Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Does it make any difference if true Christians observe St. Patrick's Day? Does God's living word - the Holy Bible - establish whether we, as Christians, are to keep certain God-ordained holy days? Were these holy days ONLY given to the Jews!? Does Leviticus 23:1 say, "'The feasts of the children of Israel'"!? Hence, the feasts of the Jews!? Are these God-ordained holy days binding TODAY on true Christians? WHICH DAYS SHOULD TRUE CHRISTIANS KEEP!?

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COJCOM · Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick's Day? - Audio Article

WELL, HERE we are again, March 17th, which is observed by a large majority of this world as St. Patrick's Day! But why? Do you know why you celebrate this day - if indeed you do? And, should true Christians celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Every year multiple millions of our people observe St. Patrick's Day, yet, those of us of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries DO NOT!

Why?

Well, honestly because of where it came from, what it truly is, as well as what it is supposed to represent.

If you've never researched this subject before, let's delve into some research - such as The Catholic Encyclopedia - in which we will certainly find some interesting, as well as disturbing claims involving St. Patrick's Day:

"Saint, Apostle of Ireland, b.  at  Kil- Patrick,  near  Dumbarton,  in  Scotland,  in the year  387; d.  at  Saul,  Downpatrick,  Ireland,  17  March,  493. ... Pope  St.  Celestine  I  (q.  v.),  who rendered immortal service to able wreath  of  honour  decreed  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  in  the General  Council  of  Ephesus,  crowned  his  pontificate by  an  act  of  the  most  far-reaching  consequences for  the  spread  of  Christianity  and  civilization,  when he  entrusted  St.  Patrick  with  the  mission  of  gathering the  Irish  race  into  the  one  fold  of  Christ.

...  The  beautiful  prayer  of  St.  Patrick,  popularly known  as  "St.  Patrick's  Breast-Plate",  is  supposed  to have  been  composed  by  him  in  preparation  for  this victory  over  Paganism.     The  following  is  a  literal translation  from  the  old  Irish  text : —

... I  bind  to  myself  to-day

The  strong  virtue  of  the  Invocation  of  the  Trin- ity: I  believe  the  Trinity  in  the  Unity ...

St.  Patrick  proceeded  through  Gowran  into Ossory ;  here  he  erected  a  church  under  the  invocation of  St.  Martin,  near  the  present  city  of  Kilkenny,  and enriched  it  with  many  of  the  precious  relics  which  he had  brought  from  Rome. ...

Many  times  in  the  day  he  armed  himself with  the  sign  of  the  Cross. ... 

Far  more  ample,  however,  were  the  aspirations of  the  saint,  and  he  resolved  to  persevere  in  fasting and  prayer  until  the  fullest  measure  of  his  petition was  granted.  Again  and  again  the  angel  came  to comfort  him,  announcing  new  concessions;  but  all these  would  not  suffice.  He  would  not  relinquish  his post  on  the  mountain,  or  relax  his  penance,  until  all were  granted.  At  length  the  message  came  that  his prayers  were  heard:  (1)  many  souls  would  be  freed from  the  pains  of  purgatory  through  his  intercession; (2)  whoever  in  a  spirit  of  penance  would  recite  his hymn  before  death  would  attain  the  heavenly  reward; (.3)  barbarian  hordes  would  never  obtain  sway  in  his Church;  (4)  seven  years  before  the  Judgment  Day, the  sea  would  spread  over  Ireland  to  save  its  people from  the  temptations  and  terrors  of  Antichrist;  and (5)  greatest  blessing  of  all,  Patrick  himself  would  be deputed  to  judge  the  whole  Irish  race  on  the  last  day. Such  were  the  extraordinary  favours  which  St.  Patrick, with his unremitting penitential deeds, obtained for the people whem he evangelized."

(Original-Catholic-Encyclopedia-Volume-11 online. Retrieved 14 March 2022).

