An Abomination to Eat Pork!

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by Guy C. LaMar

The LORD God (the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) emphatically tells us that it is an abomination to eat pork.

The consumption of a pig is an act of rebellion AGAINST the LORD God!

Now, that is not just my opinion, that’s not just my take on things──that is the living word of God. The instruction of the Lord our God.

But, sadly, our peoples of this present evil age would rather fulfill their own lusts and desires than obey the commands of the LORD God.

It’s the same as homosexuals, they justify their homosexuality by telling themselves “no one can judge me, except God.” They substitute their satanic lusts for what they call love.

Folks, here’s the deal──absolutely NO ONE under heaven has a true connection with the LORD God unless they are obedient to the LORD God! And this truth is found from Genesis to Revelation in God’s living word.

Unfortunately, this world is filled with Satan-influenced and Satan-led people, and they aren’t even aware of it. They claim that God and them “have a connection.”

Yet, God’s living word──the Holy Bible──completely debunks that.

Indeed, it is truth that the LORD God is no respecter of persons. However, your opinion to the LORD God does not matter. The LORD God’s Way has been established since time immemorial──before the foundation of the world.

The LORD God’s Way is perfect.

All throughout God’s living word, the LORD God instructs us not to consume swine – which is a pig.

Anyone who is “cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” ── and yes, all who partake in the consumption of pork (cf. Isaiah 66:17) is committing an abomination in the eyes of God ── which means that without heartfelt repentance they will “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8.

So, if you want to do something that makes the LORD God hate what you do──then, by all means, do those abominable acts.

No matter how hard one tries, no one can justify sin.

It continues that people try to pervert and twist Scripture so that they can justify their acts.

In 1st Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul speaks about “All things are lawful for me” (NKJV). What did he mean? Are all things permissible for a true Christian? Can we do anything we want? Here is the whole verse –

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify” (NASB).

Brethren, freedom in our Lord Jesus Christ is truth that the apostle Paul constantly emphasizes. As in, “So Christ has made us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get all tied up again in the chains of slavery to Jewish laws and ceremonies. … For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: NOT FREEDOM TO DO WRONG, but freedom to love and serve each other” – Galatians 5:1, 13, NLT. We are “not under the law, but under grace” – Romans 6:14. The apostle Paul makes it clear that “we have been delivered from the law [the Mosaic law], having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter” – Romans 7:6.

There in ancient Corinth──as a great many people are today──they were saying, “All things are lawful for me,” repeating this mantra to cover their sinful behavior. In my New International Version, there are even quotation marks to truly bring out the understanding that it was the Corinthians that was saying this: “’ Everything is permissible’” ──but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’──but not everything is constructive” – 1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV.

GRACE is not a license to sin. True Christians are not to live as if “I have the right to do anything.” The LORD God’s living word makes it crystal clear that freedom in Christ does not equate to freedom to sin.

In the Appendix of The Holy Bible In Its Original Order by Fred R. Coulter, he says, “Contrary to the belief of many professing Christians, the New Testament does not nullify God’s laws of clean and unclean meats. … The apostle Paul upheld the laws of clean and unclean meats as a requirement for Christians. He described the meats that Christians are permitted to eat as those “meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, even by those who know the truth [the Word of God is Truth──John 17:17]” (I Tim. 4:3). Paul was clearly showing that some meats were created to be eaten, and others were not created to be eaten. Paul continued, “For every creature of God that He designated for human consumption is good, and nothing to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is sanctified [set apart] by the Word of God [as revealed in the Scriptures] and prayer” (verse 4).” 1

Anyone who is truly obeying the LORD God──from the beginning until now──would not dare partake in the consumption of pork! It is just pure Common Sense 101. 2

Yet, there are multiple billions of people claiming to be Christian who will not acknowledge the fact that “Christian” means a follower of Jesus Christ.

And, our Lord Jesus Christ was and is the God of the Old Testament – cf. John 1:1-3, 14.

Absolutely the Lord Jesus did not consume pig. In fact, He makes several references to this disgusting creature that is a pig. When our Lord Jesus encountered a couple of demon-possessed men in the countryside of Gergesenes, He cast them out into a herd of swine. It was fitting that these demons would be cast into creatures that are “disgusting.” To note: “As a General Rule, a pig will eat anything, which means it eats unsavory things such as dead animals, rotting garbage, and even human feces.” 3

Sadly, our peoples defile their own flesh when they go against the LORD God and consume pork. And even more so──when they are taught and shown from God’s living word His truth, and they continue in their refusal to accept this truth. Because they want to continue in their lusts and desires.

It’s their lust in the heart to continue in their rebellion against the LORD God, justifying their sins. They continue to interpret God’s living word to fit their lifestyles.

I have been through these many years teaching and showing God’s living truth concerning this vital subject. I have great sadness in watching our peoples continue their refusal of God’s TRUTH all because it will cause them to change their lifestyles.

Note:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are You of God, or the god of this world?

Pork──is it a Sin to Eat?

Is God’s Biblical Food Laws Still In Effect?

It certainly shows that TRUE REPENTANCE is something they have no understanding of.

God’s living word shows us that unless you have truly repented from your past sins──which is the breaking of God’s holy and righteous Law (1 John 3:4) ──and indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, then you are not His (Romans 8:9-11).

Yet, the peoples of this present evil age, who proclaim to be Christian and are not led by the Spirit of God, are just that──of the world.

2nd Corinthians 4:4 – shows us that the minds of the majority are blinded by the “god of this age” ── Satan the Devil.

Yes. Friends, such people, in reality, have substituted the Almighty and Eternal God with the “god of this age”!

