Personal From... What Gospel?

Part ONE

LAST MONTH I began what will become a series of personals. And I began by giving you some prehistory facts in relation to “God’s Work.” I love to write, and I absolutely love to explain to you just what the Lord our God has taught me throughout these five decades under His leadership. Sadly, there are brethren in the world that claim they don’t want to learn any more than what they learned in 1972! That truly boggles me, especially since we are told we should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” One who is stagnant in God’s living knowledge is dying a slow death.

So, to recap, I explained last month that when we speak of this awesome and this growing worldwide Work, we mean GOD’S LIVING WORK, which God is accomplishing through human servants – at this time. Now, mind you, in a Letter to our Friends I had written –

“ … many of the descendants of the [Church of God] continue to practice the misappropriation of Matthew 24:14. They continue to teach it as, “And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a WARNING and a WITNESS unto all nations, …” It does NOT say that! Jesus Christ said – quoting from the Authorized Version – “’ 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.’” The word witness is from the Greek word marturion, meaning testimony. And, testimony is almost always rendered “witness” in the Revised Version (RV). The New American Standard Bible (NASB) renders it, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Jesus Christ just said the TRUTH OF GOD will be preached. But human beings have incorrectly came up with the idea that THEY are going to be the ones doing the preaching! …

… in T R U T H – in the end-time – that TESTIMONY will come from Jesus Christ through His chosen ‘witnesses’ (possibly 12) – the “end-time prophets.” Friends, it is not referring to printing presses, or radio stations, or TV, and all of that …

… as I had written in May 2019 - 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 keyword 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 teaching is wrong as long as you understand that teach means a process. All the teaching required to make disciples doesn’t take place merely in making a witness. There are huge differences between the two.”

(Letter to our Friends – January 21, 2020).

Now, I’d like to note: There have been many ministers through the years that have tried using Mark 13:10, KJV as proof that their articles and booklets are to be “published” before “the end will come.” In the Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the word “published” in the Authorized Version in Greek is kēryssō, meaning “to be a herald, to proclaim.” 1 And, Strong’s Concordance renders it, “preach, proclaim, with warnings of consequences for not doing so.” The fourth-century Codex Sinaiticus renders the word “preached.”

Well, sadly, there are a great many of our peoples in this world that don’t properly understand the background – the biblically revealed facts of prehistory. One should understand this world’s conditions, as it exists in this 21st century – it’s civilizations, its various governments, it’s chaos and problems. These dreadful world conditions are one of the main reasons for God’s living Work in the world.

In a brief summary – in our free PDF online booklet – Proving the Truth! Minister Michael C. Garrett goes over the ‘seven proofs that God exists.’ And, that this great, awesome, and sovereign GOD, the supreme Personage, composed wholly of Spirit – not physical matter – is of a perfect mind and almighty power! And, GOD rules all creation. GOD designed and brought all into existence – including the known finite universe and its bodies – which includes our sun, this earth, and her one moon.

I had gone over last month that there is a Satan the devil – which was known as Hêlēl – meaning “shining one” – incorrectly translated Lucifer in the King James Version. He was a ‘covering cherub,’ created with great knowledge, wisdom, and perfect in beauty – trained for the very seat of God’s throne. He was trained to administer the Government of God upon the earth for the very arrival of mankind. This ‘covering cherub’ allowed himself to become filled with PRIDE and arrogance. And he organized a coup d'état of the third heaven – the very throne of the Master of the universe! He attempted to seize the very GOVERNMENT of the entire universe!

Now certainly, some may say – this sounds just like something out of a Star Wars movie (and we now know that George Lukas had read Joseph Campbell’s Myths To Live By (1972) – But, the fact being, GOD being the greatest and most Supreme power of the universe, Hêlēl and a third of the angels which followed him were thrown back down to the earth! – cf. Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:4.

Utter physical chaos and destruction of the earth resulted from this universal sin! – cf. Genesis 1:2. In SIX DAYS GOD brought about order from chaos – and certainly eliminated the giant dinosaurs – which had become dominant during the Triassic-Jurassic period, as well as that of the Cretaceous-Paleogene period – which ended (possibly by what many believe was a large asteroid which caused the Chicxulub crater in Mexico) 66 million years ago – as some estimate. Speaking of this order from chaos, the LORD our God inspired King David to write, “You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth” – Psalm 104:30.

Hêlēl – now Satan the adversary – was now disqualified to administer the Government of God in preparation for the creation of mankind (Adam and Eve being the first of true Homo sapiens). However, in the Master Plan of GOD, he could not be removed from the earth, and upon the throne of his kingdom, until a successor has qualified and been inducted into office.

Adam had the very chance to replace Satan. But Adam also reached out to take what GOD had forbidden – rebelling against the very Government of God – and obeyed Satan the devil.

It is sad that so very few truly understand just why our Lord Jesus Christ actually came to earth, nearly two thousand years ago, begotten by God the Father, yet born a human from the virgin Mary! He came to be the Savior of all mankind! Yes, and many do realize that. But there is so much more to it than just that. He also came to start the very living WORK OF GOD in a rebellious and wicked world!

And, like I had said, many of you may know just what “the Work” is, and many may not. But many of our growing friends in places like Cambodia, Ireland, Brazil, Trinidad, or Barbados may not.

Now, our Lord Jesus’ obedience to God the Father’s Law – the very Law of the Government of God – and by overcoming Satan the devil, along with His own human nature, qualified Jesus Christ to replace Satan the devil and to administer the very Government of God upon the earth – He is indeed also known as ‘the Last Adam’ (1 Corinthians 15:45).

But, as we are very aware – He did not, then, take over that world-ruling kingdom. He, at that time, was not inducted into office.

GOD first had a VERY IMPORTANT Work to be accomplished.

During His ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ explained to His disciples (Luke 19:11-27) that He (this ‘certain nobleman’ in His parable) “ … ‘went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom …’” But that He would first have to return to God the Father in the upper heavenly realms – “ … ‘and to return.’”

Now, in the Book of Daniel, the 7th chapter is a vision that describes this coronation –

“I watched in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days [God the Father], And they brought Him near before Him, 14) Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed” – Daniel 7:13-15.

In the upper heavenly realm, He will be given, officially, this Kingship; and there will supervise the Work of God in preparing and training brethren for His kingdom – to be co-rulers in His Government.

Jesus Christ’s Ministry

In the Book of Mark chapter 1 we read –

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” And, this beginning began with the work of John the Baptist. He prepared the Way for Jesus Christ’s ministry, or mission, of which God the Father had given Him.

“As it is written in the Prophets …” – in the Book of Isaiah.

“ … ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 3) ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’”

Then follows the very beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry –

Verse 14 – “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 in [obey] the gospel.’”

But, repent from what!? Repent of sin! In the 1st Book of John, we learn just what sin is –

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” - 1 John 3:4.

Lawlessness against the Government of God!

Let us notice that our Lord Jesus Christ says that it is necessary that one repents! He also says that it is necessary for one to believe! Not only to believe in and on Him – but also to believe the gospel message.

But, which gospel!?

Back in the spring of 2018, a man on Facebook tried to tell me “the gospel that should be preached now is the Gospel of grace of God.” He also went on to say, “the gospel of the kingdom will be preached again after the rapture to Israel before the second coming. We cannot preach the gospel of the kingdom now because that was meant for the lost sheep of the house of Israel only.” 

