A Morning Bible Study - The Day of Atonement── A Great Prophetic Meaning!

by Leonard V Johnson

The LORD God’s annual feasts remind us of God’s Master Plan ── From the Beginning!

Again, the first three ‘feasts of the LORD’ ── Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, and the Day of Pentecost. They all picture events that lead to the glorious first spiritual “harvest” of Spirit-begotten children of God Born Again into the family of God ── the kingdom of God!

The fourth annual festival – the Feast of Trumpets – pictures the blowing of the seven trumpet warnings of the LORD God and the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the resurrection of His saints, and the establishment of His government── the kingdom of God── upon the Earth!

The fifth annual festival – the Day of Atonement.

Turning into the Book of Leviticus chapter 16 we see the goat slain, along with the goat (the “scapegoat”) released into the wilderness. Who, or what, do these two goats represent?

Now, one doesn’t have to fully understand Leviticus 16 to have the love of our Savior Jesus Christ to be poured out upon them, or His grace, His Spirit, His glorious promise of eternal life. Yet, a great many churches that are still deeply trenched in the Old Covenant make you think that this is the ultimate crux of the gospel of Christ. It is not!

“’ And Aaron [the high priest] shall bring the goat on which the LORD’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. 10) But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat [azazel in Hebrew── pronounced az-aw-zale'] shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness” – Leviticus 16:9-10.

“’ Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat. 16) So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17) There shall be no man in the tabernacles of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel [the congregation; the NT Church of God]. 18) And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. 19) Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel’” – Leviticus 16:15-19.

Now, it would be remiss of me not to mention something concerning the word ‘ăzā’ zēl.

According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament──

“This word appears four times in the OT, all in Lev 16 (8, 10, 26) where the ritual for the Day of Atonement is described. After the priest has made atonement for himself and his house, he is to take two goats on behalf of Israel. One is to be a sacrifice to the Lord, the other is to be the “scapegoat,” i.e. the goat for Azazel. …

The rabbinic INTERPRETATION has generally considered this word to designate THE PLACE to which the goat was sent: a desert, a solitary place, or the height from which the goat was thrown (cf. Lev 16:22).”

Continuing──

“The final POSSIBILITY is to regard this word as designating a personal being so as to balance the word “Lord.” In this way Azazel could be an evil spirit (Enoch 8:1; 10:4; cf. 2 Chr. 11:15; Isa 34:14; Rev 18:2) or even the devil himself (KD── K. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament loc. cit.), standing logically in antithesis to the Lord. However, THE ENOCH REFERENCES to Azazel as a demon ARE DOUBTLESS … Some who adopt this demon reference of Lev 16 also consider the passage to be of late authorship.” 1

Let me add here: Notice. When you go and reread and study Leviticus 16:15-19 we see that the high priest killed the first goat as a sin offering and sprinkled its blood on and before THE MERCY SEAT── making an atonement for ONLY the Holy Place, himself and his household, and the congregation of Israel── then out at the altar he springled blood and made an atonement for it. Then, he took some of the blood of the goat and bull and placed it on the horns of the altar - consecrating it FROM THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. This first goat WAS NOT a sin offering for all the children of Israel! So, even the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament is wrong!

Also, we should take note: In the book Angels A to Z regarding Azazel──

“Azazel was one of the chieftains of the two hundred fallen angels who, ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF ENOCH, came to earth to mate with mortal women (Gen. 6:2-4). …

It was only later [in their rabbinic interpretation], after the Hebrews encountered the Zoroastrian religion … [that] the rabbis seem to have identified Azazel as the Devil, …” 2

The Book of Enoch (as we have the Book of Enoch today) should not be considered inspired Scripture, but many writers of God’s living word surely found some light in the original. – ref. Jude 14-15.

Regardless of the meaning of the word azazel (because there is much confusion), God’s living word emphasizes the sufficiency and completeness of our LORD JESUS CHRIST’S sacrifice── both to “remove” our sin and to reconcile us to God the Father. John the Baptist identified our Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world –

“ … ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” – John 1:29, 36.

1) What annual Sabbath follows NINE DAYS after the Feast of Trumpets?

“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 27) ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall AFFLICT YOUR SOULS, …’” – Leviticus 23:26, 27.

As we’ve pointed out so many times, this is a very poor translation. The Hebrew phrase – the root of this phrase which I have capitalized and underlined above, the meaning of it is “you shall HUMBLE yourself before the LORD your God.” Notice the New American Standard Bible version in the Key Word Hebrew-Greek Study Bible –

“ …’ It shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls …’” – Leviticus 23:27, NASB.

Returning again to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament regarding the word “afflict” ──

“(‘ānâ) III, afflict, oppress, humble. … It is to be distinguished from ‘ānâ I [which is to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout] II [which is be occupied, busied with]; IV [which is sing] … the objective state or condition of being low and/or humble. … Ugaritic [texts] attests this root with the meaning “cowed, humbled” (active) and “was humbled, punished” (passive). The Bible attests to this root over two hundred times. …

God uses affliction [that being humility] to prompt repentance; for example, the purpose of the wilderness wandering was TO HUMBLE ISRAEL (Deut 8:23). This is a recurrent theme in Scripture.” 3

Does this mean that we must fast!? A great many people say, “Yes!”

Our beloved apostle Peter was inspired by God’s Spirit to write –

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in FEAR [reverent fear and RESPECT], 18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received BY TRADITION FROM YOUR FATHERS.” – 1 Peter 1:17-18.

He is speaking of Jewish tradition. Because, if you’re going to be JEWISH, then Jewish tradition says that you must fast. In the Mishnah── an ancient collection of Jewish traditions, the Day of Atonement forbade food and drink, bathing, using oil to moisten the skin, wearing sandals, and sexual relations. Do you want to be Jewish or Christian!?

“And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.’” ─ Leviticus 23:28; see also Leviticus 16:29-31.

Are the begotten children of the LORD God commanded to assemble before Their throne on the Day of Atonement?

Yes.

“ … ‘It shall be a holy convocation for you; …’” – Leviticus 23:27.

2) How are we (the Body of Christ) to specifically observe the Day of Atonement in regard to the New Covenant in Christ?

