Famine of the Word of the LORD is coming!

Greetings Friends:

What is known as "Big Tech" is becoming more and more like our "Big Brother": A totalitarian system which is deciding for you what information you can have or not have. While "alternative media" has been complaining about just such a thing for years, now, even in the mainstream media are beginning to take notice. Here's an example of a Washington Post article this last February:

The new censors won't delete your words - they'll drown them out 

Winston Smith works at the Ministry of Truth. Each day, the hero of George Orwell's "1984" "corrects" old newspapers to make sure that the information is still accord with the current Party line. ... Nowadays, many of the states (and lots of parties and groups) that want to censor political speech are doing so in an information environment that has been rapidly and massively transformed. Now, the attention of listeners is scarce - and speakers and their words can simply be drowned out. ...

We now expect Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other companies to police the Internet for dangerous and illegal material - violent, terrorist, criminal - and some democratic governments require them to do so. But what if they did decide to repress material for political reasons? How would we know? According to a report this week, Google has, at the request of the Russian government, already agreed, quietly, to eliminate some websites from its searches in Russia.

(See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/the-new-censors-wont-delete-your-words--theyll-drown-them-out/2019/02/08/c8a926a2-2b27-11e9-984d-9b8fba003e81_story.html?utm_term=.e28d50e82153).

Indeed, Google is one of the largest "Big Tech" firms. And, fear tactics - "encouraging" users not to go to certain websites - is something that Google is being accused of doing. Notice this article from Susan Duclos: 

Big Tech Tries To Scare Independent Media Readers Into Compliance With Dire Warnings: Stealth Censorship Shutting Us Down One Voice At A Time

Another day and another dire warning from Google’s Gmail as I attempted to click a link from my Disqus email notifications, left in the Breaking News Alert page, telling me the link Gateway Pundit was “suspicious” and “leads to an “untrusted site,” before asking me if I wished to proceed or go back.

Welcome to the world of Conservative Independent Media. 

Gateway Pundit is a conservative site, that has been around since 2004, run by Jim Hoft. As all media, GP is run by humans and I will not say they have never made a mistake, but they do not pump fake news. The liberally biased Politifact has rated three statements by Gateway Pundit, which is listed in their "All statements from The Gateway Pundit," page which "fact checks" statements and links those facts check articles. 

One statement is listed as “true,” and one as “mostly true,” and one they rated as false. 

Interestingly enough, even the story Politifact ranked as false, was mostly true, but Politifact tried to split hairs in order to justify the “false” ranking. 

Quick Recap: The accuser of Roy Moore admitted that she added something to Roy Moore’s signature in her yearbook, after many outlets had already noticed the difference in writing. So Gateway Pundit, headlined “WE CALLED IT! Gloria Allred Accuser **ADMITS** She Tampered With Roy Moore’s Yearbook ‘Signature’. 

Technically that is true because she did alter the original signature, which included a date, by adding a location, and didn’t reveal she had did so until questions arose. Then after Politifact raked the story as false, Facebook, who at the time used Politifact as a “fact checker” downranked the article so that it was not easily found unless someone went directly to the GP page and scrolled to find it. … 

as a search finds quite a few stories and images, showing Gmail has been doing this for years to certain emails. 

What this indicates to me is a desire on the part of big tech to “scare” Independent Media readers into not interacting with each other, or “scaring” them away from opening a newsletter they have subscribed to and confirmed via email, before ever receiving one.

(See: http://allnewspipeline.com/Shutting_Us_Down_One_Voice_At_A_Time.php).

And, what about Facebook!?

A Washington Times reporter reported:

Facebook censorship of anti-vaccination movement will backfire

Facebook censors have found a new target, it seems.

Company executives told Bloomberg News that they're considering cutting from their pages any news that undercuts vaccinations - meaning, anyone who disagrees with the government about the need to vaccinate kids will see one of their key platforms completely shuttered.

Move over conservatives. Apparently, the new enemy of the social media people is - drumroll, please - the anti-vaccination movement. ...

Facebook's job is not to censor. In fact, its mission statement, amended as it was in 2017, is to "give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together."

That means even those with views that go against the grain ought to be included in Facebook discussions, in Facebook recommended news feeds, among Facebook media pages. If not, why not?

Or the better question: What's to fear?

Facebook ought to think carefully before shutting down the exchange of ideas on vaccinations. Censorship isn't just un-American. It can actually spark backlash.

(See: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/feb/15/facebook-turns-censorship-eyes-toward-anti-vaccina/).

But it's much more than just vaccination or no vaccination! Facebook is actually attacking religious views as well as political views! The Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ is being banned from sharing on one of their Facebook pages!

And, YouTube has also been using the whip on us, using their algorithms to severely limit our viewing count.

YouTube Will Determine What 'Conspiracy' Is and Stop Recommending Such Videos

While the evolution of Google’s YouTube from a free expression platform into something entirely different has been underway for a while, it just took another step in a very short-sighted and restrictive direction. NBC News reports:

YouTube has announced that it will no longer recommend videos that “come close to” violating its community guidelines, such as conspiracy or medically inaccurate videos… Chaslot said that YouTube’s fix to its recommendations AI will have to include getting people to videos with truthful information and overhauling the current system it uses to recommend videos.