Now, we in the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries, DO NOT consider that Patrick was a saint or an apostle. We also DO NOT believe that people should wear crosses. And, we DO NOT consider that he was chosen to judge the Irish people on Judgement Day!

We also understand that the very concept of purgatory was not adopted until the Roman Catholic Church rejected the teachings on apokatastasis - which is God's biblical teaching that in the age to come all who did not have a real opportunity for eternal salvation will be given an opportunity then.

So, one of the main reasons why not celebrate "St. Patrick's Day" is that it promotes non-biblical teachings and obscures the TRUTH OF GOD!

Wikipedia writes:

"Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick ... lit. 'the Day of the Festival of Patrick' is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. 385- c. 461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. ... Saint Patrick's feast day was finally placed on the universal liturgical calendar in the Catholic Church due to the influence of Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding. ...

Saint Patrick is said to have used a shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity ... In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities, ...

Saint Patrick's Day, while not a legal holiday in the United States, ... has been celebrated in what is now the U.S. since 1601."

(Wikipedia, St. Patrick's Day; the latest accepted version was reviewed 14 March 2022).

Certainly, the above should give every true Christian pause in celebrating this pagan holiday!

Not only do we NOT celebrate what this world's "Mother Church" observes, but we also DO NOT accept that God is a Trinity, as defined by the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381! Here in the United States of America, what they call a shamrock, we call a three-leafed clover. Our Lord and Savior's Church NEVER considered such nonsense as a Trinity. So, the observation of a holiday intended to celebrate a man who used a green clover to mislead others concerning the true nature of God would not be appropriate. A message of related interest: God's Master Plan - From the Beginning.

So, this St. Patrick's Day, essentially, is a worldly holiday promoting the wrong understanding of the Godhead.

The very "fruits" of this holiday are not good, and are dangerous!

Again, Wikipedia -

"Saint Patrick's Day celebrations have been criticized, particularly for their association with pubic drunkenness and disorderly conduct."

The very type of revelry and drunkenness that DOES occur in its celebration is condemned by Almighty God through the apostle Peter -

"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3) For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4) In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you" - 1 Peter 4:1-4.

As well as the apostle Paul -

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21) envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS will not inherit the kingdom of God" - Galatians 5:19-21.

Now, it should also be noted that Patrick had concluded within his own self that God will use him on Judgment Day to judge all the Irish people! Apparently, Patrick was told by an angel named Victor. Yet, God's own very living words say, "There is only ONE Lawgiver [Judge], who is able to save and to destroy. ..." - James 4:12. And His name is NOT Patrick!

The large majority of myths, stories, legends, and outright fabrications concerning this St. Patrick truly lead to grave misunderstandings of what true Christianity is and the very nature of the Godhead. It truly is a deception by our mortal and spiritual enemy, Satan the Devil, for our peoples all around the world, as well as our brethren from the tribe of Dan. Recall, "Dan shall judge his people As one of the tribes of Israel." This indicates that the Irish people would gain self-government in the following manner - "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse's heels So that its rider shall fall backward." And, indeed, Ireland's Irish Republican Army (IRA) along with the earlier Irish Citizen Army (ICA) did just that to the United Kingdom.

We, as other brethren, try to "'not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God'" - Matthew 4:4. We instead keep the feasts of the LORD, ordained by God that were kept by our Lord Jesus Christ, the original apostles, and the other early followers of Christ Jesus!

Shouldn't you!?

Turn with me, if you will, to Leviticus chapter 23 - for the LORD our God (the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ) has, under Moses and under the inspiration of God's Spirit, listed His feasts -

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) 'Speak to the children of Israel [or also the New Covenant Church of God], and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS.'" - Leviticus 23:1-2.

Friends, St. Patrick's Day - or the Feast of St. Patrick - IS NOT LISTED! It is not a commanded feast of the LORD - it is a tradition of paganized man. And there is no hint whatsoever of it in the Bible.