Truly, every time a person partakes in the consumption of pork, they are pleasing the evil one──and it is displeasing to our CREATOR GOD.

Whether one realizes it or not, when peoples partake in the consumption of pork they become servants of Satan the Devil──because they’re serving his pleasure in furthering their destruction. □

Bibliography

1 Coulter R. F., The Holy Bible In Its Original Order A New English Translation, Appendix M, XXVI. Clean and Unclean Meats, York Publishing Co., © 2009, pg. 1305.

2 Andrei, M., Why is pork bad for you — a look at what the science says, ZME Science, 14, Sept. 2023. Retrieved 15 Nov. 2024.

3 Gaines, G., 31 Foods: What Do Pigs Eat Anything and Everything? (2024), Farm Animal Report, 10 Jan. 2024, Retrieved 15 Nov. 2024.

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" ─ 2 Corinthians 6:14.

There are many who are teaching that 2 Corinthians 6:14 means that we are to avoid any unbelievers.

I tried to correct a female preacher on this misunderstanding and was instead only tongue-lashed by her commenting back rather insolently──

“Then how do u explain the scripture i quoted? And yes we cant exactly avoid evil doers and unbelievers...ofcourse not...”

Yet, that isn’t what she initially said. She emphatically wrote, “have very little (or nothing) to do with evildoers and unbelievers.”

She then quoted Proverbs 13:20, 21 connecting it directly with 2 Corinthians 6:14.

This is not what our Lord Jesus Christ asked Father. In other words, our Lord Jesus Christ doesn’t want us to avoid per se unbelievers, or have nothing to do with evildoers – because we can’t.

He asked Father, “’ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.’” - John 17:15. We cannot just magically have nothing to do with unbelievers or those that do evil. Under divine inspiration, the apostle Paul wrote, “Yet, I certainly did not mean with sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” - 1 Corinthians 5:10. We cannot just avoid those that do not have our faith, but we should be as our Lord Jesus asks of us, to be that light that so shines before men, that they may see our good works and glorify the LORD God!

And this is where I wish to focus. Let’s look at this term ‘unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ How is that possible!? How are we (and I italicize we, because I am speaking of us, brethren) to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers!? Is the apostle Paul saying here that we are to not have any contact with unbelievers!? What about my wife!? She is an unbeliever. How are we going to make it through this life if we have to avoid unbelievers?

Are we to be like a commune? – like the Essenes of the 1st century? The Essenes went out into the wilderness throughout Roman Judea and dedicated themselves to voluntary poverty, daily immersion, and asceticism. Or, a more modern commune – such as the Amish or even the Mennonites – which practices complete abstention from society as a whole? Is this what we’re supposed to practice? Now, in his preface, Fred R. Coulter who put together a faithful version of the Holy Bible with commentary – I absolutely love this Bible which I received from someone I love dearly – says, “A secular humanist worldview has emerged over the past fifty years, gradually eroding the knowledge of the true God. As a result, a form of “Christianity without God” has developed.”

And what I have taken note of is that this female preacher claims to be “following the teachings of Jesus Christ.” But her true leader is Herbert W. Armstrong ── who again they claim was “RAISED UP in the strength and power of the prophet ELIJAH.” These followers and “worshipers” of Herbert W. Armstrong continue to twist the Scriptures based on this one man’s philosophy of the Bible.

Have you ever heard someone say, “You can prove anything from the Bible”? Well, that statement is true – and false. It’s true if only isolated passages are used. But it is utterly false if the whole divine revelation is in view. In other words – if you take the entirety of the Bible and you look at all the references for your specific idea, then you will find out that what you thought was true was absolutely false. Sadly, what many are doing is designing their teachings so that the Bible says what they want it to say ── not what the LORD God says in His totality.

So, what does it mean to be ‘unequally yoked’!? Well, what does this word ‘yoked’ bring to your mind? Well, for me it makes me think of a yoke of oxen. A yoke of bondage – like we read in the Book of Exodus when the children of Israel were under bondage. Traveling through Ohio, I’ve seen oxen yoked together. Very early God instructed His people to be separate. A true Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, is not to be that closely related to an unbeliever. And I’ll explain this.

First, let’s address my wife. Turn with me if you will to 1st Corinthians 7 ──

Beginning in verse 10 – “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband [in other words, separate]. 11) But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”

Minister Guy C LaMar has an enlightening God-inspired booklet entitled

“Marriage” that is worth reading – be sure to read this 9-page booklet today!

But, notice that the apostle Paul – inspired by the glorious Holy Spirit – says that it is alright for them to be married. Notice the next few verses──

“But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13) And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.”

I gave a THINK ABOUT THIS not long ago ── What Is Sanctification by the Spirit?

So, the LORD God’s protection is around the whole family.

Verse 15 – “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”

And, certainly, neither are friends or associates. We are not under any bondage, brethren, to our unbelieving friends or associates.

So, a believer can be married to an unbeliever and still be – in the eyes of the LORD God – a holy person and be under God’s protection. To be ‘unequally yoked’ with an unbeliever is like the idea of ‘can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ – Amos 3:3. We are not to have social or religious FELLOWSHIP – in other words, close friendship – with any except those who know and OBEY the TRUTH of God. We must try to WORSHIP with them.

Let’s turn again to 2nd Corinthians 6.

The apostle Paul continues here in verse 14 – “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” – here he’s making a comparison.

Verse 15 – “And what accord has Christ with Belial? …” – or rather, Satan the devil. What association is there between the two?

“ … Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16) And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’”

He’s sort of asking the question here – how can these two opposites coexist and yet the true Christian remain holy!?

