ON WHOSE AUTHORITY?

The LORD God places ALL of our leaders in power, regardless of whether we agree with them. They are in control for the purpose which the LORD God (the Elohim; the family of God which at this present time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) has for them.

by Guy C LaMar

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” – Romans 13:1.

The LORD God also exhorts us to pray for our leaders. The proper prayer would be for guidance in the Way of God.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2) for kings [presidents, prime ministers, governors, mayors, etc.] and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

The Eternal God places them in office ──and out of office, for His purposes. Notice –

“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. 22) He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.” – Daniel 2:21-22.

Now, many are called ── but, this doesn’t mean all. Only a few are chosen. The few are the ones that are obedient and dedicated to the will of the LORD God.

“’ For many are called, but few are chosen.’” – Matthew 22:14.

Most ── and I do mean, most ── who have lived, and who live now, and those who will live in the future, are not going to have any knowledge of the LORD God’s will. It’s not their time. Their time will come either in the Millennial Reign of our Lord Jesus Christ or immediately after the Great White Throne Judgment!

When one preaches the glorious kingdom of God ── one needs to properly understand what they’re preaching.

Preaching and teaching the kingdom of God is also preaching the Law of God, which is the Way of God.

We should be preaching REPENTANCE. But, we should properly know what we are to repent from. THE BREAKING OF GOD’S LAW ── summed up with the Ten Commandments. See: 1 John 3:4.

It’s not repenting of your own personal and emotional hangups.

It’s repenting of breaking the Law of God ── the righteous Law of God!

It means turning away from your old self, of the one who is breaking the Law of God, and turning to the LORD God, the will of God, and being obedient in following and keeping the Law of God ── correctly. By the examples given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kingdom Means Government

Government is run by laws.

Laws are the way that one conducts themselves.

And, the kingdom of God is God’s Way.

And, God’s Way is shown to us by the Law of God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of how to live perfectly in the Law of God. He filled

it up to the max by showing us how to properly conduct ourselves obediently in the Law of God as a mortal human being. So that we can look unto Jesus and have the perfect example of how to conduct ourselves in the Way of God. Again, this is the Law of God.

The LORD God designed the Law of God for mankind ── for the love of mankind. It’s for showing the love that the LORD God has for mankind.

And, mankind, by obeying (and abiding) God’s Law shows the LORD God their love towards “the God of gods.”

But when mankind rejects the Law of God then mankind is rejecting the LORD God! Thus, we earn the tag of “sinner.”

Christian Means Follower of Christ

The majority of all political leaders are placed in power under the rule of so-called Christians ── themselves not being a true Christian.

Now, they may claim this title, but they do not live the life of a true Christian!

Christian means follower ── emulator of Jesus Christ.

So often people get obsessed over their political leaders to the point where they make them idols. In this modern present evil age of political idolatry.

When a “Christian” church makes the emphasis of their messages wrap around political leaders then they have disconnected themselves from our Lord Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Way of God. They have conformed themselves to the ways of this world. Becoming unknowing servants for Satan the Devil ── who is “the god of this age” – 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Satan the Devil has beguiled the whole world. There’s not a person that lives, or has lived, on planet Earth that at some point or another hasn’t been beguiled by “the wicked one” – 1 John 5:19. See also: Revelation 12:9 and John 8:44.

The “Christian” churches that have embraced political idolatry have become subject matter for Satan the Devil. Now, they may appear as “ministers of righteousness,” but are ── even unbeknownst to themselves ── ”false apostles, deceitful workers” – 2 Corinthians 11:12-15. See also: Galatians 1:6-9.

So, don’t get bent out of shape when you see “Christian” leaders ── or for that matter, political leaders ── that don’t have “Christian values” about them.

They’ve not been allowed to gain the knowledge to properly understand. Now, they might have a portion of understanding in certain areas where leadership is needed in this corrupt and vile world, but not in the LORD God’s will or the Law of God. Now, some may embrace some of the Law of God ── but nearly none have yet to embrace all of the Law of God in this 21st-century world.

Praying Always For Our Leaders

We should be praying always for our leaders that the LORD God will allow them to have a proper portion of knowledge for understanding in the LORD God’s Way ──to help lead us as a nation.

And this goes for whoever is in office ── whether you personally like them or not. No matter what side of the political fence you are on.

Sadly, a great many so-called Christians ── those who say they fear God ── will awaken each day and begin to spew utter vile, disgust, and hatred, for their political leaders ── all because of their political idol worship towards a different political leader. It is truly disheartening. A great many people just live in their tiny box of religiosity. They can’t allow themselves to live outside the box to see the light of their own deeds. They refuse. Because they have built up a haughtiness. They have clouded themselves with self-denial.

They certainly want to focus and pay great attention to any perceived wrongs (past or present) of a political leader ── when their attention is focused wrongly. Their focus should be seeking first and foremost the kingdom of God and His righteousness! – Matthew 6:33. They should not be focused on a world that is decaying around them, they should be focused on the glorious soon-coming kingdom of God! Which is of the Law of God, the will of God, the Way of God!