There’s a lot to unpack here so let’s get started. First, it appears YouTube has announced the creation of a new bucket when it comes to content uploaded to the site. It’s no longer just videos consistent with company guidelines and those that aren’t, but there’s now a category for “conspiracy or medically inaccurate videos.” This is a massive responsibility, which neither YouTube or anyone else seems fit to be judge and jury. In other words, YouTube is saying it’s comfortable deciding what is “conspiracy” and what isn’t. Which brings up a really important question.

So no videos of government officials lying the public into wars, or is that the Silicon Valley approved type conspiracy? https://t.co/mUEQGMlLyr

— Michael Krieger (@LibertyBlitz) February 11, 2019

“Conspiracy” and covering up conspiracies is a fundamental part of the human experience, and always has been. It demonstrates extreme hubris for a tech giant to claim it can differentiate between a legitimate conspiracy to explore, versus an illegitimate one. One person’s righteous investigation is another’s conspiracy theory, with Russiagate serving as an obvious contemporary example.

(See: https://alethonews.com/2019/02/13/youtube-will-determine-what-conspiracy-is-and-stop-recommending-such-videos/).

Now, because of this persecution from YouTube and their algorithm biases, we in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ have taken steps over this past year to be able to prolong our presence on the Internet should YouTube someday outright suspend our accounts as it has done to others. 

Friends, we're not just making this up - it's real! As the wisest man of his time wrote, "A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; ..." - Proverbs 22:3; TLB.

Also, there are some who believe the solution is to switch browsers to a relatively new one called Brave:

How to avoid censorship by changing browsers

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) monitor your web activity.

Government, law enforcement, or political pressure can force ISPs to restrict the content you see, effectively censoring the internet.

They might also do it in accordance with their own ideologies, filtering content to support their vision for a better world, whether you agree with it or not.

The Co-Founder of Mozilla has developed a new browser that lets you stay anonymous while browsing the web.

It's called Brave.

Brave uses sophisticated anti-snooping technology, including spyware, adware, and tracker blocking features to hide you from prying eyes.

(Read More: https://en.softonic.com/articles/how-to-avoid-censorship-by-changing-browsers).

The founder of Brave was forced to resign from Mozilla (Firefox) because he had - a few years ago - sent some support money to a traditional marriage initiative in Californication (which did pass at that time). In my opinion, though Brave could help some users, evil people (inspired by Satan the devil) are out in this world, looking to manipulate anything they can get their hands on. And, it does not help at all if Facebook or YouTube bans a user outright.

Friends, the Bible shows us that a united European totalitarian dictator is soon to rise again in this end-time - Revelation 13; 17:12-13.

Even now - in this 21st century - in the United States of America (and especially in other parts of the world) we are seeing ever-growing calls for restrictions and censorship!

Europe has been placing a lot of pressure on "Big Tech" to censor, including fining them!

MORE IS COMING!

Jesus Christ our Savior and Elder Brother said, "...' the night is coming when no one can work.'" - John 9:4; NKJV.

God's living Word - the Bible - tells us of a time soon-coming when the very TRUTH of the Almighty will not be found. And, that would appear - in this 21st century world - would mean that His TRUTH would be taken off the Internet. The Internet is accessed by people of every country, and so internet restrictions/suspensions/site removals will grow exponentially.

Prophet Amos, inspired by the Spirit of God wrote:

"'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord GOD, 'That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of HEARING THE WORDS OF THE LORD. 12) They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the WORD OF THE LORD, But shall not find it.'" - Amos 8:11-12; NKJV.

Indeed, a great many "Big Tech" companies are already biased against God and His Word, along with those who claim to teach what the Bible truly says.

Sadly, the greater majority of this world's churches are complying! 

(See: Mainline Protestants: Views of Homosexuality and 8 Clear Signs of a Compromising Church).

The biblical reality is that the "Orwellian" suppression of the truth is now here!!

Be sure to read - The Prophecy Series: End-Time Babylon by Michael C. Garrett. It's an eye-opening for sure!

Letter to our Friends - May 16, 2019

Dear Friends:

Greetings once again from Owensboro, Kentucky.

I hope and pray that you had a spiritually productive week. And that you will grow in grace and knowledge this week. Soon (24 more days) the Day of Pentecost will be here! We speak of the Day of Pentecost in our May 9th, 2019 ‘Letter to our Friends.’

The WORK of GOD

Friends, when we speak of ‘the WORK’ just WHAT DO WE MEAN!?

Well … there are TWO Covenants - the "OLD" and the "NEW." Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant. That Covenant set up the race of children descended from Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel, as a kingdom - the Kingdom of Israel - one of this earth's nations. But it was also a MARRIAGE Covenant, by which the physical nation Israel was married to Christ. Jesus brought the Message of the New Covenant – the new contract. And this contract enables us to have the hope of eternal life. Something the old contract never offered. The Old Covenant was ‘nailed to the cross’ and replaced with the New Covenant, where Jesus Christ is the High Priest! The New Covenant emphasizes Jesus Christ and the promises of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, the ministry, the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Friends, I implore you to live in the concepts and precepts of the New Covenant with Jesus Christ as your High Priest and base your life on the LAW of the Ten Commandments. That’s THE FOUNDATION upon which we stand! And, the leadership and the guidance of Jesus Christ! That’s where our focus is. Now we continually speak of the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. And we focus on what Jesus said, “’Feed My sheep!’”

Mark 1:1 reads: "The BEGINNING of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD." That is THE BEGINNING of the WORK OF GOD!