In 1st Corinthians 5:9, we read concerning an incestuous relationship that was taking place within the Church there in Corinth. Immediately, the Spirit of God reminds me of the announcement we gave this past October. It involves an “incestuous relationship” of an individual, either real or imagined in this person’s mind ── and the main reason for our unaffiliating with that church.

“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10) Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.”

And let us take special note of the following verse ──

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, 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 5:9-11.

He went on to say in chapter 6, verse 6 – “But brother [speaking of brethren in Christ] goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!” Why? Because “those who are outside God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person.’”

The apostle Paul knew that this had to be dealt with immediately. But, was this “putting away” permanent?

It is evidence – later on – that Paul wrote to them and said, ‘you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.’ If he repents he should be allowed back. And, that was the apostle Paul’s heart – and I believe it was a wonderful example of how he dealt with this. □

Additional Items of Interest

Personal From... Armstrong Religion ── The religion of Armstrongism is very much alive! It’s a religion of Satan the devil!

Marriage FREE PDF booklet ── Judgment is now on us – the living Church of God – not upon this world.

THINK ABOUT THIS... What Is Sanctification by the Spirit? ── Sadly, the common beliefs and teachings in this present evil age are not altogether accurate.

COJCOM Announcement October 2024 ── I feel the Spirit of God would like me to announce ...

A Morning Bible Study──How Will Christ Rule?

Many shadowy groups ── such as the Illuminati and the “Bilderberg Group” are accused of conspiring to control world affairs, by masterminding certain events and planting agents within governments and even corporations, vying to gain political control and influence, and to eventually establish a New World Order──also known as a One World Order. Now, whether or not this is true of these groups, I don’t know. But, a NEW WORLD ORDER is coming! It won’t be a government of man.

God’s living word—the Holy Bible—tells us that a worldwide government will soon be established. Our Lord Jesus Christ is coming to administer His government upon the Earth, and real peace will result!

How will the LORD God bring about and maintain this world peace? This Bible Study will answer that question and many more──as we delve into the living pages of God’s word describing what the glorious Kingdom of God will be like on this Earth.

1) Where did our Lord Jesus go after He was resurrected?

“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven [the atmosphere] as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, 11) who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, who do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” – Acts 1:10-11.

Just as plain as day! He’s coming back to the Earth, His residence is on the Earth, He’s gonna live on the Earth for all eternity and we’re gonna be with Him! It’s just amazing! Did the ancient Jews believe in life after death? Another factor to consider, when asking the question about ‘why wasn’t Jesus more blunt and direct.’ Communicating what He thought about topics such as the immortality of the soul, “going off to Heaven,” or “going off to Hell” – I don’t know if you’ve thought of it this way, but, consider this. No one in the society and the culture in which He lived was even slightly imbued with any of those ideas. The Jewish people did not believe in an afterlife. Except the Pharisees had some vague notion of a resurrection. The Sadducees believed in no resurrection. You go back and read some of the pieces on the computer about the ancient Hebrew beliefs, and this great afterlife idea was a vague concept. They weren’t clued into the afterlife, because they never were clued into Jesus Christ! And if you don’t understand Jesus Christ, you don’t understand eternal life. Or, how to get there, or what it’s all about. These ideas of the immortality of the soul, “going to Heaven,” and “going to Hell,” simply did not exist in that culture. There was no need for Jesus to talk about them – back then – because nobody of His day believed them or was even remotely curious about them!

Another misunderstanding – and one in which a good friend of mine had actually believed took place just after our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, in other words, they believe and teach that He actually did not die──is where the apostle Peter writes – “[B]y whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison” – 1 Peter 3:19. Yet, all one needs to do is read the very next verse to properly understand when He came down to “prison” – which for these evil spirits is the earth itself. “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, …” – v. 20. So, these passages of Scripture show us that tartaroo is – that earth is a “prison” in which disobedient and evil angels are kept to await the judgment of the resurrected and immortal saints of God – cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

How will our Lord Jesus Christ come again!?

Our Lord Jesus gives us the answer –

“’ And if I go and prepare a place for you [which is the soon-coming New Jerusalem, See: Revelation 21:2], I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am [which will be ON THE EARTH!], there you may be also.’” – John 14:3.

2) Does God’s living word tell us how long our Lord Jesus Christ will remain in the upper heavenly realms before returning?

Notice the Book of Acts 3 –

“and that He [God the Father] may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21) whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” – Acts 3:20-21.

Our mighty King of kings and Lord of lords will not come as a Lamb, but will come as a Conquering King! – with power and great glory!

“’ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven [in outer space], and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven [the atmosphere] with power and great glory.’” – Matthew 24:30.

As I have spoken of before - when the throne of God, when New Jerusalem, begins to return to this earth, at some point it will be a little small light in the night sky. And the next night it will be a little brighter – like the star Sirius (the brightest star in the night sky). And then, it becomes more and more obvious – and people will look up and go, “What is that!?” Now, most of the people of the world will think it’s – and they really will – an invading alien force.

Our Lord Jesus will use a “rod of iron” – symbolizing absolute power and authority. He will rule with power, and will not hesitate to use it when absolutely necessary. Great militaries of men──heavily influenced by Satan the Devil ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), will literally try and attack our returning Savior!

“’ These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.’” – Revelation 17:14.

He will begin to rule –

“And the armies in heaven [the atmosphere], clothed in fine linen, white and clean [symbolic of righteousness], followed Him on white horses. 15) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” – Revelation 19:14-15.

Where on Earth will be His headquarters?

Notice –

“’ At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem. …” – Jeremiah 3:17.

The glorious soon-coming government of the LORD God (the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) will be a type of theocracy or autocracy – with our Lord Jesus Christ reigning supreme! And from New Jerusalem, He rules all nations.

