3) Ibid. 156.

What Is the Kingdom of God?

by Leonard Johnson

You can now listen to this article. Just click on the orange play button below.

COJCOM · What Is the Kingdom of God? Audio Article

Multiple millions of people believe that the Church is the Kingdom of God. Then there are others who believe the Kingdom is an emotional feeling inside your heart. Here is the true answer from God’s living word – the Holy Bible.

This subject excites us like no other! But, in this world, it creates more confusion like no other. The “Kingdom of God.”

A plethora of ideas are being taught around the world concerning the glorious Kingdom of God. As an example Microsoft Bing – when asked the question “What is the Kingdom of God?” lists first – “The Kingdom of God is the realm where God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is King. It is not a physical or political territory, but a spiritual and moral domain.” Got Questions isn’t any better – with their “reviewed” answer, they vaguely and broadly answer (reviewed for biblical and theological accuracy by their staff) – “Broadly speaking, the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal, sovereign God over all the universe.” Have you heard these types of answers!?

You probably have, because these vague, spiritually sounding ideas about the Kingdom of God are worldwide.

Truly, is the Kingdom of God something you can understand? Is it a mystery? Or is it something that like the false doctrine of the Trinity — cannot be understood logically!?

ARE YOU ABLE TO LEARN WHAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD TRULY IS!?

The apostle Peter exhorts everyone who earnestly desires the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2 Peter 3:18. The apostle Jude wrote – under divine inspiration of our living God – “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS” – Jude 1:3.

Do you truly know what God’s living word says concerning the Kingdom of God, or have you, like the multiple millions worldwide, just taken for granted what your preacher or priest is teaching today!? As I pointed out in the examples, sadly the majority of our peoples have been hearing a syrupy, vague, false gospel – which actually DENIES the Message of our Lord Jesus Christ from Father God concerning the glorious soon-coming Kingdom of God!

Let’s search God’s living word and “prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21, NET.

Definition of a Kingdom

Back in December 1998, I bought my wife a Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition – which states that the definition of a kingdom is “1 archaic: KINGSHIP. 2: a politically organized community or major TERRITORIAL unit having a monarchial form of GOVERNMENT headed by a king or queen.” 1

Surely, the same people who just fatally and glibly spout off their ideas about what they think the Kingdom of God is KNOW THIS TRUE DEFINITION! A kingdom. We might immediately think of the United Kingdom. A literal and actual “territorial unit having a monarchial form of government headed by” King Charles III. Is the United Kingdom physical? Is the United Kingdom political? Or, is it something that is just “set up in the hearts of men”!?

In fact, going back to the fatal Got Questions – and I use the word fatal because they (whom they call “dedicated and trained servants”) are leading our peoples astray and are causing great confusion give this very answer to the question - What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, KJV)?

“The kingdom would not be inaugurated with spectacle or splendor; … God was ruling in the hearts of some people, and the King Himself was standing among them, … There are three popular interpretations of Jesus’ words … 1) the kingdom of God is essentially inward, within man’s heart; 2) the kingdom is within your reach if you make the right choices; and 3) the kingdom of God is in your midst in the person and presence of Jesus.” 2

At the end of the article, they appease everyone and actually give an answer close to the truth. So, they cover all their bases – they certainly wouldn’t want to offend anyone.

There are four things necessary for a KINGDOM: 1) territory. A specific location and definite boundary lines. 2) A Monarch. A supreme ruler or government agent. 3) Subjects or citizens within the territory. 4) LAW for the kingdom. If we leave out any of these vital requisites, we cannot have and cannot believe, the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Let’s go through these four points, proving the truth of God from the living word of God.

Territory of the Kingdom of God

Any kingdom must occupy a certain given TERRITORY! The kingdom must govern subjects within a marked territory.

Sadly, the majority of our peoples are trying to spiritualize away the true meaning of the Kingdom of God. And, the “kingdom of God” is used as a catch-all phrase (much like the phrase Armageddon) to define their idealism of what men hope to attain someday through their own efforts. Then there are those who believe and teach that the churches will someday “evangelize” the entire world and will unite into a common church – the Roman Catholic Church teaches that the church exists to evangelize. The Catholics are completely confused – they don’t appear to know what to think. “The Kingdom is not a thing, it is not a geographical dominion like worldly kingdoms. It is a person; it is he. [sic] On this interpretation, the term ‘Kingdom of God’ is itself a veiled Christology. … The Kingdom of God resides in the heart of man. … the kingdom of God is in the here and now, present in and through the Church.” 3

IT'S SAD TO SEE SUCH CONFUSION!

Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself says, “’ The law and the prophets [the Old Testament] were until John [John the Baptist]. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.’” – Luke 16:16. The very gospel that our Lord Jesus Christ brought from God the Father was the Message of the soon-coming Kingdom (a ruling government) of God!

“’ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me’” – John 14:24.

WHERE did our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ say the Kingdom of God would be?

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you rightly understand, clearly, just WHAT gospel our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought from God the Father!

Also, just WHAT gospel was sent unto the Gentiles. In the spring of 1981, I came to rightly understand that this world’s “traditional Christianity” teaches and preaches different gospels! Certainly, this is something each individual has to prove to themselves! And, your Bible says that Satan the devil has ‘deceived the whole world!’ – Revelation 12:9.

During His ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ explained to His disciples (Luke 19:11-27) that He (this ‘certain nobleman’ in His parable) “ … ‘went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom …’” But that He would first have to return to God the Father in the upper heavenly realms – “ … ‘and to return.’”

Now, in the Book of Daniel, the 7th chapter is a vision that describes this coronation –

“I watched in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days [God the Father], And they brought Him near before Him, 14) Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed” – Daniel 7:13-15.

In the upper heavenly realm, He will be given, officially, this Kingship; and there will supervise the Work of God in preparing and training brethren for His kingdom – to be co-rulers in His Government.

Where is our Lord Jesus going to be!? Notice Acts 1:10-11 – “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven [the atmosphere] as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11) who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? THIS SAME JESUS, who was taken up from you into heaven, WILL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER as you saw Him go into heaven [the atmosphere].’”

Just as plain as day! He’s coming back to the Earth, His residence is on the Earth, He’s gonna live on the Earth for all eternity and we’re gonna be with Him! It’s just amazing!

In the Book of Daniel the 2nd chapter – and in fact we have a series of free no-obligation online booklets written by Minister Michael C. Garrett which covers the Book of Daniel in great detail. Be sure to check those three booklets out! But, here, I just want to briefly go over this. I want to cover what an incredible dream that King Nebuchadnezzar II had – and the prophet Daniel was invited to come and interpret it. King Nebuchadnezzar II saw in his dream this great image – with ‘a head of gold, the breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.’ Speaking about FOUR successive world-dominating kingdoms down through history. Its feet partly of iron and partly of clay were represented as the last world-ruling kingdom to exist before the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ. Verse 34 – “You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35) … And the stone that struck the image became A GREAT MOUNTAIN and filled the whole earth” – Daniel 2:31-35.

The LORD God speaks of a kingdom as a MOUNTAIN – Prophet Micah was inspired to record the following:

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

On EARTH As It Is In Heaven

The Old Testament also teaches of the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ TO THE EARTH! Turn with me to the Book of Proverbs, chapter 24, verse 20 –

“For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” – there won’t be a reward for the evil man.

Surely that means there will be a reward for a righteous man – and what is this reward!? How does one receive this reward!? Do you receive this reward – now!? No, it’s not while you’re alive in this physical body.

Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 10 –

“Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11) He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them to His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.”

So, the reward is coming with Him. And, the reward is simply what God’s going to give to each individual for the work (see: cf. Acts 26:20 – “do works befitting repentance”) they’ve done while in service to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Isaiah, chapter 62, and verse 11 –

“Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’”

Notice from the New Testament – “For the Lord Himself will DESCEND FROM HEAVEN {which means come down out of the atmosphere} with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet {THE SEVENTH TRUMPET; THE RESURRECTION 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. …” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Clouds. Again Webster’s Dictionary – “1: a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon.” 4

And, your Bible tells us what takes place immediately after our Master, Elder Brother, and Savior gathers His saints – “Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, {be sure to read and study A Morning Bible Study - Just What Is Armageddon? PDF} As He fights in the day of battle. 4) And in that day [the prophesied Day of the LORD] His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east.” – Zechariah 14:3-4.

Our Lord Jesus stated to the disciples and to all of us brethren “’ Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘WHERE I AM GOING, YOU CANNOT COME, … 2) … I go to prepare a place for you. 3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [ON THE EARTH] there you may be also.’” – John 13:33; 14:2-3.

That’s the greatest promise in the Bible!! In fact, nothing comes close to that promise, and yet, many churches – so-called Christian churches – don’t even talk about this, don’t even think about it. It’s not even a part of their doctrine. But here He says, ‘I will come again!’ And there are some church groups that believe that Jesus Christ will return. Again, there’s a lot of confusion about when, where, and how. “…’ and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’” – those are very encouraging Words, but He said, ‘I WILL COME AGAIN!’ Jesus Christ, someday, in the not-too-distant future, is going to return to this Earth, and when He does – or just before He does and as He does – there will be the Day of the Lord. It is a date in future history where Jesus Christ directly confronts rebellious evil sinful mankind and will punish this present evil age, and quite literally, break it down, and then He will start over! Building a society which is often called the Millennium, the World Tomorrow, it will be the millennial reign of Jesus Christ!

