Be Strong In the Lord! (Sermon)

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COJCOM · 1-11-2025 ── Be Strong In the Lord!

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

Last Sabbath night – or rather early Sunday morning – as I lay in bed trying to go to sleep. A title to a message came into my mind. Be Strong In the Lord. Then, just as quickly, Scriptures from God’s living word flashed throughout my mind. I quickly jumped out of bed, entered our office, grabbed a pencil and a piece of paper, and jotted down the Scriptures.

The first passage that came to my mind was Ephesians 6:10. Let’s turn in our Bibles and read this verse.

The power of His might is THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Before I begin this Sabbath, I would like to thank our Brethren and Friends in Clonee, Ireland; Brussels, Belgium; Prineville, Oregon; Forth Worth, Texas; and of course our dear brethren and friends in Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Anderson, Alabama. Welcome. And thank you all for joining us this Sabbath for the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries.

Now, Satan the Devil is our adversary. He is our physical and spiritual enemy. He and his minions are seeking to destroy our Lord Jesus’ Church, and you along with it. We must always be prepared to fight and to win our spiritual battles.

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

Notice 1st Timothy chapter 1.

Verse 18.

The apostle Paul knew that we, dear Brethren, both in his day and throughout all generations, would be involved in many tribulations, troubles, trials, tests, and even sufferings for our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why he wrote Timothy and told him – and by extension, us as well – to wage a good warfare.

Notice 2nd Timothy chapter 2.

Verses 3 & 4.

Brethren war is nothing new to the living Church of God. Over and over throughout God’s living word God’s people have been involved in wars. Our Lord Jesus’ Church has always been in one war or another. Though we wrestle not against human beings, but rather we wrestle against the spiritual forces of the evil one – Satan the Devil. He marshals against us in trying always to discredit us and even to destroy the very work of the Eternal One.

Over the weekend my wife and I held a family get-together. And my sister-in-law was lamenting over the fact that she “lost” a great many of her family members to death. Either by suicide, cancer, or by a bleeding ulcer. And she had said that this great loss had affected her throughout half of last year.

In her expression of grief and sorrow, she called me a “winebibber,” because I was having a beer. She knew me before I was converted.

Again, and I recognized it immediately, Satan the Devil - we wrestle not against human beings, but rather we wrestle against the spiritual forces of the evil one. Satan the Devil trying his best to discredit me. Well, I love her. And I pray for her always. Wanting no ill will to come to her or her family.

Well, the soundness of wisdom will be judged by the fruit of her wisdom.

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ has said, “’ I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’”

Brethren, His Church will prevail throughout the rest of this present evil age. But will you?

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

To ensure that you will not become a casualty of this war against the evil one – Satan the Devil’s demonic kingdom – you should enlist in the army of our Almighty God!

But first, just like what I went through myself, you must go through a battery of tests to determine your character and your mental fitness. Some of these stories I have told a few times. Tests from God that I went through. And, looking back, I know them to be tests. This was before I was converted. Before I rightly repented, was properly baptized, and had hands laid upon me, receiving the glorious gift of the Holy Spirit.

Once, as I was walking out of a truck stop, an exquisitely dressed man began calling after me, “Hey, can I get a ride!?” As I turned around I saw that this well-groomed man was dressed in the finest dark suit I had ever seen, with gold cufflinks, a gold chain, a gold wristwatch, and shiny black dress shoes. A chill ran up my spine. As I kept walking, he began following me and called out again, “Hey, can I get a ride!? I just got off the bus.” I had assumed that he meant a Greyhound Bus, although he didn’t have any luggage – and I had not seen hardly anyone at the truck stop, so I knew he wasn’t telling the truth. “No, I’m not going to give you a ride,” I said sternly, as I continued walking away from him. He began to follow more briskly, “I’m just going down the road.” Then he stopped suddenly and yelled, “You’re not going to give me a ride!” – which was more of a statement than a question.

Friends, I truly believe that this was a demon, trying to trick me! He knew that I would soon belong to Jesus Christ! What would have happened if I had allowed him in my truck? That time the test was successful – I won the battle. I… was STRONG IN THE LORD!

There were other times that I had failed miserably. It’s a learning process.

For I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. Very possibly several. And, I have a story – Back a few years ago now, when I was driving a tractor-trailer over the road heading for California Again, before conversion. I had pulled into a truck stop for the night as it was just getting dusk, and I saw this old woman walking across the parking lot. She appeared to be wearing nothing but a filthy, ragged blanket. She passed all the other trucks, and just as I pulled the airbrakes – she was standing next to my truck looking up at me with very kind eyes. As I slowly rolled down the driver-side window, she asked very quietly, “Do you have a blanket?”

And I thought to myself – she already has a blanket. I quickly replied, “No, I don’t have a blanket!” Without saying another word, she turned and walked out into the desert and out of sight. But I had an extra blanket – in fact, I had two extra blankets that I always brought with me. And, the thought then struck me – I had just failed the test. And I said to the LORD, “O’ Lord GOD! I have failed!”