But, is this correct!?

Today, as it was so long ago (cf. Galatians 1:6-9), many preach a different gospel – “which is not another.” Some call what they preach, “the gospel of salvation,” or “the gospel of the grace of God,” or even “the gospel of Proven Principles and of Winning Formulas,” “the gospel of Church and Christian Ministry,” along with “the gospel of the Great Man,” “the gospel of reincarnation,” “the gospel of political ideology.” Or even the Seventh-day Adventists’ “the gospel of the Three Angels”! Then, there’s the gospel, or rather the message, about going off to heaven. Then there are those who preach about Christ only – about His title. Now, they may call it the gospel of Christ – but none of these are the gospel that JESUS CHRIST taught and preached!

Now, upon the writing up of this personal, on the Internet it is replete with church organizations, of all kinds, falsely proclaiming “the fact that there are different gospels”! Which truly flies in the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as all the original apostles! One particular blasphemous site’s tagline reads – “Rightly dividing our walk!”

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ was crystal clear concerning just what gospel to believe and obey – “ … ‘the kingdom of God …’” The gospel of the kingdom of God! Our Lord Jesus Christ preached the gospel – the good news – of the soon-coming kingdom of God. The very Government of God which will be implemented upon the earth!

This is how we state just what gospel our Lord Jesus Christ brought and taught from God the Father –

“The very word “gospel” means good news. The Gospel is the wonderful, good news Message of God’s Master Plan of salvation for all mankind through the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ – “the Christ, the Son of the living God” – cf. Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20. 

The New Testament calls this Message the Gospel of grace. The Gospel of grace is the good news that Jesus Christ is the Savior – the Messiah – of the world and that through His blood all who repent and believe on Him may have their sins forgiven and may enter into the family of God. The Gospel is also a Message about the soon-coming kingdom of God on E A R T H. 

It is the glorious, good news that when Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will set up His kingdom – His government. He will rule all nations as King of kings and Lord of lords. The saints who are given eternal life at the first resurrection – who are changed from mortal to immortal – will be co-heirs with Christ and will be given authority to rule His kingdom as kings and priests alongside Jesus Christ. Through preaching the Gospel, God is preparing saints for His kingdom by calling those whom He chooses to repentance and conversion.”

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you rightly understand, clearly, just WHAT gospel our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought from God the Father! Also, just WHAT gospel was sent unto the Gentiles. In the spring of 1981, I came to rightly understand that this world’s “traditional Christianity” teaches and preaches different gospels! Certainly, this is something each individual has to prove to themselves! And, your Bible says that Satan the devil has ‘deceived the whole world!’ – Revelation 12:9.

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ said of Himself –

“ … ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, …’” – John 5:19a. And, “’ I can of Myself do nothing’” – vs. 30. Along with, “ … ‘The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works’” – John 14:10b. And, continuing He says, “’ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; …’” – and speaking mostly of the end-time prophets He adds, 2 “ … ‘and greater works than these he will do, …’”

“’ the Spirit of truth, [which] the world cannot receive, … for [It] dwells with you and will be IN you’” – John 14:12, 17.

So, at the very beginning of His WORK OF GOD, our Lord Jesus Christ taught His twelve disciples, which God the Father had called unto Him (cf. John 17:24) the very Message given to Him by His Father concerning the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Then, after 3 ½ years, our Lord Jesus finished that initial phase of the Work of God, which Father had given Him to do. In His final prayer to Father, He says, “’ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do’” – John 17:4.

Note: Daniel 9:27, a two-fold prophecy, speaks of a remaining 3 ½ years of an end-time work. I briefly mention this in the article “Satan’s World” section ‘Satan’s sign and lying wonders’. Minister Garrett also writes concerning this –

“Daniel 9 gives us a clue: Contains what is often referred to as the SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY. Verse 27 – Remember, verse 25 we see the word “Messiah.” That’s who we’re talking about here in verse 27. The “he,” who – JESUS CHRIST – “he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;”

Which in Bible parlance, one day for a year – this is SEVEN YEARS. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Now, who was the ultimate sacrifice!? Jesus Christ. When did He die!? When was He executed!? He was executed on a WEDNESDAY, in the middle of the week. And, His human life ended after 3½ years of His public ministry. It was SEVEN YEARS He was supposed to have a very special dispensation. And He lived upon this earth for 3½ years, it begs the question: What became of the other 3½ years!? Well, the other 3½ years will be fulfilled in those events upon His return and for 3½ years the Millennium doesn’t really start, UNTIL AFTER 3½ years. Because Jesus Christ for 3½ years, is, as it were, remolding and reshaping the Earth – the people of the Earth. He’s getting the attitudes right. We are told “as a Rod of Iron.” And, Jesus Christ WILL wield that club, and we as members of the resurrected Family of GOD WILL in part wield that club, and here’s a part of the story – God uses the physical people of Israel as a part of His club. That’s a part of the story which has NEVER been told.”

(Garrett, M.C. Notes Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, 28 Sept. 2019, pgs. 16-17).

However, just prior to our Lord Jesus Christ finishing that initial phase of the Work of God, He had said to His disciples, “’ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send [It] to you’” – John 16:7.

So, after our Savior, Lord, and Master – Elder Brother – ascended to the very THRONE OF GOD, the very seat of the Government of the entire universe, He sent His Spirit. 3 And, about fifty days later – “when the Day of Pentecost had fully come” the Spirit of God was sent! And then His disciples became apostles!

Then, “having been built on the FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets [of the Old Testament], Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20) He built His Church. “In whom the WHOLE BUILDING, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (vs. 21) – which is composed of those called and begotten children of God who have received, and in who is dwelling, God’s Holy Spirit – they are the spiritual temple of God.

Now, the head of Jesus Christ’s Church is not – and never has been – any man, but it’s always been the living Jesus Christ!

Why the Church!?

Notice that the Church is called “His Body” – “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23) which IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” – Ephesians 1:22-23.

Just why is His Church called “the Body of Christ”!? – see also Ephesians 4:12; 5:30; Colossians 1:24; 1st Corinthians 10:17; 12:27; Romans 12:5.

Well, because it is the SAME POWER that had worked mightily in our Lord Jesus Christ’s human physical body which then entered the collective body of His Church. The Church, lead by JESUS CHRIST from the upper heavenly realm after His resurrection unto glory – which was led by the apostles who had been taught and trained directly from Jesus Christ, becoming the COLLECTIVE BODY empowered by God’s Spirit – is today still being led by JESUS CHRIST from the upper heavenly realm – CARRYING ON THE LIVING WORK OF GOD!

And, that work, initially, was the divine commission. Notice this –

“ … ‘Go into ALL THE WORLD and preach the gospel to every creature’” – Mark 16:15. The word “creature” in Greek is ktisis, meaning, “creation or governmental institution.” Along with, “’ Go therefore and make disciples of [meaning, teach] all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; …’” – Matthew 28:19, 20.

Minister Guy C. LaMar gave a very informative sermon entitled “The Work Of The Church” which certainly speaks volumes of God’s living truth! We are reminded that since God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), His divine commission for His Church has not changed.