GOD WARNS:

"Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16) lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17) the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18) the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19) And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven [outer space], and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. 20) But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. ... 23) Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image IN THE FORM OF ANYTHING which the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" - Deuteronomy 4:15-24.

We must not, friends, worship Almighty God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ the way the pagans did - Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:31; Jeremiah 10:2-3.

Now, a great many might argue - 'we're not worshiping God with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we're celebrating the death of a saint!'

To this, I say - God's living eternal Word is crystal clear that we are to WORSHIP GOD ALONE! All true Christians refuse any worship or veneration by others. The apostle Peter as well as all the other apostles absolutely refused to be worshiped or venerated - cf. Acts 10:25-26; 14:13-14. God's holy and righteous angels refuse to be worshiped - cf. Revelation 19:10; 22:9. And our response should be the same as our Lord Jesus Christ as well as His holy angels - "'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve'" - Matthew 4:10.

Sadly, Roman Catholics, as well as a great number of Protestants, bypass God's clear instruction by claiming that they do not "worship" Mary or their "saints," but rather they only venerate Mary and their saints. Well, placing a hat on a pig doesn't magically turn it into a horse! The definition of "venerate" in the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary - the 1996 10th Edition - is "to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference. To honor (as an icon or a relic) with a ritual act of devotion." NOWHERE in God's living word are we told to revere ANYONE but Almighty God alone! Now, there is nothing wrong with respecting those faithful true Christians who have died before us (cf. Hebrews chapter 11). We are to follow their example as they followed our Lord Jesus Christ's - yes, but worship or revere, or venerate, NO!

Also, as noted earlier: God's living WORD repeatedly warns against the practices of drunkenness, debauchery, revelries, and the like! □

True Christians SHOULD NOT Celebrate "St. Patrick's Day"!

March 17th of 2025 will once again be what is called St. Patrick’s Day. The majority of people view it as a Roman Catholic holiday, while many others look at it as an Irish holiday. But for most, it has become a major drinking holiday!

It has both spiritual and physical risks to your life and health.

Notice this from ABC News –

St. Patrick's Day tales from the emergency room

On St. Patrick’s Day, emergency room staffers prepare themselves for an uptick in patients, likely with several of them injured themselves in some sort of hilarious calamity. It differs from holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s, when patients in need of emergency care often wait a day or two before seeking it, preferring to wait for a more “convenient” time, said Dr. Michael Lynch, a toxicologist and an emergency physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The holiday is on a Friday this year, allowing millions to perhaps take their celebration of Irish heritage to the next — and possibly painful — level.

“It’s not a fun day to work because of the number of alcohol-related injuries,” said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. …

Beware of green food coloring

One St. Patrick’s Day, Glatter witnessed a group of advertising executives panicking after they had lunch outside the office, he said.

During the meal, they decided to take part in the day’s festivities by drinking green beer. The food coloring altered the appearance of not only the beer but the executives’ teeth as well — just before an important meeting.

“Four or five of them came to the ER,” Glatter said. “They were freaking out because they had to see the client.”

The food coloring stained the plaque buildup on their teeth, he said, and getting rid of it was no easy task.

“It takes time,” Glatter said. “It doesn’t go away immediately.”

Even with whitening strips, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste, it can still take up to a week for the coloring to disappear and teeth to return to their normal shade, he said.

“People do stupid things on St. Patrick’s Day,” Glatter said. “And certainly the novelty of different foods is something that is interesting.”

(https://abcnews.go.com/US/st-patricks-day-tales-emergencyroom/story?id=46153678).

Also, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one shouldn’t trust their luck this or any other St. Patrick’s Day –

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges everyone to drink responsibly during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day. The international celebration is often recognized by adults as a time for gatherings at bars and pubs. Unfortunately, one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made to get home safely.

