Commentary: Guard Your Mind

by Guy C. LaMar

Guard Your Mind

King Solomon, who was blessed with immense wisdom from the LORD God instructs us, “Above all GUARD THE DOOR OF YOUR MIND with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23, NET.

So, brethren, do not allow smut and vile in your life.

Do not allow wicked people to be involved in your life.

Do not allow yourself to watch evil and violent things on television or on the Internet, or even read things that are evil and violent.

Stay clear of lies and liars – of such promotes acts of Satan the Devil.

My grandfather and grandmother DID NOT have a television set. It wasn’t until my grandfather died that my grandmother finally had one.

They studied and read God’s living word – the Holy Bible.

They stayed consumed with the living word of God.

Every decision they made in their life was based upon the living word of God – and what the LORD God had to say on any given matter. No matter how unpopular the truth was with society, friends, or family.

They also selected what they read in the newspapers – with the old idiom: it’s not how much you read, it’s what you read –so as not to crowd their mind full of absolute garbage.

They also would not have a conversation with someone who would talk trash. They would just simply walk away. It didn’t matter whether they were looked upon as rude. Because it was rude of the person who was talking trash.

They certainly would have looked upon the Internet as a tool of Satan the Devil. And, it is in so many different ways. It’s certainly one of his most utilized instruments for recruiting his followers.

My beloved grandparents were very selective in who they would allow in their circle of life. They tried to keep their life clean in God’s Way. They were a good example of how a true Christian should live.

The older and wiser I become, the more I lean toward that Way of being.

Unfortunately – or fortunately for wisdom and knowledge's sake – we have to reside in this world’s societies. We have to communicate daily, most of the time, with peoples who we would rather not.

Yet brethren, if our minds are wrapped around the LORD God and Their holy and immutable living word, and abiding in the LAW OF GOD, then we are on the right course of righteousness and on the path towards the glorious and wonderful World Tomorrow in the kingdom that awaits us.

God Speed. □

Letter to our Friends - March 18, 2024

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

P.O. BOX 6458

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606

www.owensborocojc.com 

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Founder

Dearest Brethren and Friends:

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida.

We continue to add audio articles to our Soundcloud Radio channel. The Day of the LORD – Part Two along with Personal From… Politically Affiliated? We do this to help support and fulfill our Lord Jesus Christ’s command to ‘go therefore and make disciples [to teach] of all the nations’ – Matthew 28:19-20. Along with helping feed His lost sheep – cf. Luke 15:4-10. Along with the “Ezekiel Warning” – cf. Personal From… The Calm Is Over. As well as the prophesied “short work upon the earth” – Romans 9:28. Our top three Brethren and Friends who are faithfully listening are located in the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Ireland!

We have an additional online booklet, “Satan’s World.” This world is changing! And sometimes it does feel as if it’s with lightning speed for a man in the autumn of his years. I have seen such drastic changes – rapid changing – in technology, science, medicine, cultures, neighborhoods, and in our cities and towns all throughout the world.

The Lord God commands, "You shall teach your children diligently."

Brethren and Friends, as we get closer to the end of this age, our Lord Jesus Christ asked, ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’ – Luke 18:8. And He’s not only speaking about a lack of faith religiously. But of faith even in God – the faith of a Creator God. More Americans than ever express doubts about the existence of God or a higher power. According to a 2023 survey, approximately 77% of U.S. “atheists” do not believe in God or any spiritual force. Sadly, 1 in 10 Americans claim they don’t believe in God. Not very long ago we published an online booklet, “Does God Exist?” in which I cover my experience in proving beyond any shadow of doubt the very existence of a Creator God.

Certainly, never before since our nation’s founding has this generation been so ignorant about the LORD God – the Elohim, the family of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – John 1:1. About the very Creator of EVERYTHING!

To note: this week’s recommended Sabbath sermon is Minister Michael C. Garrett’s message – “EVERYTHING Was Created by Jesus Christ.”

Are you keeping the LORD God’s command of teaching your children about God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ? About Their commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments? Are you fulfilling your role as TEACHER of your children?

How many three-year-olds in America can rightfully answer these simple questions –

● What were the names of the first man and woman? Where did they come from?

● What was the name of the man who built the ark?

● What is the name of God’s Son?

● What does God actually look like?

● Where does God live?

Of course, young children vary in their ability to learn. But as soon as they begin to speak and place words together into sentences, they should be taught the proper answer to these questions.

Understand Brethren, that the LORD God holds us responsible for teaching our children concerning God’s Way. See and hear the LORD God’s charge -

“’ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul [your life], and with all your strength.

6) And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.’” – Deuteronomy 5:5-7.

FIRST and foremost, you must know God’s Word Accurately

Surely, before you ever try and teach your children a lesson or relate a particular biblical incident, you must know what God’s living word actually says. Because, if you’re teaching your children that their dead relatives went to heaven, you’re not teaching the living word of God! “Are the Dead In Heaven?” And, they’re not in a hell either – “Is There A Hell?” You must teach your children what the living word of God actually says! And to do this, YOU must have within you God’s Spirit – the very mind of the LORD God!

“ … For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so NO ONE knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

16) For ‘who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11, 16.

“ … Now if ANYONE does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” – Romans 8:9.

Do not let little errors or outright lies creep into your teaching. Do not rely on books or booklets “about” the Holy Bible. Do not rely on the Jewish Torah – it will not teach you anything about the New Covenant, or our Lord Jesus Christ! Also, the overwhelming majority of “Bible Story” books for children are inundated with errors, fabrications, or outright lies! Any real connection with the LORD God’s very PURPOSE FOR LIFE is not known or taught.

For example – in many doctor's offices they have in the waiting room the popular hardcover book “Bible Story” by Arthur Maxwell. One volume has the story of Noah and the Flood, which claims that the animals went into the ark two-by-two. But if you read God’s living word it says, “’ You shall take with you SEVEN each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female.’” – Genesis 7:2 NKJV. Why do they leave that out!? Children miss out on a very important piece of the story that the LORD God wants us to know – that there are acceptable animals, that are clean. And later – in Leviticus – the LORD God does indeed command that mankind isn’t even allowed to eat those unclean animals.

