Letter to our Friends - April 15, 2024

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ONLINE MINISTRIES

We are based on the Word of God, Truth of God, and Plan of God!

P.O. BOX 6458

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA 34606

www.owensborocojc.com

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Co-Founder

Dearest Brethren and Friends in Christ:

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida.

Baptismal Counseling

Since there are potential members of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Church who are scattered in the United States of America and Canada, the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries and our affiliated churches has the ability to assist with baptismal counseling. If you are in the US or Canada and need baptismal counseling, etc., we have Minister Leonard Johnson, who lives in Florida, who can travel if need be. His email address is: mcbrian1966@gmail.com.

Information on baptism, itself, can be found in our free online Bible Study PDF: Water Baptism?

Spring Holy Days

The LORD God’s Spring Holy Days will soon be here!

The LORD’s Passover in 2024 will be after sunset on April 21st. The period from sunset April 22nd through sunset April 23rd is the Holy Day known as the First Day of Unleavened Bread. The period from sunset April 28th through sunset April 29th is also a Holy Day and is known as the Seventh (or Last) Day of Unleavened Bread.

And, speaking of Unleavened Bread, we just completed an audio article video entitled “Christ In You! – Unleavened Bread – Day 1.” A transcription of Minister Michael C. Garrett’s 2017 sermon of the same title. The original article, along with the original sermon can be found at: https://www.owensborocojc.com/2019/04/christ-in-you-unleavened-bread-day-1.html.

Additional sermon: SEVENTH DAY of Unleavened Bread Sermon 2022.

Feast of Tabernacles for 2024

As a reminder, I have plans to travel to Owensboro, Kentucky to be with the brethren there for the Feast this year ─ I want to remind all our brethren and friends that we are affiliated with the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ. We must never downplay this IMPORTANCE! “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls [lives], as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” – Hebrews 13:17. I would also like to remind you of how I, personally, met my spiritual mentor Michael C. Garrett in Owensboro, Kentucky –

July 18th, 2018 – For several years I had been speaking with Father God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and asking Them, “Where are Your people!?” I had contacted several splinter groups of the now defunct Church of God, and every single one that I had contacted I quickly discovered they were not bearing the fruits of God’s Spirit. I also, with God’s instruction and permission in relation to a spiritual teaching lesson – visited a Protestant Sunday keeping church. Until the LORD God had told me, “Enough! Run!”

Well, I was busy posting another article onto our website, when a thought came to my mind – “Get rid of everything you’ve done. Get rid of the website, Facebook, YouTube, and everything else and follow Me!” The thought that came to my mind gave me no indication that there was anything else, just to “follow Me.” Now, I was very aware that a sycophant leader of a church organization was looking over the website with a fine-toothed comb in the hopes of finding something to prosecute me with. So, thinking at first this is why the thought in my mind was having me delete everything. But I contributed this thought to God – yes, I contributed this thought to the LORD God; these types of thoughts and my actions have kept me safe all my life. I didn’t question this thought. I deleted everything – 7 years’ worth of work. All those years I had been proclaiming His Good News unto as many nations as financially possible – several thousands of dollars – and to all of a sudden rid myself of all of that took a lot. After speaking with Father God and our Lord Jesus at length, asking, “If that was not what I was supposed to be doing – what am I supposed to do!?” Again, “My LORD, where are Your people!?”

After much supplication and prayer, I went back to the computer. In its search engine I typed “Mark Armstrong.” And the phrase “Bubble Boy” popped up. I was intrigued, why was this leader of this church organization being called this!? So, I clicked onto the site and came across Minister Michael C. Garrett’s video sermon entitled “Disingenuous Propaganda”. I had never heard of this man of God before. I ended up watching the whole sermon! He had mentioned another sermon, “Look to Jesus, Not Moses”. I went and searched for that sermon, watched the entirety of it, and instantly knew THIS IS WHAT GOD WAS TELLING ME!”