Sadly, very few who profess Jesus Christ actually believe in a Millennial Reign of Christ – even though His living word teaches it (cf. Revelation 20:4-6; see also A Book of the Past – And The Future). The majority who are looking for Jesus believe that He will be a “sweet” Jesus. As in “looks like a lamb” - cf. Revelation 13:11. But in fact, He will not be so sweet ─

For “’ He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’”! – Revelation 2:27.

What about the Roman Catholics – with an estimated 1.2 billion worldwide, according to the Vatican figures!?

Well, officially, they do not believe in a Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ – in spite of the fact that many of their “saints” taught the millennium. The Vatican strongly condemns this doctrine of the Church of God as blasphemous!

“676 The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgment. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the ‘intrinsically perverse’ political form of a secular messianism.”

(https://www.olmca.org/ourpages/users/evillasenor/CatechismCatholicChurch2ndEdition.pdf). 

Notice Revelation 5:10 – “’ And He will make us [a kingdom] and priests to our God; And we shall reign ON THE EARTH.’” – NET.

This EARTH is the TERRITORY that the Kingdom of God will be established!

A Kingdom Requires A Ruler

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

He's coming back to make war – “Now I [the apostle John] saw heaven [again, the atmosphere] opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and IN RIGHTEOUSNESS He judges and makes war. 12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written than no one knew except Himself. 13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD. … 16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19:11-16.

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

Our Lord and Savior ANNOUNCED – “’ All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” – Matthew 28:19. Yet, He also said, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – John 18:36. In other words, of this time, of this age. He was born to be a King. And He said that if we overcome, we would co-rule with Him upon His throne, even as He also overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne.

Just WHERE will He establish His headquarters on earth!?

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

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

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

The Kingdom’s People

Perhaps no other question garners more controversy and argument than the IDENTITY of those who will be in the Kingdom of God. I remember asking a girlfriend’s grandmother this question once back in the ‘80s (she was a devout Mormon). She gave their standard answer, “the church itself is the kingdom of God on the earth.” She certainly didn’t like what I had to say concerning the living truth of God on this subject.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.’” – John 10:27. Also, “’ If you love Me, keep My commandments.’” – John 14:15; 15:10.

The apostle Paul under inspiration – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are [children] of God” – Romans 8:14.

And, God’s divine word tells us who will be in the glorious kingdom of God – and who will not!

Notice – Revelation 22:14-15 – “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [the City of New Jerusalem; the Headquarters of the Kingdom of God]. 15) But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

To Note: Mormons (LDS Church or Mormon Church) keep the Day of the Sun as a day of rest. So, the Mormons are not the begotten children of God – cf. Exodus 20:8-10. Be sure to read Mr. LaMar’s article “Saturday Sabbath with Jews and Sunday with Gentiles?” along with “The Day of the Sun” PDF version.

Unless You Are Born Again

In the Book of John, the 3rd chapter here we read the response that Jesus gave to a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus who was curious in regards as to whether Jesus was really who He said He was. So, here was, in all accounts, an upstanding man in his society who came to Jesus at night – because he didn’t want his neighbors or religious associates to discover that he was conversing with Jesus Christ. Indeed it says in verse 2 – “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs [these miracles] that You do unless God is with him.’” It’s amazing – here it was that he understood that Jesus was someone of extreme importance and that His ability to perform these miracles – he knew that the Man came from God, yet here he was out at night – incognito – so that no one saw him. It reminds us of religious people today. They claim to be Christian but are very afraid to truly keep the commandments of God and have and defend the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus went on to explain, verse 3 – “ … ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

And Nicodemus said in bewilderment – verse 4 – “ …’ How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’”

Notice our Lord Jesus’ response. He says, verse 5 – “ …’ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’”

There is a vast number of people today who believe that they have eternal life as a result of some sort of religious experience. I recall once while my wife and I were driving around one Sunday looking for garage sales, we pulled into a place called the Holy Ground in Hudson, FL. – a homeless shelter for men only. They were having a rather large garage sale. And as we pulled up, off to our right a man was flopping around on the ground like a fish out of water. We must have had shock written on our faces, because suddenly another man came running over to the car and shouted, “It’s alright! He’s got the Holy Ghost in him! He’s just been born again!” We quickly pulled back out of the driveway and left. Also – a dear friend of mine, whom we lost to cancer on April 19th, 2020, swore up and down that Asa A. Allen, the 1950s tent revivalist, literally cast the devil out of a man possessed. “I gave my heart to the Lard!” they claim.