(Be sure to read our article – “Is God's Biblical Food Laws Still In Effect!?”).

Sadly, even the majority of religious pictures are misleading – biblical characters are overwhelmingly portrayed in “spiritual” positions, or have a supposed halo above their heads, generally with their arms outstretched toward a tree, a rock, or the sky. When in reality, the people of the Bible were just like you and me! They were human beings just like we are! The LORD our God says to us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23. They were not perfect, they made mistakes, but they repented of their sins.

And, we are told that they “were [often] tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36) Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented ─ 38) of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

39) And ALL THESE, having obtained a good testimony through faith, DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROMISE.” – YET!

And this is what you should convey to your children. Not graphically, but truthfully.

Young Children Love Bedtime Stories

Most younger children love to hear about the characters of the Holy Bible. Such as the story of Adam and Eve, Patriarchs Noah and Abraham, Prophet Moses, and of course our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s important however not to add any excessive fictionalization. Such as what the Christian Apocrypha Infancy Gospels do! You should always teach your children of the true character of our Lord Jesus (See; Galatians 5:22-23). Of the true profession He had as a human being and of what He actually looked like! (cf. Isaiah 53:2) How He kept all the holy commandments! And left us an example to do the same! (cf. 1 Peter 2:21).

(Be sure to read our articles – “’ Under Law’ or ‘Under Grace’?” as well as “The Divinity of Jesus Christ” and “Did Jesus Have Long Hair?”).

As your children grow and learn, begin teaching them how the wisdom of King Solomon in the Book of Proverbs relates to their everyday lives. Such as with fighting –

“A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them” – Proverbs 15:18; NLT.

Or, how a lazy person will often make excuses –

“The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, ‘I can’t go outside because there might be a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!’” – Proverbs 26:13; NLT.

Think of why and how your children can benefit by inculcating the principles of these proverbs into their lives. Write various points down as you think of them and you can have a very effective and meaningful Bible study.

Be sure to Teach SPIRITUAL Lessons

It’s easy to teach your children about all the biblical characters and their stories, but without understanding the lessons involved in each incident, they are vitally missing out on the true value of it. Always strive to teach your children these vital overall principles – the TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE! The gospel message preached by Jesus Christ of Nazareth and His Church concerning the history of Jesus Christ and the future coming of the Kingdom of God established by our soon coming King of kings and Lord of lords. The establishment of God's government on earth. It includes the message of what Jesus Christ has done in the past, is doing right now, and what He shall do. It is the Message of the New Covenant. Also, the fact that the LORD God tells us, “’ I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live.’” – Deuteronomy 30:19.

Emphasize over and over how rewarding and beneficial it is to obey the LORD God’s holy and righteous commandments – Exodus 20:1-17; Mark 12:28-31. Stress to them just WHY they were born! – cf. Genesis 1:26; 1 John 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 8:29; Galatians 3:26. Truly, to eventually “plant the heavens” – Isaiah 51:16. ALWAYS stress the positive – the good life that obedience to the LORD God produces.

Have A Regular Bible Study

Set a definite time for teaching your children about our Creator God and the living word. And, if possible, have the whole family take part. Remember to keep the studies short, so the children won’t get bored or begin to dread them – fifteen minutes sounds about right. Also, point out to them throughout the day certain lessons or principles about the LORD God of the heavens and of the earth – especially to the younger children.

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 “EVERYTHING Was Created by Jesus Christ” delivered by Michael C. Garrett.

• Closing song.

• Closing prayer.

Some World News Concerning Biblical Prophecy

Moslems all around the world are celebrating their Ramadan.

To note: Those of us in the living Church of Jesus Christ, i.e. the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries, DO NOT accept that the LORD God inspired the Koran or Ramadan. We believe that the religion of Islam along with the Koran was inspired by Satan the devil. We also DO NOT accept the Book of Mormon, Malachi’s Message, or any Gnostic Gospels, etc. They are not inspired by the LORD God – the Creator of the heavens and of the earth!

Apparently, the terrorist organization Hamas hopes that this month-long observance will trigger wider horrors and atrocities in the Middle East (See: Israel365News – Hamas ‘striving to ignite the Moslems region during Ramadan’ says Mossad). Certainly, one of the reasons that the terrorist organization Hamas claimed its Oct. 7th attack was that it was concerned that Israel may have a red heifer ready to sacrifice, and that it may decide to soon clear the Al-Asqa Mosque off the area known as the Temple Mount (See: Israel365News - Hamas Spokesman: Oct 7 attack launched to stop the red heifers).

Now, does that sound ridiculous? Well, notice this from the Temple Institute –

“In our own times, the commandment of the red heifer takes on more and more significance. For without it, the Divine service of the Holy Temple cannot be resumed. There is a spiritual renaissance today in Israel; after almost 2,000 years, Israel is clearly moving towards the time when the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah – the prophesied Third Temple – will be rebuilt.

(https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-introduction/).

Indeed, there are some Jews who want the Al-Asqa Mosque removed – which is on the area called the Temple Mount. This is not something that the terrorist group Hamas (a proxy of Iran) just made up.

Hamas lusts that Israel be pushed into the sea and utterly destroyed. This is clear from one of their documents –

“Hamas: Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement …

Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it” (The Martyr, Imam Hassan alBanna, of blessed memory).”

(https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hamas-covenant-full-text).

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad want Israel completely destroyed!

A greater and expanded war involving Israel and Iran, along with others will happen soon – consistent with the LORD God’s two-fold prophecy in Isaiah 22. The LORD God will soon allow Israel (JUDAH) to be viciously attacked! And certainly relying on her own military and Iron Dome will not be enough!

Notice the following in this dual prophecy which does indicate at least a partial destruction before the ‘latter days.’ The Prophet Isaiah was inspired by the LORD God to warn concerning grave damage which is soon to come to JERUSALEM – 

“Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. 7) It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.” Continuing with verses 8 & 9 – “He [Almighty God] removed the protection of JUDAH. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9) You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; …” – Isaiah 22:6-9.

Elam is a reference to at least some in Iran.

Now, it should be noted that God’s living word shows us that Iran will not end up faring too well.