Note: Truly, the MOST IMPORTANT area of growth you could ever have is understanding that Jesus Christ is our High Priest and we NOW live under the New Covenant and we are bound to be loyal to the Ten Commandments.

“’ It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall [humble] your souls; on the NINTH DAY of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.’” – Leviticus 23:32.

James 4:6 – This is the ultimate meaning of the Day of Atonement! HUMBLE yourselves before GOD! And how do you humble yourself before GOD!? Verse 7 - By submitting to the will of GOD. The Way of GOD. The WORD of GOD. The Plan of GOD. Verse 9 – “Lament ...” It means, at times, taking stock of who you are. Look at yourself in the spiritual mirror. Verse 10: This is the meaning of the Day of Atonement – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Humbling oneself on the Day of Atonement is a vivid reminder of the state of mind necessary for salvation.

The living word of our Lord Jesus Christ──

“’ Blessed are the [humble] in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom [from] heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek [the humble], For they shall inherit the earth.’” – Matthew 5:3-5.

The humility, the godly sorrow, the earnest seeking after the LORD God and Their Way! Truly becoming submissive to Father God and His will, and the will of Jesus Christ. To “be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, …”

3) What does the word atonement mean?

“ … ‘for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.’” ─ Leviticus 23:28.

Again, the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament ──

“1023b (kippūr) (used in the plural kippūrîm) atonement, used especially in the expression “day of atonement.” 1023c (kappōret) place of atonement; KJV, “mercy seat.” …

Kippūr. Atonement. Kappōret, Mercy seat. These two nouns are derived from the verb as used in the intensive stem: The first is used today in the name … yom kippur “day of atonement” (used only in the plural in the OT) …

Kappōret, Mercy seat. … The word is derived from the root “to atone.” The Greek equivalent in the LXX [the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament in Greek] is usually hilastērion, “place or object of propitiation,” a word which is applied to Christ in Rom 3:25.” 4

To Note: Even the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary I have in my office library gave the correct answer to the definition of atonement. “1 obs: RECONCILIATION 2: the reconciliation of God and man through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.” 5 And, to reconcile means: “1 a: to restore to friendship or harmony.” It does not mean──set at one or to join in one - to form by uniting.

The word atonement means that Jesus Christ was our ATONEMENT! It was prophesied – we often read this during the Passover – or the Lord’s Supper – because it’s such a description of what Jesus endured, and what He did for His Church and for all people!

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [atonement] for our sins” – 1 John 4:10.

To Note: The word propitiate means: “to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of.” 6

Let us also note –

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” – Romans 5:6-11.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was the ‘atonement’ for us ── the “to restore” ── in the reconciliation with Father God.

4) Was the Old Covenant priesthood to make a special sin offering annually to atone for the Holy Place?

“’ And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, …’” – Leviticus 16:32-34.

Was this to be done on the Day of Atonement?

“’ For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.’” – verse 30.

Indeed, in the Old Covenant on the Day of Atonement, the high priest killed the first goat as a sin offering and sprinkled its blood on and before THE MERCY SEAT── making an atonement for ONLY the Holy Place, himself and his household, and the congregation of Israel── then out at the altar he springled blood and made an atonement for it. Then, he took some of the blood of the goat and bull and placed it on the horns of the altar - consecrating it FROM THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.

5) Was the other goat left alive to be sent into the wilderness?

Yes.

“’ But the goat on which the lot fell to be the [‘ăzā’ zēl] shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the [‘ăzā’ zēl] into the wilderness.’” – Leviticus 16:10.

I contend that the live goat that was released into the wilderness also represented our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“’ The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; …’” – verse 22. Within God’s living word the only One attested to bearing all our iniquities is our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, as noted earlier, John 1:29, 36. Also, 1 Peter 2:24.

Not only did the first goat have an atoning role (for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel), but details that typified the live goat did as well. Notice it was prophesied──

“ … And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6.

“ … For He shall bear their iniquities.” – Isaiah 53:11.

“… And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” – Isaiah 53:12.

“’ Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head OF THE LIVE GOAT, confess over it all the iniquities OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, and all their transgressions, concerning their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man.’” ─ Leviticus 16:21.

Within that Old Covenant sacrificial system, there was only one ritual that involved an animal bearing all the sins of the people of Israel──the ‘ăzā’ zēl goat. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is identified both as never sinning and also bearing our sins. It is quite logical that there is a link between these two goats. Because WITHOUT the second goat── only half of our Lord Jesus’ atoning work is represented. The first goat for the Lord DOES NOT atone for the children of Israel── it only atoned for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel. It was only the second goat that atoned for the children of Israel.

There should be no surprise that our Lord Jesus Christ is represented by both goats. There is significant evidence which supports this.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the two Old Covenant goats of the Day of Atonement should not individually encompass the entirety of our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious work! The first goat focuses on the sin-expelling power of His death── again, for the Holy Place, the high priest and his household, and the congregation of Israel. Our Lord Jesus presents His blood, His sacrifice, as the PROPITATION for judgment. In addition, this first goat never took on sins as our Lord Jesus Christ does. So, the first goat can’t truly be our Lord Jesus Himself, but rather an aspect related to Him being our Savior. Likewise, the second goat should not be expected to symbolize the entire personage of our Lord Jesus Christ – we should see it rather as the sins that our Lord Jesus Christ bore for all of us.

Let this be in mind and heart as we celebrate the Day of Atonement this year── we will certainly find this inspired understanding presented in striking prophetic fulfillment! □

1 Harris L. R., Archer, L. Gleason, Jr., and Waltke K. Bruce.

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1980, #1593, pgs. 657, 658.

2 Lewis R.J., and Oliver Dorothy E., Angels A to Z, Visible Ink Press, Azazel, pgs. 62-63.

3 Ibid. 1. Pgs. 679, 682.

4 Ibid. 1, 2. Pgs. 452, 453.

5 Webster M. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, atonement, 1996, pp 73.

6 Ibid. 5. pg. 977.

Scriptual Index:

Old Testament ── Genesis 6:2-4; Leviticus 16:8, 9-10, 15, 16, 17-19, 20, 22, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32-34; 23:26, 27, 28, 32; Deuteronomy 8:23; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Isaiah 34:14; 53:6, 11, 12.