What they actually mean is they had a moving experience. It was brought about by the excitement of the occasion – perhaps the music which lifted their spirit. Whether it was the religious fervor of being in a crowd at the time, or the preacher having an ‘altar call’ perhaps while the choir was singing – Just As I Am, Lord! Or an emotional stir by a charismatic preacher – as you can see erupting out of those Allen revival meetings. They say that after Asa A. Allen attended a tent revival hosted by Oral Roberts in 1949, he wanted to open his own revival meeting. And, like Simon Magus, he established a large following. In ’55 he purchased a large tent, and soon many people were saying, “this man is the great power of God!” So many of this world’s preachers say – the only way that you have God’s Holy Spirit – or proof of God’s Holy Spirit – is by this idea of speaking in tongues. Now, people are sincere when they have these experiences of being “saved” – of ‘giving their heart to the Lord.’ They believe that they are saved.

But, it couldn’t be any plainer what our Lord Jesus said – before anyone may enter the Kingdom of God, they must be REBORN OF THE SPIRIT! And, only one being has been born again of the Spirit at this time – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Verse 6 – “’ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”

Our Lord Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren! (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:18; 1st Corinthians 15:20).

These multiple millions of people who believe they have been “born again” can certainly do a simple test to prove whether or not they have been REBORN OF THE SPIRIT! Are they able to be seen by others? Are they VISIBLE!? Do they still have blood flowing in their veins!?

OF COURSE!

Then they are not “born again”!

Remember the living word of our Master, Savior, and Elder Brother – “’ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”

He goes on and explains, verse 8 – “’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”

This friends is the plain teaching of the LORD our God! So, this new birth is not defined as just an emotional experience as so many are erroneously assuming. It is a literal BIRTH!

When you are “born again” – meaning, born of the Holy Spirit of God, you will be “like Him [Jesus Christ], for we shall see Him as He is.” You will not be seen by mortal eyes (unless you choose to manifest yourself), and you will be able to move like the wind.

Truly, our Lord Jesus says we must be “born again” – changed into wholly spiritual beings – born of the Spirit of God as divine children in the God family!

The Church of God is NOT the Kingdom of God! No physical nation, province, country, or kingdom is the Kingdom of God!

The apostle Paul explains, “’ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” – 1st Corinthians 15:50.

All physical nations, provinces, countries, and kingdoms on this Earth are all composed of flesh and blood people. The Church of God is currently composed of flesh and blood people – therefore has not inherited the glorious Kingdom of God.

Those who will be BORN OF GOD, who will be changed – “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET, the RESURRECTION TRUMPET]. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [the dead in Christ] will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1st Corinthians 15:52 – will be a part of the actual government of the LORD God – co-rulers with Jesus Christ, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!

The physical people – those being governed – will be physical, carnal nations on Earth! Again, let’s notice Zechariah 14. The LORD God will send drought to punish those physical nations in the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ who do not want to OBEY and keep the commanded Feast of Tabernacles.

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17) And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18) If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19) This shall be the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” – Zechariah 14:16-19.

“’ Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface And scatters abroad its inhabitants. … 5) The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant. 6) THEREFORE the curse has devoured the earth, And those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, AND FEW MEN ARE LEFT.’” – Isaiah 24:1, 5-6.

One of the great meanings of the Feast of Tabernacles is that God will someday ‘TABERNACLE’ in His tabernacle on the earth for all eternity! GOD THE FATHER is going to tabernacle with men! The Seventh-Day Adventists’ prophetess Ellen G. White was horribly wrong when she taught that the earth was going to be melted down like liquid glass! She actually DID NOT finish quoting the living eternal word of God! 5

Again already quoted, Micah chapter 4 shows us that the glorious Kingdom of God will be composed of those who will be BORN OF GOD – actually co-ruling over “the kingdom of this world” who are physical human beings! “Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up the mountain of the LORD [the Kingdom of God], To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we will walk in His paths.’ …” – Micah 4:2.

Our Eternal LORD God shows us that the inhabitants, the physical people of the earth shall be scattered abroad, and, although the LORD God is punishing the inhabitants of the earth for their transgressions, there will be a FEW MEN LEFT to repopulate the Earth in the Millennial Reign of our Lord Jesus Christ!

A Job To Be Done!

When our Sovereign Lord returns He will put down any opposition against the Kingdom of God! But WOE to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea!