During the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), more than a third (36%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. In fact, from 2016 to 2020, 287 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period. …

According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. On average, one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. …

(https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/dont-test-your-luck-st-patricks-day).

Now, aside from the fact that it DOES have spiritual and physical life-altering side effects and that driving while intoxicated IS DEADLY – what else is completely wrong with celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!? What does God’s living, immutable word say about NO LONGER participating in this world’s ways?

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with THE SAME MIND, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) that he NO LONGER should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3) For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles─ when we walked IN LEWDNESS, LUSTS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELRIES, DRINKING PARTIES, and ABOMINABLE IDOLATRIES.” – 1 Peter 4:1-3.

Now, is not this “St. Patrick’s Day” a time that is focused primarily on drinking parties, lewdness, revelries, and drunkenness!? Are these not the lusts of the flesh that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ tell us that true Christians are no longer to participate in?

The Apostle Paul – through the living Spirit of the LORD God – tells us without a doubt that those who continue to participate in the lusts of the flesh WILL NOT be in the kingdom of God!

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery [including spiritual adultery; the worship of false gods and goddesses], fornication [including spiritual fornication; false religions], uncleanness, lewdness, 20) idolatry, sorcery [which is witchcraft], hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21) envy, murderers [including spiritual murder of the heart], drunkenness [both physical and spiritual], revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21.

The LORD God’s living word – the Holy Bible – is adamant and WARNS against drunkenness. What is drunkenness? Here is the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary definition –

drunk▪en \ ‘drən-kən \ adj [ME, fr. OE drunken, fr. pp. of drincan to drink] (bef. 12c) 1: DRUNK 1 <a ~ driver> 2: obs: saturated with liquid 3: a: given to habitual excessive use of alcohol b: of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication (they come from … broken homes, ~ homes ─P. B. Gilliam) c: resulting from or as if from intoxication (a ~ brawl) 4: unsteady or lurching as if from alcoholic intoxication ─ drunk▪en▪ly adv ─ drunk▪en▪ness \ ▪kən-nəs \ n 1

Physical drunkenness is habitually drinking alcohol or taking a substance that makes you intoxicated. Spiritual drunkenness is continually ingesting into one’s mind false religions and false doctrines and continuing in spiritual blindness – as in –

“ … ‘Come I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2) with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth WERE MADE DRUNK with the wine of her fornication.’” – Revelation 17:1, 2.

When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the definition of drunkenness can be both physical and spiritual.

The wisest man to have lived in the East at that time, King Solomon, wrote –

“Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the Way. 20) Do not mix with winebibbers [the warning against riotous living (zōlēl) and drunkenness (sōbē) as leading to sloth and poverty seems well taken (Prov. 23:20-21) 2 ], or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21) For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” – Proverbs 23:19-21.

And, the Apostle Paul wrote –

“The night is far spent, the day [speaking of the terrible and dreadful Day of the LORD!] is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14) But PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” – Romans 13:12-14.

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with ANYONE named a brother [speaking of brethren in Christ Jesus our Lord], who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner─ not even to eat with such a person.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11.

St. Patrick’s Day is NOT Christian!

Notice this blasphemous report from the Bishops of Ireland back in 2014 –

The Bishops of Ireland have published the following message for the Solemnity of Saint Patrick 2014.

We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland. Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland. As Saint Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass. …

[We pray the blessings of the feast of Patrick on all the people of Ireland. We think especially of all our people who are exiles far from home: may the Christian faith of Patrick be their support and comfort always. We pray also through the intercession of Saint Patrick, for the many people who have come into this country in recent years seeking shelter, asylum and a new life: may the welcome amongst us they receive be generous; let us see to that, as people of God and of Saint Patrick.]

(https://zenit.org/2014/03/16/bishops-of-ireland-say-st-patrick-s-day-is-time-to-pray-for-migrants/).

Pay attention that these bishops are saying that one should “pray also through the intercession of Patrick”! The LORD God’s living word is crystal clear just who is the ONE AND ONLY Intercessor between God and men –

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, KJV.