New Testament ── Matthew 5:3-5; John 1:29, 36; Romans 3:25; 5:6-11; 1 Peter 1:17-18; 2:24; 5:5; 1 John 4:10; Jude 14-15; Revelation 18:2.

Sin: A Matter of Life or Death (Sermon)

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COJCOM · 3-5-2022 ── Sin: A Matter Of Life Or Death (Audio Sermon)

Today, for this holy Sabbath, I want to talk about SIN. And then, a little later on in this sermon, I'm going to talk about the Righteousness of the Law - the holy Law of God. Now, I certainly won't be able to cover every Scripture related to these topics, but we will certainly cover several of them.

Welcome, dear friends and warm hearts to another taping of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. I'm Leonard V. Johnson. It's a great pleasure and great joy for me to be here with you this day. Now, on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/LeonardJohnson01/ - I recently posted our February Stat report for the website - www.owensborocojc.com - and friends, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! - it was one of the highest stat reports yet! We reached an average monthly page view of 142 people per day!!! 96 average monthly unique visits, 62 average monthly first-time visitors, and 34 average returning visitors. Thank you so much - certainly, all credit goes to you!! We dearly thank you and love you all for your love and support at the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. A ministry that teaches the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and we work hard with our Lord Jesus Christ in always trying to understand the Plan of God!

Now, in 1st John chapter 3, verse 4 - it states, Sin is the transgression of the holy Law – the Commandments of God. Whether in the letter or the spirit of the Law. Therefore, sin is lawlessness or anti-law.

Turn with me in your Holy Bible today - and for our dear brethren and friends in Ndeiya, Nyanza, Kenya, turn in your BIBLE INFORMATION GOOD (or rather the BHN Version) - to the Book of Romans chapter 7 -

Verses 12 - 14.

Sin is also a defilement of one’s conscience. When a person knows to do good and doesn’t do it, it is sin.

The Book of 1st John again, let's turn there a moment - 1st John chapter 1 -

Verses 5 - to chapter 2, verse 2 -

So, you see our dear Catholic friends - JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF is our propitiation. Not Mary, not some priest, who should NOT know your sins. But our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! There in the Book of Hebrews, He is called our great High Priest!!! He is seated at the very right-hand side of God the Father - as a MINISTER of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle - NOT MAN!!! Catholics - are you reading and studying the same Bible we are!? I have a Catholic Bible in my library, let's just see what it says -

Hebrews chapter 8, verse 1.

What about 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 5. I did a sermon on this a while back and apparently received some bad comments - ONE GOD - ONE MEDIATOR.

"2-Ver. 5. This insistence on the universal mediatorship of Christ as man is against the separatist tendencies."

I don't have a clue what that means. If anyone knows, please let me know in the comment section below.

But getting back - the ultimate penalty for sin is eternal death. Upon deep and sincere repentance toward God, one’s sins will be forgiven by faith in the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the payment of those sins through the mercy of God the Father.

In the Book of Acts - the apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the newly arrived Holy Spirit stated - in chapter 2 -

Verse 38.

The only unpardonable sin is the acceptance of and then the complete and willful rejection of God’s salvation, the willful rejection of and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit of God the Father, and despising the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an unholy thing.

In Ephesians the apostle Paul says, In Him [ in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of His grace. And friends, it's only by His grace, because we have certainly not earned salvation.

Let's go ahead and turn to the Book of Ephesians chapter 2 -

Let's begin in verses 1 - 10.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the sin of condemning the works of God the Father, accomplished through the power of His Holy Spirit and attributing such works to Satan the devil.

Now, we have, on our YouTube channel, a wonderful short sermonette by Minister Michael C. Garrett of the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ, explaining in great detail just what is the Unpardonable Sin - of which so many misunderstand or don't know what is meant by unpardonable sin. Be sure to watch that 3-minute and 45-second video. It will truly enlighten you as to what our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said, "'Do NOT blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.'" And what the apostle Paul states: "DO NOT grieve the Holy Spirit."

Now, again in 1st John chapter 5, and verse 17, there is, according to God, sin not leading to death.

It is sin that will not have dominion over you – you have been rescued of the penalty which the law demanded, which is death. Now, the people who want to say that the Ten Commandments are done away will cite verse 14 of Romans chapter 6 - and say, "See, we're not under the law, we're under grace."

Sometimes when Paul uses the word “law,” he’s talking about the Old Covenant or the law of the Levites and the temple people? He’s talking about that law or that collection of practices that we would normally label under the umbrella as the Old Covenant. We’re under grace – we’re under the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, under the priesthood of forgiveness, and hope, and help, and love. And you know, that’s what we should do to people.

So, when the apostle John states "there is sin not leading to death" - it is sin that will not have dominion over you. As long as you immediately repent of that sin and ask our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for Their forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Notice verse 15 of the Book of Romans chapter 6.

So, he is saying, “Don’t even think it! It’s absolutely ridiculous to think such a thing!”

Verse 16.

So here he makes this comparison. He’s asking you – which master are you going to serve!? Sin or righteousness!? One leads to death and the other leads to obedience unto God.

Verse 17 – “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, …” – and we all were in the past. “ … yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.” – and of course he’s talking about the Gospel that finally reached their ears! And they began to read, and they began to understand, and they became converted, and they repented and they were baptized and received God’s Holy Spirit. And so he’s talking to CHRISTIANS. People who were converted.

And, of course, he goes on down there in verse 23 to explain what sin is. And as I've said before: we were sitting on death row and then we find ourselves walking down the road free – absolutely free!

Now, some Protestant groups misinterpret, misapply, they misrepresent the term ‘God’s grace,’ and they make it into the incorrect concept of ‘once saved always saved’ – which they call “eternal security.” You know, “Give your heart to the Lard, and it’s all said and done!” Well, that’s not correct! And because there was that strain of incorrectness, there were a great number of ministers within the Church of God along with her innumerable remnant churches in this latter time which tended, and tend even today, to avoid or detour around the subject of GRACE altogether. And yet, the term ‘God’s grace’ – my friends, we have no chance unless God is gracious to us!