True Christians, in Romans 13:1-7, are instructed to obey the laws of the land as long as they do not contradict the Law of God; meaning that if a civic law from a government goes against a command of God’s, one should prioritize the LORD God’s Law instead.

As an example: In this modern present evil age of perversion, a time when the U.S. government was trying to claim that there are more than only two genders and that men can give birth to babies ── that is all influenced by Satan the Devil. The LORD God’s begotten children should abhor evil, stand against evil, speak out against wrongdoings, and seek truth and righteousness!

Satan the Devil has his evil hooks fully in our modern Democratic Party far more than our modern Republican Party.

That is why I have personally labeled the modern Democratic Party as the political party of Satan the Devil. Because, more than any other party, they have promoted untold abominations as a way of life. They cause the citizens of the United States of America to commit abominations against the LORD God! Thus, revealing themselves as the political party of Satan the Devil.

Now, that is not to say that the Trump Administration is a “saintly” administration. It is, however, far more on track with the will of the LORD God than the Leftist lunatics! (Have you watched Selena Gomez lately?).

We should vote for and then follow the political leader who is displaying a greater portion of God’s Way – which comes from the Spirit of God.

So, keep this always in mind ── the LORD God places our political leaders in office. The LORD God allows them a portion of knowledge for understanding. 

Don’t ever think any political leader of this present evil age is wrapped around the LORD God ── because they are not. Now, that is not to say that the LORD God won’t work with them to a certain extent, because They have ── and They will continue to do so. □

Personal From... The Trump and Harris debate, and the Christian Vote

by Leonard V. Johnson

On the evening of September 10th, I found myself staying up late watching the first (and possibly only) Presidential Debate between President Donald Trump and Vice President of the Harris/Biden Administration Kamala Harris, (and David Muir and Linsey David)! THREE ON ONE! I was watching and listening── and as I had been watching thirty-five years earlier with the fall of the Berlin Wall── with tears streaming down my face, understanding that this is a prophetically significant event that is occurring in world history!

I witnessed the moderators fact-checking President Donald Trump every chance they could── and not fact-checking Kamala Harris but maybe once. I, personally, did not hear the POTUS lie. Yet, I heard Kamala Harris lie dozens of times. The largest one being for sure – “And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, the first time this century.” That, of course, was AN OUTRIGHT BLANTANT LIE! Fox News host Harris Faulkner said Friday that Vice President Kamala Harris’ lies during Tuesday’s debate with former President Donald Trump were so obvious she could fact-check the Democratic nominee for president with her memory.

What truly made me ill was that after the “attack,” on CNN they were excited to have heard Kamala Harris’ strident pro-abortion positions as a reason to vote for her! Truly, the very idea of voting for a candidate because the candidate is in favor of MURDERING INNOCENT BABIES is a disturbing news report── and those so-called reporters on CNN should be ashamed of themselves!

As I stated recently – it is possible that the LORD our God saved the life of President Donald Trump, because the United States of America will come to need a strong war-time president! Because war is coming to the United States of America, according to God’s living word. Notice this dual biblical prophecy –

“’ Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation. 6) I will send him against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.’”

Here, the LORD God was WARNING Israel through the prophet Isaiah, telling them that because of their rebellion, He was going to bring Assyria – who was going to be like a staff within His hand and punish them. But out of that – later on in that same chapter –

Verse 12 – “’ Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, ‘I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.’” – Isaiah 10:5-6, 12.

The German-European plan is for a united Europe to be a strong military power independent of NATO- which is led by the United States of America. A political, military, and religious force that is prophesied to ultimately defeat the USA – cf. Daniel 11:39.

Indeed, according to biblical prophecy, there is coming a time when the US debt will be invoked as a reason to conquer the US per Habakkuk 2:6-8.

Sadly, the USA has a BIASED NEWS MEDIA! The only world news media outlets that I personally watch on television are Fox News, Newsmax, and Sky News Australia. The overall majority of world news media outlets in the US are hypocrites – and are nothing more than political advocates for Communism in America!

God’s living word says that the LORD God is going to send ‘the rod of His anger’ against a “hypocritical nation” at the time of the end – Isaiah 10:5-11, KJV.

Also, the satanist Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris publicly. As Gomer Pyle would often say, “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!” ──

Taylor Swift is entering her 2024 election era.

The mega pop star has thrown her support behind Vice President Harris, just under two months out from the election … in a post to her more than 280 million followers on Instagram.

(https://www.npr.org/2024/09/10/nx-s1-5107976/taylor-swift-instagram-endorse-kamala-harris).

After last night’s Presidential debate, the pop star publicly endorsed Kamala Harris because “she is a steady-handed, gifted leader” who fights for “LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body. . .”

I really try to keep an open mind and understand other people’s opinions. But I personally have an extremely difficult time comprehending how someone thinks abortion and LGBTQ rights are the most important problems facing the country right now.

(https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/joy-is-going-to-drive-gold-prices-to-absurd-levels-151408/).

The promotion of SIN is not a reason to endorse anyone! The very approving of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle or agenda is CONDEMNED in God’s living immutable word –

“who exchanged the TRUTH OF GOD for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, … 26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is AGAINST NATURE.