Well, we, dear Brethren, were called to serve. And even though we passed the initial trials and tests, we are still just an enlistee – we’re still in basic training. But, the difference is we now have the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. And, as the apostle Paul wrote, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

While in this training we must have proper nourishment. Both physical and spiritual. And God’s living eternal word tells us that for the Christian soldier proper nourishment is the living word of God. We are to be fed on the milk and the solid meat of the Word – speaking of the Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ! And we must exercise the fruits of God’s Spirit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We must also exercise discipline in studying and meditating on the word of God. Praying always to maintain our spiritual strength.

To BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

We must also learn to use weapons. In one sermon, I believe it was a sermon, I went through, step-by-step, the Elementary Principles of Christ. And we must also go on to perfection. These spiritual weapons are described for us back in the Book of Ephesians – where we began in this message. Ephesians chapter 6. I’ll cover these with you in a little while here.

Another important lesson we must learn is how to take orders. Sadly, this is something that a lot of ministers have a difficult time with. Many believe that once they reach that pinnacle of standing behind the lectern, they no longer need to listen to their fellow servants. With many, their heads become bloated and even twisted, and then some sadly lose the Spirit of God altogether. So, we must learn to take orders. Because – God willing – when we make it into the born family of God, we will still have to take orders. When your Commander tells you, “’ I want you to go do this!’” You must go and do that. Being a soldier in Christ is a team endeavor.

I once had a so-called minister – and now a filthy, vile, and rotting minister, a Liberace of his ministry – I once had him say to me that competition between ministers is a good thing! It is not! Was the apostles of Christ in competition with each other? Did they rival against each other? No. We each cannot just charge off with our bayonets attached, and run in whatever direction we choose. Any military – to win battles, is UNIFIED. And it is directed from the very top – as is the army of God!

Once our basic training is complete before our conversion, we are ready for solid food. We are ready for deployment. The foundation should be fully understood, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. In the case of the LORD God’s Army – we are full of the glorious Spirit of God!

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

We must now learn COURAGE.

Turn with me to the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 20.

Verse 1.

Brethren, when we look today throughout the world, many of our attackers are mighty in power. I was attacked one Feast of Tabernacles Season, and the sycophant leader wanted to put me in front of their rulers, and authorities – to chastise me and persecute me. They certainly have more power and prestige than I do. Yet, the LORD God’s power is unmatched – and God gave me the wisdom of how to handle myself.

Verse 2.

Verses 3 – 8.

Notice that the fearful and those faint of heart were told that they weren’t even wanted near the brave men. The Lord our God wants people in His spiritual military who will strap on the Armor of God and will fight with unwavering faith, devotion, and veracity against our enemy – Satan the Devil and his minions – until complete victory! Until an unconditional surrender of the enemy.

The LORD God – the family of God, which at this present time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – desires soldiers who are STRONG IN THE LORD! Who are spiritually strong enough to begin this journey, and those who are strong enough to endure whatever trial, test, tribulation, or suffering may come, with the LORD God’s help to the end of our fight.

A great many – and I speak of this very thing in a THINK ABOUT THIS… The Nicolaitans – a great many, the overall majority, have thrown this precious knowledge and our Savior’s sacrifice away. And then some place a mask on and – like a Hollywood actor – pretend to be a “minister of righteousness.” So, we needed to be tested and tried before conversion.

In the Book of Hebrews chapter 2.

We read in verse 10 that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation. He is the Captain of His Church, and we, His spiritual military, His Army! And, like I said earlier – we are in a warfare.

When our enemies are lobbying spiritual mortar rounds at us – our Lord Jesus Christ is our SHIELD!

Turn with me and notice the Book of Psalm chapter 33.

Verse 8.

The people of this world will soon stand in awe of the LORD God. But right now – you brethren – should always be standing in awe of the LORD God. And if we stand STRONG IN THE LORD TOGETHER we are going to shake kingdoms with this Message from the LORD God far more powerfully than anything else we could do.

Verse 9.

Verses 10 – 12.

Truly blessed are those who are in our Lord Jesus’ Church whom God the Father has chosen for His inheritance.

Verses 13-20.

Brethren, as long as we are pleasing the LORD God, and doing the will of God, we have NOTHING to fear in any battle.

Back in 2022, I gave a sermon entitled, “We Are At War!” And this is even more true today! We Are At War! And we need to always keep in our minds – will I win!? Will I be victorious!?

Turning a page, notice chapter 34 of Psalm.

Beginning in verse 7.

Let us fully realize, again, as long as we are pleasing the LORD God, and doing the will of God, and we have a right heart, a right spirit, a right attitude, and keep in constant communion with our Captain, the Captain of our salvation – our Lord Jesus Christ – His angels will protect us from danger!

You know, it was a tragic thing that just happened in New Orleans. And our hearts and prayers go out to the victims' families and friends in their loss – may the LORD God truly comfort them. But, if you are being led by the Spirit of God, you are a child of God – and if a child of God – you would not have been there on Bourbon Street participating and celebrating a pagan holiday.

We MUST have endurance and strength.

Sometimes, we will find ourselves in the heat of battle, and we will need endurance and strength.

Notice again, verse 7.

So, in conclusion, let’s go over the Armor of God that we must wear.

Again, Ephesians chapter 6.