And, continuing from this - verse 2 states that the ministry of John the Baptist is briefly related - the messenger preparing the way before Christ at His first coming. Verses 2-13 describes John's ministry, Jesus being baptized by John, Jesus' temptation by Satan the devil, in which He QUALIFIED to be the KING of the future KINGDOM OF GOD.

Then, verses 14-15: "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of GOD, 15) and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of GOD is at hand. Repent, and believe [the] gospel.'"

Jesus' ANNOUNCEMENT of the Kingdom of GOD as the START OF THE WORK.

Now, the Worldwide Church of God, and in truth, many descendants of the WCG, continue to teach that Matthew 24:14 says, “And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a WARNING and a WITNESS unto all nations, and THEN shall the end come.” It DOES NOT say that! Jesus Christ says, “’And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.’” He just said the TRUTH OF GOD will be preached, but human beings incorrectly, I think, came up with the idea that THEY would be the ones doing the preaching! And in TRUTH – in the end-time – that Message will come from JESUS CHRIST and His very few [possibly 12] chosen “end-time prophets.” It’s not referring to printing presses, and radio stations, and T.V., or even the internet, and all of that, which the WCG tried to convince its members. Well, Jesus Christ isn’t going to rely upon the sometimes-half-hearted efforts of human beings! He’s going to take care of that job Himself! (Be sure to read the article - The Two Witnesses).

And, Matthew 28:19-20, though preaching as a witness is included within the scope of the commission – it is actually placing MORE emphasis upon the ENTIRE PROCESS OF CONVERSION, of feeding, of growing, and of overcoming – than merely witnessing. The key word being “process.”

The word “teaching” in verse 19 is the key to this understanding. The New King James English more accurately translates the word “teaching” to “make disciples.” And, this is not that "teach" is wrong as long as you understand that teach means a process. All the teaching required to make a disciples doesn’t take place merely in making a witness. There are huge differences between the two. At best, preaching the gospel of the coming Kingdom begins the process of teaching. Disciples are created through steady ‘feeding,’ a believing response in those who hear, combined with overcoming sin.

Let us also notice in verse 20, where it says: “’Teaching them [the disciples that had been made] to observe all things that I have commanded you.’” The key phrase being “all things.” Now, that cannot be done by merely ‘preaching in all the world as a witness.’ As we are learning – a life-long project requiring the structure of the Church of God. This, friends is the reason why the Church of God – the Body of Christ – exists.

As I stated earlier, we focus on what Jesus admonished us to do, ‘FEED THE FLOCK!’ And, though witnessing is included in it – it’s the feeding of the flock because it is the called, the elect – God’s children – who are God’s greatest concern. These are the ones who are being prepared for the Kingdom of God. And, it takes a lot of feeding and experiences with Almighty God and Jesus Christ, for Them to be formed in us.

Let us consider something that Paul wrote in Romans 1:15 – “So, as much as in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”

Paul’s letters to the churches, except the pastoral epistles as well as Philemon, were written to well-established congregations, already converted Christians. Rome was no exception.

Why did Paul want to go to them!? For them to be converted!? No. To continue the process of conversion. And how was he going to do this!? By preaching the gospel to them. He was going to preach the gospel to already converted Christians.

So, surely, this shows that is the responsibility of the ministry, the pastors of the Church, and evangelicals and local elders, to continually preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the Body of Christ – the Church!? Because that, friends, is one source of our spiritual strength and our faith. 

And there are other passages I could quote, like Romans 1:8, 11, 12. Paul is talking about “feeding the flock.” He is talking about preaching “the whole counsel of God” in every detail. The Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God – the gospel.

Friends, the Church of God – those who have made the New Covenant with Jesus Christ – has the same God at the helm – a God who changes not. Yet, He is not going to have us face the same things all the time. The Book of Knowledge is not closed! The truth of God is continuing to be revealed!

Let’s look at another familiar Scripture. Romans 15:4. This needs to be truly pounded into our heads. The things that the people went through, were written down for us so that we – the Church – would understand what we’re going through.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4.

It’s sad how many who were formerly a part of the fellowship in the Worldwide Church of God has fallen away – lost their hope – because they’ve been unable to understand that the Church needs to ‘grow in the grace and KNOWLEDGE.’ They are confused because the condition the Church is in right now is not conforming to their ideal. Jesus Christ says in Luke 5:39 –

“’ And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’” – Luke 5:39.

This makes me think of something Mr. Garrett said in a sermon, “Some people are comfortable in that old Cadillac that they’ve got. They think that they’re Cadillac is perfect. They think it runs like a charm. And they DO NOT UNDERSTAND that the car in which they are traveling, is destined to crash and burn, and be destroyed. And, if they’re still in that car they will suffer the same fate. And I know it’s not a message that you’re used to being told. You’re told that your Cadillac is perfect and is going to go on forever.”

And, Jesus is saying that “the principle, or the law of inertia” exists and is in play regarding the very things of God – the acceptance of new truth’s, and the acting upon them. There is a very strong tendency to hold fast to what one feels secure with. I know, I had done that for the last six years. And this, in large part, is what’s driving peoples’ opinions as to what the Church as a whole should be doing, [i.e., “Since we preached the gospel to the world in the past, we, therefore, have to continue to do it.”].

So, “preaching the gospel to the world,” and “feeding the flock,” are more appropriately called “the WORK OF GOD.”