“The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam [ancient Persia/Iran], in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, 35) ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam. The foremost of their might. 36) Against Elam I will bring the four winds From the four quarters of heaven, And scatter them toward all these winds; There shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go. 37) For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies And before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, My fierce anger,’ says the LORD; ‘And I will send the sword after them Until I have consumed them. 38) I will set My throne in Elam, And will destroy from there the king and the princes,’ says the LORD.” – Jeremiah 49:34-38.

Brethren, our Lord Jesus Christ could return as early as 2031!? And why do I say this? Because in truth – “ … ‘that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, …’” (Mark 13:32). We do not know. But, we are told by our Lord Jesus Christ to ‘Watch!’ and to ‘know that summer is near.’

On November 6th, 2016, to be precise; just before I would be fit, spiritually speaking – I had a dream, and I believe it was from God. In my dream – a most vivid dream – I was looking into the clearest night sky I have ever seen, crystal clear bright shining stars. And then suddenly I heard a booming voice – what appeared to be the tail-end of a conversation. And the voice said, “They only have 10 years left.” Sadly, I expect this grave regional war before the United States of America’s next presidential election.

In the Book of Daniel, there is a two-fold prophecy in which he speaks about ‘bringing an end to sacrifice and offering.’ Daniel 9:24-27.

Sadly, a great many of the churches of God badly bungle the truth concerning this two-fold prophecy. And I openly admit that in my early years of preaching, I too was following their misunderstanding of this amazing living two-fold prophecy – until the LORD our God showed me His living truth in regards to this SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY – vs. 27. In verse 25 God’s living word is specific that the prophet Daniel is speaking of our living Jesus Christ! – “Until Messiah.” That is who he is speaking of here. “He [our Lord Jesus Christ] shall confirm a covenant with many for ONE WEEK.” Which in biblical language means one day for every year – SEVEN YEARS. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Certainly, we know just who was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind! Jesus Christ! And when did He die!? He was executed in the MIDDLE OF THE WEEK – WEDNESDAY. His human life ended after 3½ years of His public ministry. Now, according to this living two-fold prophecy, He was supposed to make a covenant with many for ONE WEEK – for SEVEN YEARS! What became of the remaining 3½ years!? Well, it will be fulfilled in those events upon His glorious and powerful return. His Millennial reign actually doesn’t begin until after the first 3½ years – in which He is remolding and reshaping the earth – the people of the earth. Of getting their attitudes right. “As a Rod of Iron.” He will wield a club.

Also in the news – In the landlocked independent city-state, Vatican City - Jorge Mario Bergoglio (aka Pope Francis) has upset various military supporters of Ukraine this week with his “white flag” comment (See: AP - Pope Francis: Ukraine should have the courage of the 'white flag,' negotiate end of war with Russia).

Now, “negotiations” in this case is a type of surrender. But for Ukraine, the alternative may be even worse! Contrary to American propaganda, Ukraine is not winning this war! Russia has basically stated that since they annexed various areas previously controlled by Ukraine, those lands are now Russia’s. And that he would use nuclear weapons if he thought Russia faced defeat.

Ukraine is in a tight spot! Even more destruction is coming! They can continue to fight and hope that Russia will have some mercy. Or, they can negotiate and hope that Russia will have some mercy. They could repent unto the LORD God – the Creator of the heavens and of the earth, yet they show no sign or indication of this. Or, they might decide to negotiate with Russia and try to get their remaining lands to be a part of the European Union.

However, because of various biblical prophecies, we remain convinced that parts of the territory that Ukraine claims will end up supporting Russia when they help lead a massive invasion of Europe. An invasion that will not occur until AFTER the final Catholic European beast power subjugates the United States of America and the United Kingdom! Note: Daniel 11:39.

Concluding Comments

As many of you are aware, my wife and I were going to adopt a teenager. But sadly, it didn’t work out. However, at the time, we were helping him with his schoolwork at home involving world history.

His world history teacher was teaching his whole class ‘A New Faith,’ and ‘The Spread of Islam.’ Our children are REQUIRED to learn such ‘vocabulary’ words and their definitions, such as shari’ah, mosque, Quran, and caliph. I remember when I was his age learning in history class such things as the names of all the US presidents, the history of the United States of America and her constitution, the emancipation proclamation, the history of Ponce de Leon and Christopher Columbus. Also, notable people such as Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, to name but a couple. Now, they may not have been the best of men – but they were all a part of our founding history!

Is America becoming more Islamic? Well, notice the following –

The Islamization Of American Schools – Soft Jihad in American Schools

Well, what can I say? The Islamic paradise is playing out live, but not in living color, only in a mono color — black. … In CNN’s translation of the Shahada, they (intentionally) left out a critical part. The Shahada starts by: I testify (meaning I accept, I verify) that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. … And the school authorities say that there is absolutely no religious scheme in this practice. Well, I would be shocked if these conniving goons would ever speak the truth and when they stop short of deceiving non-Muslims by any and all means to convert them. It is a central doctrine of their religion– taqiyya –to deceive non-Muslims is a meritorious deed when it serves Islam. …

Muslim organizations have been busy and working “stealthily” changing America in what is called “Soft Jihad,” or “Cultural Jihad,” in the United States. Soft Jihad is practiced where the sword of jihad is not advisable, where Muslims are not strong enough to unsheathe their sword, where the true nature of Islam is exposed, and when the general public would likely stamp them out.

A critical tool of soft jihad involves penetration of the American educational system, …

(Read More: https://newswithviews.com/the-islamization-of-americas-schools/). Retrieved 19 March 2024.

According to a report by the International Journal of Environmental Science and Development (PDF), the Moslem population in North America – a region consisting of three countries and territories: Bermuda, Canada, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and the USA, the total population of this region increased from 44 million in 1870 to 172 million in 1950, to 388 million by 2020!

The growth of North America’s Moslem population can be attributed to immigration, high birth rates (Pew Research Center – ‘New estimates show U.S. Muslim population continues to grow’), and conversions to Islam.

Islam and Islam-related issues, omnipresent in North America in this 21st century, can be categorized into five broad themes: 1) Islamic extremism and security implications of North American jihadists within Syria and Iraq and elsewhere; 2) the continued spread of Islamic Sharia law in the US and other North American countries and territories; 3) the exploitation of US and other North American children by Moslem gangs; 4) Moslem integration into parliamentary democracies, devolved parliamentary dependents, or a constitutional republic; and 5) the utter failure of North America’s multiculturalism.