We should always be looking upon ourselves as soldiers for Christ! And that we are fighting a battle against the evil one – Satan the Devil. And there might be times when Satan the Devil appears to give you a low blow, an unfair blow – so he can destroy you. But as long as you ARE STRONG IN THE LORD he will not succeed.

Ephesians chapter 6.

Beginning in verse 10

Verses 11 – 16.

The SHIELD OF FAITH. The assurance in the LORD God. That the LORD God is faithful. That the LORD God will never leave you or forsake you. That the LORD God is always beside you. And that the LORD God will help fight our battles with us.

Verse 18.

We should be praying constantly for all the saints! Here in the United States of America – in North America, and around the world! All the saints.

Brethren, I have looked at our analytics for our YouTube channel. Our audience is mostly men, ages 55 to 64. Many of us, dear Brethren, have long received our basic training. Many of us have had years of experience now in the spiritual Army of the Lord our God. We’ve had skirmishes throughout all these years that we’ve been in service to the Lord Jesus. But now, as we get closer to the end of this present evil age, brethren, we are in a fierce fight with Satan the Devil, and his demons. He knows that he has but a short time left. And as we are so close to victory – let us keep in mind Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Satan desires more than anything that we would just quit. Or let a young idol get in our way.

PUSH HIM ASIDE MY DEAR BROTHER! And take the reigns of our Captain, let Him lead you through this field of battle!

Thank you for listening this Sabbath!

Let us NEVER SURRENDER!

Until next time, this is Leonard V Johnson for the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries.

Does Satan Heal?

This diabolical counterfeit has caused the world to sneer at God’s true healing power!

A good friend of mine had spoken much of a famous “healer” prevalent in the 1950s. He soon became one of the major “healing” evangelists on the healing revival circuit, much like Jack Coe, and William Branham. My friend, when he was young, had been taken by his devout mother to many of these tent revivals. And he truly believed that this man could heal. You can still find a great many of his “healing” gatherings on YouTube. “Paralyzed Man Walks Out Of Wheelchair” is one among several. He was charismatic, entertaining, and was a great showman.

A well-dressed usher rolls the wheelchaired man in front of the stage.

“Here’s a man bound with arthritis and paralyzed and dead from the waist down. Absolutely impossible to walk. Doctors say there is no help for him! That he’ll NEVER walk again!”

“Do you believe you’ll walk again?” the showman asks the man in the wheelchair.

“Yes,” the man replied.

He then asks, “When?”

“Right now!’ the man exclaimed!

The crowd goes wild with shouts and clapping.

“I’m gonna speak the word. To him, I’m gonna speak the word for you here. And, I’m gonna speak the word for you in your home – and you in your home, and you there in your home! My God is gonna move the mountain!”

Speaking again to the wheelchaired man, “Brother, you got a mountain. Yes?”

“Yes,” he replied. “I have a mountain.”

“Do you wanna walk again?” the showman asks.

“Yes,” he answers.

Again, the showman asks, “Do you wanna walk again?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe you will tonight?”

“Yes. I believe.”

“But you know you can’t unless God heals you,” this showman states.

“That’s right.”

The crescendo begins ── “Get ready. This is a mountain.”

The showman raises his hands to those on stage, “Stand with me, brethren. Pray with me. Get ready.”

Again, he calls the wheelchaired man a mountain ── of arthritis.

The showman then lifts the footplates out of the way of the man’s feet, turns to the audience, and asks, “Will he walk?”

The audience screams, “Yes!”

He asks, “Will you walk!?”

The audience screams, “Yes!”

He asks, “Will your cancer drop off?”

The audience screams, “Yes!”

He asks, “Will God set you free?”

The audience again screams, “Yes!”

── “Get ready.”

Announcing to the audience, “What God will do for one, He’ll do for everyone! And if God will not do it for everyone, He’ll not do it for anyone!

The wheelchaired man sitting in his wheelchair, supposedly “paralyzed and dead from the waist down” was moving his feet in anticipation.

And then the showman reaches the climactic moment ──

“O’ you foul devil! Well… it’s a mountain. I’m so used to calling things devils. But, this is a demon. But, I’m calling it a mountain. Now, Jesus don’t You fail me. God, there are too many people watching tonight. You can’t fail me.”

Pointing at the wheelchaired man, he begins his “exorcism.”

“Foul mountain of helplessness. Foul mountain of destruction. Foul mountain of arthritis. FOUL MOUNTAIN OF DEMONIC POWER!”

Kneeling down and grabbing the man’s legs and jerking on them, he continues his show, “Bind these limbs! In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! You devil, I charge you!”

The crowd is talking among themselves, some are shouting out, “Hallelujah!”

“I command this mountain go. Be thou [garbled word] removed!”

The showman places his hand on the wheelchaired man’s knee, and screams,  “AND PLACED INTO THE SEA!”

Then standing, the showman slaps his hand on top of the man’s head and shouts, “O’ you mountain! [garbled words]. Go!”

And the wheelchaired man quickly stands, and takes a few baby steps!

The audience erupts in cheers and clapping!

When this so-called “healing” revival gathering was over ── had there truly been a healing?