“For the wages of sin is death, but …” – and we always quote this first part here – ‘THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH!’ That is certainly true. But the second part of that – “ … the gift of God is eternal life [through] Christ Jesus our Lord.” That is the grace that God gave! That is the glory of God being expressed through His love – through Jesus Christ – by giving us His Son! ‘ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!’

Without Jesus Christ God’s righteous Law, which He put in place – of which He will never compromise – it demanded our death. Because of our sins. So, He fulfilled the Laws demand which required death by giving us His own beloved Son. What a marvelous act of grace that was!

But, getting back to this unpardonable sin - When a person has committed the unpardonable sin, his or her conscience is seared with a hot iron, and it is impossible to be convicted by the Holy Spirit and be led to repentance. God’s judgment for the unpardonable sin is the second death, or eternal death, from which there is no resurrection.

Let us also turn to the Book of James - one of the very brothers of our Lord Jesus - the Book of James chapter 2 -

Verses 10 - 11.

In the Book of Galatians, the apostle Paul lists for us the works of the flesh -

Galatians Chapter 5 -

Verse 19 - 21.

Again, the apostle Paul explains this very IMPORTANT concept of the unpardonable sin - a sin that can NEVER EVER be forgiven by God or Jesus Christ!!! A sin that is so very reprehensible to Them -

The Book of Hebrews chapter 10 -

Verses 26 - 27.

Now, let's move along to the Righteousness of the holy Law of our great and awesome GOD!

Now, God is both Creator and Lawgiver. When God created mankind, He also established righteous Laws that govern man’s relationship with Him and with his fellow man.

We know that Jesus talked about it in Matthew 19:17 – when He said, and you can’t get much clearer than this – “…’ But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’” In John 14:15 He says, “’ If you love Me, ...’” – IF – “’ If you love Me, keep My commandments.’” Which implies what!? If you DON’T keep the commandments of God, you are showing by your actions that you DO NOT love, honor, and respect God and His will. But most so-called church-going people never think about this! In John 15:10 Jesus said, “’ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, …’” Which again implies just the opposite. If you DO NOT keep those commandments you DO NOT abide in the love of God and Jesus Christ! And there are so many more Scriptures I could quote you – make a whole sermon out of that one topic of ‘keep the commandments.’

Notice in the Book of Ezekiel - and dear friends and brethren who might only have a copy of the New Testament - may be within a denomination that only teaches what is inside the New Testament - and I'm not trying to offend you or be a smart Aleck, but you might only have a copy of the New Testament. Well, go get a whole Bible, a whole Holy Bible - meaning all 66 Books of the Inspired Words of the Eternal our LORD God and come on back.

I'll wait.

If you will, turn with me to the Book of Ezekiel chapter 20 -

Verses 11, 13, and 21.

The Laws of God draw a clear line between actions that are good and righteous in God’s eyes as opposed to acts that are evil and sinful. Without God’s Laws, there would be no sin. Scripture declares that “where there is no law there is no sin ... for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.” The biblical record of the sins of Adam and Eve, and the nations that descended from them, makes it clear that God’s Laws have been obligatory upon mankind from the beginning.

And let's see this very example in the Book of Genesis chapter 3 -

Verses 11-13.

And Genesis Chapter 4 -

Verses 7 - 11.

In Old Testament times, a man or woman who kept the commandments of God, fulfilling His requirements in the letter of the Law, was counted righteous before God. This type of righteousness, which was earned by doing the works of the law, brought many physical and material blessings from God — health and prosperity, deliverance from enemies, peace, and long life. When God covenanted with Israel, He proclaimed through Moses that those who kept His Laws and Commandments “shall live in them” because they would be spared the punishment and curses that were appointed for lawbreakers — including death by capital punishment.

We see this very thing in Deuteronomy chapter 28 -

Verses 1 - 13.

Although the righteousness of the Law resulted in many blessings to the obedient, fulfilling the letter of the Law did not and could not earn eternal salvation.

Let's turn again to the New Testament - the Book of Galatians once again, this time chapter 3 -

Verse 11.

The promise of salvation and eternal life is God's free and undeserved gift and is offered only through the righteousness of faith. The required righteousness of the letter of the Law was a “schoolmaster” or tutor to reveal the sinfulness and weakness of human nature and to point to the need for higher righteousness — the righteousness of faith.

Let's turn to a couple more Scriptures and then we'll end this sermon for this holy Sabbath day - the Book of Romans, written by our beloved apostle Paul to the Church of God there in Rome about the year 57 or 58 AD, and subsequently to us dear brethren here in this 21st-century evil present age -

Romans chapter 10 -

Verse 5.

Also, the Book of Romans chapter 3 -

Verses 9 - 22.

Thank you again for being here with all of us on this holy Sabbath day. We always pray for you and want God's very best for you. We hope and pray that you continue to love, support, and pray for all of us with the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries.

So, until next time, this is Leonard V. Johnson saying, "Goodbye for now." 

September Stats ── 2024

GREETINGS EVERYONE! Here it is - another brand new MONTH! OCTOBER! Actually, it was the eighth month in the calendar of Romulus. You remember, Romulus and Remus. Twin brothers who it's said founded the city of Rome. Lots of ancient pagan celebrations took place within this month! To name but a few - Meditrinalia, Augustalia, October Horse, and Armilusrium. And we won't even mention, yet, Samhain - which began on 31 October. The pagan Halloween!

Still another 33 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes, and 53 seconds until the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election! I absolutely agree with what Mr. Elon Musk just stated concerning the U.S. election!

"Very few Americans realize that, if Trump is NOT elected, this will be the last election. Far from being a threat to democracy, he is the only way to save it! Let me explain: if even 1 in 20 illegals become citizens per year, something that the Democrats are expediting as fast as humanly possible, that would be about 2 million new legal voters in 4 years. The voting margin in the swing states is often less than 20 thousand votes. That means if the 'Democratic' Party succeeds, there will be no more swing states!!"

PAY ATTENTION, DEAR FRIENDS!!