Indeed, the diminished respect for God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – and God’s standards is also a factor in the increased Islamization of North America.

As the Moslem population increases in the United States, so too will the number of Islamic terror attacks.

Consider some end-time two-fold biblical prophecies related to TERRORISM:

“’ But IF you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15) and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16) I also will do this to you: I will even appoint TERROR over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17) I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. THOSE WHO HATE YOU shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you’” – Leviticus 26:16-17.

“’ The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be TERROR within For the young man and virgin, The nursing child with the man of gray hairs’” – Deuteronomy 32:25.

So, what is Islam’s role!? A person from lands that are currently dominated by Islam is prophesied to be involved with deals with a final European ‘king of the North’ – Daniel 11:27; along with Psalm 83:3-8.

God’s living Word specifically WARNS of grave problems from the Arabic peoples in this end-time (which nearly all are Moslem):

“’ They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4) They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ 5) For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6) The tents of Edom [the progenitor of the Turkish people] and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; Moab [think Jordan] and the Hagrites [they anciently dwelt in the land known as Syria today]; 7) Gebal [Lebanon], Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [Turks]; Philistia [modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon] 8) Assyria [[whose descendants migrated to Germany] also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot [Moab and Ammon in modern Jordan]” – Psalm 83:3-8.

This end-time prophecy is likely to involve TERRORISM!

Why!?

Because ‘they have taken crafty counsel’ indeed sounds as if it could involve some terrorism.

Friends, bringing in Moslem immigrants into North America will very likely result in some of them fulfilling terroristic prophecies (be sure to read ‘How Democrats are using multiculturalism and immigration to destroy America’).

Without national repentance, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are doomed. Notice that lack of repentance is indeed listed as a reason that the ‘king of Assyria’ – the final ‘king of the North’ – will become Ephraim’s king:

“’ I taught Ephraim to walk, … 5) But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6) And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7) My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him’” – Hosea 11:3, 5-7.

With love and gratitude, in Jesus' Name,

True Christians SHOULD NOT Celebrate "St. Patrick's Day"!

March 17th of 2024 will once again be what is called St. Patrick’s Day. The majority of people view it as a Roman Catholic holiday, while many others look at it as an Irish holiday. But for most, it has become a major drinking holiday!

It has both spiritual and physical risks to your life and health.

Notice this from ABC News –

St. Patrick's Day tales from the emergency room

On St. Patrick’s Day, emergency room staffers prepare themselves for an uptick in patients, likely with several of them injured themselves in some sort of hilarious calamity. It differs from holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s, when patients in need of emergency care often wait a day or two before seeking it, preferring to wait for a more “convenient” time, said Dr. Michael Lynch, a toxicologist and an emergency physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The holiday is on a Friday this year, allowing millions to perhaps take their celebration of Irish heritage to the next — and possibly painful — level.

“It’s not a fun day to work because of the number of alcohol-related injuries,” said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. …

Beware of green food coloring

One St. Patrick’s Day, Glatter witnessed a group of advertising executives panicking after they had lunch outside the office, he said.

During the meal, they decided to take part in the day’s festivities by drinking green beer. The food coloring altered the appearance of not only the beer but the executives’ teeth as well — just before an important meeting.

“Four or five of them came to the ER,” Glatter said. “They were freaking out because they had to see the client.”

The food coloring stained the plaque buildup on their teeth, he said, and getting rid of it was no easy task.

“It takes time,” Glatter said. “It doesn’t go away immediately.”

Even with whitening strips, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste, it can still take up to a week for the coloring to disappear and teeth to return to their normal shade, he said.

“People do stupid things on St. Patrick’s Day,” Glatter said. “And certainly the novelty of different foods is something that is interesting.”

(https://abcnews.go.com/US/st-patricks-day-tales-emergencyroom/story?id=46153678).

Also, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one shouldn’t trust their luck this or any other St. Patrick’s Day –

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges everyone to drink responsibly during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day. The international celebration is often recognized by adults as a time for gatherings at bars and pubs. Unfortunately, one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made to get home safely.

During the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), more than a third (36%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. In fact, from 2016 to 2020, 287 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period. …

According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. …

(https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/dont-test-your-luck-st-patricks-day).

Now, aside from the fact that it DOES have spiritual and physical life-altering side effects and that driving while intoxicated IS DEADLY – what else is completely wrong with celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!? What does God’s living immutable word say about NO LONGER participating in this world’s ways!?

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with THE SAME MIND, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) that he NO LONGER should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3) For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles─ when we walked IN LEWDNESS, LUSTS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELRIES, DRINKING PARTIES, and ABOMINABLE IDOLATRIES.” – 1 Peter 4:1-3.

Now, is not this “St. Patrick’s Day” a time that is focused primarily on drinking parties, lewdness, revelries, and drunkenness!? Are these not the lusts of the flesh that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ tell us that true Christians are no longer to participate in!?

The Apostle Paul – through the living Spirit of the LORD God – tells us without a doubt that those who continue to participate in the lusts of the flesh WILL NOT be in the kingdom of God!

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery [including spiritual adultery; the worship of false gods and goddesses], fornication [including spiritual fornication; false religions], uncleanness, lewdness, 20) idolatry, sorcery [which is witchcraft], hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21) envy, murderers [including spiritual murder of the heart], drunkenness [both physical and spiritual], revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21.

The LORD God’s living word – the Holy Bible – is adamant and WARNS against drunkenness. What is drunkenness? Here is the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary definition –

drunk▪en \ ‘drən-kən \ adj [ME, fr. OE drunken, fr. pp. of drincan to drink] (bef. 12c) 1: DRUNK 1 <a ~ driver> 2: obs: saturated with liquid 3: a: given to habitual excessive use of alcohol b: of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication (they come from … broken homes, ~ homes ─P. B. Gilliam) c: resulting from or as if from intoxication (a ~ brawl) 4: unsteady or lurching as if from alcoholic intoxication ─ drunk▪en▪ly adv ─ drunk▪en▪ness \ ▪kən-nəs \ n 1

Physical drunkenness is habitually drinking alcohol or taking a substance that makes you intoxicated. Spiritual drunkenness is continually ingesting into one’s mind false religions and false doctrines and continuing in spiritual blindness – as in –

“ … ‘Come I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2) with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth WERE MADE DRUNK with the wine of her fornication.’” – Revelation 17:1, 2.