The wheelchaired man ── who, we were originally told ── was supposed to have been “paralyzed and dead from the waist down” was moving his feet while sitting in the wheelchair. He had NOT been healed. Even though this man got up out of the wheelchair and walked, we do not know that he had been genuinely healed because we did not have any previous proof that he was actually “paralyzed and dead from the waist down.”

HEALING

The forgiveness of sins

It’s important that we properly understand what healing really is.

HEALING is the FORGIVENESS OF SINS ── physical sins.

“But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9) Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10) But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth TO FORGIVE SINS’ ── He said to the paralytic, 11) ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’” – Mark 2:8-11.

The definition of sin is the transgression of God’s Law – 1 John 3:4.

And indeed, there are two types of laws – physical laws, and spiritual laws.

Also, and sadly this is a truth that apparently so many people around this world don’t understand ── the very penalty of sin is DEATH! – cf. Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Romans 6:23.

Now, the LORD God is telling us that breaking the spiritual Law of God is ETERNAL DEATH from which there will never be a resurrection.

“Then Death and Hades [the grave] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” – Revelation 20:14.

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8.

I underlined the word sorcerers because it means so much more than just witches and warlocks – it also encompasses ── “Big Pharma.”

Now, the penalty for breaking God’s physical laws results in pain, suffering, and then ── quite possibly an early first death that passes upon all mankind – Hebrews 9:27.

Q: How is it possible for us to be healed ── to have our physical sins forgiven?

A: When our Lord Jesus Christ came to Earth and suffered horrifically, and died on the cross, pouring out His very life’s blood, He paid the penalty for both our spiritual and physical transgressions.

Through the very blood of Christ, our spiritual and physical sins are forgiven. It is through the terrible scourging and sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ that our physical sins are pardoned.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus, on our behalf, paid for our physical and our spiritual transgressions. “who HIMSELF bore our sins in His own body on the [cross], that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness ──by those stripes you were healed.”

Our Lord Jesus lived a perfect life. He never once violated God’s spiritual or physical laws. But, He did allow Himself to be beaten and scourged with a Roman flagrum to pay the penalty of sickness and sufferings that our physical sins bring upon us.

Only the LORD God

Can Forgive Sins

To prove to the Pharisees and the scribes that healing was the FORGIVENESS of our physical sins, our Lord Jesus said what we just read in Mark 2:8-11. After our Lord healed another person, He commanded him, “’ See, you have been made well. SIN NO MORE, lest a worse thing come upon you.’” – John 5:14.

Did that charlatan I speak of at the beginning of this article tell that man, “Go, and SIN NO MORE”? I think not. Our Lord Jesus Christ knew and understood that if this man ── who was breaking God’s physical laws for a long time, continued in his physical sins ── something even worse would come upon him. Therefore, He gave him a solemn warning, “’ Sin no more.’”

Since true healing is the FORGIVENESS OF SINS, only the LORD God (the family of God, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) can heal. Only the LORD God can forgive sins! Neither Satan the Devil nor his minions can heal.

Satan the Devil Afflicts

It is interesting to note that even though Satan the Devil and his minions (demons) cannot heal, they can certainly cause afflictions. THEY ARE AFFLICTORS! And they spiritually influence the majority ── either directly or indirectly ── of this world’s sicknesses, diseases, and sufferings. Yet, never will he liberate mankind from these sufferings. Because to do so would be contrary to his twisted and vile character. His nature has become evil and prideful.

In the Book of Job, the LORD God allowed Satan (the Adversary) to afflict the prophet Job, but commanded him to not “lay a hand on his person.”

“Now there was a day when the sons of God [the sons of God, as in the descendants of Seth (Genesis 4:25-26)] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7) And the LORD said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’

8) Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ 9) So Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? 10) Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11) But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’

12) And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’” – Job 10:6-12.

The apostle Paul wrote concerning an affliction that he was suffering ──

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, A THORN IN THE FLESH WAS GIVEN TO ME, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.” – 2 Corinthians 12:7.

“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9) And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” – vs. 8-9.

As there is some vile spiritual sickness, some sexual immorality that is continuing in God’s Church ──and I speak of a “minister of righteousness,” a Liberace of his ministry in my latest sermon that is not only spiritually rotting, but physically as well. The apostle Paul, writing to the Church in Corinth, spoke that there was sexual immorality among them ── and such sexual immorality that wasn’t even named among the Gentiles. And, sadly, those who are listening to him cannot discern the spirits. They are ‘puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among them.’ I ── absent now in the body from him, but present in spirit, have judged him who is continuing to do this filthy deed (1 John 4:1). And like what the apostle Paul told the Corinthians in approximately 55 A.D., I say as well, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” – cf. 1 Corinthians 5-1-5. So that he might be brought to repentance.

Our spiritual and physical enemy, Satan the Devil, not only AFFLICTS people with illnesses, diseases, and infirmities ── but also one or a legion of his wicked demons will possess a person and will cause them to go insane! THIS TRUTH IS IN GOD’S LIVING WORD!

These vile humans ── who appeared “normal” for the majority of their lifetime (note: the latest terrorist of New Orleans had served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2020!) ── suddenly commit heinous and horrific crimes!