Many within this world’s “traditional Christianity” falsely teach that our Lord Jesus Christ turned over the Church to the apostle Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17-19) – to a human successor as voted by men. But God’s living word distinctly says, “And He is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, …” – Colossians 1:18. See also Ephesians 4:15; 5:23.

Just what is the purpose of Jesus Christ’s Church – even in this 21st-century world!? Well, in a nutshell – it is the same as it was in the 1st century! –

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the BODY OF CHRIST, 13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” – Ephesians 4:12-13.

And, again, just what gospel did the original apostles proclaim!? It was – and is – the gospel of the Kingdom of God! Let’s go through some of the Scriptures that prove this –

“These TWELVE Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7) And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom [from] heaven is at hand’” – Matthew 10:5-6.

Minister Michael C. Garrett teaches an enlightening truth regarding “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” –

“This is an end-time prophecy! Even though the story started out in about 30 AD, the story became a prophecy for the end-time. … Now, think about that phrase, ‘lost sheep.’ Jesus said, ‘feed My sheep.’ Now in one sense the physical people of Israel are the ‘lost sheep.’ But in an even more spiritual, more heightened, more intense meaning, I think Jesus Christ might very well be saying, ‘Go to the lost Church member’s.’ ‘Go to those people who thought they were in a good organization, they didn’t realize their leaders were corrupt and their doctrines were impure – or highly compromised.’ ‘Go to those lost sheep!’ I think it has a double meaning!”

(Garrett, M.C. The Day of Atonement Prophetically the Day of the Lord, 2019, pg. 38).

“He sent them to preach the kingdom of God …” – Luke 9:2.

“ … ‘and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” – Luke 10:9b.

“ … and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” – Acts 1:3b.

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, …” – Acts 8:12.

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God” – Acts 19:8.

“ … among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, …” – Acts 20:25.

“ … and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, …” – Acts 28:23.

“preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …” – Acts 28:31.

“for the kingdom of God is not …” – Romans 14:17.

“For the kingdom of God is not …” – 1 Corinthians 4:20a.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” – 1 Corinthians 6:9. See also verse 10.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; …” – 1 Corinthians 15:50.

“ … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” – Galatians 5:21b.

“For this you know, that no fornicator [whoremonger, meaning “pornos – one who is sexually immoral], unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” – Ephesians 5:5.

“ … These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God …” – Colossians 4:11b.

“ … that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, …” – 2 Thessalonians 1:5.

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God [God the Father], and the power of His Christ [Jesus the Christ] have come, …” – Revelation 12:10.

And, let us always be reminded, that the apostle Paul WARNED that a DOUBLE CURSE would be pronounced on anyone preaching any different gospel – Galatians 1:8-9.

We – built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone – continue to bring you the great and awesome message of God - which is based upon the Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God. Our mission and our purpose is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ, when He said, “’ FEED MY SHEEP!’” We do the will of God the Father and Jesus Christ - to preach the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, 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 glorious Kingdom of God! □

to be continued

Bibliography

1) Vine, W.E., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey, published by United Kingdom Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Publications, Ltd., 1981, pg. 229.

2) Mr. Garrett mentions an absolutely remarkable meaning – from his own personal take on studying the Bible – of John 14:12b in End-Time Prophets – a seven-part series, Part 2 section ‘in mighty signs, wonders, and deeds.’

3) Be sure to read “Is God a Trinity?” by Michael C. Garrett. Is the Holy Spirit a being, or the creative power of the Godhead?

An Elder and a Minister

Within the tradition of the Church of God, and by TEACHINGS of our church faith, the difference between an elder and a minister is that the elder is an ordained man who serves a local church or local area of churches.

An elder would be stationed in one area to oversee his group, whereas a minister oftentimes oversees various groups in several areas.

An elder may pastor a church group in one area in the morning on the holy Sabbath, and then later in the afternoon serve another church group in a different area.

A minister is like an evangelist – who may need to travel long distances to preach the gospel message. Yet, a minister also could be like an elder, stationary, pastoring only one area church group. He may serve as a pastor for a time in one area, and then later travel to another area to serve.

Various churches of this world have their traditions and ideas on this matter, but this is the tradition and the teachings concerning this matter in the Church that I serve.

Thus, this is why I firmly stand, without wavering, in this Church of God teaching.

Now, ministers are, traditionally, known to build up churches, to ordain elders, to oversee the churches, and then move on to another area to repeat this process.

Truly, there is very little difference between an elder and a minister.

They are both servants of Jesus Christ – with the very same ministerial (or servitude) instructions.

Now, in God’s living word – the Holy Bible – an elder is typically the pastor or ordained spiritual leader of the congregation.

The apostle Peter, himself, was a fellow elder.

The apostle John writes as an elder.

The apostle Paul told Titus to appoint elders in each town.

John the Baptist, indeed, was a minister. However, he didn’t have one set group to oversee.

Paul was more of a traveling evangelist – or a traveling minister.

A minister is known in many locations for serving in the churches.

An elder and a minister have authority over the church group that they oversee. They make sure that the church group is in the correct order. Both are teachers and preachers – speakers – of the glorious gospel message.

To be ordained as a “minister” means that the man may travel more than would the “elder” in teaching and preaching the gospel.

Ministers may also oversee various church groups in various areas. As was the case with the minister Paul the apostle.

Now, an ORDAINED “minister” has the potential of having more responsibility because he generally serves more of a diversified group – because he may travel to various areas more than an elder.

Truly, to break down in simplest terms – “minister,” “preacher,” “elder,” “evangelist,” “pastor,” and “bishop” – basically all means the same.

So, even a deacon is to be of the same quality. A deacon is a next step to being an elder. However, a deacon serves only his own church group as a helper to the elder or minister and the flock.

As is the case with a deaconess. She also may serve in helping her own church group. 

However, NO WOMAN is allowed to preach. Yet, they certainly may council other women within the church group.

a deacon

Becoming a deacon is a test to see if the man qualifies to become an elder.

If he is helpful to the elder/minister and shows himself humble in his servile duties, then the minister may ordain him as an elder to help build the church group.

Now, if a deacon lacks in his duties given by the minister and shows himself unworthy by doing things which a deacon should not do – then he needs to be relieved from his duties.

When a deacon does such things – like not being on time for church services (which truly is one of the WORST things he can do, as it shows disrespect for Almighty God), or not being helpful at church or he becomes prideful – believing that he can somehow undermine the minister and take over, as many deacons have been known to do - he disqualifies himself from being a deacon.

He shows himself not qualified for service in the church.

In some cases, a minister may just simply have to walk away from a church group. And, this has happened many times throughout the Church of God history among many of the churches around the world.

I, personally, knew a Pentecostal preacher that had to walk away from his church group because he discovered something in God’s living word which didn’t go along with the church organization's teachings. And, the exact same thing happened with a Church of Christ preacher I knew.

There was a minister who left the Seventh-day Adventist conference in the early ‘30s. He had been their pastor for several years, and he just simply had to walk away from them because they were a “stiff-necked people.” He would go on to have church with his family each Sabbath and later did a radio program until he could build a more united group.

He would become one of the most successful and influential ministers of the 20th century!

In fact, his son also had to walk away from pastoring a church group which he had started – because of a rebellious spirit towards him. He found himself being undermined by his own church group which he had founded. Thus he, like his father before him, had to WALK AWAY and start another church group elsewhere.