27) Likewise also the men, leaving the NATURAL USE of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men COMMITTING WHAT IS SHAMEFUL, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a [reprobate] mind, to do those things WHICH ARE NOT PROPER;

29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, PROUD, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32) WHO, KNOWING THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:25, 26-32.

Truly, truly the 2024 US Presidential Election is a choice between MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN or four more years of unending evil! Yet, we say – do not place your hope in any human political leader ── “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5.

What are the godly traits of a leader? The prophet Moses, receiving valuable advice from his father-in-law concerning leadership – under the divine inspiration of the LORD God wrote ──

“’ Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” – Exodus 18:21.

Of course, neither President Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris could be considered ‘men who fear God, men of truth, and one who hates covetousness.’ But, on the issues that matter this 2024 ── Illegal Immigration, the Economy, and Violent Crime. Of these issues (and much more) which candidate do you feel more confident in about making effective decisions in handling uncontrolled illegal immigration, law enforcement, and criminal justice issues, making good decisions concerning foreign policy, the economy, or even fracking or no-fracking!?

Questions: Was illegal immigration better under control under President Donald Trump? What about the economy? What about violent crime? How’s your economy under the Harris/Biden Administration!? I think── the obvious speaks for itself.

Remember── neither voting for President Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris will ultimately save the inevitable fall of the United States of America! However, let us also be reminded── “ … For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist ARE APPOINTED BY GOD.” – Romans 13:1b.

We, as true Christians, are not of this world – but we are in this world (John 17:15). One can have a witty comeback and say, “The “lesser of two evils” is still evil,” but we need to listen to our Lord Jesus when He has said, “ … ‘but that You should keep them from the evil one.’” Let us continue to pray for God’s divine protection for President Donald Trump and that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ would── at the least for four more years── keep us from the increasing evil of the evil one! Yet, in the end, God’s will be done!

God’s living word says –

“’ As for My people, children are their oppressors, And WOMEN RULE OVER THEM. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And DESTROY the way of your paths.’” – Isaiah 3:12.

Let us always put our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! Because it is He── ultimately── that allows our leaders to be appointed to office!

And of course, we are to pray always for His kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done! – Matthew 6:10; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 21:34-36.

Our brethren in a great many nations, countries, and provinces around the world the people are being oppressed, persecuted, and even silenced. They are suffering under a government that they are powerless to help change. A government that hates our faith and our great and merciful LORD God! Our beloved brethren preach and teach the same gospel Message we preach and teach here in the United States of America. Here in America, we have been truly blessed by the LORD God to speak up about and to choose our leaders without fear of persecution or retaliation. Of course, as we continue to proclaim – that great blessing has been taken away because our nations continued falling away from God! e.g.“Thanksgiving To God EVERY Day!”

For a supposed “man of God” to tell you that you shouldn’t vote── it is no different to me than the Taliban in Afghanistan telling our women that they have no right to education, freedom of movement, or even health care! 1 You── so-called “man of God” will be held accountable!

I recently read an excellent article, To Vote or Not to Vote? by Peter Lillback. And I won’t quote much, except –

“ For those of us who are believers in the truths of Scripture, there are several timeless and necessary biblical principles that we should keep in mind in this challenging election season:”

The article went on to quote six passages from God’s living word.

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN.” – Romans 12:18.

“We should all be prepared to say, “Madam President” or “President Trump”. Regardless of how we feel about the candidates, we are called to honor the office even if we have difficulty honoring its occupant.”

“ … ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” – Matthew 22:21.

“When we refuse to honor the government’s process for leadership transition, we are not only withholding a duty to government, we are potentially disrespecting Christ who told us to honor the government He has placed over us by giving to it its due respect (Rom. 13:1-6).”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21.

“Staying home on election day may give you the right to say I didn’t make things worse, but you have no more claim to moral excellence than a rock on a roadside that didn’t give a flat tire to a car because the car didn’t hit it.”

“ ‘You are the salt of the earth; … You are the light of the world. …’” – Matthew 5:13-16.

“When people who are the salt of the earth and the light of the world cooperate for a common good, they not only can dispel the darkness of moral evil, but they can prevent the decay of that which is good.”

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33.

“Do not be deceived”, the government will be keeping company with your family, your business, and your house of worship; but will it strengthen these bedrock institutions or will its “evil company corrupt” “good morals”?”

“ … be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58.

“We must not forget that staying home and not voting on Election Day is to remain silent. To remain silent in a moral crisis is to become complicit in the evil. A classic line from Shakespeare says, “’To be, or not to be?’, that is the question”. □

1. https://feminist.org/our-work/afghan-women-and-girls/taliban-edicts/

Are You "Called"?

by Leonard V. Johnson

God’s living word gives us the surprising answer to this so often misunderstood question!

THIS question is misunderstood like no other! And it’s a question that all true Christians should know BEYOND ANY SHADOW OF DOUBT! Because ── unless all doubt is removed ── we may not be able to withstand this growing onslaught of attacks from Satan the Devil within ‘this generation’!