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

Another Scripture that proves that God the Father is coming with our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy angels!

3) Will the children of God──who have been born-again──true and faithful followers who had proven loyal and faithful to the Lord GOD during their mortal lives, co-rule with Jesus Christ in the age to come?

Again, the words of our Lord Jesus –

“’ And he who OVERCOMES, and keeps My works until the end, to him [or her] I will give power over the nations── 27) ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ ── as I also have received from My Father; 28) and I will give him [or her] the morning star.’” – Revelation 2:26-28; see also 3:21; 5:10; 20:4.

Also, notice what the prophet Daniel was inspired to write –

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

Here it is! Just like we just read in our Lord and Savior’s own words – “’ Behold, I AM coming quickly! …’” He saw this vision of these world-ruling empires and they were destroyed!

“For since by man came death, by Man [Jesus Christ] also came the resurrection of the dead. 22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. … Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep [in other words – remain in our graves], but we shall all be changed – 52) in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump [the SEVENTH TRUMP] For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” This glorious firstfruits of many brethren was presented to God the Father as the firstfruits from the dead. And, the closest description within the Bible of this happening is Daniel the 7th chapter.

Will they be ── those who were faithful followers, who had proven loyal and faithful to the Lord GOD ── be rulers over cities?

Yes. Notice –

“’ Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17) And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’” – Luke 19:16-19.

4) How will the LORD God’s resurrected born-again faithful followers serve the people?

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, ARE YOU UNWORTHY to judge the smallest of matters?” – 1 Corinthians 6:2.

“ … To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and [will make] us [a kingdom] and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – Revelation 1:6; see also 5:10.

How much power will each born-again faithful follower exercise, under the rulership of our Lord Jesus Christ in their own area? – again Revelation 2:26-28.

Absolute authority will exist on the spot in all parts of the world. Yet, all governmental policies will be based upon the pattern that will be laid down from Headquarters by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And then, each ruler under Him will be responsible directly to our Lord Jesus. The kingdom of God will be devoid of so-called red tape, special interest groups, and lobbyists ── truly, the swamp will be drained!

5) Will the established Kingdom of God ── the government of God ── be permanent?

Yes. Notice –

“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and IT SHALL STAND FOREVER.” – Daniel 2:44.

6) At the beginning of the Millennial Reign of our Lord Jesus Christ will most all nations finally begin seeking our Savior and begin asking for instruction in God’s Way?

Yes. Notice –

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. 2) Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” – Micah 4:1-2.

The nations will begin learning peaceful productivity – verse 3.

Within the kingdom of God ── religion and government are not separate.

Now, to help bring mankind to repentance, our Lord Jesus Christ will begin to reeducate the whole world in His Way. The Way of God’s Law of love. So that all people may (of their own free moral agency) begin learning and living the LORD God’s Way.

7) Will there still be some nations that absolutely refuse to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and His Way?

Yes. Notice –

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17) And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth DO NOT come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.” – Zechariah 14:16-17.

As our Lord Jesus Christ is doing with His begotten children in this present age, He will (in the Millennium) begin re-educating our peoples through His Holy Days. The whole world will come to know the real Jesus Christ, and that He is Lord, King, and Master! They will begin learning of the LORD God’s Master Plan of the redemption of all mankind ── of spiritual salvation. And the families who stubbornly refuse to come up from year to year and keep His Holy Days will begin suffering from severe droughts and plagues.

Praise be to our great and awesome GOD! During the Millennium Reign of our Savior, no religious confusion will exist because Satan the Devil and his imps will have been restrained and imprisoned. And, like it will be during the Great White Throne Judgment, books will be opened. And another book will be opened, which is the Book of Life! Their eyes and ears will become open to the LORD God’s revealed truth! □

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament: Jeremiah 3:17; Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14; Micah 4:1-2, 3; Zechariah 14:16-17.

New Testament: Matthew 24:30; Luke 19:16-19; John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11; 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 15:21-23, 51-52; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 3:19, 20; Revelation 1:6; 2:26-28; 3:21; 5:10; 11:15; 17:14; 19:14-15; 20:4; 21:2; 22:12.

Letter to our Friends ── November 6, 2024

 

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Co-Founder

Dear Brethren, Co-Workers, and Friends in Christ around the world:

Greetings from Spring Hill, Florida.

I am sending this letter to all of you early because my wife and I will be leaving towards the end of this month on vacation. We will travel on a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel, and Falmouth, Jamaica. Please keep us in your prayers for our safety.

Building Righteous Character

As we are aware brethren, we are to strive to build godly, righteous character.

Here are some wonderful ideas on how you can do this from an online article last January──Be Not Ignorant of Satan──

To Arms! To Arms! Take Up the Shield of Faith!

The apostle Paul gave us another wonderful passage. Ephesians chapter 4, about three verses. We can, sadly, “grieve the Spirit.” Verse 30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, …” – We’ve always seen this to mean – don’t squeeze the Spirit of God out of you! I don’t think God takes His Spirit from you. Because we’re told, the gifts and the repentance of God are without repentance. He doesn’t take away His Spirit, but I think we – as human beings – have the capability to simply drive God out of our minds, and out of our presence. Verse 31 – “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – and think about the times we’ve been told – if you are not willing to extend mercy, mercy will not be shown to you! If you are not willing to forgive, forgiveness will not be extended to you by God. It’s said over and over, just plain as can be!

Notice that in 1st Peter 5:8, the apostle Peter wrote under inspiration, “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he MAY devour.” And, whom MAY Satan the adversary devour? Can he devour you!? It’s an IMPORTANT question!