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, ESV.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, NAS.

“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5, Catholic Challoner-Rheims Version.

There is no ambiguity! JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY “INTERCESSOR” BETWEEN GOD AND MEN!

So, ANYONE who claims that another is a mediator or an intercessor clearly contradicts the LORD God’s living word! And they cannot be of God.

Every year, multiple millions of people observe St. Patrick’s Day, but those of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries DO NOT! We observe the LORD God’s Holy Days and commandments in the Holy Bible. □

Bibliography:

1) Webster M. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, convocation, 1996, pp 356.

2) Harris L. R., Archer, L. Gleason, Jr., and Waltke K. Bruce. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1980, #1455a, 1455b pg. 615.

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The Truth Concerning Christmas. Audio articles.

Should Christians Keep Halloween? Sermon.

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Is Halloween Biblical? The greater majority of Americans will be observing and celebrating what is known as Halloween. Yet, is this holiday - or rather, this world's "holy day" - biblical!?

Should Christians Observe Halloween? October 31st will soon be here again, along with a strange festival – Halloween. With demons, goblins, witches, ghosts, human skeletons – which are glorified. But, what do all these have to do with All Hallows Eve!? And why the demonic-looking masks and gaudy decorations!?

Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Does it make any difference if true Christians observe St. Patrick's Day? Does God's living word - the Holy Bible - establish whether we, as Christians, are to keep certain God-ordained holy days? Were these holy days ONLY given to the Jews!? Does Leviticus 23:1 say, "'The feasts of the children of Israel'"!? Hence, the feasts of the Jews!? Are these God-ordained holy days binding TODAY on true Christians? WHICH DAYS SHOULD TRUE CHRISTIANS KEEP!? Audio Article.

Easter or Passover? It's so very sad that so many people - especially among the English-speaking nations of the world - do not understand that the holiday they call Easter is truly supposed to be Passover.

Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter - Did the Original Christians Observe These!? Now, indeed to the Catholics and others this all seems just fine. The majority considers this to be inspirational. Yet, THIS IS NOT INSPIRED BY GOD!

When Does God’s New Year Begin? Let me begin today by asking these questions – “How did the celebration of New Year’s ever begin!?” “Why is the beginning of a new year placed in the dead of winter!?” “Where did this custom originate!? Did it come from Almighty God!?”

Letter to our Friends ── March 11, 2025

Leonard V. Johnson

Pastor and Co-Founder

Greetings Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers in Christ:

We continue to do the LORD God’s will and work in proclaiming the glorious, good news of the Gospel message unto the world and helping feed His spiritual sheep (Matthew 28:19-20; John 21:15).

Major “Sign” To Watch For!

Sadly, we continue to witness the descendants of the old Worldwide Church of God misappropriate Matthew 24:14. They are doing this for greed – for profit (cf. Jude 1:10-11). 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! They continue to teach that the fulfillment of this verse (of course fulfilled by them) is the ultimate sign of our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious and powerful Second Coming! It isn’t.

As I just went over in our recent A Morning Bible Study ── What major “sign” did our Lord Jesus say we would see to indicate that the end of this present evil age has come? He covers it for us in verse 15 ── “’ Therefore …’” The word therefore is an adverb that means “For this reason.” In other words – Because this happens, then comes the end of the age.

“’ Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand).” – Matthew 24:15.

And then our Lord Jesus continues in WARNING those that are in Judea (which is modern-day Israel) to ‘flee to the mountains’ and to leave that surrounding area ── Palestine. Because destruction is coming to the city of David (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9).

The ‘abomination of desolation’ is indeed a two-fold prophecy. A Catholic European final powerful civic leader (an antitype of Antiochus IV Epiphanes) mustering his military forces to occupy Israel, thereby defiling the holy place (Jerusalem), taking away the newly reinstituted daily sacrifices ── and the placing of his military forces (of which is his “god of fortresses”) within Jerusalem along with a powerful and very influential final Catholic religious leader who will be claiming that he is God (see: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) The “the abomination of desolation.”