Now, one of my own spiritual mentors was exceedingly frustrated with his own church group who began to disrespect his position as minister. The disrespect became so bad, he just simply had to walk away and start an independent church.

Another spiritual mentor walked away after having his fill of political garbage being brought into the church group week after week! He was unable to preach and teach enough against it to get through to the hard-headed people. So, he threw his arms up into the air – and walked away.

Also, another one of my spiritual mentors – a true minister of God – was railroaded by a church group (led by a super jealous yahoo, a deacon nonetheless) that greedily desired to be in the position of minister. So, he started a coup d'état against the minister of God.

This man of God was viciously attacked by nasty assaults upon his reputation – of ugly LIES brought about by this deacon, servant of Satan the devil!

This man of God taught me valuable lessons on just what a true servant of God is to do when gravely attacked by servants of Satan the devil. He maintained his cool, and just simply WALKED AWAY and went on to preach elsewhere.

Another one of my spiritual mentors was also railroaded because he preached more JESUS and less Moses! It was truly more than that Old Testament/Old Covenant following church organization could take!

Friends, these are but just a few cases where ministers were forced to WALK AWAY from their own church group and start over elsewhere.

Sadly, I myself WALKED AWAY from a church group that I had started.

Lessons learned.

When you truly have the HOLY SPIRIT leading you, then you can see through the muck of a bad spirit trying to disguise itself as a righteous spirit. □

Additional things to think about...

A Roman "Mark"!? - Back in Rome, in the times before our Lord Jesus Christ, the Roman government MARKED people by branding them on their hands and on their foreheads – like a tattoo. [...]

A Message of Only Doom!? - Is the Message that our Lord Jesus brought a Message of only doom!? [...]

Idol Worship - A great many of our people are grasping hold of their idols! Politics can be an idol. [...]

Satan's World

A Changing World!

Greetings Everyone! Hello, friends in Ireland, South Dakota, North Carolina, Bangladesh, and everyone around the world! Welcome to Spring Hill, Florida! I’m Leonard V. Johnson. This is the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. It is so great to be here with all of you again.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Sabbath rest. It is nice to be at peace and at rest from the hectic of the workweek.

Friends, this world is changing! And sometimes it does feel as if it’s with lightning speed for a man in the autumn of his years. I have seen such drastic changes – rapid changing – in technology, science, medicine, and in cultures, neighborhoods, and in our cities and towns all throughout the world.

From the time that I was a small child I have seen some very dramatic changes in this world – from the time when prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were allowed in schools, and even from a time when a little peace was enjoyed in all parts of our great nation. The pride in our work and in our ethics was something to indeed be proud of! My wife and I often complain about the utterly deplorable service we get when we go into a place of business – the “don’t really care” attitude that most people have. Also, our grievous sadness concerning the family unit in our nation as well. Since the early years of my life, the gay “rights” movement was beginning to make ground for legal reform in western Europe and in the US. In those early years, I barely knew what the word “gay” meant “keenly alive and exuberant, happily excited” – now, that word has completely morphed into meaning a “licentious homosexual.” And, not only that – but these licentious homosexuals have not only come completely out of the closet, but they’ve also knocked the closet doors off its hinges! And I can certainly recall that back-in-the-day there was a certain amount of respect for authority.

What happened!?

Why have our societies become a cauldron of vanity, of overwhelming pride and arrogance!? – with great hatred – with such venom being spewed out!? Jealousy, resentment, a re-emergence of chauvinism, and the rejection of any form of authority whatsoever!? Also, the overwhelming willingness to trample on fellow citizens with a goal of simply making a living!? I mentioned this today in a comment to a sermon on Facebook – where back in the 70s, Henry Kissinger was known to have remarked, “Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control the people.” It appears to be paramount in this world today! We are such a divisive nation. And sadly, most people don’t look too far for someone to blame. They blame other people, other races, and people in government for their personal misfortunes in life.

What is happening to our people!?

What is happening to our nation!?

What is happening to the world!?

We’re on the cusp of an economic catastrophe! We certainly need to be keeping our hands on the pulse of our economy! Because our nation is spending money faster – by huge amounts the likes of which we never have before witnessed since the founding of this nation.

We have powerful enemies that have a strong set of values – as our values continue to plummet. And, I’ve WARNED of the very probability that we are heading for a war in the Middle East! (Be sure to listen to this grave warning entitled “’ Blow the Trumpet!’” on our Soundcloud Radio channel)! With terrorist Hamas attacking Israel and this growing terrorism in Afghanistan – a powder keg ready to explode! What about our relationship with China – which just recently landed a rover on the planet Mars! Now, China is not a third-world backward nation - they are a space-age nuclear-powered powerful nation! And let’s not forget about Russia – who is on the rise! What are the aspirations of Vladimir Putin!? All of these ‘sorrows’ around the world – all within a siege of a globe-girdling pandemic that has gone on for nearly a whole year!

Why have we come to this place in our nation!? Are we as a nation so insane that we are willing to give up every freedom and blessing to wallow in sorrow!? Now, I say this facetiously – I believe that every one of our people truly seeks a peaceful and happy, and full life. But, why can’t we then find that kind of life!?

Friends, GOD promises us protection and great blessings, prosperity, tranquility – “IF” we will obey His living word, commandments, and follow His way of life!

Let’s begin in Scripture today in Deuteronomy the 28th chapter.

Verse 1 – “’ Now it shall come to pass, IF you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.’”

Now, this obviously was His great blessings! And he went on to talk about the blessings of the cattle, the fruit of the fields, the baskets, the opening up of the rain in its season – when one comes in and when one goes out. He also states in verse 7 – “’ The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.’”

But, in verse 15 of this same chapter, he says, “ … ‘IF you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.’”

So, when we read this 28th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy, and we overlay these curses over what is happening to this world and our nations, our cities and towns, surely one can see how we as a nation has completely rejected GOD’s authority over us – as a whole.

Now, friends, I know that there are a great number of our people that believe in God, and trust in God – but they seem to be in a great minority in today’s world.

And, these terrible curses which could come upon our people and our nation as a result of not obeying God – it says in verse 64 – “’ Then the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you shall serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known – wood and stone. 65) And among those nations you shall find no rest, nor shall the sole of your foot have a resting place; …’”

This is the ultimate outcome!

There will soon come a time when God’s end-time prophets will stand before presidents and prime ministers of nations, the final ‘beast power’ and the final ‘false prophet,’ along with the ‘god of the earth’ and will testify for 3½ years WARNING, “let my people go!”

And they will ultimately be killed!

When you read just what the results of God’s living word is – it’s easy to understand what will be the outcome of our great nation – “IF” again, we as a nation, do not repent, turn, and begin obeying the LORD our God!

The LORD our God promises us protection and great blessings, prosperity, tranquility if we obey His commandments and statutes.

Well, just where does this attitude of rebellion come from!?

How did this rebellious attitude originate!? And how does this attitude get into the minds of our people!?

The answer being – we were born with a certain resistance to authority. Because we are carnal.

Let’s turn in our Bible to the Book of Romans the 8th chapter.

Verse 7 – “ … the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the Law of God, nor indeed can be.”