Let’s go to Jesus’ prayer to Father in John 17:4 – “’ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’”

Father God gave Him an assignment, and He completed that assignment! And God certainly is involved with us in these things that He assigns us to do. And, rightly so, it is called “the Work of God” because He works in us. But they are more similar to duties that He assigns us, just like a parent might assign a duty to be carried out by children which will help their development and make family life go smoother.

The “feeding of the flock” (the care of the Church) is each individual’s responsibility toward God – in the worship of God. In our responses to the “feeding of the flock” – IS the worship of God! And it involves every person directly every moment of the day. In doing that, we are truly involved in the glorious “WORK OF GOD,” which is the creation of Almighty God and Jesus Christ within us. I mean actively, directly, and personally participating with Them in it. 

Facebook Ban

As I had posted in a recent article, “Facebook Banned owensborocojc.blogspot.com,” I was surprised to learn that Facebook banned any sharing from their Facebook app. for our blog page owensborocojc.blogspot.com, because they claim it violates their "Community Standards." So, I purchased a domain name for the blog site, and this helped – temporarily. Now, apparently, there are still some sharing issues! Indeed, Satan the devil is attacking us! I wrote to them and asked if they could let me know what the issue or issues were so that I could correct it/them. However, they reported that they do not review individual cases. Well, let us not despair, friends, Facebook may be the social media giant of the world, but they are not alone in the field. I am currently looking at several other social media sites which are faith-based. I ask that you pray for this issue to be resolved quickly.

Recent Facebook Campaign

My latest Facebook campaign for the blog page - https://www.owensborocojc.com – (before the Facebook ban) resulted in reaching 52,653 friends, with 1,361 results! And that was only for 2 days!

World News Items

Saudi Arabian oil has been greatly affected by tankers stuck by sabotage (See: Tankers reported damaged off UAE on major oil trade route and U.S. Warns Iran May Attack Oil Tankers In The Persian Gulf) and drones struck some of its refineries. The United States is pointing to Iran or at least Iranian influence in the region. President Trump issued WARNINGS (See: Trump issues World War 3 THREAT to Iran - they ‘WILL suffer greatly’ if they ‘do ANYTHING’). Military action may very well come, which one day we will see grave damage to Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 22:8-9) as well as Iran and Syria (Isaiah 17:1).

Also to note on military matters, there are various ones in the US government concerned that Europe will spend increasing amounts on military funding concerning European priorities (See: US warns EU over €13-billion defense spending). The US has been encouraging Europe to increase its military spending. Surely, the US will come to regret this – cf. Daniel 11:39.

With a positive note, some US politicians have taken a strong stand in the reduction of abortions (See: Missouri Senate Approves Anti-Abortion Bill). Let us praise Almighty God and Jesus Christ when people realize that unborn babies should not be murdered!

Suggested Sabbath Services:

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week:

* 2-3 hymns.
* Opening prayer.
* Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is: Through Faith, God Healed Bud!
* Announcements (if any). One hymn.
* Sermon. The one suggested this week is: Truth Falls In The Streets. Other sermons are also

   available at the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website.
* Final hymn.
* Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Concluding Comments

Minister Garrett wrote:

“Notice Acts chapter 14, verse 22 – this is a statement by Paul, and this is a profound comment. Sometimes when I have talked about this general subject before, it reminds me of the song that I believe Lynn Anderson sang two or three decades ago – some of you Country and Western fan’s will remember it – “I beg your pardon, (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden”. Well, God maybe could have sung that song to all of us! Nowhere in the Bible does He promise us a ‘rose garden.’ That things would be, just, peaceful and calm, and easy – and just everywhere you go people will be laying down their robes for you, and bowing to you and treating you like royalty. He said just the opposite. Here, through Paul, “…’ We must through many tribulations enter [into] the Kingdom of God.’” “Yes,” he says in 2nd Timothy 3:12, “and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” – it will happen to you sooner or later! And, if it never has… I’ve had some people say, “Well Mike I’ve never had a problem from anybody at any time!” And all I can say is that you must not be doing a very good job of doing what you’re supposed to be doing!”

Apparently, on Facebook, we’re ruffling feathers.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Facebook Banned owensborocojc.blogspot.com

Freedom of speech and the expression and teaching's of one's faith are being censored directly and indirectly by "Big Tech."

I was surprised to learn that Facebook banned any sharing from their Facebook app. for our blog page owensborocojc.blogspot.com, because they claim it violates their "Community Standards." Subsequently, it emerged that every attempt to share or even mention an article from our blog page, including in private messages, would actively be blocked by the world's largest social network, with the only explanation being, "the link you tried to visit goes against our community standards."

I was also surprised - by this action - this seemingly arbitrary act of persecution and censorship, nor since their action, was I contacted by Facebook with an explanation of just what "Community Standard" was being violated.

Of course, and I do agree, with it being a private company, with its own set of corporate "ethics," Facebook has every right to impose whatever it so desires on their media sharing platform. It is entirely possible that one or more posts (such as Minister Garrett's sermon series - Toxic Philosophy) were flagged by Facebook's "triggered" readers who merely alerted censorship, therefore blocking all content.

I tried contacting Facebook directly and was told that this issue cannot be resolved by phone. The voice recording suggested their online "Help" center - which is utterly useless.

It is also entirely possible that Facebook simply no longer wants its users to share our content. Content with the unashamed premise of proclaiming to the world the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God. For our mission and our very purpose is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ (a very Name which surely the large majority of the 37,773 which work for Facebook hate), for He said, 'FEED MY SHEEP!' We do the will of God the Father and Jesus Christ. To preach the glorious Gospel Message - the good news of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, and of the opportunity for all of us, to have Jesus Christ as our great High Priest and to live under the promises of the New Covenant - and to someday be a part of the Kingdom of God!