We can certainly know who he MAY devour by knowing who he cannot devour. “We know that whosoever is BORN OF GOD sinneth not; but he that is BEGOTTEN OF GOD keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” – 1 John 5:18, KJV. That wicked one (Satan the devil) CANNOT TOUCH A BEGOTTEN CHILD OF GOD who “KEEPS HIMSELF”! In other words, IF WE ARE VIGILANT AND WATCHFUL!

Are you able to believe this guarantee from JESUS CHRIST THE MAGNIFICENT ONE!? The LORD God states that Satan the devil cannot even touch us – so long as we “keep ourselves.” If we are vigilant and sincerely dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ. But, if we let our guard down and do not “keep ourselves” then Satan the devil will have an opportunity to devour us.

The apostle Paul warns not to “give place to the devil.” – Ephesians 4:27. In other words, don’t give Satan the devil and his imps an inch. Our enemy will use any means – any open opportunity – by which he can take advantage of us. An example in the Book of Job shows us that Satan the devil will attack our very character and will try to dislodge our integrity and faithfulness to the LORD God – cf. Job 1:6-11.

The LORD God’s loving mercy and grace have blessed us with ample spiritual ammunition to ward off Satan the devil and his imps. But, we MUST utilize this spiritual ammunition! Our enemies have many devices they use and we must know them – and expose them. …

Forgive and Forget Sins

Do you find it difficult to forgive and forget sins – either those you have committed and have sincerely and heartfelt repented of, or sins committed against you!? “’ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’” – Matthew 6:14-15. When you sin and you immediately go to Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ and sincerely repent and ask for forgiveness – do you then forget that sin!? Do you forgive yourself!? When a person trespasses against you – do you ask Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive that person for their trespass against you!? Do you – like the LORD God – then forget that sin that they trespassed against you!?

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12) As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” – Psalm 103:11-12.

Or, do you continue to dredge up and remember the transgression – the sin!? When you see or hear that person who trespassed against you, do you immediately allow that trespass to spark in your mind? Does your unforgiveness of sin taint your attitude toward that person? The LORD God remembers our sins no more – “’ I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins’” – Isaiah 43:25.

Brethren, when we continue to rehash and harp on the bygone sins of others – we are not punishing that person – we are merely damaging ourselves and opening ourselves up to Satan the devil. …

Be Not Discouraged!

We are always affected by those who trespass against us. Physically or emotionally. When severe personal tribulations close in on us, let us not be disheartened, discouraged, or dismayed. The apostle Paul knew and understood that the discouragements resulting from tribulations laid the groundwork for the “tempter” to tempt us. …

We are commanded to live by faith – Romans 1:17. The worse the trial – the tribulation – the greater the potential for the development of faith. A faith that can remove mountains if need be – metaphorically speaking. Let us not allow Satan the devil to have any opening by becoming disheartened, discouraged, or dismayed by a trial. Rather, ask Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ to grant you even more of Their faith. …

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” – 1 Peter 4:8. As well as – trespasses.

Be Not Self-Righteous

Pride can make a person condescending and self-righteous so that he sees himself as greater than he actually is. Lucifer was prideful and he became SELF-RIGHTEOUS! Thinking himself greater than our Lord Jesus Christ! It’s easier for prostitutes or even Sabbath-breakers to acknowledge their sins than even a self-righteous individual. A self-righteous person – by definition – does not normally recognize their sins.

The wonderful Book of Job (pronounced jōb) is within God’s living word to teach us the lesson of self-righteousness. Because Job, in his heart, had said, “I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me. Yet He [the LORD God] finds occasions against me, He counts me as His enemy.’” – Job 33:8-10. …

As I noted in our online PDF booklet “Does God Exist?” ─ of a female Lutheran LGBTQ+ preacher who was exhibiting self-righteousness – self-righteous people tend not to be alone. She vehemently invited the young man who challenged her back to her lair – surely so that she would have a Legion behind her. All with the same general belief! To console, sympathize, encourage, and sustain each other in their self-righteousness – just as their father Satan the devil has always done.

Be Not Accusatory!

Have you ever thought why a particular individual who has trespassed against you is still doing just fine!? You, of course, “knew” that he or she had trespassed against you - is the LORD God blind!? Certainly not! “Why isn’t the LORD God punishing that person?”

Do not despise the riches of the LORD God’s goodness, patience, self-control, and tolerance. But rather know “that the goodness of God leads you to repentance.”

Sadly, some judge others – especially those in the Church of Jesus Christ. Often, when we feel that when a member of His Church stumbles, our status rises. But, in fact, we all suffer – cf. 1st Corinthians 12:26.

We are warned, “ … you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; …” – Romans 2:1. Now understand – “’ Judge not, that you be not judged’” does not mean that we can never tell whether or not something is a sin. …

Brethren, “’ Judge not’” means do not impute motives, do not malign an underlying attitude, do not condemn. Only the LORD God can look within someone’s heart (cf. 1st Samuel 16:7). Only the LORD God can pass that judgment or that condemnation. …

Gird Up Your Loin With Jesus Christ!

Brethren, the LORD our God does not leave us defenseless. Our mighty Lord Jesus THE MAGNIFICENT goes beyond just telling us what not to do – He also instructs us what we should be doing to thwart Satan the devil and his devices. He has not given us “a spirit of fear” or ignorance, “but of power and of love and of A SOUND MIND” – 1 Timothy 1:7.

The apostle Paul goes over this with us in Ephesians 4 –

“if indeed you have been taught BY HIM, as the truth is IN JESUS: 22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23) and BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, 24) and that you PUT ON THE NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

25) Therefore, PUTTING AWAY LYING [which includes putting away FALSE RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS], ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another. 26) ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath 27) nor give place to the devil. 28) Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29) LET NO CORRUPT WORD [or even FALSE DOCTRINE, or GOSSIP] proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” …

Finally, my brethren – turning to Ephesians 6 – describes our defenses against Satan’s kingdom.

“Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” and “take up the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” “so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

1) “Put on” and “take up” are both active processes. We must consciously every day wholeheartedly do our part.

2) We NEED the “whole” armor of God.” Nothing less than the full protection of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!

3) “to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We have no alternative but to stand and fight. Running away from a roaring lion will only be worse. It’s important to remain threatening to Satan the devil and his imps while your loin is girded with the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!

“above all, taking the SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” – Ephesians 6:10-16.

What are his fiery darts!? Well, they may come in various guises – persecutions, false accusations, and tribulations. But, brethren, so long as we have THE SHIELD OF FAITH – “FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST” – Satan’s fiery darts will only bounce off! …

We must, brethren, continuously read and study God’s living word, diligently building up our Scriptural vocabulary and understanding.

Finally – we see how to integrate and vivify all the pieces of God’s armor into one strong team –

“praying ALWAYS with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints─” – Ephesians 6:18.

Brethren, this work of JESUS CHRIST is trumpeting the glorious and powerful return of our Savior, Master, and Elder Brother to take the kingdoms of this world away from Satan the devil! And this work of JESUS CHRIST helps reveal the ‘mysteries’ of God’ and the very fact that every person – past, present, and future – can qualify to become God! …

Indeed, true Christians are to strive to build righteous character. Continually calling upon the LORD God to help gird up our loins with our Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen our defenses against the wiles of the evil one! Let us PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD! Let us never compromise with the loving will of the LORD God for us──but to build daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly the very godly character that our loving Father has! 

Be sure to read also today our free 9-page PDF article:

From the Beginning… God’s Master Plan. As well as watching our sermon: You Were Born to Rule!

Soundcloud Radio Channel

https://soundcloud.com/cojcom 

Our online Soundcloud channel offers FREE ACCESS to a wide range of biblical subjects──including –

● Think About This… with Guy C. LaMar

● Personal From… Leonard V Johnson

● And That Rock Was Christ Series

● Revelation – A Book of the Past and the Future Series

● The Truth Concerning Christmas Series

● To Jesus Be the Glory Series

The Analytics

Total listeners: 361 (Nov. 6, 2023 – Nov. 6, 2024)

Top Countries: USA, Ghana, and Nigeria (Nov. 6, 2023 – Nov. 6,2024)

Top Tracks: The Day of the LORD! – Part One, The Day of the LORD! – Part Two, and END-TIME PROPHETS – Chapter One.

Audio Books and Booklets (Nov. 6, 2023 – Nov. 6, 2024)

● END-TIME PROPHETS – total plays: 60

● The MARK of the BEAST – total plays: 6

● God’s Promises to Abraham – total plays: 56

Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries MeWe Page

https://mewe.com/cojcom1ne.62/posts 

Followers: 41

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.

• Sermonette – may we suggest Minister Leonard Johnson’s latest Personal – “Bitterness ── a terrible spiritual cancer” available on our Soundcloud Radio Channel.

• Sermon – from the pastor or guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “’ Woe to those who call evil good.’”

• Closing song. May we suggest listening to “Why Me Lord?” by G.C. LaMar.

• Closing prayer.

In case you do not receive a ‘Letter to our Friends’ for any week, remember that there are many sermon messages on the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries’ UGETube channel. Also, we post all of our ‘Letters’ on our website: https://www.owensborocojc.com/search/label/Church%20letters.

Some World News Concerning Biblical Prophecy

In Iran──Designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1984, Iran continues its terrorist-related activity in 2024! There are a few in Iran who wanted Donald Trump to win the presidential election, as they hope he will help in overthrowing the theocratic pathological government (See: DW – ‘Why many in Iran want Donald Trump to win the US election’).

Yes, there are a few in Iran (ancient Persia in God’s living word – the Holy Bible) that desire a regime change. They did not see this as very likely with Kamala Harris and her administration.

President Donald Trump did pull out of the terrible nuclear deal with Iran──and as such, has been seen as somewhat unpredictable in various ways.

The Biden-Harris Administration immediately took steps to rejoin the atrocious nuclear deal with Iran and released billions of frozen funds to terrorist Iran! And, Iran launched vicious attacks against Israel──all during the weak and fickle Biden-Harris Administration! However, still NOT the attack that is prophesied within Isaiah 22:6-8!

Sadly, this damaging attack will occur no matter who is president of the US!

Here is something concerning this from our Letter to our Friends – June 22, 2020──

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 groups. 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.

Let us continue to place our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His soon-coming kingdom, not in any man or woman. The LORD God’s living prophecies will be fulfilled, irrespective of who is the President of the United States.

In Europe──concerning its massive, combined military strength, the nations of Germany and the United Kingdom agreed to a new defense pact. (See: Defense Here – ‘UK, Germany ink 'landmark defense agreement' to strengthen security, prosperity’). Also – (AFP News Agency – ‘UK and Germany sign 'landmark' defence deal’).

This appears to be the most significant UK-Germany military agreement since Brexit 2016.

With that being said, concerning world history──there has been a long connection between the royal families of Germany and Great Britain.