The carnal minds which are walking around the earth has a natural proclivity for rebellion. And they certainly cannot keep the Law of God because God’s Holy Spirit doesn’t dwell within them.

So, here we have carnal minds, who resist authority, and they become very fertile for Satan the devil, and his demons! And, this is what I would like to speak about this Sabbath.

The god of the world

What is the natural outcome of humans left to their own devices!?

Death.

I recall watching on television when I was sixteen years old a Claymation film entitled The Adventures of Mark Twain. In the film was a very creepy scene in which a mysterious stranger lets the children make some people out of clay for a little village. The mysterious stranger gives these clay figures “life” –and they began to fight amongst themselves. The mysterious stranger reaches down as these little clay people were fighting amongst themselves and squashes them with his hand.

Death.

Now, I have often mentioned to my wife that the “over breeding” of humans has partially resulted in why so many of our people are insane. And I’m not speaking of the terrible true debilitating insanity. I recall that there was a time when states required a blood test before marriage. I do not agree that in todays’ societies human mates (as in married men and women) prefer a mate who shares the same or similar traits, such as genetics, height or body mass, skin pigmentation, disease risk or mental disorders, race or ethnicity, facial features, socioeconomic factors, cultural backgrounds, moral values, religious beliefs, political orientation, educational attainment, or even general intelligence. I have witnessed throughout my years a grave decline in perspective parents even caring about any of these very important traits for their future children! Most just appear to care about having sex! I personally know of a first cousin marrying their first cousin and having a child! Today, sadly, there are doctors that state, “The chance of having a child with a serious medical disorder between a consanguineous couple (first cousins) is only 3% - just marginally higher than a non-consanguineous couple.” GOD FORBID! I note – just because the word “cousin” isn’t listed in Leviticus 18:6-18, His living word also doesn’t use the words “trinity,” “Halloween,” or “Christmas.” So you cannot go by what God’s living word doesn’t say, because that leaves the door wide open for all kinds of abominable sins! God does say, “’ None of you shall approach ANY BLOOD RELATIVE of his to uncover nakedness; I AM the LORD.’” – NASB. Now reason itself dictates that a first cousin is ‘near of kin’ - #7607, a blood relative.

Indeed God’s living word – the Holy Bible – does give some examples of blood relatives that are prohibited – like an aunt (Leviticus 18:12-14), a sister (Leviticus 18:9; Deuteronomy 27:22), a grand-daughter (Leviticus 18:10), but just as our Lord Jesus Christ did not mention all of the Ten Commandments (cf. Matthew 19:18-19) because He was speaking to a Jew, and He needed to clarify of which commandments he was speaking; He clarified that He was speaking about God’s Commandments, not the commands of the Sanhedrin. God, here, does not need to mention every single blood relative by name because He states already, “’ ANY BLOOD RELATIVES.’”

But I digress – and we should indeed ask the question – who is it that is planting these seeds of rebellion!?

Back in the Book of Genesis chapter 2 – we read of the original planter of these seeds of rebellion.

Verse 8 – “The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9) And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree [of determining good and evil].”

Verse 15 – “Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” – He put him to work.

Verse 16 – “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17) but of the tree [of determining good and evil] you shall NOT eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” – in other words, “in the day” being an approximate amount of time.

The LORD our God has the right to give commands – doesn’t He!?

And Adam had the right to choose – didn’t he!? Whether he would obey the LORD God and have all these wonderful blessings – this beautiful garden of Eden in which to live and work.

Verse 18 – “And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; …’”

And, of course, the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, taking out of his side a rib – which is a beautiful analogy of the family unit. Here He took the woman from the man and placed her right beside him.

Verse 22 – “Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.”

Verse 23 – “And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; …’ 24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Verse 25 – “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed.”

So, notice this. They didn’t have any reason to be ashamed because they hadn’t committed any sins.

But, along comes Satan.

Chapter 3, verse 1 – “Now the serpent [the enchanting whisperer] was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

A much better rendering of ‘serpent’ would be an enchanting whisperer. He was not like a snake which was slithering around on the ground – I will cover with you here in a moment just what he looked like and just what Eve actually saw! She was not afraid of him, either, by the way. She did not see a SNAKE! She truly saw something very different!

Now, of course, he enticed her to eat from this tree – and we know the story.

So, the very first lie was told to our parents – “’ You will not surely die. God is hiding something from you!’”

So this enchanting whisperer – this magnetic being – was attractive to Eve. She gave in to his spiel.

Over in the Book of Matthew, the 13th chapter our Lord Jesus Christ calls this enchanting whisperer, “’ an enemy,’” and “’ the wicked one.’” And in the Book of John, He calls him “’ a murderer from the beginning,’” and “’ a liar and the father of it.’”

Where Is Satan the devil From!?

Our Lord Jesus Christ stated in the Book of Luke the 10th chapter – 

Verse 18 – “ … ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”

He witnessed that event!

Now, this next Scripture we should all know by heart – Ezekiel chapter 28 –

Here is a description of Satan the devil who once had a very high and elevated position in the kingdom of God.

Verse 14 – “’ You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God [in the kingdom of God]; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.’”

So, he was right there – in the very throne-room of Almighty God – as an anointed cherub – in the very presence of God.

Also, I note – the very word ‘cherub’ here is ke rûb, which means cherubim. And in the 1st chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel saw cherubim.

He saw these great beings and “the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.” “Their wings,” he continues to explain, “stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies” – and “the hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides.” He also goes on and describes them having the appearance of burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. Also stating that they “sparkled like the color of burnished bronze.” They were radiating like the color of amber out of the midst of a fire.

This is what a cherub looks like!

And, this is exactly what Eve saw!

Let us also note – that when the LORD God gave the instructions for building the temple in the wilderness – do you recall some of those small details!? Like making all these carvings of wood and making magnolias and pomegranates and overlaying them with fine gold or silver – the tapestries and how they were to be designed, the color and the shape, the sizes!? Also, the LORD spoke to Moses and said, “’ make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it molding of gold all around. … And you shall make two cherubim of gold; …”

Yet, you can go all through the Book of Exodus chapter 25 and there is not one word of just what a cherub looked like. It’s very interesting – because they already knew what cherubim looked like. Eve and Adam certainly saw this evil and vile cherubim, and when they were driven out of the garden of Eden – a cherubim was placed “at the east of the garden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”

So, for those some fifteen hundred years – between the time of Adam to the Great Flood – that gate was likely guarded by cherubim and certainly saw by people.

And, I find it most interesting that many ancient civilizations, like the Sumerians, Assyrians, the Egyptians – created creatures like the human-headed winged lion lamassu (pictured to the left). Many of these different empires would have depictions of these multi-winged creatures.

But – going back to Ezekiel chapter 28 –

Verse 15 – “’ You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.’”

Verse 16 – “’ By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God [the kingdom of God]; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.’”

Verse 17 – “’ Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; …’”

So, this ‘covering cherub,’ this enchanting whisperer was pleasing to look upon.

“ … ‘You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.’” – certainly here is a reference to the Book of Revelation 20.

We can certainly turn to the Book of Isaiah the 14th chapter and ask a profound question – how was it possible that Satan the devil fall from such a prominent position in the kingdom of God!?

The LORD God asks, “’ How [or why] you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, …’” – or rather, Hêlēl – meaning “shining one.” “ … ‘ son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!’”