Healing Is A Gift of God’s Spirit

Healing is a glorious gift of God’s Spirit that is bestowed upon mankind for our benefit.

The apostle Paul asks, “Do all have gifts of healing? …” – 1 Corinthians 12:30. Of course not. But, our Lord Jesus Christ has set some in His Church, “first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” – vs. 28.

Through God’s Spirit, there are different spiritual gifts bestowed upon His servants. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit. 9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” – vs. 7-11.

So, since HEALING is a good and perfect gift, divine healing power can only come from the LORD God, for “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” – James 1:17.

Any person who is not of God (the fruits of their character reveal them for who they are), yet claims to have the power of healing from God──is a liar and a charlatan.

True Servants of God Are Empowered to Heal

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commissioned His servants to “’ Go not all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” – Mark 16:15.

“’ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues [languages]; 18) they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” – vs. 17-18.

In the Book of James, true Christians are told, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” – James 5:14-15.

Now, does the LORD God hear every prayer? No.

“Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and DOES HIS WILL, He hears him.” – John 9:31.

The majority of mankind has been led to believe that God answers all prayers offered in the name of Jesus Christ. But He does not!

Notice 1 John 5:14 – “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us.” Also, “whatever we ask we receive from Him, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” – 1 John 3:22.

Anyone not keeping God’s commandments and who is not doing those things that are pleasing to God will not receive an answer to their prayers. It’s truly as simple as that.

Our Lord Jesus prophesied that there would come charlatans. “’ Take heed that NO ONE deceives you. 5) For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.’” – Matthew 24:4-5. We are told that they are “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming THEMSELVES into apostles of Christ. 14) And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Satan the Devil’s Ministers Can Perform “Miracles”

So, according to the living word of the Eternal One, Satan the Devil has his own ministers, who come as “ministers of righteousness,” who can perform counterfeit “miracles.”

The “angels who sinned” – demons – are wicked spirits, and they are increasingly leading all humanity astray. Satan’s ministers can indeed perform counterfeit “miracles.”

These false ministers are “spirits of demons, performing signs” and lying wonders to deceive the ignorant. (See: Revelation 16:14).

The apostle Paul tells us that towards the close of this present evil age, “the coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9. This “lawless one” will be a Vicar of Christ. We are told that this false prophet (this spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church) will work “signs” in the presence of a final “beast power” – a seventh revival of the Holy Roman Empire (See: Revelation 19:20).

God’s living word elsewhere speaks concerning those who use demonic powers such as palmistry, Wicca, sorcery, witchcraft, alchemy, necromancy, wizardry, and the like. “’ For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, …’” – Deuteronomy 18:12.

Satan the Devil CAN’T Cast Himself Out!

The apostle Luke writes, “He [our Lord Jesus Christ] was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marveled. 15) But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’”

“But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. 18) If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? … 20) But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.’” – Luke 11:14-20.

Satan will never cast out his own demons!

There was a time when the apostle John had said to our Lord Jesus, “’ Teacher, we saw someone WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW US casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.’ 39) But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him, for no one who works miracles in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40) For he who is not against us is on our side.’” – Mark 9:38-40.

Our Lord Jesus told His disciples that this man was a man of God ── even though he was not following them. Otherwise, he would not have been able to cast out demons in the glorious name of Jesus Christ.

Let us always keep this in mind: a true minister of God may be true to what he knows at the beginning of his ministry. However, if he refuses to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and to change, the LORD God will cut that minister that doesn’t bear fruit from His tree (See: John 15:2). □

What is meant, 'until the fullness of the Gentiles'?

In this THINK ABOUT THIS… let’s talk about what the apostle Paul meant, “until the fullness of the Gentiles.” – Romans 11:25. What did he mean?

To help us better understand, let’s begin in verse 1.

“I say then, has God cast away His people? …” Speaking of the Israelites. “2) … do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he [made intercession] with God against Israel, saying, 3) ‘LORD [this being a prayer that the prophet Elijah gave to the LORD God], ‘they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.’”

Truly, let me tell you──since about the year 2011──several times I have felt just like that. But, ‘the LORD God has not cast away His people who He foreknew.’ In other words, ‘Do you not know what God’s living word says concerning Elijah?’ He said that he only remained. And, like I said, there have been times in my life that I feel that exact way. I’ve discussed this with my sister as well as Minister LaMar before. I also typed up an article entitled, ‘You’re Not Welcome Here’ in which I relate how a sycophant leader of a church was going to bring me in front of their ‘synagogue, rulers, and authorities.’

Verse 4 – “But what does the divine response [of the LORD God] say to [the prophet Elijah]?” The LORD God said: ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’

So, certainly, at that time they didn’t have the Holy Spirit, they weren’t promised eternal salvation, but they HAD NOT bowed their knee in front of a false god or a false goddess. The children of Israel that came out of Egypt, were 600,000 who journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. And, on average about 600,000 women – Exodus 12:37-38.

That’s about one million, two hundred thousand!

In the time of the prophet Elijah, there must have been five, six, or even seven million. So, seven thousand men out of about one million, two hundred thousand people is a small amount.

Throughout the generations from that time, we have had a great deal more than seven thousand that HAVE NOT bowed their knee in front of a false god or a false goddess – or even a different Jesus.