Friends, was freedom of the press and its demise prophesied in the pages of the Bible?

Indeed it was!!

Friends, THIS MOST IMPORTANT Work of the LORD, in this end-time, surely cannot be done without the freedom of the press! However, don't get me wrong, indeed, Matthew 24:14 - the very Words of Jesus Christ says, “’And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’” 

Minister Michael C. Garrett said:

"But that’s not how the WCG read it. And in truth, many descendants of the WCG continue to practice the mistranslation, cause here’s what THEY say – “And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a WARNING and a WITNESS unto all nations, and THEN shall the end come.” Well, He just said the TRUTH OF GOD will be preached, but human beings incorrectly, I think, came up with the idea that THEY would be the ones doing the preaching! And in TRUTH – in the end-time – that Message will come from JESUS CHRIST and His very few [possibly 12] chosen “end-time prophets.” It’s not referring to printing presses, and radio stations, and T.V. and all of that, which the WCG tried to convince its members, “Hey, we’ve got to pump out all this information. So send more money. Send more money. We’ve got to pump out more information.” “Because if we don’t do this job, Jesus Christ can’t return.” Well, Jesus Christ isn’t going to rely upon the sometimes-half-hearted efforts of human beings! He’s going to take care of that job Himself!" 

(Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day).

God lays it upon the hearts of His servants and the Body of Christ to publicly proclaim GRAVE WARNINGS to the spiritual 'lost sheep of Israel,' and the world at large. For we are told in Ezekiel 33:1-7 that if a watchman sees what is coming and warns not of the approaching 'swords' - a prophetic symbol of military devastation - does not 'blow the trumpet' - God will hold him personally responsible.

So this is one reason why we recently promoted our blog page through Facebook from May 11th to the 16th reaching 52,653 friends in Nepal, Central Africa, Cameroon, Cambodia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Chile, Ireland, Colombia, Congo, Dakar Senegal, and Costa Rica, before Facebook deemed the blog site against their "Community Standards."

Yet, while God's living Word - the Bible - does place a duty upon His servant's to warn this world - now and especially with the dozen or so end-time prophets of God prophesied in Revelation 11 - we will not always have the freedom of the press.

And the persecution excuse which the government's of the world will use is that God's divine Message IS TOO DISTURBING and POLITICALLY INCORRECT to be allowed on our social media platforms.

The prophet Elijah, as an example, was drug before King Ahab for the ancient equivalent of "disturbing the peace." 

"Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, 'Is that you, O troubler of Israel?'" - 1 Kings 18:17. 

Of course, Elijah was not troubling the House of Israel, he was bringing some very disastrous news from Almighty God to King Ahab and his government - verse 18. Also, the religious and political authorities in the days of the prophet Amos tried to quite him from speaking God's Message - because the Message was too controversial!

"Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, 'Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the House of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. ... Then Amaziah said to Amos: 'Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, And there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, ...'" - Amos 7:10, 12-13.

The Bible shows us that evermore restrictions are soon to come:

"'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord GOD, 'That a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, Nor of thirst for water, But of hearing [and even reading I might add] the Words of the LORD. 12) They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the Word of the LORD, But shall not find it.'" - Amos 8:11-12.

There is coming a time, so says our Lord GOD, when the Word of God will not be found. And that would seem to be because the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God will be taken off the internet. In the 21st century, the internet is accessed by people in every country, and thus some type of internet restriction and or suspension, or removal is coming.

Now, while "Big Tech" companies are setting the stage for this, like Google and Facebook, the Bible shows that a European power will arise and essentially force people to accept two particular leaders - a political leader and a false religious leader. And, Satan the devil will give power to these two authorities:

"Then I [apostle John] stood on the sand of the sea [the Mediterranean Sea]. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns a blasphemous name. 2) Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3) And I saw one of his heads, as it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4) So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' 5) And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6) Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7) It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8) All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have NOT been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." - Revelation 13:1-8.

Sadly, notice that people will be pressured with economic threats and even death for not accepting this end-time European leader and this false religious leader:

"'Then I [apostle John] saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12) And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13) He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14) And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15) He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16) He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and [bond], to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17) and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark, or the number of his name. 18) Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.'" - Revelation 13:11-18.

Be sure to read our articles Notes Concerning the Day of Atonement (Prophetically the Day of the LORD) V, as well as The Prophecy Series - End-Time Babylon and The Final Empire. 

Places like Google and Facebook should NOT be pushing to follow the European model. Yet, sadly, they are pushing towards everyone having the 'mark of the beast' - be sure to watch Mr. Garrett's informative sermon - Mark Of The Beast. The European model will not end well for the United States of America (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Evermore censorship is coming! A totalitarian police state is also coming (cf. Revelation 13). 

Soon the 'famine of the Word' will come.

Be sure to watch Minister Michael C. Garrett's sermon - Repent For Salvation.
He begins by sharing some thoughts concerning health, and teaching from the living Word of God - that in time God Himself will correct you!
For there are times when Almighty God and Jesus Christ just say, 'ENOUGH! I'm done with it! No more patience, no more time! Here comes the judgment!' And we hope and pray that He doesn't do that to us - prematurely. But God says that He will correct us.

Letter to our Friends - May 9, 2019

Dear Friends:

Greetings again from Owensboro, Kentucky.