All true Christians are divinely called! This is a living truth from God’s living word – the Holy Bible. Yet, millions upon millions just assume that it is but a matter of “choice.”

Notice what our Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples then ─ and what He is saying to us brethren today –

“And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ 11) He answered and said to them, ‘Because IT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO YOU to know the mysteries of the kingdom [from] heaven, but to them IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. 13) Therefore I speak to them in parables, …’”

Par▪a▪ble \ ‘par-ǝ-bǝl \ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. LL parabola, fr. Gk parabolē comparison, fr. paraballein to compare, fr. para- + ballein to throw ─ more at DEVIL] (14c) : EXAMPLE; specif : a usu. short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle. 1

“ … ‘because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14) And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15) For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and TURN, so that I should heal them.’” – Matthew 13:10-15.

And, this weekend I was trying to let the LIGHT OF CHRIST show forth before some relatives when I spoke up and told them, “You will get to see your mother once again!” Sadly, their mother died this past week. 

Our Lord Jesus reveals to us here that only a few in number were (and are) being given a true understanding of His living word – the Holy Bible – at this time. It is simply NOT the LORD God’s (the family of God; which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) intention to convert everyone at this time!

Our Lord Jesus also says, “’ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; … 65) … Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.’” – John 6:44, 65.

The Apostle Paul – under the inspiration of the Spirit of God – says exactly the same!

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” – 1 Corinthians 1:26.

These are but a few biblical examples. But it is plain to see that ONLY A FEW are being called and converted during this present evil age.

As a whole ─ especially in this present evil age (see Galatians 1:4; Revelation 12:12) ─ humanity feels no need for the LORD God. This generation's overall belief ─ this weekend ─ glared brightly in my face! “You’re allowed to believe whatever you want to believe! Just leave me alone!” Sadly, they fail to spiritually see and spiritually hear what is really wrong with this world and just who is to blame! They are spiritually blinded!

Truly understanding the living word of God, the truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God IS THE RESULT OF BEING CALLED! True Christians ─ those that have been called by Father God, properly repented, properly baptized, and have had hands laid upon them ─ receiving the glorious gift of the Spirit of God ─ have received a DIVINE CALLING!

Calling Alone Is Not Conversion

One of the most difficult things for a human being to admit is that they are wrong. Self-justification is an insidious habit that can lead us down a dark path. It’s a form of lying to yourself, preventing you from growing. 2 Our minds tend to excuse misdeeds and seek “making right” what one knows in our heart is wrong. A great many dangerously assume that since they haven’t been converted, then they haven’t been called. This blindness of responsibility ─ like crossing the street while witnessing someone being beaten up and doing nothing to help ─ is DISOBEYING THE LORD GOD! You’re pretending to only be a bystander! Like Sgt. Schultz on Hogan’s Heroes, “I see nothing! I hear nothing! I know nothing, nothing!”

Truly, the calling by Father God doesn’t convert anyone! CONVERSION IS THE RESULT OF HEARING HIS CALL AND ACTING ON THAT CALLING! Not being converted doesn’t mean that you haven’t been called.

God’s living word tells us that every human being has a “carnal mind” and has “enmity against God” until converted. We are called while we are yet unconverted. Conversion is a process ─ a process of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus and growing in the fruits of the Spirit. Becoming more like the LORD God!

We are all born automatically contrary to the Law of God ─ speaking of the Ten Commandments. “As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no not one; 11) There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 23) for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.’” – Romans 3:10-11, 23.

So, since we all have been a part of this world, a DIVINE CALLING is necessary to reveal just what sin is! Recall the Apostle Paul – “ … I would not have known sin except through the law …” – Romans 7:7-8. And that we MUST REPENT OF THIS SIN! ─ “’ The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe in [obey] the gospel.’” – Mark 1:14. And in the same manner our Lord Jesus says to us – “’ I tell you, no; but unless you REPENT you will all likewise perish.’” – Luke 13:1-5.

Whether or not conversion takes place as a result of our being called out of this world is OUR RESONSIBILITY! We were given free moral agency! Our Lord Jesus says “’ those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13) … For I did not come to call the righteous [in other words, the “self-righteous”], BUT SINNERS, to repentance.’” – Matthew 9:12-13.

True Repentance ─ along with true baptism and the laying on of hands and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit ─ is the FIRST STEP that we must take in heeding God the Father’s call. Then, with and through the power of God’s Spirit, we begin to struggle and overcome the power of Satan the Devil, our human nature, and of this world. We MUST OVERCOME!

Recall again the Apostle Paul –

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin LEADING TO DEATH, or of obedience LEADING TO RIGHTEOUSNESS? 17) But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet YOU OBEYED from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18) And having been SET FREE FROM SIN, you became slaves of righteousness.” – Romans 6:16-18.

Let us be renewed daily in the spirit of our mind, and “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” – Ephesians 4:23-24.

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, speaks of Demas ─ who was called by Father God, been blessed with having knowledge and understanding of God’s living word, truth, and plan ─ yet, TURNED FROM THE LORD GOD! Our Lord Jesus WARNS us – “’ No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:62.