But there is a remnant, as the apostle Paul continues, “Even so then, at [the] present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

What the apostle Paul is saying is that there is a small proportion of Israel that has been converted. And, remember, at the time that he wrote this, the TEN TRIBES OF ISRAEL ── not one of them had any promise of salvation. We often call them the “lost ten tribes.” Interestingly enough, the Jews of his day referred to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as ‘the dispersed.’ They had gone into places like Western Europe and Britain. Those that were there in Judea, and in Rome – the world in that area at that time – were those that were known as Jews. In other words from the tribe of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi.

Keep in mind, that the LORD God did not offer ancient Israel the glorious Holy Spirit or eternal salvation. But now, the apostle Paul is speaking about, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has come and eternal salvation has been offered. 

Let’s go on and continue this ── to me, this is very exciting! Learning and growing in spiritual knowledge and understanding!

Verse 6 – “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; [or rather, ‘of rituals’] otherwise … otherwise work is no more work. 7) WHAT THEN? …”

Meaning, what does that refer to, or what does that mean?

“ … Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but THE ELECT have obtained it, …”

Now, the true elect of God are those that DO HAVE GRACE, regardless of whether they are Jew or Gentile.

“ … THE ELECT have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”

So, the overall majority of the modern nations of Israel were blinded, and the overall majority of the Gentiles have been cut off from the LORD God ──and they do not know that they have been blinded. Truly, they don’t know anything concerning the LORD God, and they can’t know. Take as an example: China. Think of the ancient Xia Dynasty. They certainly didn’t know anything about the LORD God. And, the oldest religion one can find ──Hinduism. They believe in one single all-powerful god but this single god often referred to as Brahman is accompanied by a whole host of other gods who all focus on one aspect of the human experience. There are 33 core gods within Hinduism with other lesser gods that play their part as well.

So, “the rest were blinded.”

Verse 8 – “Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, TO THIS VERY DAY.’”

So, the LORD God has given them this stupor ── this blindness. It’s not their fault. The LORD God is the responsible party, and therefore the LORD God must do something about it.

The ‘Great White Throne’ Judgment

Back in 2020, I had asked in an article, ‘Do you understand Ezekiel 37?’ This great and awesome prophecy has not been fulfilled by the Jews which has gone back to the nation called Israel in the Middle East.

Truly, this awesome prophecy in Ezekiel 37 is what the LORD God is going to do as far as Israel is concerned. The LORD God is going to bring them back in the ‘Great White Throne’ resurrection! At that time all Israel is going to be offered and given a chance for eternal salvation.

But, continuing ── ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, …’ And, he’s talking about Israel – or rather the modern nations of Israel.

Verse 9 – “And David says: …” So, he goes all the way back to what King David said concerning Israel in his generation. “ … ‘Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them. 10) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, And bow down their back always.’”

So, understand, that was what King David had said. But, the apostle Paul continues.

Verse 11 – “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? CERTAINLY NOT! …’”

And, we’re going to see that the LORD God is going to save them yet ── but it hasn’t happened yet.

“ … But through their fall, to provoke them [the Israelites] to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12) Now if their fall [speaking of the original Israelites] [be the] riches for the world, …”

And, of course, they didn’t come to the Gentiles until after our Lord Jesus ── it wasn’t during Old Testament times.

“ … Now if their fall be the riches for the world, and their failure [be the] riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!”

So, he’s saying that salvation is yet going to come to them.

Verse 13 – “For I speak to you Gentiles; …”

The apostle Paul is addressing the Gentile Christians there in Rome.

“ … inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14) if by any means [that] I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and save some of them. 15) For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be …?”

They are going to be received back! The LORD God cast them away, as is spoken of in the Old Testament, i.e. Hosea 1:10 – “’ You are not My people.’” So, the LORD God has not accepted them back ──yet.

“ … what will their acceptance be but LIFE FROM THE DEAD?”

And it certainly will be ‘life from the dead’ because this will happen in the ‘Great White Throne’ Judgment.

Verse 16 – “For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.”

The apostle Paul is speaking about a tree and the root of a tree. Along with the branches of a tree.

Beginning in verse 17, he actually begins talking about an olive tree.

Verse 17 – “And if some of the branches were broken off [speaking of Israel], and you, being a wild olive tree [a carnal olive tree], …”

‘Some of the branches being broken off.’ That’s through their unbelief. And, ‘and you, being a wild olive tree.’ He’s talking to the Gentiles, they are the branches on a wild olive tree.

“ … and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree.”

So, the branches of the wild olive tree are cut off from the wild olive tree ── which means their Gentile ancestry. And are grafted, contrary to nature, onto the good olive tree to be converted and to become a true Christian.

Verse 18 – “do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you [the LORD God is truly the root and our Lord Jesus Christ is the trunk of the tree, and we are the branches].”

Verse 19 – “You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.’” And, this is what a Gentile might say.

Verse 20 – “Well said. Because of unbelief, they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.”

In other words – don’t get too self-righteous about it because you have been grafted in ── because the gift of the offer of salvation has come to you. ‘Do not be haughty, but fear.’