AVERAGE MONTHLY PAGE VIEWS - 137.0

AVERAGE MONTHLY UNIQUE VISITS - 126.0

AVERAGE MONTHLY FIRST-TIME VISITS - 116.0

AVERAGE MONTHLY RETURNING VISITS - 10.0

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Top Five Articles Last Month

● Free Moral Agency (VIDEO SERMON)

● 'Least in the KINGDOM FROM HEAVEN'

● Is There A Gender to the Holy Spirit?

● What did our Lord Jesus Mean in Matthew 10:28?

● Personal From... The Trump and Harris Debate, and the Christian Vote

The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries' YouTube channel is pleased to announce (and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and give a THUMBS UP and RING the notification bell to be notified of additional sermons, audio articles, or short reels) that for September 2024 we had 470 views! About the same as Aug. 2-31, 2024. Also, we had 20.3 watch time (hours). 21% more than Aug. 2-31, 2024. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! God Bless!

Also, within this time frame (Sept. 1-30, 2024) we had 17 returning viewers! And, 323 unique viewers! Our total impressions were 10.4k. 99% more than Aug. 2-31, 2024! Our click-through rate was 3.6%. And the average view duration was 2:26.

Top THREE YouTube Videos During This Duration

September 1-30, 2024

● Christ - Our Atonement

● Free Moral Agency

● THINK ABOUT THIS... What did our Lord Jesus mean in Matthew 10:28?

Thank you, Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ, for your continued love, support, and concern for this greatest of work on Earth at this present time!

Yours always, in Jesus' glorious name,

www.owensborocojc.com

What Is Sin?

In this THINK ABOUT THIS… let’s talk about sin. What is sin?

Now, certainly, we could write up a whole booklet on this one subject of── sin.

The LORD our God’s living and immutable word says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23.

But, what is the definition of sin according to the LORD our God?

This world believes that sin is: “thinking thoughts you ought not to be thinking about thoughts you ought not to be thinking about things you ought not to be doing while you are thinking the kind of thoughts.” Certainly a word salad straight from Kamala Harris!

Well, it’s not far from the truth── but still, no cigar.

The LORD our God’s definition of sin is──

“Whoever commits sin also commits LAWLESSNESS, and sin is LAWLESSNESS.” – 1 John 3:4.

It is a violation of the TEN COMMANDMENTS!

Now, nearly everyone on planet Earth knows, or has heard of the Ten Commandments! Right!? Let’s go over them──

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

2) “’ You shall not make for yourself a carved image── …’”

3) “’ You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, …’”

4) “’ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’”

5) “’ Honor your father and your mother, …’”

6) “’ You shall not murder.’”

7) “’ You shall not commit adultery.’”

8) “’ You shall not steal.’”

9) “’ You shall not bear false witness …’”

10) “’ You shall not covet …’”

Also known as THE LAW OF LOVE!

Our Lord Jesus Christ has said, “ …’ Hear Me everyone, and understand: 15) There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, THOSE are the things that defile a man. 16) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!’” – Mark 7:14-16.

What did He mean!? His disciples asked Him concerning this parable.

“ …’ Do you not perceive that WHATEVER enters a man from outside CANNOT defile him, 19) because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?’” – vs. 17-19.

Sadly, many Bible critics cite Mark 7:1-15 as a license from our Lord Jesus the Christ (Christ being His title) that all meats are allowed to be eaten. Did our Lord Jesus do away with the prohibition of unclean meats!? Did He say that He had “purged all meats”? The children of Israel’s dietary law was well known by the Jews in the time of Jesus. The self-righteous Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples for eating bread without first washing their hands – vs. 2. Our Lord Jesus’ response was to severely reprimand those self-righteous Pharisees for their rejection of God’s Commandments – vs. 6-13. He then summoned the crowd to hear what He was about to say (vs. 14). He told them that whatever goes into a man (into mankind) from the outside cannot defile the man, but what comes out of a man can (vs. 15-23). Now, many read verse 19 and conclude that a person can eat any kind of meat because our Lord Jesus has “purged all meats.” Sadly, most people neither carefully study and read verse 19, or they read past it – and thereby completely miss the entire point of Jesus’ instruction! Even our Lord Jesus’ own disciples did not immediately understand His teaching – vs. 18. The apostle Matthew’s account shows that apostle Peter asked Him to explain it – Matthew 15:15. Our Lord Jesus clearly was emphasizing that it is the evil things which come out of people – from within, out of the mouth and heart – that defiles a man. He went on to explain that to eat with unwashed hands does not spiritually defile anyone (Matthew 15:20; Mark 7:20-23). This entire account was written to address the futility of the Pharisees’ elaborate handwashing before meals! Privately He explained this parable to His disciples, He gave a frank description of the human body’s normal elimination of any accidentally ingested dirt. He said that such dirt “goes out into the draught” – in other words, the sewer. There was NEVER any Old Testament command to avoid eating food with dirty hands! Our Lord Jesus used this occasion to condemn a man-made tradition that had been elevated above the importance of getting rid of evil and rotten attitudes and thoughts that are INSIDE all human beings – thus defiling them! Notice that in Luke 11:38, the Pharisee was astonished that our Lord Jesus sat down to dine without first washing His hands. Our Lord showed that it is much more important to control what words come out of your mouth, and what thoughts come out of your mind than to worry about dirty hands – Mark 7:20-23.

“ …’ What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21) For from within, OUT OF THE HEART OF MEN, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22) thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23) All these evil things come from within and defile a man.’” – Mark 7:20-23.

So, it’s the breaking of the TEN COMMANDMENTS!

And, what man── as well as what true brother or sister── has not time and time again struggled against committing sin as described by the apostle Paul!?

“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20) Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” – Romans 7:19-20.

All of us── at times── have lost this struggle.

Now, no man or woman can live ABOVE not ever sinning against the LORD God. The Lord our God says──

“ … ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible.’” – Mark 10:27.

Our beloved apostle Paul continued that our ONLY DELIVERANCE from this “body of death” is through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – Romans 8. CHRIST IN YOU!

“that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do NOT walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:4.

But, the Spirit is not going to do it for us──we must do our part! And, like our Lord Jesus has said, it all has to do with our HEART.

Repentance. To repent of sin literally means to change one’s heart and mind in respect to the breaking of God’s Commandments, and accepting our Lord Jesus as Savior. For us to be “renewed in the Spirit of your mind, 24) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:23-24.