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, [the atmosphere] ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God [God the Father], and the power of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ] have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down” – Revelation 12:10.

Notice chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation as well –

“And the stars [here, Satan and his demons] of heaven [the atmosphere] fell to earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”

Eventually, Satan the Devil along with his minions will be bound for a thousand years so that he cannot continue to deceive the whole world –

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven [again, the atmosphere], having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3) and cast him into the bottomless pit [the abyss; prison], and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. …” – Revelation 20:1-3.

Major violence and hate will subside. Military weaponry will be a thing of the past. Military weapons will be converted into peaceful and productive implements –

“Now it shall come to pass IN THE LATTER DAYS That the mountain of the LORD’s house [the headquarters of the kingdom of God; New Jerusalem] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [Kingdoms or Governments], And shall be exalted above the hills [smaller nations]; and all nations shall flow to it. 4) He [the Lord our God] shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” – Isaiah 2:2,4.

When the LORD God’s literal Kingdom is established upon the Earth, those who are co-rulers with Jesus Christ will be instrumental in teaching all physical nations, provinces, countries, and kingdoms God’s Way to live.

This is part of the glorious message from Father God that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought almost 2,000 years ago. Yet, this present evil world as a whole has rejected this message.

We and our affiliated churches ANNOUNCE THIS MESSAGE!

Law For the Kingdom

The glorious Kingdom of God will be a WORLD-RULING KINGDOM. Again, Revelation 11:15 – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!’” There is no ambiguity in that statement! The LORD God’s GOVERNMENT is accomplished through LAW – the LAW OF GOD! And God alone is LAWGIVER – cf. James 4:12.

The LORD God’s immutable and relevant Law is summed up in the TEN COMMANDMENTS.

“The works of His hands are verity and justice [judgment]; All His precepts [His commands or principles intended esp. as a general rule of action 6] are sure. 8) They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.” – Psalm 111:7-8.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was and is a living EXAMPLE of the Law of God – and taught mankind to “’ not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4.

“For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps: 22) ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth.’” – 1 Peter 2:21-22.

For our Lord Jesus teaches us – “ … ‘If you want to enter into life [eternal life], KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS’” – Matthew 19:17.

As our upper heavenly Elder Brother, High Priest, and Savior explains to us in the likes of the Book of Matthew chapter 5, we are to DO and TEACH the commandments of God, and that our righteousness (and it’s not our own righteousness, but a righteousness which is through faith in Christ, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS FROM GOD BY FAITH – cf. Philippians 3:9) should exceed ‘the righteousness’ of the scribes and Pharisees.

Our Lord Jesus goes on in this chapter to actually mention some of His commandments that were given at Mount Sinai – about murder, about stealing, about adultery. Speaking of the letter of the commandments. Our righteousness (and again, not our own righteousness - THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS FROM GOD BY FAITH) is to exceed the uber-religious of our day – of those who want to be JEWISH and Christian. Or, the term Judeo-Christian. And to this day – within the Church of God – there are people throughout all of these congregations who believe that they want to become followers of Jewish tradition, and that somehow that will make them more righteous. Of this, our Lord Jesus tells us – “’ For I say to you, that unless your righteousness [the righteousness which is from God by faith] exceeds the righteousness [the righteousness from their trying to keep all the extremely physically oriented ritualistic laws] of the scribes and Pharisees, you WILL BY NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM [FROM] HEAVEN’” – Matthew 5:20.

So, since our Lord JESUS CHRIST “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” He will be KEEPING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS within you and within me just as He kept them within the apostle Paul. “I have been crucified with Christ, yet I live. Indeed, it is no longer I; but Christ lives in me. For the life that I am now living in the flesh, I live by faith—that very faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20.

Anyone who does NOT obey and DOES NOT keep God’s commandments are NOT His! Thus, they DO NOT have the Holy Spirit of God. They have their own idea of just what the Holy Spirit actually is – but they truly are NOT His!

God does not bend His rules to fit people’s imaginations of what their religiosity or tradition claims.

The Holy Spirit is only within those who are TRULY OBEDIENT TO GOD and forsake their own lives for Jesus Christ and who OBEY GOD’S COMMANDMENTS – summed up with the TEN COMMANDMENTS!

The apostle Paul – under divine inspiration – also teaches us that God’s Law is spiritual – Romans 7:14. So, with our mind we serve the Law of God – verse 25.

WHAT GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS!

The LORD God – the Family of God which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – are going to soon step in. They are going to intervene in Their great and awesome POWER AND STRENGTH to save mankind from their wretchedness, poverty, crime, and imprisonment! The Kingdom of God will be established upon this EARTH!