As always, much is going on here and all around the world. Like my sister stated recently, “Satan is roaring!”

We hope and pray that you have had a spiritually productive week.

Pentecost

Pentecost is June 9, 2019.

Most who profess Christ know something about Pentecost. Many properly consider it the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

The apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power of the Holy Spirit:

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard Me; 5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Acts 1:4-5; NKJV and hereafter unless otherwise noted.

So, they waited. And:

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” – Acts 2:1.

Notice it was when the Day of Pentecost had fully come. The Bible is clear that the events that follow were directly related to the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. And the apostles were all observing it together.

Here is what happened:

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven [the sky], as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

38) Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off [in the generations to come], as many as the Lord our God will call.’ 40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 47) [P]raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:2-4, 38-42, 47.

They received some of the power of God’s Spirit. The Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, the greater majority of Protestants, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Church of God all believe that this was the beginning of the New Testament Church of God. And rightly so. The Holy Spirit (be sure to watch “The Truth Concerning the Trinity Explained” in which Minister Garrett explains from God’s Word the Holy Spirit) was gifted at a certain time (the same time that many Jews observed Pentecost).

That was not a coincidence.

Many may not realize that Pentecost represented more than just the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.

Minister Michael C. Garrett had this to say concerning the Day of Pentecost:

“Christ In You! … we must have God’s Spirit which is represented by the Feast of Pentecost. And so, individual salvation – that Plan is given to us in the Spring Holy Days. … The Spring Holy Days are a continuum. What happens in Passover and Unleavened Bread, and down as you get into the Feast of Pentecost – a continuous series of events which are all interrelated and intertwined. And the same thing is true with the Fall Holy Days. …

Just a quick perusal, turn to Acts 2 – the account of where we read about the Day of Pentecost – when God for the first time pours out His Spirit in mass on human beings. Now keep in mind there had been multiple times throughout Biblical history where God indeed had given His Spirit to servants and prophets of God. But here on this day on 31 A.D. something very special happened. And, we won’t read every Scripture here, but let’s go to Verse 21 of Acts chapter 2 – “’And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD [the Lord Jesus Christ] Shall be saved.’” Verse 22 – “Men of Israel [and you men of the different organizations which want to be a part of the Kingdom of God and wish to pursue the teachings of this Bible], hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – 23) Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken …” this is Peter speaking to the men, some of which have called for His death. Some of which, just a few days before – a month-and-a-half before – were chanting ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ And yet, here, Peter says, “by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He [Jesus Christ] should be held by it …” - isn’t that a beautiful concept!? Jesus Christ walked out of the tomb! And by that He established a pattern, and an example that someday all of us who is called His sisters and brothers, His friends, will someday have the same opportunity!! If we die before the Return of Jesus Christ we too will walk out of our graves! I love that thought!

Verse 38 – listen carefully to what Peter says – this is an extremely well known and recited verse; this is a foundational Scripture that all of us need to know about, think about and appreciate. And give thanks to Jesus Christ because it’s in the Book! The reality of it – it is true! “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, …’” – what does the word repent mean!? It means simply change your ways. Change your direction. Change your focus. Change your goals. Change your motivation. “…’Repent, and let every one of you be baptized…’” – and listen to this next part – “…’in the name of Jesus Christ …’” – no other name. No other name under heaven, on earth, anywhere in the universe by which you could be saved. “’Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ …’” – that wonderous, glorious name and title! Jesus, the Anointed One! Jesus, the Messiah! Jesus, the Savior! And if you do you will have your sins forgiven “…’and you shall receive the gift of [God’s] Holy Spirit.’”

Also, looking at other passages provides even more valuable information about this sanctioned and commanded day of the LORD God, and its meaning.

The Feast of Pentecost was kept by true Christians after the initial one, yet, without the speaking in different languages. The Apostle Paul continued keeping Pentecost decades after the Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2. Notice his inspired words, written about 55 A.D.:

“For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8) But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.” – 1 Corinthians 16:7-8.

This shows us that Paul knew when Pentecost was, and that he felt that the Corinthians knew when Pentecost was, and that the Ephesians would have known when Pentecost was. So, it was being observed by Paul, and the Gentiles in Ephesus and in Corinth.

Here’s another year, the Apostle Paul wished to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, around 61-64 A.D.:

“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” – Acts 20:16.

So, true Christians in Jerusalem were still observing Pentecost and Paul was observing it too! Otherwise, there would have been no obvious reason why Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.

The Greek term for Pentecost means 50th. And, that term is derived from the following Hebrew description of calculating the correct date:

“’And you shall count for yourselves from the day AFTER the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; …’” – Leviticus 23:15-16.

The Day of Pentecost in Scripture goes by different names, and because of that, many have been confused about it. Its other biblical names include: the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks and the day of firstfruits.

We in the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ observe the biblical method.

Christians should remember that our LORD God, Jesus Christ, condemned the Pharisees for relying way too much on their oral law over God’s written Law (Mark 7:5-13). Jesus told them they were ‘making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.’ – Mark 7:13.

Greetings From Prakasam, (Ongole) Andhra Pradesh, India

Minister David Raju Vankayalapati of the Church of Christ in India sent us some photo’s of their two day “Gospel Meeting” in the village of Pokuru last month.