The Apostle Peter tells us to give due diligence ─

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, …” – 2 Peter 1:10.

And he lists things we should do so that we never stumble ──

“ … add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” – 2 Peter 1:5-7.

And, once God the Father decides to call an individual, never will the LORD God change Their mind –

“For the gifts and THE CALLING of God are irrevocable.” – Romans 11:29.

But sadly, an individual can “grieve the Spirit.” Our Lord Jesus WARNS us ─

“’ Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32) Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, EITHER IN THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TO COME.’” – Matthew 12:31-32.

We also receive a stern WARNING from the Apostle Paul ─

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by [which] you were sealed for the day of redemption.” – Ephesians 4:30.

What does it mean to ‘grieve the Holy Spirit”?

Minister Michael C. Garrett ─

… a lot of you have been on job sites, construction sites, maybe in the military, even watching movies, where you hear God’s name ‘taken in vain’ on a regular basis. And yet, speaking profanely against the name of God or Jesus Christ – that is not a sin which cannot be forgiven. Because once you get old enough – mature enough – and to have God’s blessing and God’s calling you will come to understand, ‘Oh, I never should have done that!’ And you will cry out for forgiveness and you will be forgiven. But what is the one sin which cannot be forgiven!? Verse 32 – “ … ‘but whoever speaks [commands] against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.’” Well, what is He talking about!? To ‘blaspheme’ – from the Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – their definition is: # 988 - βλασφη μί α, blasphémia, n. GK: 1060 [ → 987]. Blasphemy, slander, malicious talk. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines blasphemy: \’blas-f ǝ-mē\ n. pl – mies (13c) 1 a: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b: the act of claiming the attributes of deity 2: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Now, what is blaspheme against God’s Spirit!? …

Now, a lot of people over the years, I heard say, ‘Oh, I think I’ve committed the unpardonable sin!’ Well, if you are fearful or uncomfortable that maybe you have done something wrong – you have not committed blaspheme against God’s Spirit. Because if you’ve committed blaspheme against God’s Spirit you wouldn’t care. Blaspheme against God’s Spirit is commanding it – driving it out of you – out of your heart and out of your mind. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul wrote the following – “Do not quench the Spirit.” Don’t restrict it – don’t squeeze it off. Don’t tie off the flow of God’s Spirit.”

(Garrett, M.C, What Is “The Unpardonable Sin”? 8 Nov. 2019 PDF).

If God the Father CALLS US out of this present evil age, we only have one opportunity for eternal salvation. For our Lord Jesus tells us, “ … ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; …’” – Luke 12:48.

How Does God the Father Call?

Does God call with an audible voice!? Does God call by accidents, incidences, or superstitions? Or, does God call when the hairs on your neck stand up!? What is the truth?

God’s living truth is simple.

“ … God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

MANY are being called ── but few are chosen!

God the Father through Jesus Christ [who are the Spirit – see 2 Corinthians 3:17) CALLS many individuals hearing our sermons, or reading or listening to our articles. And, perhaps some will be called through our example and witness. Yet, in each case, each individual is called by the LORD God THROUGH SANCTIFICATION BY THE SPIRIT!

What Is “Sanctification by the Spirit”?

“God [speaking of God the Father] FROM THE BEGINNING …” Recall that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have known us from before we were in the womb!

In prayer once I was reminded of the time when our Lord Jesus' disciples had asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” And as tears were streaming down my face – the eureka moment when it was revealed to me that the LORD God knew before I was born that I would be born with transposition of the great arteries so that  – like He tells His disciples in this instance, “ … ‘that the works of God should be revealed in him.’” That the LORD God would gift me with sight!

Speaking to the Prophet Jeremiah, our LORD God said ──

“’ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I SANCTIFIED YOU; …’” – Jeremiah 1:5.

God FIRST sanctifies ── or sets each one apart ── by means of the Holy Spirit.

Also, back to the latter, “and BELIEF IN THE TRUTH.”

The Spirit of the truth; for “it will lead you into all truth because it shall not speak from itself, but whatever it shall hear, it shall speak. And it shall disclose to you the things to come.” – John 16:13, NET. A Faithful Version by Fred. R. Coulter.

The Spirit of God which reveals TRUTH ── which sanctifies an individual to make him or her an heir of salvation.

God’s living word – the Holy Bible – is truth!

Notice –

“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to HEAR THE WORD OF GOD.” – Acts 13:44.

What were they hearing?

They were hearing the Holy Scriptures!

“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” – Acts 13:48.

As in “predestination.”

“Moreover whom He predestined, THESE HE ALSO CALLED; whom He called, these He also justifies; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” – Romans 8:30.

THESE HE ALSO CALLED believe the living word of God!

THERE IS NO DOUBT IN THEIR MINDS! They know the Holy Scriptures are the living words of the LORD God! THE HOLY BIBLE!

Unlike the Book of Mormon which was first published by Joseph Smith in 1830. Also, unlike the Koran which Islamic tradition stipulates Muhammad wrote in 610 BC.