A JOYOUS, HAPPY, WORLD TOMORROW will be established! May the eternal God grant you the blessing to strive with all your heart and soul to qualify to be a part of the family of God within the glorious soon-coming Kingdom of God! □

Bibliography:

1 Webster, M. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, Merriam-Webster’s Incorporated, 1996, pg. 643.

2 What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, KJV)? Got Questions.org. Retrieved 22 Nov. 2023.

3 Fradd, M. What is the Kingdom of God? Catholic Answers, 11 June 2013.

4 Ibid. 217.

5 White, E.G., The Great Controversy Between Christ And Satan, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911, pg. 657.

6 Webster’s pg. 916.

Letter to our Friends - November 14, 2023

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

P.O. BOX 6458

SPRING HILL, FL. 34606

www.owensborocojc.com

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Founder

Dearest Brethren and Friends around the world:

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida.

We would like to recommend this coming Sabbath, the sermon “Baptism” which we also have in audio MP3 format. We also have additional information on baptism –

● A Morning Bible Study – Water Baptism? Also in PDF

● Baptism Is Commanded

Now certainly, while the PDF Bible Study is online, we do not yet have a Baptism online booklet. We hope to soon.

From the Beginning… God’s Master Plan in two languages!

This week I finished translating a very IMPORTANT article “From the Beginning… God’s Master Plan” into Swahili for our Soundcloud Radio channel. In the article, we ask, “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?” We along with our affiliated churches continue to work while it is still day. As our Lord Jesus Christ has said, “’ the night is coming when no one can work.’” We currently have nearly an hour and sixty minutes of articles translated into additional languages. Please pray for this to grow exponentially.

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

We are certainly getting ever closer to the end of this age, as we are doing what is commissioned of us in doing the “short work” of which the apostle Paul wrote of in Romans 9:28. (An enlightening read Prophecy – According to Jesus Christ).

It is also a great blessing from the LORD God that we have additional video platforms – and not just YouTube.

We also have a UGETube channel. Also a BitChute channel.

Facebook Groups

If you have a Facebook account and page, we would like to invite you to join our Christian groups.

The Family Group and The Independent Christian Church of God.

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 “Baptism”

• Closing song.

• Closing prayer.

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

The terrorists Hamas continuing to attack and make war with Israel keeps dominating the news. Here in the United States of America, a great many pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas groups have been protesting any military aid to our brethren Israel along with shouting “From the river to the sea” – which is a rallying cry for terrorist groups and their sympathizers to completely annihilate Israel! To me, personally, that is borderline TREASON!

Treason is a crime that is expressly defined by the United States Constitution! The definition of treason is provided in Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution, which states that it is (among other things) “adhering to our enemies.” As I tell my wife all the time, “You must choose a side.” How anyone in their right mind would choose and adhere to a known terrorist organization that slaughters innocent Israeli men, women, and children and hides behind exploited Palestinians is beyond me! (Much like how the Nazi Party, another terrorist organization, exploited the German people) (See AP – ‘Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza’). Also, at least three Latin American countries have also taken an anti-Israel stand (See BBC – ‘Bolivia severs diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza war’ and VOA – ‘Bolivia Severs Ties With Israel, Others Recall Envoys Over Gaza’).

Q: If you were being viciously and demonstrably attacked – would you defend yourself!?

Under the grave spiritual influence of Satan the Devil, the international community is turning against the tiny nation of Israel as it defends itself against annihilation. Our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, is being accused of war crimes!? A greater majority of the people of this present evil age are turning against the tiny nation of Israel as well as against all Jews in general. Antisemitism worldwide is at a level I have never seen in my five decades!

This sudden rise of anti-Semitic aggression is consistent with the removal of our LORD God’s divine protection of JUDAH – notice –

“He [the LORD God – the family of God] removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest.” – Isaiah 22:8.

Now, as far as “the armor of the House of the Forest” goes, it MIGHT be that this is a reference to the terrorist organization Hezbollah. The “House of the Forest” in God’s living word is a reference to a location in Lebanon (see 1 Kings 10:17, 21). And since this terrorist organization is based there with armor, that could be what this is pointing to.

The modern-day nation of Israel is the tribe of JUDAH. And there are a ton of military weapons that Hezbollah has in LEBANON. It appears that if this terrorist organization enters this war in full force it will reign even more rockets and missiles on Israel.