It is also vitally IMPORTANT to remember that God loves loyalty. The very word loyal brings to mind a powerful sense of belonging. It also brings to mind wholehearted fidelity and unswerving devotion and duty. And I can’t help but think of God’s living word – “we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15) but, speaking the truth IN LOVE, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – CHRIST” – Ephesians 4:14-15. Which also brings to mind – “Look to Jesus, Not Moses.” In our September 2022 Personal, we speak of the Spirit of the Law. Our Lord Jesus had admonished the scribes and the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for neglecting the weightier matters of the Law – Justice, Mercy, and Faith. Notice: It’s good judgment, mercy, and faith. All spiritual things!

There are many examples of loyalty in God’s living word. In our relationship with our brethren, we are called to steadfast loyalty. The Apostle Paul speaks of his “loyal yoke-fellow” (NIV) in Philippians chapter 4. It was one who faithfully labored with the Apostle Paul. There is also Ruth. From the first words of the Book of Ruth it truly constitutes a declaration of breathtaking love and loyalty – “’Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God’” – Ruth 1:16.

For true Christians, loyalty is shown in our commitment to JESUS CHRIST and to His Message – “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life FOR MY SAKE and the gospel’s will save it’” – Mark 8:34-35.

─ possibly at the Fairfield Inn at 800 Salem Dr. Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 (unless unforeseen circumstances warrant changes). We graciously invite all who have a good spirit to attend. You can contact Minister Michael C. Garrett at garrett158@roadrunner.com for additional information.

There are optional activities in Owensboro, Kentucky to enjoy! There is the International Bluegrass Music Museum – website http://www.bluegrasshall.org/. There is also the Yellow Creek Park, which features hiking trails, and multi-purpose sports areas, as well as a Pioneer Village – website https://www.visitowensboro.com/listing/yellow-creek-park/. Also, there’s the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art – website http://www.omfa.us/.

Certainly, ALL TRUE CHRISTIANS, AND THOSE THAT ARE CALLED BY FATHER GOD (John 6:44-45), ARE COMMANDED TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES AND THE LAST GREAT DAY, unless their health or dire circumstances warrant preventing them.

According to Tripadvisor.com, Owensboro has hundreds of restaurants and dozens of hotels. Owensboro also has an airport – the Owensboro - Daviess County Regional Airport. Located near I-165 and adjacent to the US-60 bypass, the facility is easily accessible for almost 1,000,000 people in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. It covers an area of 880 acres.

Again, if you are planning on coming this year, please send Minister Michael C. Garrett an email and let him know – garrett158@roadrunner.com.

Facebook Group

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

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 “Do You Have God’s Spirit?” by Minister Leonard Johnson.

• Closing song.

• Closing prayer.

Some World News in Relation to Biblical Prophecy

The number one terrorist nation Iran attacked Israel with 200 missiles and drones! And Iran is warning of “Stronger Response” if Israel retaliates.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Sunday against any “reckless” Israeli retaliation to Tehran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack, as world leaders urged restraint.

Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, marking a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes and sparking fears of a broader conflict, as fighting between Israel and Hamas militants rages on in the Gaza Strip. …

The response came late Saturday when Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, injuring 12 people, the Israeli army said.

But almost all of the drones and missiles were intercepted before they reached Israel, with help from the United States, Jordan, and other allies.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said 99% of the launches had been intercepted, declaring “the Iranian attack was foiled.”

While 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before they reached Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through, the Israeli army said. …

Iran’s proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions.

AFP correspondents heard blasts in the skies above Jerusalem early Sunday, and overnight people sought cover in the city while some residents stockpiled water.

People were beginning to tentatively return to the streets of Jerusalem on Sunday morning.

Ayala Salant, 48, told AFP “The situation is really frightening.”

“We are afraid of what is happening and all of the bombing and aircraft that are coming.”

Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon all said they had reopened their airspace after suspending air traffic during the attack.

The Iranian army declared that its attack was “completed successfully,” which it said was in “self-defense” after the Damascus strike that killed seven of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards including two generals earlier this month.

“Operation Honest Promise … achieved all its objectives”, said Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces’ chief of staff.

(https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/iran-israel-war/2024/04/14/id/1160938/).