Notice Wikipedia –

“In 1714, George I, a German-speaking Hanoverian prince of mixed British and German descent, ascended to the British throne, founding the House of Hanover. For over a century, Britain's monarchs were also rulers of Hanover (first as Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire and then as Kings of Hanover). There was only a personal union, and both countries remained quite separate, but the king lived in London. British leaders often complained that Kings George I, who barely spoke any English, and George II were heavily involved in Hanover and distorted British foreign policy for the benefit of Hanover, a small, poor, rural, and unimportant country in Western Europe. In contrast, King George III never visited Hanover in the 60 years (1760–1820) that he ruled it. Hanover was occupied by France during the Napoleonic Wars, but some Hanoverian troops fled to England to form the King's German Legion, an ethnic German unit in the British army. The personal link with Hanover finally ended in 1837, with the accession of Queen Victoria to the British throne, while obtaining Heligoland from Denmark. The semi-Salic law prevented her from being on the throne of Hanover since a male relative was available.

Every British monarch from George I to George V in the 20th century took a German consort. Queen Victoria was raised under close supervision by her German-born mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and married her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840. Their daughter, Princess Victoria, married Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia in 1858, who became Crown Prince three years later.”

(Wikipedia contributors. (2024, November 1). Germany–United Kingdom relations. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:18, November 7, 2024).

Let us consider the Book of Hosea with a two-fold prophecy. It reveals to us that there will occur great troubles with Israel (modern-day United States of America), Judah (modern-day Israel), with Ephraim (modern-day United Kingdom) ──as well as troubles with end-time Assyria (modern-day Germany).

Note what Hosea 5:5 teaches which will come to fulfillment──

“The pride of Israel testifies to his face; Therefore Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; Judah also stumbles with them.”

Here this two-fold prophecy shows us that Israel (modern-day USA), Ephraim (modern-day United Kingdom; which includes respectively Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), and Judah (the modern nation known as Israel) will have terrible troubles. Certainly, the United States has great pride in our military strength! But, this strength will be broken and spent in vain──because the LORD our God will set His face against us as nations (cf. Leviticus 26:19, 28-33).

In Hosea 8:14 concerning this same two-fold prophecy, our cities will be devoured by fire. Recall that ancient Sodom and Gomorrah were also destroyed by “fire and brimstone” ── now, truly is this expression – as some mistakenly argue – just an idiom, or did our LORD God really rain down FIRE AND BRIMSTONE!? What I personally believe to have been an asteroid – e.g. the Tunguska event of 1908. The cities of the plain were utterly destroyed because of their “sexual immorality” and going after “strange flesh” – Jude 7. Truly, these same sins are spreading like cancer throughout the Anglo-Saxon lands! (be sure to read or listen to Minister Guy LaMar’s Commentary – Homosexuality). Sadly, the overall majority of our peoples who do not believe that this dual prophecy applies to the modern descendants of Jacob will not be saved from this terrible wrath of God that is coming – Deuteronomy 29:29.

Concluding Comments

The apostle Peter gives us a plain and clear guideline about facing tribulations –

“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, 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.

15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer [spiritually or physically], a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16) Yet if ANYONE suffers as a Christian, let him NOT be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” – 1 Peter 4:12-16.

True Christians are ambassadors for Christ!

In the Book of Luke chapter 6 – in what is called “the Beatitudes,” our Lord Jesus Christ told us the Way we should conduct our life – Luke 6:20-23. I suggest, however, reading verses 24-49 as well.

The apostle Paul, in 1st Timothy 4:12, tells us to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

For ministers of God as well as the flock it is IMPORTANT always to keep this in mind – for those who do not believe – you might be the closest they will ever be to the glorious soon-coming Kingdom of God.

While so many Christians feel compelled to make sure the “gloom and doom” messages outweigh any solutions offered – and maybe they do this because of control – if we, as true Christians, focus on the positives of God’s truth and hope in this darkened world – then God’s Way of light will shine forth upon the negatives.

Brethren, we have been blessed with the Redeemer (Isaiah 41:14; 47:4; 48:17; Psalm 19:14; Luke 1:68; Romans 3:23-24; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:7, 13-14; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 9:11-12) – the Holy One of Israel! He will also bless us with the tools to combat this world’s negativity and to model the abundant life that He came to give us! – cf. John 10:10.

The ANSWER is found through JESUS CHRIST!

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Tattoos Are Pagan

by Guy C LaMar

"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.'" - Leviticus 19:28.

Tattoos are blatantly displaying rebelliousness against the LORD God!

It’s a mark of sin.

If a person had a tattoo in sin──and then came to conversion through our Lord Jesus Christ into true Christianity, they should either cover that mark or remove it if possible.

It is a defilement of the body──which is a gift from the LORD God.

Throughout my life, I’ve known many people who were, and are, true Christians who bore tattoos. But those tattoos were from their sinful life. It did not reflect their new creature in Christ Jesus. And, they all tried to hide that shame of sin from their past life.

Those tattoos became blind to my eyes──because love covers all sin.

We all carry scars of sin. Our godly love should cover that sin.

Yet, people who pridefully promote their tattoos and revel in getting them──are of Satan the devil. Whether they know it or not. They’re unwittingly serving Satan the devil’s will. Because it is a rebellion against the LORD God!

So, anyone who is a true Christian decides to get a tattoo──think long and hard about these things.

Tattoos equal sin.

Tattoos equals rebellion against the LORD God.

Tattoos equal serving Satan the devil.

Tattoos equal marking oneself as a servant unto Satan the devil.

Tattoos are a mark to show that you are void of the LORD God.

Someone who has a tattoo and then comes into conversion will surely regret ever getting that tattoo. Once they begin to hear, learn, and obey the living word of God and the LORD God’s position against paganism──and the many practices of it. Which includes tattoos.

Sadly, very few people who claim to be Christians actually diligently study God’s living word and incorporate His word into their lives──into the obedient service to the LORD God! The majority of self-professing Christians are nothing more than a “lip service Christian.” People who claim a title, yet

don’t walk the walk in righteousness.

