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,