Iranians were celebrating in the streets of Tehan, believing that the attack was successful – because 1) it showed JUDAH (the modern-day nation of Israel) that Iran could attack. 2) that Iran was able to attack Israel with only a few of its ballistic missiles, 3) Iran learned just what did not get passed the US, Jordanian, UK, and Israeli defenses, and 4) Iran put its “big-boy” pants on and actually attacked also, instead of just its many terrorist proxies it has in the region.

Indeed, Israel does want to counter-attack (as well as it should, my personal belief), but the Obiden Administration appears that it doesn’t want Israel to defend herself!?

Biden: US won’t support Israeli response to Iran attack.

US. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Saturday that Washington will not support an Israeli retaliatory attack for Iran’s drone and missile assault on the Jewish state, Axios reported, citing a senior White House official.

Iran fired more than 300 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from its territory toward Israel on Saturday night, in what Tehran says was retaliation for the April 1 killing of several IRGC officers in Syria by Israel.

The United States and other countries helped Israel shoot down the projectiles, which amounted to a 99% success rate, according to the IDF. American military forces intercepted over 100 airborne threats.

“You got a win. Take the win,” Biden told Netanyahu, according to the official, amid fears of a regional war should Jerusalem respond. …

Iran is threatening a larger attack if Israel responds militarily, while also warning the United States against further involvement.

“We used an attack with ballistic and cruise missiles. The operation was designed to attack the air base from which the Israeli planes that attacked the consulate [in Damascus] were launched. There were direct hits in the attack. We only targeted military bases,” said Mohammad Bakri, chief of staff of the Iranian Army.

“We sent a message to the U.S. that if it cooperates with Israel in the next steps, its bases will not be safe,” he added.

(https://israel365news.com/389194/biden-us-wont-support-israeli-response-to-iran-attack/).

Brethren and friends, regarding Israel being viciously attacked. We have been posting for years that this would indeed occur. Notice this from March 10, 2021 –

The grave situation between Iran and Judah (modern-day Israel) is continuing to heat up – with Israel accusing Iran of attacking a freighter this past week (See: ‘Netanyahu Blames Iran for Cargo Ship Blast’ along with ‘Netanyahu accuses Iran of attacking Israeli-owned cargo ship’).

These actions between Israel and Iran will continue towards a full destructive conflict – See: “’Blow the Trumpet!’”

Just last year, Iran allegedly targeted six water infrastructure facilities in Israel attempting to release dangerous chemicals in order to cause mass poisoning! An alleged cyber-attack by Israel against Iran last year caused Iran to shut down many of their ports. Israel has also took additional steps to annihilate parts of an Iranian nuclear facility.

Will this situation between Israel and Iran become ever more militaristic!?

Yes.

In our free PDF online booklet “Notes Regarding the Day of Atonement – Prophetically the Day of the Lord!” we WARN of this!

Isaiah 22:4 – “Therefore I said [Isaiah speaking when he sees these things in vision], ‘Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; Do not labor to comfort me Because of the plundering of the daughter of my people.’ 5) For it is A DAY OF TROUBLE ...” – now, you’ve heard the expression Jesus Christ talking about ‘a day of tribulation,’ well, that word just means troubles. And here is what Isaiah says, it’s a day of just tremendous troubles!

The vast majority of the Bible is talking about the DAY OF THE LORD!

In Isaiah 22:8, “Judah” is in reference to modern-day Israel. “He [Almighty God] removed the protection of Judah.” He will allow Israel to be attacked! V. 9 – “… the damage to the city of David” is indeed a reference to at least part of the city of Jerusalem – “That it was great.” This, surely, would result in a massive Israeli – with possible U.S. involvement – attack against Iran and its terrorist allies, like Syria!

Indeed friends, as our Lord Jesus Christ WARNS:

“’ For nation will rise against nation, …’” – literally, ethnos – meaning, ‘a people will rise against people.’ “‘… and kingdom against kingdom.’” – Matthew 24:7.

There will be an intifada of ethnic groups against ethnic group. Europe will temporarily align with a power from the Middle East and North Africa (Psalm 83:3-8; Daniel 11:27). And an intifada in the Middle East could ultimately involve Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and Iran (Isaiah 22). There will come great damage to Jerusalem and Palestine, and Israeli leaders will look seriously for peace deals.