When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the definition of drunkenness can be both physical and spiritual.

The wisest man to have lived, King Solomon wrote –

“Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the Way. 20) Do not mix with winebibbers [the warning against riotous living (zōlēl) and drunkenness (sōbē) as leading to sloth and poverty seems well taken (Prov. 23:20-21) 2 ], or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21) For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” – Proverbs 23:19-21.

And, the Apostle Paul wrote –

“The night is far spent, the day [speaking of the terrible and dreadful Day of the LORD!] is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14) But PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” – Romans 13:12-14.

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with ANYONE named a brother [speaking of brethren in Christ Jesus our Lord], who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner─ not even to eat with such a person.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11.

St. Patrick’s Day is NOT Christian!

Notice this blasphemous report from the Bishops of Ireland back in 2014 –

The Bishops of Ireland have published the following message for the Solemnity of Saint Patrick 2014.

We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland. Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland. As Saint Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass. …

[We pray the blessings of the feast of Patrick on all the people of Ireland. We think especially of all our people who are exiles far from home: may the Christian faith of Patrick be their support and comfort always. We pray also through the intercession of Saint Patrick, for the many people who have come into this country in recent years seeking shelter, asylum and a new life: may the welcome amongst us they receive be generous; let us see to that, as people of God and of Saint Patrick.]

(https://zenit.org/2014/03/16/bishops-of-ireland-say-st-patrick-s-day-is-time-to-pray-for-migrants/).

Pay attention that these bishops are saying that one should “pray also through the intercession of Patrick”! The LORD God’s living word is crystal clear just who is the ONE AND ONLY Intercessor between God and men –

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, KJV.

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, ESV.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, NAS.

“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, Catholic Challoner-Rheims Version.

There is no ambiguity! JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY “INTERCESSOR” BETWEEN GOD AND MEN!

So, ANYONE who claims that another is a mediator or an intercessor clearly contradicts the LORD God’s living word! And, they cannot be of God.

Every year multiple millions of people observe St. Patrick’s Day, but those of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches DO NOT! We observe the LORD God’s Holy Days and command in the Holy Bible. □

Bibliography:

1) Webster M. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, convocation, 1996, pp 356.

2) Harris L. R., Archer, L. Gleason, Jr., and Waltke K. Bruce. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1980, #1455a, 1455b pg. 615.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST –

ChristMas… It’s Origin. Once again we are faced with this eight-decade-old question – “Where did Christmas come from!?”

The Truth Concerning Christmas. Audio articles.

Should Christians Keep Halloween? Sermon.

Halloween Is Not Christian. Multiple millions of people will soon be observing “Halloween.” And, multiple millions consider that it is a worldly holiday appropriate for Christians.

Is Halloween Biblical? The greater majority of Americans will be observing and celebrating what is known as Halloween. Yet, is this holiday - or rather, this world's "holy day" - biblical!?

Should Christians Observe Halloween? October 31st will soon be here again, along with a strange festival – Halloween. With demons, goblins, witches, ghosts, human skeletons – which are glorified. But, what do all these have to do with All Hallows Eve!? And why the demonic-looking masks and gaudy decorations!?

Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Does it make any difference if true Christians observe St. Patrick's Day? Does God's living word - the Holy Bible - establish whether we, as Christians, are to keep certain God-ordained holy days? Were these holy days ONLY given to the Jews!? Does Leviticus 23:1 say, "'The feasts of the children of Israel'"!? Hence, the feasts of the Jews!? Are these God-ordained holy days binding TODAY on true Christians? WHICH DAYS SHOULD TRUE CHRISTIANS KEEP!? Audio Article.

Easter or Passover? It's so very sad that so many people - especially among the English-speaking nations of the world - do not understand that the holiday they call Easter is truly supposed to be Passover.

Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter - Did the Original Christians Observe These!? Now, indeed to the Catholics and others this all seems just fine. The majority considers this to be inspirational. Yet, THIS IS NOT INSPIRED BY GOD!

When Does God’s New Year Begin? Let me begin today by asking these questions – “How did the celebration of New Year’s ever begin!?” “Why is the beginning of a new year placed in the dead of winter!?” “Where did this custom originate!? Did it come from Almighty God!?”

A Morning Bible Study - The Last Great Day (How It Completes God's Master Plan)

                                                                                                                                              Ezekiel 37

Leonard V. Johnson    About

Back in October 2022, in this series of biblical studies, we covered What the Feast of Tabernacles Pictures. We have learned that the Master of the universe has a Plan for reproducing the LORD God (the family of God; “’ Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” – Genesis 1:26) through mankind. The glorious six festivals all show that those called by Father God throughout the ages all play a vital role in God’s Master Plan From the Beginning in expanding ─throughout the known universe ─the Family of God.

“In the beginning was the Word [the Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God” – John 1:1-2.

This revelation from Jesus Christ may seem redundant to some, yet this is knowledge that so few in this world truly grasp. The Word was a personal being; He was called “the Word.” Originally written in the Greek language, the word was Logos – which translates to Spokesman, or the One who speaks. So, this Word was with God.

God is another being. So now we have two beings. Because then Apostle John says, “and the Word was God.”

One of the greatest of mysteries of which Almighty God speaks of is the TRUTH that the God Family is in the process of expanding the God Family and “plant[ing] the heavens” – Isaiah 45:18; 51:16. And you can become a member of that eternal, spirit-composed Family!

What about the billions of “unsaved” who have lived and died since the time of Adam, nearly 6,000 years ago?

The misinformed and false doctrine of ‘going to Hell’ for the “unsaved” from professing Christianity, which the greater majority of Protestant churches teach and continues to perpetuate – the teaching of being “damned for all time” and tortured in a burning hellfire. Almighty God and Jesus Christ are neither cruel nor wishy-washy. They are merciful and love – 1 John 4:8. They are firm – Galatians 6:7. Our great GOD will give the billions of people who have ever lived and died during the last nearly 6,000 years (including the antediluvian people) a first chance to understand. They are not “lost” forever.