Verse 21 – “For if God did not spare the NATURAL BRANCHES, He may not spare you either. 22) Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on [them] who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.”

Again ── and we certainly can’t reiterate this enough ── within the Old Testament, the LORD God did not offer the children of Israel the Holy Spirit or the gift of eternal salvation. Yet, there was the government of God. There was the Law of God. He gave them God’s Way of life ── even though they would not live accordingly. They had the letter of the Law. And, without the glorious Holy Spirit, they couldn’t keep God’s Law spiritually. However, they wouldn’t even keep it literally, to the letter of the Law.

Verse 23 – “And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, WILL BE grafted in, …”

Yes! Praise always our mighty merciful CREATOR GOD! They have been cut off, but they too are going to be grafted right back onto that tree again!

“ … ‘for God is able to graft them in again.”

Verse 24 – “For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature [speaking of Gentiles from a wild olive tree], and were grafted contrary to nature into a [good] olive tree [which is Israel], how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?”

Now, we come to the question ── ‘until the fullness of the Gentiles’?

How do Gentiles get in? Truly, if you REPENT, and are properly baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus, and had hands laid upon you, receiving the glorious gift of the Holy Spirit ── are converted ── you are a converted Israelite. ALL the promises pertain to the children of Israel. You’ve got to become an Israelite (cf. Galatians 3:7, 14-16). The glorious promises and the New Covenant ── if you’re going to accept the New Covenant of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is with “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” – Galatians 3:29. You are no longer a Gentile.

Verse 25 – “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, THAT BLINDNESS IN PART HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL …”

Meaning, the overall majority of the modern nations of Israel. All but a few have been blinded.

“… until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

Or rather, “but this will last only until all of you Gentiles have come to Christ.” ── as the Living Bible translates it. Or the number of Gentiles to be converted becomes complete.

Verse 26 – “And so all Israel will be [so, ALL ISRAEL will be] saved, …”

Now, this expression, “ALL ISRAEL” is used in a great many places throughout God’s living word. And it doesn’t mean every single person in the house of Israel, but it does mean the house of Israel as a whole. They, as a whole, are going to be saved.

The Deliverer Is Coming!

So, he’s speaking about the whole of Israel being saved when… “as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion [the city of God in the new age], And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; …’”

Truly speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ’s second coming! He will reign for the first thousand years on the Earth, and all of those still living at that time will be called. I just spoke of this in a new A Morning Bible Study ── What Will God’s Kingdom Be Like?

So, what about the Old Testament children of Israel?

They are going to remain in their graves. After the first thousand years, He will call them out of their graves and they will be resurrected ── and then in that ‘Great White Throne’ Judgment they will be offered eternal salvation.

Verse 27 – “’ For this is My covenant [an agreement] with them. When I take away their sins.’”

Verse 28 – “Concerning the gospel they are …”

He’s speaking about his own generation at that time.

“ … concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, …” – because the majority of the Jews rejected our Lord Jesus Christ. “ … but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience [their unbelief], 31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32) For God has committed them all to disobedience [or rather, unbelief], that He might have mercy on all.”

And then he praises God’s riches, the wisdom, and the knowledge of God! How wonderful are His judgments and Way!

Verse 34 – “’ For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?’

Verse 35 – “’ Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?’”

Verse 36 – “For of Him, and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Truly, one of the most wonderful chapters of God’s living word is the eleventh chapter of Romans. That our Lord and Savior is coming! And, He won’t come until, ‘the fullness of the Gentiles’! □

A Morning Bible Study ── What Will God's Kingdom Be Like?

LAST MONTH we studied how our Lord Jesus Christ will rule His soon-coming kingdom. Truly, His righteous and glorious “New Jerusalem” will come down out of heaven (low earth orbit), “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” – Revelation 21:2. And, “New Jerusalem” will be so large that it will literally consume much of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Red Sea! Also, as we are told in Revelation── “The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.” – Revelation 21:16. So, in rough estimates, the city will be about 1,377 square miles! And, in all likelihood, it will be shaped like a giant pyramid.

This magnificent city of God will have no “temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty [God the Father] and the Lamb [our Lord Jesus Christ] are its temple.” – vs. 22.

And, unlike the White House── “its [twelve] gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they [the physical nations of those who are saved] shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.” – vss. 25-26.

And── “he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God [God the Father] and of the Lamb [our Lord Jesus Christ] 2) In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was THE TREE OF LIFE, …” – Revelation 22:1, 2.

This “pure river of water of life” will spread from New Jerusalem to the entire world! Notice the Book of Zechariah also speaks of this──

“And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the easter sea [Sea of Galilee] And half of them toward the western sea [the Mediterranean Sea]; In both summer and winter it shall occur. 9) And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be ── ‘The LORD is one,’ And His name is one.” – Zechariah 14:8-9.

The apostle Paul speaks of this soon-coming establishment of our King's kingdom! Notice──

“’ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11) None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘know the LORD,’ FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’” – Hebrews 8:10-12.

As the world becomes re-educated in the Millennial reign of our King of kings and Lord of lords, people will begin to experience true blessings from trusting in and obeying the LORD God (the family of God).