Now, there are a great many reasons today why men do not believe God’s living truth. And why the vast overall majority of professing Christians do not understand the Holy Bible! The LORD God has allowed mankind to be deceived, yet the LORD God has called many and chosen a few. It is the Spirit of God that enables us to comprehend the LORD God’s basic principles of understanding.

Let us Understand These ‘Basic Principles’

This past weekend I was told, “The Bible was written by men, and then transcribed over and over!” That is accurate to a point ── but let us understand it was manifested by and through God’s Spirit working upon and through men’s minds.

FIRST: “ …’ Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” – Matthew 4:4.

To truly understand the living word of God it is necessary to LIVE BY EVERY WORD OF GOD ── not just by one passage or one verse, or some tradition or doctrine. Sadly, the overall majority of this world’s Christian churches (except for a relatively small percentage of Bible truths) are walking in ERROR! They DELIBERATLY REJECT all of God’s living word except a small portion which has no effect on their personal lives! THE LORD GOD gives understanding to only those who are willing to LIVE BY EVERY WORD OF GOD!

SECOND: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16.

No one can truly believe God’s living word if one feels that a portion of the Bible is uninspired. However, this is exactly what the majority of professing Christians do today!

Here are a few examples ─

“’ If you love Me, keep My commandments.’” – John 14:15.

“ … ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; …’” – John 14:23.

“’ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth ── ’” – John 5:28.

“’ No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.’” – John 3:13.

“’ And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the Law to fail.’” – Luke 16:17.

Meaning – what do the majority of professing Christians do with these (and other) passages!? Do they mark them out with a marker!?

Then there are a great many that only regard the Old Testament that is inspired. Others, only the New Testament! Then there are still others who believe the Book of Revelation is nothing more than the writings of a man who smoked a lot of peyote. Others obsess over the “lost scriptures” that are not in the inspired canon. WHAT HOGSWALLOP!

THIRD: “To the Law and to the testimony [the Word of God!]! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’” – Isaiah 8:20.

The Law of God and the Testimony of that Law. The revelation of the LORD God by His prophets. Recall – Hebrews 1:2 – “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, …”

Sadly, the overall majority of mankind has rejected the Law of God! And every conceivable argument has been made in the attempt to do away with God’s Law ─ the Ten Commandments.

FOURTH: “ …’(and the Scripture CANNOT be broken), …’” – John 10:35. Meaning – God’s living word DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF! And unless you approach God’s living word with this truth, you cannot hope to grasp the full meaning of God’s word.

FIFTH: “knowing this FIRST, that PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION, 21) for prophecy NEVER came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:20-21.

Sadly, the overall majority of humanity has not understood God’s living word simply because they will not believe the fourth ‘basic principle.’ They suppose that contradictions occur because men interpret the Bible in whatever way they choose. They do not allow God’s living word to interpret ITSELF! One can rightly understand more difficult passages and verses in the light of other passages and verses. We are told in the Old Testament ─

“For precept [rule] must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.’” – Isaiah 28:10.

These five principles can serve as a guide in enabling you to believe the truth. Sadly, complicated theological theories of men have been substituted for the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.

Called By the GOSPEL

Notice again ─ “ … God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14) to which He called you BY OUR GOSPEL, …” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14.

Now that our minds and hearts have been changed, the active means that the LORD God uses for us to obtain “the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” is the gospel.

Throughout the world – again, overall – mankind has not grasped the gospel message. Because they have not received the vital ingredient that makes understanding crystal clear – the Holy Spirit. As a result of having been gifted the Holy Spirit, the living word of God becomes a personal message to you. Hearing the TRUE GOSPEL is vital! The gospel message is the “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, …” – Acts 28:31. It’s not just a message about Jesus the person. It’s a message about the LORD God’s kingdom ─ government ─ which currently is made up of the very family of God! Our Heavenly Father and His Heavenly Son!

And the LORD God calls on all people everywhere to repent!

“Therefore, since WE ARE THE OFFSPRING OF GOD, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, BUT NOW COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT.” – Acts 17:29-30.

1) Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, Mass., © 1996, pg. 841.

2) Betancourt, A., Be Wary of the Common Behavior of Self-Justifying Your Actions, 5 Nov. 2022.

Our Governments Are In Crisis!

This world is in a crisis! Albeit democracies, communism, dictatorships, autocracies, monarchies, or majority rule─ whatever human government, a crisis is looming; threatening, and governments will topple! Never in mankind’s history have so many governments been in so much difficulty. And overriding EVERY governmental crisis throughout history there was a vital and important WORLDWIDE importance that was missing─ an Authority that would bring this world ‘peace and justice.’ And it’s the LORD God!

A Missing Dimension In Government

Literally, thousands upon thousands of books have been written through our violent and bloody history probing mankind’s nature. And, whether the likes of Sir James George Frazer are right in his assessment, that ancient “man, progressing from a belief in magic as a means of controlling his environment” morphed into a “religious belief, which then propagated gods and spirits.” Or only evolution itself is emphasized, throughout the world, there is no clear understanding of just what man is.