The glorious answer from our living God is revealed to us in the Last Great Day─ the seventh and last of the LORD God’s annual festivals─ showing us the final grand step in God’s Master Plan From the Beginning.

1) Is it the LORD God’s will that all who have ever lived come to the knowledge of this glorious Plan From the Beginning?

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day [which is approximately 24 Earth hours in length] is as a thousand years [again, Earth years], and a thousand years as one day.” to the Family of God.

So, our Lord Jesus Christ – who has been in the upper heavenly realms for nearly 1,993 Earth years (counting from A.D. 30) since His glorious resurrection unto life – to Him, it feels more like two Earth years.

9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that ANY should perish but that ALL come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4) who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

In our Creators love and concern (John 3:16) for all mankind, the LORD God has planned that everyone who has ever lived and died – or will ever live and die – to receive an opportunity for salvation and eternal life in the glorious Family of God. The same as all the spiritually called and begotten children of God have been given the opportunity.

The number 7 in God’s living word – the Holy Bible – signifies completion. Without knowing the true meaning of this seventh festival, you cannot properly understand God’s Master Plan From the Beginning.

2) Is there an eighth day of convocation and worship immediately following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles?

“’ Speak to the children of Israel, …’”

Be sure to read our free PDF book “God’s Promises To Abraham” or listen to this audiobook for free - God's Promises To Abraham (Audiobook).

“ … ‘ saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. 35) On the FIRST DAY there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. 36) … On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.’” – Leviticus 23:33-36.

Is it a sabbath-rest?

“’ Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the FIRST DAY there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the EIGHTH DAY a sabbath-rest.’” – Verse 39.

An annual high Sabbath is observed immediately after the annual seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles. In the New Covenant – New Testament – this eighth day is called “the last day, that great day of the feast” – John 7:37.

It is clearly a separate festival.

3) Did the Apostle John, in vision, see a vital key to the meaning of the Last Great Day?

What about all the people who are not resurrected at the LAST TRUMP!? Will they remain dead forever!? Will they be resurrected merely to be flung into the “lake of fire”!? What about all the unconverted, unsaved, most vile, and wicked, who do not understand God’s living word, or have never heard of the name Jesus Christ!? The Apostle John – under the inspiration of God’s Spirit – gives us the answer to these questions –

“(But the rest of the dead did not live again UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE COMPLETED.) …” – Revelation 20:5, NET.

The first part of this verse is an afterthought and should be in parentheses. “This is the first resurrection” refers back to those in verse 4 who are raised to immortality at the LAST TRUMP – the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Again, are the unjust merely to be resurrected to be flung into the “lake of fire”!? Just what did our Lord Jesus mean when He said, “ … ‘and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of [judgment].’”!?

Also, who are the unjust!? Are those who died in sin really accountable for their actions in their ignorance!? Have they ever had a real chance for salvation!?

Again, verse 5 – “(But the rest of the dead …” – all people who did not know and understand God’s living word and who had never been converted – and, friends, we’re speaking of a massive group of people – practically everyone who has ever lived – who never knew the TRUTH OF GOD. Or rather, never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible. All these people, after living their life and dying – at this time of the conclusion of the Millennial reign of Christ – are brought back to life. As human beings. “ … did not live again [would not come up in a physical resurrection] until the thousand years were finished) …”

Again, the remaining part of this verse is a continuation of verse 4. “ … This is the first resurrection.”

4) How does this revelation of Jesus Christ further speak of the Second Resurrection?

“THEN [“when the thousand years have expired”] I saw a great white throne …” – so, from this, we often say, the Last Great Day pictures the great white throne judgment. Now, we are taking some liberty with this verse, but it conveys a thought – it communicates an idea. “ … and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven [the atmosphere] fled away. And there was found no place for them.”

Verse 12 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. …” – now, this word “books” is biblion. And the word, “Bible” is derived from the Greek word, “Biblion”, which means book. So, this great multitude of people who were dead and have now been brought back to life – one of the first things that they will be given is the Holy Bible.

“ … And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books [the Holy Bible].”

Verse 13 – “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades …” – this word “hell” or Hades means “the grave.” “ … delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.” – based on a standard that is contained in the Holy Bible!

And, friends, we’re speaking of a massive group of people – practically everyone who has ever lived – who never knew the TRUTH OF GOD. Or rather, never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible. All these people, after living their life and dying – at this time of the conclusion of the Millennial reign of Christ – are brought back to life. As human beings. Now, how long will they remain alive!? Not a hundred years based upon an erroneous interpretation of Isaiah 65:20. Now, it might be ten years, it might be fifty years – if God wants it to be it will be a hundred years. God knows.

5) How did our Lord Jesus Christ refer to this time of judgment for the multiple billions of people who have yet to hear or understand – again, who never had enough knowledge or understanding to be responsible?

“’ Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in THE DAY OF JUDGMENT than for that city!’” – Matthew 10:15. See also Matthew 11:20-24.

“’ The men of Nineveh will rise up IN THE JUDGMENT with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; …’” – and they (that generation), when a Greater than Jonah had come to them, despised, rejected, and even murdered Him.

42) The queen of the South [the queen of Sheba] will rise up IN THE JUDGMENT with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; …’” – and they (that generation) when a Greater than Solomon had come to them, despised, rejected, and even murdered Him.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ mentioned Tyre – a city in Lebanon, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. He mentioned Sidon – the third-largest city in Lebanon. Nineveh in the Prophet Jonah’s time and finally the Queen of Sheba (modern historians identify Sheba with the South Arabian kingdom of Saba in present-day Yemen and Ethiopia). All of these examples of people who lived in different generations are compared to the people that were living in the cities and towns of Jesus’ generation. In which the vast majority did not understand or even believe our Lord Jesus Christ’s message from Father God.