And he is truly the power behind the thrones of many kingdoms of this world – in which these great and powerful nations have come to power, placing multiple millions of people under bondage, with genocides, with atrocities, under the authoritarian regime of the evil hand of some man possessed by this evil and vile cherub! So here we are reading the power behind these individuals.

Verse 13 – “’ For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars [the angels] of God; …’”

He basically said in his heart – ‘The LORD God (who would later become our Lord Jesus Christ) is not my authority, I’m going to exalt my throne above JESUS CHRIST!

He had this attitude of rebellion.

“ … ‘I will also sit on the mount of the congregation [see 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4] On the farthest sides of the north; 14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” – speaking here of God the Father!

So, it wasn’t enough for this evil and vile cherub – or Hêlēl as he was called – to exalt himself about the Word (JESUS CHRIST; see John 1:1, 14), but he aspired to be like the Most High – GOD THE FATHER!

Verse 15 – “Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, …’”

The word being še ‘ôl in Hebrew and tartaroo in Greek, meaning “realm of death.” So, this tartaroo – metaphorically – is earth.

“ … ‘To the lowest depths of the Pit. 16) Those who see you will gaze at you, And consider you, saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms, …’” – a reference to the final ‘beast power’ which will be possessed by this evil and vile cherub at the time of the end.

Now, it is true that Satan the devil has enormous power! Are you aware that he has a kingdom!? - cf. Ephesians 2:1-3. And that he has millions of subjects! And, like any ruler of a kingdom, he plans actions such as wars – with a vast military. And he knows his enemies very well.

In the Book of 2 Corinthians chapter 4, and verse 4 – which we quote quite a bit, the apostle Paul says that he is “the god of this age.” And our Lord Jesus Christ says that he is ‘the ruler of this world.’ In the Book of Matthew, it does say that Satan has a kingdom.

“’ If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?’” – Matthew 12:26.

Now, our Lord Jesus Christ had cast out a demonic spirit – this certain individual was possessed of a demon, and he was blind and deaf. And our Lord healed him completely! Now, some which were there said of Him, ‘Could this be the Son of David!? – He must be the Messiah!’ But others, the Pharisees said of Him, ‘This fellow must be Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons!’

In the Book of Matthew chapter 12 –

Verse 25 – “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”

Now, we certainly should be asking ourselves this – in a church, in a company, and in a government!

Verse 26 - “’ If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?’”

Verse 27 – “’ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28) But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.’”

Here speaking about Satan the devil and his demonic followers.

The Book of Revelation the 12th chapter describes Satan the devil as “a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems [crowns] on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars [the angels] of heaven and threw [or rather, ‘had them thrown’] them to the earth.”

Now, one of the only ways to grasp the magnitude of just how many demons are upon this earth is – we do know that the Book of Hebrews speaks about a multitude of angels that are too great to count – cf. Hebrews 12:22. This impression is greatly expanded in the Book of Revelation –

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” – Revelation 5:11, NKJV.

Other Bible versions use the phrase “myriads of myriads” (ESV), and “millions” (NLT).

While God’s living word leaves the exact number of angels unspecified, could it be that there could be as many holy angels in existence as the total number of “little ones” who have been called throughout all generations!? – cf. Matthew 18:10. “Little ones” meaning: new Church members – cf. Acts 12:13-15; Hebrews 1:14.

So, this means that there are millions of demonic spirits upon this earth!

Now, just who is Satan the devil’s subjects!?

Turning to the 13th chapter of the Book of Matthew we read –

Verse 38 – “’ The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.’”

These are the ones that grow up with the good seed. They are there throughout their whole existence.

Recall our Lord Jesus Christ says, “ …’ when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seeds in your field? How then does it have tares?’ … The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’” – Matthew 13:27, 28.

Jesus Christ continues, “’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.’” – verse 29.

They are to grow together until harvest time and then they will be separated.

But, indeed, Satan the devil has followers!

And, by-the-by – when our Lord Jesus Christ had struck the apostle Paul down as he was on his way to Damascus – turning to the Book of Acts chapter 26 – He had asked him –

Verse 14 – “ … ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ … Verse 16 – “’ But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.’”

And, of course, we know that the apostle Paul probably had a three-year ministry under the discipleship of Jesus Christ personally.

Verse 17 – “’ I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18) to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, …’”

This certainly tells us that these Gentile nations were – and are today – under Satan the devil’s authority. He certainly has power over this physical world.

In Ephesians 2:2 the apostle Paul calls him “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the [children] of disobedience.”

Now, he certainly can cause the likes of hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and upheavals, riots, plagues, diseases – including the COVID-19 – cf. Job 1:12, 16. Yet, whatever influence Satan and his minions have over the weather is restricted by Almighty God’s ultimate sovereignty – recall His living word – “There is One Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy” – James 4:12. 

“’ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into [gehenna fire]; yes, I say to you, fear Him!’” – Luke 12:5; Matthew 10:28.

It's sad that the greater majority of this world want to stand and say to the LORD our God – “Why did You let this happen!?” And yet, it is Satan the devil who is in charge of this world.

Now, there are a great many people in this world that will try and exercise Satan the devil, and his minions from others. There were, in the days of the apostle Peter, some of the itinerant (traveling) Jewish exorcists who took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus Christ over some who had evil spirits within them. 

Well, we need to be especially careful!!!

Acts 19:15 – “ … the evil spirits answered …’” – recall Regan MacNeil, possessed by Pazuzu in the movie The Exorcist answered, ‘What an excellent day for an exorcism.’ 

“ … ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’ … 16) … the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

They were beaten up and bloodied because they thought they had power over Satan the devil and his demons. We do not have power – in and of ourselves – over Satan the devil. It is only through JESUS CHRIST and through our faith in Jesus Christ – recall, even the archangel Michael “dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ – cf. Jude 1:9.

Satan the devil's religion

Have you ever thought about the fact that Satan the devil and his demons are religious!?

Turning into the Book of 2nd Corinthians the 11th chapter is an amazing Scripture –

Verse 13 – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.”

Now, would a human being truly do this!?

This occurred in the apostles’ day, and it certainly happened after they died! Certain writers would write letters and say ‘this is from the apostle John,’ or ‘this is from Bartholomew.’ Case in point: the felonious, corrupt apocryphal Christian letters, i.e. the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Acts of John, Peter, Paul, Andrew, and Thomas. The Secret Gospel of Mark, The Secret Book of John, etc.

Verse 14 – “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

So, truly, when he had appeared to Eve – he possibly tried to look as close as possible to the Word Himself! He turned on the charm and the magnetic personality.