He wrote:

“Good Morning brother greetings from India. Church Building is not complete please kindly helpful to this work And songs books pending in the preting press. And very poor people BROTHERS and SISTERS Need Telugu Bibles. Please try to understand and praying. Help to the children of God. Thank you for your great Encouraging. Thanks brother. davidking3112@gmail.com. Please keep in your prayers and Encouragement.”

Minister M.C. Garrett has stated:

“I know people who are so filled with hatred for other groups of people. … I know a person who is so filled with contempt, and vile hatred, for other racial groups, for other members of society, which he doesn’t agree.”

Let us not be like that friends. As our Lord Jesus Christ said, “…’for he who is not against us is on our side. … for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. … For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.’” – Luke 9:50; Mark 9:39, 41.

World News Items

Major escalation of violence against Israel from the Gaza Strip this past week (See: 250 rockets fired from Gaza at Israel; 1-year-old child among those killed in retaliatory airstrikes and Bombs rain down on Gaza and kill 'mother and her unborn baby' after hundreds of rockets are launched at Israel). Now, there was some who said Iran was behind this so that they could begin moves related to Syria. And, that Iran is planning to attack one or more United States targets (See: US sends STRIKE group to Middle East in BOLD threat to Iran - ‘Prepared to attack’ also Amidror: Iran behind the Gaza escalation). God’s living Word – the Bible – shows that God is soon to remove the protection from Judah and that Jerusalem will sustain major destruction (cf. Isaiah 22:8-9). Will this be from an Iran-Syrian alliance!?

Speaking of ancient Persia – Iran upped the stakes for the European Union by threatening to increase uranium enhancement unless it (along with others) can help it deal with the US sanctions. The US announced more sanctions (See: US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran as Tehran Suspends Some Parts of Nuclear Deal). US sanctions are continuing to push even more in the world, including Europe, farther away from the US!

In Judah (modern-day Israel), the Temple Institute announced that one ‘red heifer’ had been disqualified for having too many white hairs, but that it is still watching two other candidates (See: MAZAL TOV! TWO NEW RED HEIFER CANDIDATES BORN TO THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE!). A great many Jews believe that a red heifer ( a female cow) is so rare that God only plans to allow ten to be found, and that only nine have come and gone. They see the tenth as a sign that various end-time events must be implemented. Of course most, continue to DENY and REFUSE to ACCEPT any proof that Jesus is the Christos – the Christ – the Messiah!

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week:

* 2-3 hymns.
* Opening prayer.
* Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is: Repent For Salvation.
* Announcements (if any). And one hymn.
* Sermon. The one suggested this week is: Truth vs. Fiction. Other sermons are also available at the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website.

* Final hymn.
* Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Concluding Comment

Minister M.C. Garrett wrote of Christ’s Words in John 13:

“He said in John chapter 13 – you’ve heard this many times. Verse 34 – “’A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; …’” – I will interpret that … to mean that ‘you are kind one to another, that you be tender-hearted. That you forgive one another’ “…’as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’” – meaning, if you are kind one to another, if you are tender-hearted for one another, and if you are willing to forgive one another. … He says in another place, this is the only sign that truly identifies the people of God. That they would truly love one another.”

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Letter to our Friends - May 2, 2019

Dear Friends:

Greetings once again from Owensboro, Kentucky.

I hope and pray that you had a spiritually profitable Feast of Unleavened Bread this year.

Sincerity and Truth

The Apostle Paul, under inspiration of God’s Spirit, wrote, “let us keep the feast, … with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

“Therefore purge out the new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.

The Holy Days are all Christocentric! The Days of Unleavened Bread are pointing us to one thing – Jesus Christ! He is that unleavened bread of sincerity and truth!

Sadly, more and more, we are seeing this world against even the most obvious truths, like gender. How many genders did God create!?

Take a look at this interesting article:

The rather uncreatively-named illusory truth effect describes the way people are more likely to believe something is true after hearing it said many times. This is due to the fact that the familiar feeling we experience when hearing something we’ve heard before feels very similar to our experience of knowing that something is true. When we hear a familiar idea, its familiarity provides us with something called cognitive ease, which is the relaxed, unlabored state we experience when our minds aren’t working hard at something. We also experience cognitive ease when we are presented with a statement that we know to be true. We have a tendency to select for cognitive ease, which is why confirmation bias is a thing; believing ideas which don’t cause cognitive strain or dissonance gives us more cognitive ease than doing otherwise. …

Science has been aware of the illusory truth effect since 1977, when a study found that subjects were more likely to evaluate a statement as true when it’s been repeatedly presented to them over the course of a couple of weeks, even if they didn’t consciously remember having encountered that statement before. These findings have been replicated in numerous studies since, and new research in recent years has shown that the phenomenon is even more drastic than initially believed. A 2015 paper titled “Knowledge Does Not Protect Against Illusory Truth” found that the illusory truth effect is so strong that sheer repetition can change the answers that test subjects give, even when they had been in possession of knowledge contradicting that answer beforehand. This study was done to test the assumption which had gone unchallenged up until then that the illusory truth effect only comes into play when there is no stored knowledge of the subject at hand.

“Surprisingly, repetition increased statements’ perceived truth, regardless of whether stored knowledge could have been used to detect a contradiction,” the paper reads.

(https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/the-illusory-truth-effect-how-millions-were-duped-by-russiagate-61199bfbe325).

As more people around the world continue to depart from biblical standards and morality the more they attempt to downplay the truth and accuracy of the Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote – “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3. Be not deceived friends, Jesus Christ stated emphatically, ‘My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’ – Matthew 11:30.