Again, CHRIST IN YOU!

The apostle James (a brother to our Lord Jesus) explains to us exactly how sin occurs──

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15) Then, when desire [the desire WITHIN THE HEART] has CONCEIVED, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth DEATH.” – James 1:14-15.

You are TEMPTED IN YOUR MIND. When you think about something that tempts you── and you allow your mind to dwell upon it── either a desire to go somewhere, to do something, or to have something you know that is WRONG── the thinking about it finally CONCEIVES (it leads to action), and then GIVES BIRTH (you sin).

Truly, if you continue thinking about it, after a while you can’t resist it.

How do you prevent sinning!?

You allow your mind to be filled with God’s Spirit──

“ … seek those things which are above, where Christ is, … 2) set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:1, 2.

A spiritually mature begotten child of God should use self-discipline and set his heart on spiritual things. If a TEMPTATION enters your mind, OPEN UP GOD’S LIVING WORD── refocus your mind on a spiritual subject. Pray over it── and ask God the Father and our Lord Jesus to help you. You will begin to rapidly win the victory over temptation and sin! □

Letter to our Friends - September 23, 2024

Dear Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings to everyone from Spring Hill, Florida, USA.

As I sit here typing on this beautiful and warm Monday morning, I have a terrible cold. I most humbly ask for your prayers──that it doesn’t get any worse, but that it gets better with rest and time, and maybe a little NyQuil®!

Are You Converted?

There are a couple of factors involved BEFORE a person can be converted – can be changed.

Here is the answer from God’s living immutable word from an online article April 6, 2024, by Leonard V. Johnson:

Just What Is “Conversion”?

Conversion simply means a “change.” It means to turn from our sinful life. It means to turn to the LORD God’s Way. It means to completely “come out” from among this world’s ways, and to yield in unconditional surrender and obedience to the Creator of all things!

Conversion is not possible through human effort alone. It can only be done through the glorious power of the LORD God (the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ).

1) The person MUST be divinely called by God the Father – cf. John 6:44.

2) The person MUST answer that call.

Now, there are the world over people who have “checked out” of the world – such as monks, and hermits. Some are pessimistic and believe that the sky is falling, like Chicken Little. Some have gotten off the grid and have turned against society – having realized what this world truly is. But yet, they are not converted. Why? Because God the Father has not called them out of this world. …

Seven Signs of True Conversion

Reverent Fear of the LORD God

A reverent fear of the LORD God “is the beginning of knowledge” – Proverbs 1:7.

Most important, we should reverently fear the LORD God. And to fear the LORD God means that we are to RESPECT THEM. It means to rightly attribute all power and glory to THEM. For there is only One that rightly deserves to be called reverend – and that’s the LORD God! – Psalm 111:9, KJV. And we rightly love the LORD God by keeping the LAW OF GOD – 1 John 5:2-3.

Repent and believe in the gospel

As our Lord Jesus Christ instructs all people, “’ The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in [and obey, I add editorially] the gospel.’” – Mark 1:15.

Quite possibly misunderstood like no other step towards eternal salvation is the true meaning of repentance. The very word “repentance” has been blasphemously tossed about throughout the world like a small fishing bobber in an endless ocean. …

The LORD God’s living word is clear – “Then Peter said to them, ‘REPENT, and let every one of you BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38.

So, we must repent. But repent of what?

Sin. …

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

One of the last things that the Apostle Peter wrote – under divine inspiration – speaking to us brethren, “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18) but GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.” – 2 Peter 3:17-18.

As I’ve been saying for many years now – sadly, some say, “I don’t want to learn any more than I did in 1972! – don’t confuse me!” Or, whatever year they use. Stagnation in the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God leads to death. …

Stay Steadfast In the Faith

Our LORD God tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because [our] adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9) Resist him, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH, knowing that the same sufferings [and temptations and tribulations] are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8-9. …

Will you be steadfast in the faith?

A properly converted mind is a steadfast mind. …

Are You Able To Be Taught?

A willingness to be taught.

King Solomon wrote, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding” – Proverbs 3:13.

Properly understanding God’s living word is indeed a joy and a blessing! And, if it is applied in our life, our lives truly become happy and meaningful.

Are You Willing To Be Corrected If Wrong?

Why is the living word of God argued over more than any other book? Because human nature doesn’t like to be corrected. All the learning in the world comes to naught if you are unwilling to be corrected when you are wrong. Developing and growing in God’s character requires a person to be willing to be corrected.

“For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:12.

Do You Listen To & Respect the Servants of Jesus Christ?

“ … ‘on this rock …’” – As “Peter” and “Rock” are one word in the dialect familiarly spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ ──the Aramaic, which was the mother tongue of that country in that period. This beautiful new name given to Peter, Képhas (Cephas) emphasizes the Apostle Peter’s role in the early New Testament Church of God, much like a solid rock upon which to build. “ … ‘I will build My church, …’” ─ not on the man Simon BarJonah (which means son of Jonah). “MY CHURCH,” says our Lord Jesus, calling the Church of God His own! So, a Church, not churches. And, our Lord Jesus has kept His word! His Church has existed continuously since 31 AD! …

Can you recognize our Lord Jesus’ true ministers!? He clearly tells us that you will recognize false prophets – as well as false self-appointed apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – by their fruits. By the very fruits of their character. So likewise, our Lord Jesus is telling us that we can know His true and faithful ministers and servants by their fruit – which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – cf. Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:22-23. …

(READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries: Just What Is "Conversion"? (owensborocojc.com)

Yes. True Christians are to properly be converted as well to OVERCOME. We are not to compromise with the LORD God’s Way, but we are to improve daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly── building godly character. So that we can become a leader in the glorious Kingdom of God! See also our free no-obligation online PDF article: From the BEGINNING… GOD’S MASTER PLAN.

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 “Prophecy – Feast of Trumpets – 2022” delivered by Leonard V Johnson.

• Closing song.

• Closing prayer.

Also, in case one or more of our video platform channels are unavailable, down, restricted, or for whatever reason, we also have additional video platform channels.