If we are mere animals─ and as Joseph Merrick so famously cries in the movie, “I am not an animal! I am a human being!” ─which admittedly has advanced to a level unheard of compared to ants, monkeys, gorillas, or even orangutans (“Right Turn Clyde”); then it goes back to a question I ask in a recent sermon, “If we all end up dying, then what is the purpose of living?”

If we are NOT mere animals but are in fact one of the greatest of creations from a Creator God ─endowed with a mind (it is argued quite extensively that a mind is quite different than a mere brain) with much greater difference between an animal and a human being─ then any understanding of mankind’s nature certainly should include a full understanding of just how we came to be here on this beautiful blue planet, as well as just what we are.

As I spoke of in our booklet, “Does God Exist” you can prove the existence of a Creator God through various scientific laws! (Read our free online booklet Does God Exist?). And, there is proof that our Creator God has not left mankind without an “instruction manual” on how to properly operate this physical body – and it’s the Holy Bible. Explaining to us who we are, what we are, why we are─ and certainly where we are going!

Rulers of the Universe!

The LORD God (the family of God─ which at this present time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) are RULERS! And not only is our Lord Jesus Christ Creator, but He is the Creator of all things, and “all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” – John 1:3. And God the Father is the One who continually governs and oversees the whole of the universe and the fulfillment of Their purpose being worked out here below.

As Supreme Ruler over all the universe, Father God─ and for absolute clarity let’s again go over John 1 – “In the beginning was the Word [the Logos; the Spokesman; the One who would become Jesus Christ our Lord], and the Word was with God [the very One that would become the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as Father God to all of us], and the Word was God [meaning, He is the second member of the God family].” ─ has set over the universe certain irrevocable laws – the laws of science are certainly spiritual in nature. And I love thinking that every single tiny atom throughout the known universe has at its core the Spirit of God. While science can seek to understand these laws─ and it's interesting to note: that the James Webb telescope is aiding in studying the recently found massive groups of rogue planets without a star – some are binary planets. European Space Agency scientist Samuel Pearson commented on this, “The main thing that we learn from this is that there is something fundamentally wrong with either our understanding of planet formation, star formation, or both.” So, much of what scientists thought was true concerning the universe and its irrevocable laws, may not be so true at all. And, even though mankind can study and conclude that the universe has certain physical properties – such as energy, heat, light, motion, inertia, and the four types of radiation─ alpha, beta, neutrons, and electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays ─science did not bring these laws into existence. And astrophysicists are powerless to change these laws. The laws of physics are beyond real human understanding, no matter how technically sounding they come up with an answer. Such as the famous Stephen Hawking who self-righteously hawked, “Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing.”

The LORD God’s living word reveals divine authority of all creation─ and not only through the continual operation of a gravitational attraction of a sun keeping planets in their orbits (which apparently as the James Webb telescope is discovering – this is not necessarily a set law), but also divine authority over mankind’s laws ─and as RULERS (recall Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, ‘Let Us …’”), who created mankind, who had selected Their own people, who had selected a kingdom on this earth to represent and be an example to all other nations, and who is working out a Master Plan… From the Beginning─ a glorious plan that will eventually bring about a world-ruling government over all mankind.

A Book About One Man and His Family

Much of the Bible is a narrative about one man’s family – that is Abraham. But, the Bible is also about GOVERNMENT. A book about life and death, obedience or disobedience, blessings or curses – cf. Deuteronomy 30:19. When the LORD God originally called Their chosen people out of the captivity of Egypt, They initially established a human leader (Moses) over them and gave him a complete set of laws for the children of Israel to keep and obey. Eventually, leadership became too overwhelming for Moses─ he would come to “select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. …” – Exodus 18:21. So, this false ideology that there is a one-man hierarchical rule is just that─ false. And the LORD God knew that the original agreement (Covenant) was missing a vital element in that original earthly kingdom─ the kingdom of Israel ─ the Spirit of God.

The LORD God’s law was not imperfect. In fact, “the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” – Romans 7:12. But there was a vital ingredient that would help make mankind be able to keep and obey those laws─ again, the Spirit of God. God’s living word reveals to us what was that missing ingredient – “’ Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!’” – Deuteronomy 5:29.

The Works of the Flesh

The children of Israel─ the kingdom of Israel ─didn’t have the Spirit of God to help them obey. “The carnal mind [absent of God’s Spirit] is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” – Romans 8:7.

The Ten Commandments that the LORD God gave to the children of Israel was a perfect law. Had the LORD God’s commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments been kept and obeyed, as the LORD says, “’ If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will …’” – Leviticus 26:3. And the LORD continues with a long list of great blessings that the LORD would do for the children of Israel. Had they obeyed the LORD, the kingdom of Israel would have become “a special treasure” to the LORD God “above all people.” A kingdom “of priests and a holy nation.” – cf. Exodus 19:6.

Unfortunately, the works of the flesh are the complete opposite of the fruits of God’s Spirit. God’s living word reveals to us that there is another “law,” or principle at work in our flesh and in our mind, like the tractor beam of the Death Star it tugs on our flesh and mind─ of adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like─ indicating there are many more he could have named!