He tells us that they are to be resurrected along with the generation that was living during His human lifetime. He gave enough examples of generations that were living at different times in human history to show us that most of humanity will be alive AT THE SAME TIME ON THE EARTH. There will be pre-Flood men and women – those who lived in the generation of Adam and Eve (they were created a little over 6,000 years ago). Those who lived during the Middle and Dark Ages and the vast majority that are living now. Including unborn babies that were (and are) aborted for one reason or another will be resurrected then. They will all rise in the SECOND RESURRECTION. And books will be opened to them to understand. And eternal salvation will then be offered to them. □

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament: Genesis 1:26; Leviticus 23:33-36, 39; Isaiah 45:18; 51:16; 65:20; Ezekiel 37.

New Testament: Matthew 10:15; 11:20-24; 12:41, 42; John 1:1-2; 3:16; 5:29; 7:37; Galatians 6:7; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:8-9; Revelation 20:4, 5, 12, 13.

Personal From... Persecution Continues

YouTube (owned by Google) approved and then a couple days later "disapproved" our sermon "'Blow the Trumpet!'" which was being promoted in the United States and Israel for "violating" their policy - sensitive categories, like religious beliefs!

On March 1st the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries began promoting our sermon “’ Blow the Trumpet!’” within the United States and Israel with the goal of having it viewed. Here are the Ad Performance Results after FOUR DAYS. It was originally set to run for a total of seven days.

Length of Ad Campaign Run:

3/2/24 – 3/5/24

People reached across the United States of America and Israel. These people came from multiple states where Protestantism is highly practiced. Also in Israel where Judaism is practiced.

“Promotion Impressions” – counted every time a thumbnail of our promotion is shown. 3, 814.

“Promotion Views” – 982.

On our YouTube channel, as of 3/5/24, this God-inspired sermon holds at 1k views.

The image below is of what the ad looked like:

Blow the Trumpet

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries

Conservative Christianity is becoming something that Big Tech is now looking for to censor. And, it’s not just YouTube and Facebook that are threatening us with “religious ad restriction.” Our previous Google Ads account was canceled due to inactivity. So, when we do use Google Ads for campaigning – this happens! Although our Google Ads account appears alright at the moment – this campaign has simply been “disapproved” and “paused” – we have our doubts as to whether we will ever use them again. Or, even be able to. Our Facebook Ads – before Facebook canceled our previous page – were having great success. Our all-time stats of 97 campaigns reached 2.5k people with 4.6k impressions from January 1st, 2011 until they canceled the page in 2019. We had spent well over $2.5 thousand.

Yet, here now is a new Google policy that may greatly impact enough to stop us:

This satanic censorship from Big Tech toward Conservative Christianity – what they call “sensitive interest categories, like religion” is becoming part of a greater trend. Big Tech, however, takes money promoting Islam, abortion, sexual immorality of all kinds, as well as Protestant views. As well as anti-science views, the theory of evolution.

The fact that Big Tech is willing to forfeit any money related to Conservative Christianity shows us that they value Satan the Devil’s agenda above profits. We are witnessing this world’s Big Tech walking “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” – Ephesians 2:2.

We should expect even greater Conservative Christianity censorship to come:

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

We have reached the time when we are beginning to see some aspects of this. We are only in the beginning stages of this two-fold prophesied censorship.

Recall the living words of our Savior and Elder Brother – our God –

“’ I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.’” – John 9:4.

And, listening to our Savior Jesus Christ, we have not trusted the likes of YouTube or Google – and this is why we utilize other video platforms, like BitChute and UGETube.

We have also taken great steps to increase our audio presence via SoundCloud.

We hope to sometime soon be on the radio with broadcasts. We’re doing the work of our Lord Jesus Christ with what we have available financially. And, we will continue to do His work as long as we have breath.

With Big Tech censoring more and more, pushing towards the “famine of hearing the words of the LORD” we in the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries may very well be forced to use radio to reach those who desperately need to hear the living words of the Eternal One.

Persecutions Since the Beginning

Persecutions have followed all those who believe and worship the true God and Creator. Persecution, though on a lesser scale at the moment (especially in the Western world) is still occurring around the world for true Christians. 

One of the first recorded persecutions within God’s living word involved Cain and Abel.

“And in the process of time it came to pass [not long after creation, Hebrew, ‘at the end of days’ – some suggesting that Cain might have brought the offering on the Sabbath 1 ] that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. 4) Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his OFFERING, 5) but He did not respect Cain and his OFFERING. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell” – Genesis 4:3-5.

However, when Cain came to realize that the LORD favored his brother Abel and his offering, he began plotting to kill him.

“ … and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” – Verse 8.

This turned out to be only the beginning of persecutions against those who believe and worship the true God and Creator.

Throughout God’s living word are many examples of persecutions against those who truly follow the LORD God – the Elohim, the family of God.

Joseph – Genesis 37; The prophet Elijah – 1 Kings 18-19; The children of Israel – Exodus 1; The Jewish people – Esther 3; King David – 1 Samuel 16-31; and a great many more.

The common theme in all of these cases was the LORD God’s willingness to help and deliver them from their persecutors.

There are two kinds of persecution within God’s living word – 1) persecution that is brought on because of righteousness. 2) persecution that is brought on because of unrighteousness.

How do we know which is which!?

Only the LORD God decides that. Yet, there are criteria for judging what truly qualifies for righteousness.

King David wrote, “ … ‘For all Your commandments are righteousness.’” – Psalm 119:172.

Truly, the commandments of the LORD God are the basis for judging what is right and what is wrong. The apostle Paul rightly wrote, “ … I would not have known sin except through the Law [the Ten Commandments]. …” – Romans 7:7-8.

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that all those who keep His commandments – and are persecuted for doing so – are the ones who will be blessed. For truly, it is our physical and spiritual enemy – Satan the Devil – that is the persecutor of all those who keep and obey the LORD God’s commandments!

Notice: In Revelation 12:17 – that upon him and his minions being cast down to the earth out of the atmosphere just before the glorious and powerful return of our Lord Jesus Christ, he will persecute ‘the woman who gave birth to the male Child.’ This ‘woman’ is JUDAH, the nation today called Israel. Verse 14 – “But the woman [Judah, modern-day Israel] was given two wings of a great eagle [compare Exodus 19:4], that she might fly into the wilderness to her place.” She will be protected for “a time and times and half a time” – three and a half years!