We have a UGETube channel: https://ugetube.com/@cojcom

We have a BitChute channel: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/U3xLiHjo9y45

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

In the United States of America── Sunday, there was a 2nd assassination attempt on POTUS Donald Trump ─ the would-be murderer was thwarted and failed. (See: AP – ‘5 things to know about the apparent assassination attempt on Trump’ along with New York Post – ‘Trump ‘safe and well’ after being targeted by would-be assassin with scoped AK-47 just a few hundred yards away while ex-prez played golf’).

Sadly, certain things associated with the attempted assassinations of POTUS Donald Trump are gravely disturbing and point at issues that the biased mainstream media DOES NOT want to investigate── as in true journalism.

The biased mainstream media DOES NOT want anyone to support Donald Trump, and they minimize any news coverage that they deem helps reelect him as the 47th President of the United States.

However, the election of world leaders is not under the authority of the people. It’s under the authority of the LORD God! Notice the following –

“’ This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’” – Daniel 4:17.

The LORD God will decide who will be the next President of the United States of America── because as our great and awesome God says –

“’ Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10) Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, …’” – Isaiah 46:9, 10.

As well as –

“ … For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” – Romans 13:1.

The LORD God knows which candidate will take certain steps that will lead to the ultimate fulfillment of His biblical prophecies for the end of this present evil age.

Truly, as our Lord Jesus Christ says, we are to WATCH WORLD EVENTS IN LIGHT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY – “’ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!’” – Mark 13:37. And our Lord Jesus Christ also says, “ … ‘unless you REPENT you will all likewise perish.’” – Luke 13:3, 5. This means── WITHOUT NATIONAL REPENTANCE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (as we know it) WILL PERISH!

Neither President Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris has called for NATIONAL REPENTANCE── certainly, it’s because they do not properly understand God’s living word, biblical prophecies, or even the great need for such repentance.

While our nation as a whole will likely NOT repent, you can─ and you should.

“ … ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’” – Acts 2:38-39; 3:19-21.

In Europe── a shift is occurring related to immigrants. Germany has imposed border restrictions for immigrants, whereas it is also being reported that Sweden is paying upwards of US$34,000 to “repatriate” certain immigrants. (See: DPA – ‘Germany pledges new border checks will be 'targeted' to avoid queues’ along with ReMix – ‘Germany needs a border fence, demands AfD party leader Alice Weidel’ as well as BigLeaguePolitics – ‘Sweden Says To Pay Immigrants Up To $34,000 To Leave The Country’).

The AfD is considered Germany’s anti-immigration party. And its influence has steadily been growing as more in Germany have been supporting this party in her elections. Surely, the fact that TERRORIST ATTACKS ARE ON THE RISE IN EUROPE! – and that IS (the Islamic State terrorist group) has taken responsibility for the deadly stabbings in Solingen are reinforcing Germany’s stance on immigrants from the Middle East and parts of Africa.

Europe will eventually do more than just attempt to restrict immigrants – especially Islamic immigrants. It will eventually cast them out!

God’s living word in this two-fold prophecy shows us that a reunited seventh resurrection of a ‘beast’ civic leader (also called the ‘king of the North’) will arise and promise peace.

“And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in PEACEABLY, and obtain the kingdom by FLATTERIES. 22) And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

23) And after the league made with him he shall work DECEITFULLY: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small number of people. 24) He shall enter PEACEABLY even upon the fattest places of the providence; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall fore3cast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.” – Daniel 11:21-24.

This European civic leader will be (as alluded to in Daniel 8:25 and Revelation 13:3-4) A MAN OF WAR!

He will deport Islamists out of Europe and lead a most powerful United States of Europe military (See: Daniel 11:40-43; Revelation 13:3-4)!

The atmosphere in Europe is not pro-Islam, despite the many protests suggesting otherwise. We should expect the rise of other various steps to deport more Islamists out of Europe.

Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ── we are in the time of the age that our Lord Jesus has called, ‘the beginning of sorrows.’ Ever-greater steps are taking place that will lead up to the prophesied ‘great tribulation.’

Once again, our Lord Jesus Christ says, “’ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!’” – Mark 13:37.

Concluding Comments

The psalmist was inspired by God’s Spirit to write the following –

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

2) My soul thirsts for God, for THE LIVING GOD. When shall I come and appear before God? 3) My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me. ‘Where is your God?’

4) When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.’” – Psalm 42:1-4.

We should all thirst for the living God, and long to go with ‘the multitude’ that keeps the pilgrim feast’!

The holy Feast of Tabernacles is the “pilgrim feast” and we in the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries observe this annual feast each fall. Have you tried to assure that BY ALL MEANS you will keep and celebrate the feast of the LORD this year!?

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Leonard V Johnson

Personal From... The Trump and Harris debate, and the Christian Vote

by Leonard V. Johnson

On the evening of September 10th, I found myself staying up late watching the first (and possibly only) Presidential Debate between President Donald Trump and Vice President of the Harris/Biden Administration Kamala Harris, (and David Muir and Linsey David)! THREE ON ONE! I was watching and listening── and as I had been watching thirty-five years earlier with the fall of the Berlin Wall── with tears streaming down my face, understanding that this is a prophetically significant event that is occurring in world history!

I witnessed the moderators fact-checking President Donald Trump every chance they could── and not fact-checking Kamala Harris but maybe once. I, personally, did not hear the POTUS lie. Yet, I heard Kamala Harris lie dozens of times. The largest one being for sure – “And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, the first time this century.” That, of course, was AN OUTRIGHT BLANTANT LIE! Fox News host Harris Faulkner said Friday that Vice President Kamala Harris’ lies during Tuesday’s debate with former President Donald Trump were so obvious she could fact-check the Democratic nominee for president with her memory.

What truly made me ill was that after the “attack,” on CNN they were excited to have heard Kamala Harris’ strident pro-abortion positions as a reason to vote for her! Truly, the very idea of voting for a candidate because the candidate is in favor of MURDERING INNOCENT BABIES is a disturbing news report── and those so-called reporters on CNN should be ashamed of themselves!

As I stated recently – it is possible that the LORD our God saved the life of President Donald Trump, because the United States of America will come to need a strong war-time president! Because war is coming to the United States of America, according to God’s living word. Notice this dual biblical prophecy –

“’ Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation. 6) I will send him against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.’”