Now, recall we had read Matthew chapter 13 that the Sower sows good seeds, and among them are tares. And, along comes Satan the devil and his demons and he snatches away the living word of the Eternal. He tries to thwart God’s living word when it’s planted. And, not long ago I had this very thing happen to me – as a minister. I have planted seeds, gave them water, tried picking out thorns which others have planted – and I’ve seen the faces of those who have laughed at me, have spit at me, screamed at me to leave them alone. I have personally explained to many – with one in mind – about the glorious hope of the gospel message, of the potentiality of eternal life, the great hope of the resurrection of the dead in Christ into the very family of God. And, of the one I have in mind, who had indulged in a lifestyle which God abhors and finds abominable, rolling her eyes and laughing at me. And, I have also experienced – as a minister – those who have looked into my eyes, with the greatest of faith and hope, and then along comes some follower of Satan the devil, that will just completely annihilate, with their interpretation of Scripture, the beautiful little growing seedlings – and now they have received another Jesus whom we have not preached, or they have received a different spirit which had not been of us, or they have received a different gospel which they had not heard from us – and they begin to put up with it! – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:4. Also, when God the Father had begun to call me once again to His living word – in 2011 – my very friend and mentor was teaching a different gospel than I had known – cf. Galatians 1:6-9. He died nine years later from suffocation caused by Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Here's an excerpt from my notes regarding this -

“If you come up with a line of garbage that confuses your fellow human being and they end up worshiping a false god and a false religion, and I pray tell – a false doctrine, you are putting that person in extreme jeopardy! And by right the false prophet, the false teacher should face the same penalty. Which is death. And I can’t help but think that Ron had helped lead me astray from the Word of God for some 7 years!”

The followers of Satan the devil will pervert the Scriptures. Recall in the Book of Matthew the 4th chapter, when our Lord Jesus Christ encountered Satan the devil out in the wilderness after having fasted without food for forty days and forty nights!? Satan was blurting out Scriptures – he literally knows God’s living word forwards and backward, and can quote it to you – slightly skewed.

In the Book of Apocalypse the 2nd chapter, our Lord Jesus Christ writing to His Church says, “’ I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews [basically meaning ‘the chosen people’] and are not, but are a synagogue [a church, or a group] of Satan.’”

In the Book of Revelation chapter 12 Satan, the devil is called the deceiver of the whole world!

Satan's sign, and lying wonders

Are you aware that Satan can create false miracles!?

God’s living word tells us that he knows that his time is short and that he – in this end-time – is stirring up a great rebellion among people against authority. And he uses these false miracles to accomplish his work – i.e. the Three Secrets of Fátima, the “Our Lady of Clearwater” in ’96, along with the untold number of so-called visions of Mary.

Turn with me to the Book of 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 –

The apostle Paul writing to the Church of God there in Thessaloniki – verse 3 – “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come [speaking of the terrible Day of the LORD] unless the falling away comes first, …”

This theme continues in the writings of the apostle John as he wrote down the message from God’s angel. Revelation chapter 13, verse 13 – “He [this very “son of perdition” - this false prophet] performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven [the sky] on the earth in the sight of men.”

The power to apparently pull down lightning from the sky!?

Indeed, there are in this world – in this 21st century – illusionists, like Simon Magus was, such as Criss Angel, David Blaine, Shin Lim, and Lu Chen.

“ … and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4) who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

Even our Lord Jesus Christ has WARNED us of this:

Matthew chapter 24. This great end-time false prophet.

Verse 24 – “’ For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.’” 1

Now, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (which means “God Manifest”) in roughly 168 or 167 B.C. – in the physical temple, he placed a statue of Zeus — the false god he believed was manifest in his own royal being — and sacrificed swine on the altar. In a newly built third physical temple an end-time ‘abomination of desolation’ will take place! – cf. Matthew 24:15.

The final ‘beast’ and the final ‘false prophet’ – that has the ability through Satan to create false miracles – ‘lying wonders’ – pulling down fire from the sky, they will be Satan’s counterfeits to God’s end-time servants. And, ultimately, to God’s Two Witnesses.

Minister Michael C –

“Folks, understand, the ‘beast’ and the ‘false prophet’ are simply Satan’s counterfeit to what God is gonna do on this Earth! He will work an end-time work! The most spectacular event in the history of human-kind! I envision servants of God walking into a major metropolitan hospital – starting at the top floor and working their way down to the basement, the morgue, and cleaning it out! And when these men are given that power from God – servants of Jesus – they’re going to walk out and every radio and television van in the land is gonna be parked in the parking lot! All their satellite dishes and their microphones, and they’re gonna run up and say – just like they said to Peter and John way back at the original Pentecost – “By what power have you done this!?” And these servants of God are gonna say, “Why do you look upon us as though we somehow did this!? We didn’t do this, the great eternal Creator God and Jesus Christ – the Jesus Christ that you have NEVER known; you’ve NEVER been told about! 

And they’ll probably point a finger at some guys over in a corner wearing funny robes, acting very pious, swishing their way out to the parking lot, and these end-time prophets are gonna say, “And the Jesus Christ that these people have NEVER told you about!” Folks, I guarantee you, they will end up dying for their service. Because the world is not going to want to hear it. And yet, we know that this truth is coming!” 2

Going back to 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 –

Verse 8 – “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breathe of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9) The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.”

Friends – this ‘power, signs, and lying wonders’ will be nothing but an illusion. And, Satan the devil is an adversary to true Christians! The apostle Peter – through God’s living Spirit – warns us that “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” – 1 Peter 5:8.

Well, it’s like what most of us brethren experience every year just before the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day! This year everything that could have possibly gone wrong – did. And all these problems nearly kept me from missing out in traveling and fellowshipping with the brethren – and certainly spiritually recharging.

However, let us also cover here just what else the apostle Peter wrote; because this is just as IMPORTANT –

Verse 9 – “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Our brethren in the United States of America, as well as other nations, countries, and provinces throughout the world, are under the same torments as we are.

Verse 10 – “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Verse 11 – “To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Truly, what I have experienced in these five decades is that ‘Satan has desired to have [me], that he may sift [me] as wheat.’ – cf. Luke 22:31.

Over and over throughout Scripture, it speaks about Satan the devil being there causing a thorn – a roadblock – among God’s people hindering them somehow. He tries to get the advantage over true Christians – our Master calling him ‘the enemy’ – Luke 10:19. If we resist him – he must flee from us! In the Book of Ephesians chapter 6 – the apostle Paul uses a term called “the wiles of the devil.” The Greek word which he uses is methodeia, meaning “scheming, or craftiness, a strategy.”

Verse 10 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” – meaning, in His Spirit.

Verse 11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Now, so many just pass over this word “wiles.” In the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary it gives the definition:

1wile \’wī(ə)l\ n [ME wil, prob of Scand origin; akin to ON vēl deceit, artifice] (12c) 1 : a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive; also : beguiling or playful trick 2 : skill in outwitting : TRICKERY, GUILE syn see TRICK.

So, in the Book of Revelation chapter 12 in the 17th verse – that upon being cast out of the atmosphere down to the earth just prior to the return of Jesus Christ, he will persecute the woman who gave birth to the male Child (this being JUDAH, the nation of Israel), but that the woman will be given “two wings of a great eagle” and will be protected for “a time and times and half a time” – three and a half years!  See also cf. Genesis 37:9-11 in reference to verse 1.

The SEVEN SEALS of the Book of Revelation are the symbolic, prophetically, of the early ‘troubles’ which will befall this world, and in particular, the House of Judah and the House of Israel. And the FIRST SIX of the SEVEN TRUMPETS are a progression of those ‘troubles.’ Keep in mind, the resurrection occurs on the SEVENTH TRUMP. The seven last plagues follow that. So, we will already be in “low earth orbit” in the clouds being with Jesus Christ, in preparation for the time He, Jesus Christ, directly engages humankind. Recall, in the Old Testament, in which the LORD God had told the House of Jacob – the children of Israel – “’ You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself’” – Exodus 19:4.