And, make no mistake – this is found in God’s living Church as well. Some attend or even are a member, who lack in great quantity in true service to the LORD God. They sugarcoat certain things to fit their narrative.

Again I say, the LORD God is not a respecter of persons──and personal opinions and ideologies will not wash with the LORD our God! God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are well established in Their Way. □

Additional Items of Interest

Judge Not... ── I saw a post that was talking about how homosexuality is an abomination unto God. And indeed it is. Someone had chimed in and said, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” ...

I'll do it my way! ── Everyone has their own feelings towards things - and that's a fact. But when you base your life on what the living word of God - the Holy Bible - says on a matter then you are automatically going to be hated by the world.

Commentary: Voting & Choosing Are the Same

by Guy C LaMar

When the LORD God (the family of God, which now consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) admonishes us to choose wise leaders──that is voting.

Voting and choosing are the exact same thing.

I, myself, am an extremely patriotic Right-wing Christian Conservative.

Yet, too many within our Lord Jesus Christ’s Church have completely disconnected themselves from the very government that leads their own lives!

If the LORD God places leaders in office, then we are to respect those leaders. The LORD God knows what is right and wrong──and They are looking at us as to how we will react to what is right and wrong! Whether it be good or evil that is in office.

Brethren, we are to stand up and stand with what is good and right.

It is truth that we are not to conform to this world as true Christians (Romans 12:2; John 15:19; Revelation 18:4). Meaning that this world is full of hypocrisy, vile, evil, and corruption.

However──that has nothing to do with choosing who we believe is the best leader for our own lives as we live in this nation.

The leaders we choose are going to rule over our lives based on their political policies──and this is why it’s extremely important to choose the correct leader for our lives as we live in this nation.

If, as true Christians, we just let everyone run over us, then we are nothing more than worthless cowards.

In this world, we must fight for what is right and stand up for what is right!

The LORD God desires a strong “good soldier of Jesus Christ” ──not a weak and “do nothing” person.

I personally always believed that the numerous splinter churches have been exceedingly wrong in their doctrine of not voting. This doctrine is not of God’s living word – the Holy Bible! I have heard all the arguments──and I do not agree with one of them. It’s just simply their ideology.

After all, our leaders in this world are going to be the very ones who rule over how we live in this nation. If we, as true Christians, are not going to help choose right leaders──leaders that better reflect God’s Way──then we are just setting ourselves up for additional tribulations.

We have to live in this present evil age (cf. John 17:15). It is not conforming to this world by standing up for what is right.

If we, as true Christians, support and stand by a leader who will allow us freedom──then we are making a bold statement concerning our position to the world.

Sadly, some use certain Scriptural passages to try and prove that Christians should not vote── it is “against God” they claim. Yet, they do not study and observe the absolute historical context of what is actually being said. Thus they make Scripture say something that it does not say.

The LORD God’s living immutable word is full of examples of God’s people standing up for a nation. It is full of examples of God’s people being warriors!

And, Christ’s Body – His living Church – should be a glowing example of how His begotten people conduct themselves in this life. The example is there and this example expounds!

Sadly, there are far too many pusillanimous cowards hiding under the umbrella of so-called Christianity! They are nothing more than weak sniveling cowards.

A great many people have made modern Christianity into a religion of compromising pansies.

Truly, the LORD our God tells us to select wise leaders──

“’ Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’” – Deuteronomy 1:13.

Surely, the LORD God is watching and observing just who you will support and vote for──or if you do at all. Along with the reasons why you support and vote for that leader. It glaringly shows your personal character.

As an example: I vote in every election──and I vote on a moral basis. Because I am making a bold statement that this is the leader with whom I support and stand──based upon true Christian moral standards. I desire to show the LORD God that I am supporting and choosing a leader that best represents good moral character.

And if the person that I voted for wins──good. And if the person that I voted for loses──then surely the LORD God has Their reasons. After all, God’s will be done – cf. Matthew 6:9-10.

But, the LORD our God notes who we support and who we vote for!

And again, we are not conforming to this world because we vote! That is simply hogswallop, taught by people who simply don’t want to vote!

We, brethren, have to live in this world, and this world’s leaders will have a strong bearing on our lives. Their political policies will rule over our lifestyles. And, if we do not have a hand in choosing the right leaders, then we are just simply allowing evil to take control of our lives──without any effort to fight and stop someone who certainly has no reflection whatsoever of God’s Way.

It's a lot like──a person who was shipwrecked and is now floating in a raft on a turbulent sea. The person is praying to God to send help. A rescue helicopter arrives to pick him up, but he refuses to get on board because he says that he’s waiting on God. The rescue helicopter leaves, and sadly he drowns and dies. At his very next moment of consciousness, he is before the LORD God in judgment──and he asks God, “Why didn’t You save me!?” And God replies, “I tried. I sent you a rescue helicopter──but you refused to board.”

That is how it is when true Christians either refuse or simply will not take the time to choose the right leadership. Our future in this world will be based upon what our leaders politically will allow. If you’re just going to sit around on your hands and do nothing──don’t be surprised when you no longer have the freedom to worship God in assembly (as an example).

Personally, I despise liberalism──and will never be friends with it.

A quick checklist of what the LORD God wants us to do is found in Micah──

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8.

Acting justly means that we live with the proper sense of right and wrong and deal honestly and fairly with those around us. Our Lord Jesus says to us, “’ Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.’” – John 7:24. And we walk humbly with our God by always seeking His will, blessing, and approval on our life’s decisions. The LORD God does not become merely a part of our lives──the LORD God is our life! – Galatians 2:20.

THE CHURCH GIVES US THE EXAMPLE OF HOW WE'RE TO CONDUCT OURSELVES IN SOCIETY! □