Notice the following –

Open hatred of Jews surges globally, inflamed by Gaza war

LONDON (Reuters) -In Los Angeles, a man screaming “kill Jews” attempts to break into a family’s home. In London, girls in a playground are told they are “stinking Jews” and should stay off the slide. In China, posts likening Jews to parasites, vampires, or snakes proliferate on social media, attracting thousands of “likes.”

These are examples of incidents of antisemitism, which have surged globally since the attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on Oct. 7 and the subsequent war on the Islamist group launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

“This is the scariest time to be Jewish since World War II. We have had problems before, but things have never been this bad in my lifetime,” said Anthony Adler, 62, speaking outside a synagogue where he had gone to pray in Golders Green, a London neighborhood with a large Jewish community.

Adler, who runs three Jewish schools, temporarily closed two of them after Oct. 7 because of fears of attacks on pupils and has beefed up security at all three.

“The biggest fear is that there will be a random attack on our community, on our families and our children,” he said.

In countries where figures are available from police or civil society groups, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and South Africa, the pattern is clear: the number of antisemitic incidents has gone up since Oct. 7 by several hundred percent compared with the same period last year. …

In the case of the antisemitic incidents, most consist of verbal abuse, online slurs or threats, graffiti, and defacing of Jewish properties, businesses, or sites of religious significance. Physical assaults represent a significant proportion.

One common thread is that anger over the deaths of thousands of Palestinians as a result of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza is invoked as a justification for verbal or physical aggression towards Jews in general, often accompanied by the use of slurs and tropes rooted in the long history of antisemitism.

“Whatever their opinion on the conflict, even if they are extremely critical of the Israeli government’s policy, Jew is for them equal to Israel, equal to killing Palestinian children,” said political scientist Nonna Mayer, a member of France’s CNCDH, an independent human rights commission. She was describing what was in the minds of those behind antisemitic incidents.”

(https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-palestinians-antisemitism-idAFKBN31V16R).

Q: Are you sure this is not the year 1934 – with the “Night of the Long Knives”!?

Truly, it is not only the Jews that are hated or will be hated in the near future. Throughout history, we (true Christians) have often been called “Jews” and have been subject to persecution. I myself, have been called a “filthy Jew” - apparently because I keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the dietary law, along with the LORD God’s commanded Holy Days. Now, my forefathers were from Dumfriesshire, Scotland – my 6th great-grandfather having arrived in America in 1696. So, that makes me a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, a son of Jacob/Israel (though certainly there is some ethnic intermingling).

In support of Israel, I placed a small button of the Israeli flag on my Facebook profile picture – not wanting it to be too obvious. But, true Christians did indeed suffer through the Inquisition – a group of institutions within the Catholic Church whose aim was to combat heresy, conducting trials of suspected heretics and utilizing torture against our brethren of the living Church of God! Protestant leaders have also promoted antisemitism along with our persecution.

True Christians have always supported the tiny nation in Israel – not least of which, because they are our spiritual if not physical brethren (See Galatians 3:29). It is extremely IMPORTANT to understand the LORD God’s promises to Abraham. Both to his physical descendants and to his spiritual descendants – as it were.

Friends, no one should hate ANYONE! As the apostle Paul says – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit (the very mind of our Lord Jesus Christ) – “Repay no evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of ALL MEN. 18) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with ALL MEN.” – Romans 12:17-18.

Additionally, our own resident Joe Biden publicly announced that “Islamophobia” is on the rise in the United States of America! I certainly have not seen any anti-Islam protests or hate-fueled attacks and other discriminatory incidents against Muslims and their religion of Islam; not that I’m saying that it doesn’t happen – I just personally haven’t witnessed it.

Yet again, I reiterate - no one should hate ANYONE! But, true Christians should be an outspoken critic of Islam. One main and glaring point: Islam is a violent religion. While it is often said that “peace” is the main characteristic of the religion of Islam this is simply not true. Neither is it true that the Arabic word “Islam” means “peace,” as it is so often claimed. The word Islam means “submission.” As a religion, Islam emphasizes the necessity of Muslims submitting to their god Allah. There is also the necessity for non-Muslims to submit to Muslims. We have quoted several passages of their Koran before which teach their intentions for “infidels” – i.e. Pentecost – A Seven-Part Series (Part 1), Revelation – A Book of the Past and the Future (Part 6), Feast of Trumpets – 2020.

Friends, when true Christians speak out against the belief system of Islam it is not “hate speech.” Rather we are responding to their false claims and doctrines.

In Europe, many Germans are viewing the pro-Palestinian protests negatively – (See ZeroHedge – ‘Majority Support For Muslim Migration Ban As 3 In 4 Germans Say Newcomers Hate Western Society’). Germany will eventually do much more than attempt to restrict Islamic migrants – it hopes to cast them out.