Keep in mind, the resurrection occurs on the SEVENTH TRUMP. The seven last plagues follow that. So, we (God willing) will already be in “low earth orbit” in the clouds being with Jesus Christ, in preparation for the time He, Jesus Christ, directly engages humankind.

In the 17th verse – “the dragon was enraged with the woman [again, here being JUDAH, the nation today called Israel], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony [the gospel] of Jesus Christ.”

That there will be physical people of the house of ISRAEL and the house of JUDAH who will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and will “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony [the gospel] of Jesus Christ” during this period of intense persecution by Satan the devil and his followers – hence the final ‘beast’ power, and the final false prophet.

Now, since Satan the Devil is the true author of our persecutions – called “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10), we should not condemn, or place any curse on our persecutors. Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, “’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.’” – Matthew 5:44.

All those who persecute us brethren are deceived by the evil one. As our Lord Jesus says, “ …’ they do not know what they do.’” – Luke 23:34.

Persecution is not just reserved for the LORD God’s prophets, apostles, or all those who believed in the living word of God. It comes upon all those who follow and obey JESUS CHRIST!

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly IN CHRIST JESUS will suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12.

One trouble with this world and its churches today – they are minding the things of men, they are conformed to this world and its religions. Case in point: On the 13th of this month multiple thousands in the United States of America – in the state of Louisiana – will be celebrating Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday” in French). THEY WANT TO FOLLOW MEN AND NOT TO FOLLOW GOD! As the prophet Elijah stated, “If the LORD is God, follow Him, but if Baal, follow him.” But, if you truly follow God, you’ll be persecuted, you’ll be unpopular, you’ll even be hated – cf. Matthew 10:22.

Ask yourself as you celebrate this pagan celebration, are you suffering persecution for righteousness sake?

(Be sure to read: “Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter – Did the Original Christians Observe These!?” along with “When Does God’s New Year Begin?” as well as “Letter to our Friends – March 3, 2020”).

“’ But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, …’” Persecution for the belief in and of Jesus Christ! Persecution for the belief in and of the New Covenant! Persecution for keeping and obeying His Commandments and having and teaching the testimony [the gospel] of Jesus Christ!

This world, as a whole, is offended at the LORD God’s living truth! Why? Because, “ … ‘this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were [are] evil.’” – John 3:19.

Men as a whole don’t like to be reproved. You have to admit that you have been wrong! You have to change your mind – for that is what true repentance is. This precedes even the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior!

We can learn a great deal about the meaning as well as the purpose of persecution by examining the apostle Paul’s example. Almost all the apostles (according to historical tradition) suffered extreme and severe persecutions and even martyrdom. The sufferings and persecutions which the apostle Paul had to endure is long. Notice here 2 Corinthians 11.

“ … I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24) From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27) in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” – 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.

Yet, through it all, the apostle Paul was more concerned for all the churches than himself.

The apostle James tells us that we should “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” – James 1:2-3.

The apostle Peter admonished us to take our “fiery trials” patiently –

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed [when He returns], you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14) If you are reproached FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” – 1 Peter 4:12-14.

Future Persecution

Thank Almighty God that most true Christians will not be persecuted to the extreme that the original apostles were. However, the LORD God’s end-time prophets will be!

Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that immediately after the ‘beginning of sorrows’ His end-time prophets (possibly twelve in total) will be gravely persecuted and eventually martyred.

“’ THEN they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, …’” – here speaking mostly of the final end-time witnesses (see Revelation 11) – “ …’ and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10) And then many will be offended, will betray one another. 11) Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.’”

They – possibly beginning with twelve end-time prophets – will be given power from God Almighty and Jesus Christ to begin prophesying – testifying - to kings, to world rulers, to the captured and subjugated “elect” of God, to a final great religious leader and a final European political civic leader – standing before the god of the earth (Satan the Devil) – WARNING for 3 ½ years!

Verse 14 – “’ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world AS A WITNESS to all the nations, AND THEN THE END WILL COME.’”

So, without going into great detail here – this final European political civic leader has subdued and taken over Jerusalem – is trodding it underfoot – and while the true little flock of the Church of God is protected – and we DON’T KNOW exactly how God will protect His people. If He wants to bring them together in a small encampment and place His angels about them in some remote area – I’m sure He’s capable of doing it! And if you live out in the middle of Wyoming or something, and there’s nowhere near you another Church member, if He wants to place His angels about you – He will – and no plague will come near you! Wherever you are He will know where you are! And that’s the great thing about the God that we serve! He will protect His people! If those people have the right heart. If they’re not filled with self-righteousness and bitterness, envy, and jealousy. If they truly have the Spirit of God within them – He says He will protect them! – and this final European beast power is reigning for forty-two months. Then the “END-TIME PROPHETS,” are going to appear. They will be “clothed in sackcloth” – clothed with humility and in a state of great mourning. They will go forward and speak to the physical children of the house of Israel which are held in subjugation.

Now, the question is: Who are these people!? A lot of them are the people of Israel – most of whom are physical members of the House of Israel. The United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations (both past and present), Australia, and New Zealand - respectively. 

The people where the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh settled. However, I do believe, that among some of those people will be groups of people who thought they were members of the Church of God, who thought they were doing what they were supposed to do. But did not understand that over the years their religion had been transformed into not a worship of God, but rather a worship of human beings. These “two witnesses” are basically patterned after the historic work of Moses and Aaron. There were times when Moses and Aaron went to the house of the pharaoh and pronounced a decree. “Thus says the Eternal God!” The end-time prophets will do that also! But these end-time prophets will also say just like Moses and Aaron said to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” “Let the Israelites go” And so the end-time prophets – in this modern end-time – will be demanding the leaders of this soon-coming European beast power – this ten nation combine – ‘Let loose, let free, the captives which came from the house of Israel!’ 

A great many of the Gentile nations rise up against the nations of Israel, and greatly wound them, damaging them, destroying a great many people – and causing a state of subjugation over the nations of Israel. These end-time prophets will have a testimony, as a final witness and warning to this final European beast power, this final religious leader, and the god of this world, announcing with the Authority of Jesus Christ, “the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe the gospel!” “The wrath of God is coming!” □

Bibliography:

1) Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary on the Whole Bible. Jamieson Robert, Fausset R. A., Brown David, Zondervan Publishing House, 1961, pg. 20.