Here, the LORD God was WARNING Israel through the prophet Isaiah, telling them that because of their rebellion, He was going to bring Assyria – who was going to be like a staff within His hand and punish them. But out of that – later on in that same chapter –

Verse 12 – “’ Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, ‘I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.’” – Isaiah 10:5-6, 12.

The German-European plan is for a united Europe to be a strong military power independent of NATO- which is led by the United States of America. A political, military, and religious force that is prophesied to ultimately defeat the USA – cf. Daniel 11:39.

Indeed, according to biblical prophecy, there is coming a time when the US debt will be invoked as a reason to conquer the US per Habakkuk 2:6-8.

Sadly, the USA has a BIASED NEWS MEDIA! The only world news media outlets that I personally watch on television are Fox News, Newsmax, and Sky News Australia. The overall majority of world news media outlets in the US are hypocrites – and are nothing more than political advocates for Communism in America!

God’s living word says that the LORD God is going to send ‘the rod of His anger’ against a “hypocritical nation” at the time of the end – Isaiah 10:5-11, KJV.

Also, the satanist Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris publicly. As Gomer Pyle would often say, “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!” ──

Taylor Swift is entering her 2024 election era.

The mega pop star has thrown her support behind Vice President Harris, just under two months out from the election … in a post to her more than 280 million followers on Instagram.

(https://www.npr.org/2024/09/10/nx-s1-5107976/taylor-swift-instagram-endorse-kamala-harris).

After last night’s Presidential debate, the pop star publicly endorsed Kamala Harris because “she is a steady-handed, gifted leader” who fights for “LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body. . .”

I really try to keep an open mind and understand other people’s opinions. But I personally have an extremely difficult time comprehending how someone thinks abortion and LGBTQ rights are the most important problems facing the country right now.

(https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/joy-is-going-to-drive-gold-prices-to-absurd-levels-151408/).

The promotion of SIN is not a reason to endorse anyone! The very approving of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle or agenda is CONDEMNED in God’s living immutable word –

“who exchanged the TRUTH OF GOD for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, … 26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is AGAINST NATURE.

27) Likewise also the men, leaving the NATURAL USE of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men COMMITTING WHAT IS SHAMEFUL, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a [reprobate] mind, to do those things WHICH ARE NOT PROPER;

29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, PROUD, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32) WHO, KNOWING THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:25, 26-32.

Truly, truly the 2024 US Presidential Election is a choice between MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN or four more years of unending evil! Yet, we say – do not place your hope in any human political leader ── “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5.

What are the godly traits of a leader? The prophet Moses, receiving valuable advice from his father-in-law concerning leadership – under the divine inspiration of the LORD God wrote ──

“’ Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” – Exodus 18:21.

Of course, neither President Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris could be considered ‘men who fear God, men of truth, and one who hates covetousness.’ But, on the issues that matter this 2024 ── Illegal Immigration, the Economy, and Violent Crime. Of these issues (and much more) which candidate do you feel more confident in about making effective decisions in handling uncontrolled illegal immigration, law enforcement, and criminal justice issues, making good decisions concerning foreign policy, the economy, or even fracking or no-fracking!?

Questions: Was illegal immigration better under control under President Donald Trump? What about the economy? What about violent crime? How’s your economy under the Harris/Biden Administration!? I think── the obvious speaks for itself.

Remember── neither voting for President Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris will ultimately save the inevitable fall of the United States of America! However, let us also be reminded── “ … For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist ARE APPOINTED BY GOD.” – Romans 13:1b.

We, as true Christians, are not of this world – but we are in this world (John 17:15). One can have a witty comeback and say, “The “lesser of two evils” is still evil,” but we need to listen to our Lord Jesus when He has said, “ … ‘but that You should keep them from the evil one.’” Let us continue to pray for God’s divine protection for President Donald Trump and that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ would── at the least for four more years── keep us from the increasing evil of the evil one! Yet, in the end, God’s will be done!

God’s living word says –

“’ As for My people, children are their oppressors, And WOMEN RULE OVER THEM. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And DESTROY the way of your paths.’” – Isaiah 3:12.

Let us always put our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! Because it is He── ultimately── that allows our leaders to be appointed to office!

And of course, we are to pray always for His kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done! – Matthew 6:10; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 21:34-36.

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

For a supposed “man of God” to tell you that you shouldn’t vote── it is no different to me than the Taliban in Afghanistan telling our women that they have no right to education, freedom of movement, or even health care! 1 You── so-called “man of God” will be held accountable!

I recently read an excellent article, To Vote or Not to Vote? by Peter Lillback. And I won’t quote much, except –

“ For those of us who are believers in the truths of Scripture, there are several timeless and necessary biblical principles that we should keep in mind in this challenging election season:”

The article went on to quote six passages from God’s living word.

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN.” – Romans 12:18.

“We should all be prepared to say, “Madam President” or “President Trump”. Regardless of how we feel about the candidates, we are called to honor the office even if we have difficulty honoring its occupant.”

“ … ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” – Matthew 22:21.

“When we refuse to honor the government’s process for leadership transition, we are not only withholding a duty to government, we are potentially disrespecting Christ who told us to honor the government He has placed over us by giving to it its due respect (Rom. 13:1-6).”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21.

“Staying home on election day may give you the right to say I didn’t make things worse, but you have no more claim to moral excellence than a rock on a roadside that didn’t give a flat tire to a car because the car didn’t hit it.”

“ ‘You are the salt of the earth; … You are the light of the world. …’” – Matthew 5:13-16.

“When people who are the salt of the earth and the light of the world cooperate for a common good, they not only can dispel the darkness of moral evil, but they can prevent the decay of that which is good.”

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33.

“Do not be deceived”, the government will be keeping company with your family, your business, and your house of worship; but will it strengthen these bedrock institutions or will its “evil company corrupt” “good morals”?”

“ … be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58.

“We must not forget that staying home and not voting on Election Day is to remain silent. To remain silent in a moral crisis is to become complicit in the evil. A classic line from Shakespeare says, “’To be, or not to be?’, that is the question”. □

1. https://feminist.org/our-work/afghan-women-and-girls/taliban-edicts/