In the 17th verse – “the dragon was enraged with the woman (again, here being JUDAH, the nation today called Israel), and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony [the gospel] of Jesus Christ.”

Truly to me – through God’s Holy Spirit – this indicates that there will be physical people of the house of ISRAEL who will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, and will “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony [the gospel] of Jesus Christ” during this period of intense persecution by Satan the devil and his followers – hence the final ‘beast’ power, and the final false prophet.

Now, I understand that so many remnant churches of God do not see this passage in this way. But again – let us keep in mind, the resurrection occurs on the SEVENTH TRUMP – cf. Revelation 11:15! This indicates here the physical people of the house of Israel, not the Church of God! One can attempt to keep God’s Ten Commandments, and one can have or hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, but will still be no closer to the Kingdom of God than a serial murderer!

Let us recall what Minister Michael C. Garrett writes –

“ … THE SEVENTH TRUMP IS THE MOMENT OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE SAINTS! The FIRST resurrection! AFTER the resurrection of the saints there are no more godly human beings on the E A R T H. The time of potential salvation is momentarily closed.” 

(Garrett, M.C. “’ Mysteries of God’” 1 May 2020).

In the Book of Revelation chapter 20, we are told that an angel of the LORD our God will have the ‘key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand, and will lay hold of Satan the devil and his minions and will bind them for A THOUSAND YEARS!’ – revelation 20:1-3.

The apostle Jude wrote that Satan the devil along with his followers are but “raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” – Jude 1:13.

It’s difficult to imagine a world without the influence of Satan the devil and his minions. The grave influences of this demonic world in our movies, in television, radio, in literature, in the governments of the world, in the weather, the health of this world – the land, the sea, the atmosphere – is incalculable!

But what is even more important is the constant drain upon the human heart and mind of man. The havoc which reeks upon this world – of the outlook, the true happiness, and dignity of the human families – can only be compared with the Great Flood which had encompassed this earth!

Let us be reminded of what Sir Winston Churchill said on the 13th of May 1940, to the UK's House of Commons – “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat!” And, a couple of years later he told a Lord Mayor’s Luncheon at Mansion House – “It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

I believe it is the end of the beginning! □

Bibliography

1) Mr. Garrett mentions the meaning – from his own personal take on studying the Bible – of the word ‘elect’ in The Fall Holy Days Series – Notes Concerning the Day of Atonement Prophetically the Day of the Lord. pg. 4.

2) The Prophecy Series – End-Time Babylon. 2019. Pgs. 21-22.

Commentary: Long Life

by Guy C. LaMar

In the Book of Genesis chapter 6, the LORD God says –

“ … ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS’” – Genesis 6:3, NKJV throughout.

Now what the LORD God is saying here is that beginning from that time forward mankind only had 120 years left to live upon the earth, because the LORD God was going to allow the Great Flood to occur upon the world.

So, mankind only had 120 years to live at that time.

It does not mean that mankind cannot live past 120 years. According to a Twitter tweet, a 300-year-old Pakistani woman is alive and well!?

So, the LORD God’s reference here to 120 years was a countdown until the Great Flood.

Now obviously mankind cannot live 1,000 years in the flesh.

The oldest patriarch in God’s living word – the Holy Bible – recorded was Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, and he lived 969 years of age; and he died. Patriarch Noah lived 950 years; and he died. Our father Adam lived 930 years; and he died.

Now, Methuselah’s grandfather was the pre-Deluge Patriarch Enoch, who ‘walked with God 365 years, and God took him’ – and he eventually died.

Methuselah’s son Lamech, the father of Noah, lived 777 years; and he died.

These four men all died natural deaths before the Great Flood.

Patriarch Noah died a natural death after the Great Flood.

Now, why were humans living so long!?

There are many theories which abound. One of which is “Perhaps a canopy of water vapor surrounded the earth before the flood, providing the massive volume of water required for a global flood. If so, this continual blanket of clouds could have shielded the earth from the effects of harmful cosmic radiation, creating ideal living conditions and resulting in longer lives.” 1

Indeed, the oxygen level in Earth’s present atmosphere is 21%. Earth’s ancient atmospheric oxygen level, according to the analysis of air bubbles trapped in ancient amber, was at one time 35%!

Also, they WORKED WITH THEIR HANDS! They certainly were not lazy gluttons, and they were not sitting around living off the government, popping pills, drinking alcohol to excess, smoking funny cigarettes, and eating junk food!

They also were not overcrowding their minds with pure junk that is offered in the world!

They were physical and active people!

Also, the men mentioned, abided in the dietary laws commanded by the LORD God – cf. Leviticus 11. These men lived by the commanded laws of the LORD God.

Their focus was on the LORD God.

Patriarch Mahalalel (which means “the shining one of El”), lived 895 years; and he died. Seth, a son of Adam, when men began to ‘call on the name of the LORD’ – meaning, they began to include the name of God within their own name, such as Mahalalel – lived 912 years; and he died. Enosh, one of Seth’s sons, lived 905 years; and he died. Cainan, a son of Enosh, lived 910 years; and he died. Patriarch Jared lived 962 years; and he died.

After the Great Flood, the life of mankind began to shorten.

This was due in part to climate change, environmental change, oxygen levels, diet, along with the way that people began to live as they crowded themselves into cities.

Postdiluvians Arphaxad lived 403 years, Salah lived 403 years, Eber lived 430 years, Peleg lived 209 years, Reu lived 207 years, and Serug lived 200 years.

Now, lifespans are not based upon how well one may look as one grows in age. Often I hear people say that this person or that person looks so old at 50 or 70 years old. Well, it could be possible that a particular individual actually LIVED and not just existed.

That individual actually DID SOMETHING with their life – as in, they made a difference in others’ lives. And, mostly for the betterment of others, not for the detriment of others. The individual “gave” of themselves – to the degree that he/she now has stress-lines upon his/her face.

Also, of course, physical abuse of the body can bring upon early death. If a person does not physically take care of themselves they can easily hurt themselves and greatly shorten their life.

Make no mistake – if a person truly applies themselves, lives right, applies God’s Way, then they can be assured a much longer and more fulfilling life.

Also, if they apply a more positive mindset and stay clear of negative people, then they may indeed live a much longer life.

Trusting in man over the LORD God will certainly hinder one’s life!

Yet, and it may be true, that a person may pack in their life so much living that by the time they reach 50 or 70 years of age, they have truly lived more than someone who had lived 300 years of age!?

King David was like that. He died at the age of 70 (2 Samuel 5:4), and had lived a long and fulfilling life! He truly did more in 70 years than most people do in 300 years!

When we place the LORD God as the main focus in our life, we live our life in service to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, we will truly experience a far more fulfilling life. We will know just what fulfillment is all about.

The KINGDOM to come to this EARTH will last a THOUSAND YEARS to begin the establishment of the ETERNAL RULE of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ’s Way under the direction of the saints of God. □

Bibliography

1) “Why Did People Live So Long Before The Flood?” Pursuegod.org. https://www.pursuegod.org/people-live-long-flood/. Retrieved 2 Oct 2021.

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