God’s living eternal word shows us that a final United European “beast” – also called the “king of the North” will rise promising peace.

“And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22) With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23) And after the league [a peace plan] is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24) He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time” – Daniel 11:21-24.

So, this leader from the heartland of a United Europe will promise peace and prosperity. He will make a deal with a small number of people and will gain power (cf. Rev. 17:12-13). He will promise peace at a time of crisis. This very same vile leader, who appears at the “appointed time” of “the end” is described without the king of the North title in Daniel 8: “And he said, ‘Look I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. … And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24) His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully. And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also destroy the holy people. 25) Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes [Jesus Christ]; But he shall be broken without human means. 26) And the vision of the evenings and mornings Which was told is true; Therefore seal up the vision, For it refers to many days in the future’” – Daniel 8:19, 23-26.

The atmosphere within Europe is not pro-Islam, despite some protests that may suggest otherwise. Expect even greater steps from various ones who will claim to put a stop to it.

Friends, we are in the time prophesied by our Lord Jesus as “’ the beginning of sorrows’” – Matthew 24:8. Our Lord Jesus also says, “’ For in those days there will be [affliction; days of distress, oppression, tribulation, trouble], such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.’” – Mark 13:19. And then we have Luke’s version in chapter 21 – similar, but just a little different. Verse 9 – “’ But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. 10) Then He said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11) And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’” Verse 22 – and this is a verse I really want you to keep in mind TODAY! “’ For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.’” Well, that phrase, ‘all things which are written,’ the question is “written where!?” The obvious answer is - written in the pages of your Bible! Moses referred to these ‘days of vengeance.’ King David referred to these ‘days of vengeance’ in the psalms. All of the “major” prophets have this event as a major theme! All of the “minor” prophets have this as a major theme! Jesus Christ mentioned this event – which we just read! Paul makes multiple references to these ‘days of vengeance.’ Peter wrote about it! Jude mentioned this event! And the Book of Revelation, by John, is dedicated to giving as many specifics as possible about these ‘days of vengeance.’

As I’ve mentioned before, the phrase ‘the days of vengeance’ begs the question, “Who’s vengeance!?” And the answer is clear – God’s vengeance! Often referred to in the Bible as ‘the Day of the LORD.’ The ‘Day of the LORD’ doesn’t just mean twenty-four hours – in the Hebrew and in the Greek it means “a period of time.” The Day of the LORD – a period of troubles. Or what Minister Garrett often calls the end-time trauma. A series or progression of end-time events in which God Almighty and Jesus Christ pour out Their judgment upon a sick, sin-filled, and rebellious world!

“’ the beginning of sorrows.’”

Concluding Comments

The Day of the LORD and the establishment of the kingdom of God –the LORD God’s actual judgment upon the wickedness of mankind – and, surely, you know what the 1st and 2nd chapters of the Book of Isaiah are about!? How they have turned their back on Him and have spit in His face and have done everything contrary to Him. Their ‘whole head is sick, And their whole heart faints.’ Everything is wrong with the nations of Israel – the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! And, at the end of the 2nd chapter of Isaiah – Verse 17 – “’ The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The LORD alone will be exalted in that day, 18) But the idols He shall utterly abolish.’” Verse 19 – “’ They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into caves of the earth, From the TERROR of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.’” There is going to be a massive earthquake, but it’s not going to be like any earthquake before in history! This earthquake will literally shake the entirety of the whole earth – the Book of Revelation says, “every mountain and island was moved out of its place” – Revelation 6:14b. The whole topography of the earth is going to be changed! Do you think Almighty God will get mankind’s attention then!? Verse 20 – “’ In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver And his idols of gold, Which they made, each for himself to worship, To the moles and bats, 21) To go into the clefts of the rocks, And into the crags of the rugged rocks, From the TERROR of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.’” Verse 22 – “’ Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?’” Here – turning back to the Book of Revelation, chapter 6 – Verse 15 – “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every [bond man], and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16) and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17) For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’” So, where you gonna be – in that day!? What is going to be your excuse – in that day!? What is going to be your doctrine – in that day!? What is going to be your defiance against God – in that day!? God’s living word says “that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.” And, every knee which doesn’t – that person will be destroyed. It’s as simple as that!

I humbly ask and pray that all of you remain close to God the Father and Jesus Christ through prayer, through Bible study, and through meditation. And through listening to messages that talk about the Word of God. And, I beg all of you, please examine yourselves – are you worshiping a man or are you worshiping Jesus Christ!? Your eternal life – your eternal fate – hangs in the balance of that decision.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,