The Apostle Paul adds, “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20) Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21) I find then a law [or a principle], that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22) For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man [the law of God that is within him]. 23) But I see another law [or principle] in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24) O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death [the works of the flesh]? 25) I thank God─ through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” – Romans 7:21-25.

Why the Kingdom of Israel Failed

The LORD God’s physical kingdom failed. Not because the kingdom or the laws by which it was to be ruled were inferior, but as spoken earlier─ there was a missing dimension in the kingdom.

So, speaking of the FIRST (the physical) government over the nation of Israel, the Apostle Paul wrote concerning the SECOND (the spiritual) government ─ under the terms and conditions of “a new covenant” ─ a better promise.

“But NOW He [our Lord Jesus Christ] has obtained a more excellent ministry [compared with the Old Covenant with Moses and Aaron], inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises [which is eternal life, compared to only physical and temporal]. 7) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8) Because finding fault with them, He says: ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel [the kingdom of Israel] and with the house of Judah [the kingdom of Judah] ─ 9) not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they DID NOT continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, 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.’” – Hebrews 8:6-10.

Pay attention to “if that first covenant had been faultless” ─ that physical government in the wilderness was not with the LORD God, did not have the Spirit of God. They lacked the Spirit of God and could not keep or obey the LORD God. The Prophet Jeremiah says concerning the nature of man, “The heart [the human psyche] is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9.

Now, while there is a spiritual essence in man ─ “a spirit in man” Job 32:8; Hebrews 12:23; 1 John 4:1 ─ which causes mankind’s mind to have a much higher intellect superior to animals Mankind’s mind is still carnal in the sense that it is physical and created from matter ─ “sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” – Jude 19.

The Holy Spirit of God

The missing dimension in all governments─ past and present ─is JESUS CHRIST! And since the Lord [Jesus Christ] is the Spirit─ the governments of the world are missing the Holy Spirit! – cf. 2 Corinthians 3:17. The very mind of Jesus Christ! It is only through proper repentance, the laying on of hands, and the receiving of the Spirit of God that the nations of the world will ever have lasting ‘peace and justice.’

There is no wonder why this world’s governments – completely cut off from the LORD God, and displaying for all the world to witness the works of the flesh – are doomed for destruction!

God’s Spirit – both within the governed and those doing the governing would help in keeping and obeying God’s law, adding the LORD God’s spiritual qualities─ godly love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In truth─ the LORD God does have a representative form of government on this earth today! It is the Church of Jesus Christ! It is a government of the LORD God─ through JESUS CHRIST! He is the head of the Church. And this representative form of government─ led by Jesus Christ is commissioned to do great works on this earth – doing the very work of God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ established it, saying, “ …’on this Rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades [the grave] shall not prevail against it.’” – Matthew 16:18. God the Father has called─ through Jesus Christ ─throughout the generations, millions (John 6:44). And He has personally trained them to be His true servants. And He has never stopped ruling over them (the Church of Jesus Christ) down through history!

Our Lord Jesus Christ has absolutely promised that His Church – the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23) ─ would continue throughout this present evil age. However, He also WARNED His Church, “’ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND FROM ITS PLACE─ unless you repent.’” – Revelation 2:4-5; 1:20). “ … ‘Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison [not just a physical prison, but a psychological prison as well], that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten [years]. … you [also] have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam [those who are greedy for power and prestige], … you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth [with the very living word of God!].’” Then there are some in the Church of Jesus Christ that “’ allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immoralities [the worship of false gods and goddesses] and eat things sacrificed to idols. … Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent …’” Still yet, there are those in His Church that continue to “’ have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. … I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore HOW you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. … If you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.’” Then there are some in His Church that are but “’ lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. … I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.’” – Revelation 2:1-29; 3:1-22.

Our Lord and Savior has promised His true servants, “ … ‘and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” – Matthew 28:20. And our beloved Apostle Paul would go on─ some 25± years later ─to remind not only his Hebrew audience but all of us as well, of our Lord Jesus’ glorious promise –

“ … For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5.

The Body of Christ’s Commission

Our Lord Jesus entrusted His ‘little flock’ with an important commission─ especially here in the latter part of this present evil age.

It is the same commission given to the original 1st-century A.D. true Christians –

Our Mission:

This great Work undertaken by Jesus Christ is yet to be finished. And, perhaps more than ever should be shouted to Jesus Christ's spiritual ‘lost sheep’! We are small in number, however, our desire to feed the sheep of Jesus Christ is huge and ambitious. We strive to teach the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God.

The glorious Gospel Message is the gospel message preached by Jesus Christ of Nazareth and His Church concerning the history of Jesus Christ and the future coming of the Kingdom of God established by our soon-coming King of kings and Lord of lords. The establishment of God's government on earth. It includes the message of what Jesus Christ has done in the past, is doing right now, and what He shall do. It is the Message of the New Covenant. The primary purpose and commission of God's Church is to feed the physical and spiritual sheep of our Lord Jesus Christ! – John 10:27-29. □

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Harris L. R., Archer, L. Gleason, Jr., and Waltke K. Bruce. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1980, #1191a, pages 503-504.