Yes, there was an attack on Judah this past Saturday night in 2024. Do I believe that it was the attack on Isaiah 22:6-9?

No.

A much more extensive and damaging military attack by Iran and its allies will happen that will fulfill the dual prophecy of Isaiah 22:6-9. And, as I mentioned to Minister Guy LaMar via the phone just yesterday, it could happen just before the next US presidential election. As our Lord Jesus Christ instructs us to do – “’ And what I say to you, I say to all, ‘Watch!’” – Mark 13:37.

Because – Question – why would Iran, again, viciously attack Israel with a STRONG US President and Administration now sitting in the White House!? Surely, they would attack when the US has a weak and fickle US Administration!

We are in the time that our Lord Jesus calls ‘the beginning of sorrows’ – Matthew 24:4-8.

Concluding Comments

It gravely bothers and concerns me that I am hearing antisemitic rhetoric and sentiment coming from some of our own brethren. Sadly, there are brethren that are listening to the anti-Israel protestors in America and abroad that are chanting ‘Death to America,’ ‘Death to Israel,’ and ‘From the River to the Sea.’ Then there are others that blindly or ignorantly (because they don’t know all the facts) are against JUDAH (the modern-day nation called Israel) because they “attacked USS Liberty” in 1967. Both the Israeli and U.S. governments conducted inquiries and issued reports that concluded the attack was a mistake due to Israeli confusion about the ship's identity. Now, whether a person wants to believe that or not – that is their prerogative. Again, I say – People Are Entitled To Their Own Opinions But Not To Their Own Facts!

We understand that the people of Judah are not obeying the LORD God, they are not following and obeying our Lord Jesus Christ – and that, sadly, most in Judah continues to hate on and disparage the very Creator of all things (John 1:3). But neither does the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada obey our LORD God! We must remember brethren, that the Jewish people are also very special to the LORD God. We read in Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – and this includes the Jewish people – “’ For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples of the face of the earth. 7) The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8) but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, …’”

Brethren, the declaration that “salvation is from the Jews” should indicate to us the invaluable debt we have to the Jewish people. So, in a sense, all that we have that is more valuable than any gold, silver, or precious pearls we have because and through the Jewish people – and, of course, through our Jewish Savior, our Lord Jesus the Christ! Let us never forget to pray for all of God’s chosen people. As I said, it is true that currently Judah is in great rebellion against the LORD God – mostly because of their outright rejection of our Lord Jesus. At the present time, “… there is a remnant according to the election of grace” – Romans 11:5. A small “remnant” will be part of the harvest in this age. And yes, there are some that are Jews in the nation of Judah! Some Jews are being saved and are becoming members of the glorious body of Christ through faith in our Messiah.

One of the U.S.’s most blessed accomplishments was to regard the Jewish nation as a legal nation. No other nation in this world has a better record of treating the nation of Judah with respect than the United States. Of course, the U.S. didn’t do everything honorably – I think of The U.S. Government Turned Away Thousands of Jewish Refugees in the summer of 1942. But again, no other nation has a better record of treating the Jewish people with great respect and dignity than the U.S. The same cannot be said of any other nation. The United States has committed a great many sins against the LORD God, but by far the greatest is TURNING OUR BACK ON JUDAH! And we – as a nation – rightly deserve the judgment that is to come.

Brethren, true Christian's support all of the chosen people of the LORD our God – which does include the Jewish people. Now, this is not to say that we necessarily support the methods they use in their relationship with their Arab neighbors. God’s living word warns that conflict would always be there between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael – until the glorious and powerful return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While we certainly do not (nor should we) support everything that Judah does as a nation, we should most definitely support Judah’s right to exist as a nation and as a people! The LORD our God will fulfill Their promise! “He will set up a banner [an ensign] for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.” – Isaiah 11:12. Woe to anyone that curses the chosen people of God! “’ I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; …’” – Genesis 12:3. Remember, even our Lord Jesus Christ rightly admitted that the Jewish people are also from Abraham’s seed – cf. John 8:37.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,