The very use of a “big lie” is a propaganda technique used by Satan the devil in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-4). And, the very expression ‘big lie’ was somewhat expressed by Adolf Hitler in his book Mein Kampf. He preached, the use of a lie so “colossal” no one would believe, would make them accept it as their own natural inclination to think that no one “could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously.”

The lies against God’s Word – the Bible – is increasing exponentially! So much so that these lies are becoming ‘illusory truths’ to a great many.

More and more are prophesied to be deceived:

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, 10) and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11) And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12) that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

It is galling to realize what this prophesied human being is actually going to do and say – this end-time false prophet!

Friends, we MUST be those who ‘have the love of the truth.’ Be not deceived by the lies of fake news in this society, and of conspiracy theories.

Godtube

Friends, some have asked if there is a way you can help the Work of God. Well, if you would like to assist us with Godtube, please go to: o'borochurchofjesuschrist channel and, if you wish, please watch each of the video sermons there (even if you have seen them already on our YouTube channels).

We currently have 6 video sermons on Godtube.

If you are able to watch them, it would greatly help the view count with this great assistance.

Hopefully, by your assistance, you will be reminded of various grave prophetic matters.

We are having suspected problems from ‘shadow banning’ from YouTube. Essentially, that’s a way that some companies use to make it harder to find certain videos that they do not care for (such as the series of sermons Minister Michael C. Garrett gave entitled Toxic Philosophy).

While we do not agree with all that Godtube supports, and may decide it is not a correct video platform for us, Godtube is indeed a more religious based platform than Vimeo or YouTube. Godtube manually reviews every video uploaded to its site, and encourages the user with the instruction – “Be inspired in your walk with Jesus Christ and grow in your knowledge of the Bible with videos highlighting inspirational messages and verses.” At this moment, we see Godtube as a platform that is currently more likely not to try and censor us.

We know that a ‘famine of the Word of God’ is soon coming (Amos 8:11-12), yet, we still need to do the Work while we still can (John 9:4), and be prudent and wise about it (cf. Matthew 10:16-18).

YouTube

Despite actual issues like a skewed view count and potential issues with YouTube, we ask that you subscribe to our YouTube channels – Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ; Trevor Koonce; and the Leonard V. Johnson channel.

World News Items

The United States of America continues to get more and more people announcing that they would like to become the President of the United States! According to CBS News, there are currently 22 Democratic candidates running for president in 2020. Former vice president Joe Biden announced his candidacy last Thursday (See: Can Biden’s Washington Experience Propel Him to the White House?). Newsweek announced 10 Republicans could run with the POTUS in 2020. Of course NONE has admonished the United States citizens to repent and turn to Almighty God, and ‘seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness’ – Matthew 6:33.

Also, speaking of the United States of America, her debt continues to rise (See: The Road to 2025 (Part 3) – USD Dominated Financial System Will Fall Apart). According to God’s living Word in Habakkuk 2:6-8, debt will be a major factor in the coming destruction of the USA! (Be sure to read the article – What Must I Do?).

There was ever-greater violence in Venezuela after Juan Guaido’s efforts to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro and install himself (See: Venezuela: 'Attempted Coup' Underway, as Guaido Calls for Military to Help Oust Maduro). There are calls for even more violence (See: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Tries New Tactic to Topple Maduro). There are grave economic problems in what once was South America’s richest country. Like the rest of this world in this ‘present evil age,’ Venezuela NEEDS to REPENT and seek the Kingdom of God.

Suggested Sabbath Service

Here is a suggested Sabbath service for this week.

* 2-3 hymns.

* Opening prayer.
* Sermonette (if you choose). The one suggested for this week is: The Work of God’s Hand.
* Announcements (if any). And one hymn.
* Sermon: The one suggested for this week is: The Foundation Of Truth. Other sermons are available

   at Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ, and o'borochurchofjesuschrist.

* Final hymn.
* Closing prayer.

IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A ‘LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER WE HAVE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ website. Also, there are audio sermons on our Soundcloud Radio channel.

Concluding Comments

Minister Michael C. Garrett wrote:

1st Corinthians chapter 13 – we’ve read this before! But again, it’s one of those verses where you say, “Can I hear that too often!?” “Is there a point where I just don’t need to hear that anymore!?” Probably not. Verse 1 – “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [godly] love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – and I’ve often thought is there really a good reason for mountains to be thrown into the sea!?

I can’t think of many examples where, “Ah, I just think that mountain needs to go over there into that ocean!” If you had that much faith, and you did not possess godly love, your faith is simply like a wet bag of popcorn! You ever had a wet bag of popcorn!? It’s not very tasty. Verse 4 – “Love suffers long …” – it’s patient. And this is an issue which we in this age – this instant age of just go, go, go - I really think maybe we miss out on just the ability to be patient. “and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Verse 8 – “Love never fails. …” – well, that’s godly love, from God’s perspective. …

You might have a child that has done some thing’s wrong, but for most parents, they may be disappointed in their child, but they are not rejecting their child. They still love him, or they still love her. They still want to help them. Godly love endures. Think about all the people who say, “I love you!” And then they walk down the aisle at the wedding chapel, and then five-years later, “I hate you!” You get my picture. Human love, sometimes, doesn’t last very long. And any human love that does not last very long, is by its definition, not Godly love. Because, Godly love ‘never fails.’

Friends, let us ask Almighty God and Jesus Christ for His ‘godly love.’

Sincerely,