As the prophet Isaiah wrote – under divine inspiration – that in that day “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords [their implements of war] into plowshares [implements of peace and prosperity], And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.” – Isaiah 2:4.

Real-world peace will begin to reign.

The whole world will begin to properly understand God’s Master Plan – From the Beginning!

This “World Tomorrow” is pictured by the feast of the LORD – the Feast of Tabernacles. This God-ordained fall harvest Festival is to be a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the LORD God’s abundant blessings! It pictures in the New Covenant the future ingathering of a great harvest of Spirit-begotten children of God into His glorious family during the Millennial reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By reading and studying God’s living word, let's see what this “World Tomorrow” will be like.

1) What does the LORD God prophesy regarding the end-time physical descendants of Jacob who will have been subjugated by foreign powers?

“’ For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all the countries, and bring you into your own land. 25) Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your IDOLS. 26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27) I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. …

32) Not for your sake do I do this,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.’

33) ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: 'On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34) The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35) So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36) Then the nations which are left all around you [like the nations of China, Russia; Gog and Magog] shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it’” - Ezekiel 36:24-27, 32-36.

This great and awesome prophecy has not been fulfilled by the Jews which has gone back to the nation called Israel in the Middle East. God has not given them a 'new heart and a new spirit.' The Lord GOD indeed has a Master Plan of salvation for all those who may feel lost.

Upon our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious and powerful return, He will begin rebuilding a gravely destroyed world──caused by earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, asteroids, and war──and will gather together the subjugated descendants of the house of Israel and the house of Judah, resettling them in the land of Palestine.

2) Within this Milky Way galaxy──and upon this planet Earth──where will the Headquarters of the CREATORS of “all things” be located?

“’ Thus says the LORD: ‘I will return to Zion [the city of God in the new age], and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.’” – Zechariah 8:3.

“’ 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. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.’” – Jeremiah 3:17.

Notice – it will be an example to all other nations!

“’ For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. 2) The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name.’” – Isaiah 62:1-2.

3) Will many of the devastated cities of the Holy Land be rebuilt?

“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘On that day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34) The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35) So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36) Then the nations which are left all around [again, like the nations of China, Russia; Gog and Magog] you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it.’” – Ezekiel 36:33-36.

In these rebuilt cities of the Holy Land will there be happiness and joy? Yes. Notice –

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Again there shall be heard in this place──of which you say, ‘It is desolate, without man and without beast’──in the cities of Judah, in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, 11) the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: ‘Praise the LORD of hosts, For the LORD is good, For His mercy endures forever’ ── …” – Jeremiah 33:10-11.

Within these 21st century sin-filled overpopulated cities of the world there is growing a “wickedness of man!” There is growing within the heart of man an evil that will eventually become ‘continual.’ – cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-7. In the glorious World Tomorrow──the LORD God will establish smaller cities, that will begin to promote healthy and happy families, with a proper balance of industries.

4) Eventually, within the Millennial Rule of our Lord Jesus, will the whole world come to understand the LORD God’s Way of real peace, happiness, healthy living, and the glorious Plan of salvation for all mankind?

Indeed! Notice –

“’ They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.’” – Isaiah 11:9.

“’ No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. …’” – Jeremiah 31:34.

5) In a type of “Green New Deal,” implemented by our Lord Jesus Christ and certainly executed by the resurrected King David──will the old desolate places be made fertile, and will beautiful and healthy forests spread during the Millennium?

“’ The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18) I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry and springs of water. 19) I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together, 20) That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.’” – Isaiah 41:17-20.

Just like it was during the public works project dubbed the Green New Deal during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s tenure, people will be put to work beautifying the earth’s land surface. Beautiful healthy forests, agricultural areas, clear lakes, streams, and rivers filled with fish will be found all around the world. Dry deserts will become a beautiful oasis.

6) From the beginning the LORD God confused a “pure language” (cf. Genesis 1:1, 9) Can you imagine what a world with ONE PURE LANGUAGE would be like? Will the LORD God, once again, give all the world a “pure language”?

The living word of God teaches us──yes!

“’ For then I will RESTORE to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one accord.’” – Zephaniah 3:9.

7) Will the LORD God, in the Millennium, cause “Mother Nature” to function for the benefit of those who obey His Law?

Notice –

“’ I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts [i.e. bears, tigers, lions, wolves, etc.] to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in THE WOODS.’” – Ezekiel 34:25.

The very nature of animals will change in the LORD God’s Millennial reign – cf. Isaiah 11:6-9.

“’ I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.’” – vs. 26.

8) What about HEALTH in the World Tomorrow? Will the disabled people, and the Deaf, be miraculously healed?

Yes! –

“Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 4) Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’

5) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6) Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. …” – Isaiah 35:3-6. □

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament: Genesis 1:1, 9; Isaiah 2:4; 11:6-9; 35:3-6; 41:17-20; 62:1-2; Jeremiah 3:17; 31:34; 33:10-11; Ezekiel 32:36; 34:25, 26; 36:24-27; Zephaniah 3:9; Zechariah 8:3; 14:8-9.

New Testament: 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 8:10-12; Revelation 21:2, 16, 22, 25-26; 22:1, 2.