This is the major “sign” to watch for!

However, before even all this occurs, we read verses 9-14, which our Lord Jesus Christ begins with “’ Then …’” And this means, “At that time,” or “What happens next” after “’ the beginning of sorrows.’”

“’ Then … [and remember that this is an end-time prophecy] … they will deliver you [and He is speaking concerning mostly of the end-time prophets; see Revelation 11:3-12] up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by ALL NATIONS for My name’s sake. 10) And then many will be offended, will betray one another [speaking surely concerning those that are professing to be a Christian], and will hate one another. 11) Then MANY false prophets [See, He is speaking of end-time prophets] will rise up and deceive many. 12) And because lawlessness will abound, …’”

And I want you to imagine what we in the United States of America have been witnessing the last four years! Lawlessness abounded! And I also want you to imagine what the United States of America will become again after these next four years ── if a Democrat is elected POTUS!? Again, Lawlessness will abound!! Surely, something to seriously think about!

“ ‘… the love of many will grow cold.’”

And if you’ve been watching the news within the United States of America, such as the Satan-influenced anti-Israel protests around the nation, ‘the love of many is growing cold!’

Verse 13 – “’ But he [and our Lord Jesus isn’t just speaking to us dear Brethren, He is also speaking concerning His end-time prophets that will be confronting the “god of the earth,” and testifying before the kings of the earth around the world] who endures to the end shall be saved. 14) 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.’” – Matthew 24:9-14.

The LORD God’s end-time WITNESSES come on the scene, preaching throughout the world the gospel of the soon-coming kingdom of God!

They will be given power from God Almighty and Jesus Christ to begin prophesying – testifying - to kings, to world rulers, to the subjugated elect of God, to a great religious leader and political leader – standing before the god of the earth (Satan the devil) – WARNING for 3 ½ years! Having the power from GOD to heal, to ‘shut up the atmosphere from rain, to turn waters to blood, and to strike the earth will all plagues as often as they desire’ (see: Revelation 8:7-12). And this ‘gospel’ is the announcement of the coming Kingdom of God! The Kingdom of God is the GOVERNMENT OF GOD! And, as these end-time prophets, under the direct inspiration of God’s Spirit, are proclaiming this soon-coming WORLDWIDE GOVERNMENT, ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet,’ will be set up ‘standing in the holy place’ – talking about Jerusalem. And this will come about when European forces invade the Middle East to put down Islamic resistance – to crush it militarily. “’ For then …’” – when you see this great military force enter Jerusalem from the North – Europe – and take over Jerusalem, and a great holy man claiming that he is now God – that is the ‘abomination that makes desolate’ – Jesus says, “‘… there will be great tribulation, …’” – many, many horrible globe- girdling problems! “…’ such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.’ ’And unless those days were shortened, …’” – except this end-time trauma be shortened, “…‘no flesh would be saved; …’” – and as some translations say, ‘saved alive; but for the elect’s sake …’” – a certain group of people who are very near and dear the hearts of God the Father and Jesus Christ – referring to the physical people of the House of Israel. Once named Jacob.

The complete annihilation of all mankind will be halted by the LORD God!

Spanish Translations

We are continuing to translate sermons and audio articles into different languages, i.e. Swahili, Dutch, Khmer, and Spanish. Our latest sermon translated into Spanish, “Why We Are Called ── Now.”

Let us always and forever thank Almighty God and our Lord Jesus in opening another door for this ministry to continue reaching as many people as needs to hear and learn God’s living gospel message! cf. Revelation 3:8. With this opened door we are reaching people that we otherwise would not be able to reach. Our top listening countries are Ireland and Kenya!

Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers, if anyone would like to help translate or transcribe our sermons and or articles into Spanish, please message Minister Leonard Johnson via our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LeonardJohnson01/). God Speed!

We are also very pleased to announce the launch of The Independent Christian Church of God's website:  https://ticcog.carrd.co/

Let us pray that this website is blessed by Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ in helping the work of the LORD God! 

Suggested Sabbath Day Service

Here is our suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered Brethren, Friends, and Co-Workers around the world:

• TWO songs of praise. (Our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is suggested; there are some Instrumental Accompaniment to the Bible Hymnal available on our website).

• Opening prayer.

• Announcements – from the deacon or pastor.

• Sermon – from the pastor or guest speaker. The one suggested for this week is “Christ – Our Atonement” delivered by Minister Leonard V Johnson.

• Closing song.

• Closing prayer.

Some World News In Relation To Biblical Prophecy

In the United States of America, with the shift towards Making America Great Again, along with our reciprocal tariffs, Europe has asserted that she will begin to massively increase her military funding (See: euro news - Von der Leyen pitches '€800bn' defence package ahead of EU leaders' summit).

Europe is certainly paying attention to President Donald Trump, and although many in Europe loath him, they certainly appear to respect him ── certainly wondering within themselves that they too need a strong and bold leader, along with a united military to back that boldness up.

Illegal immigrants crossing our borders are down, and the deportation of illegal criminals within the US is way up!

Certainly, various people in Europe are keen on this, particularly supporters of the political parties such as Germany’s AfD, which did very well in elections held on 23 February 2025.

So, what is to occur within Europe?

Their military spending will drastically increase, and they will begin fervently deporting their (mostly) Islamic immigrants. Yes. Consistent with God’s living prophetic word (e.g., Daniel 11:25, 39-43; Revelation 13:3-4). A final United Europe is growing stronger in the minds of European leaders in the face of a growing isolationist United States!

Regarding immigrants in Europe, there have been calls to deport Syrian immigrants (See: German-Foreign Policy.com - Upheavals in Syria (II) Scholz declares his willingness to cooperate with "the new rulers" in Syria. In Idlib, where they have previously ruled, women have no voting rights, Christians have no citizenship, and torture and enforced disappearances are widespread). According to Wikipedia ── The number of Syrians in Germany is estimated at around 800,000 people in March 2021. This includes Arabs, Kurds, Turks, and Assyrians, as well as smaller minorities from Syria. The majority of Syrians in Germany are refugees of the Syrian Civil War. According to the UNHCR, there were more than 584,000 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers living in Germany last year. 1 Predominantly Islamic.

They certainly do not want to return to Syria.

However, notice this two-fold prophecy concerning Syrians ── from God’s living word ──

“ … the LORD shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on, 12) The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. …” – Isaiah 9:11-12.

As far as the Syrian connection from the prophet Isaiah, does this mean that all or most of the Syrian immigrants here in America and Europe are terrorists? No, of course not. Yet, as we posted in February 2021, there has been an egregious amount of “pestilences” along with TERRORISM since 9/11! The United States of America, along with our British allies, should expect even more deadly terrorist attacks to come from Syrians – and others!

Homegrown terrorists (many of whom are Islamic Syrians with allegiance to Islam) are a grave problem in America and the United Kingdom ── all of whom hate Western religion, ideologies, and culture. The LORD God’s living word is clear in prophesying of increasing problems from most Syrians and Philistines (modern-day Palestinians)! “Israel” certainly does include nations in Europe, such as France.

── Be sure to read today: “Freedom ── A True Blessing From God”

Soon, a “United” Europe will reach a breaking point with the crime and havoc caused by Islamic immigrants within their borders! And they will begin deporting on a massive scale!

The LORD God’s living word shows us that Europe will once again reorganize (though as strong as ‘iron mixed with clay’), and a strong and charismatic European leader will rise once again ──

“’ The TEN HORNS which you saw are ten kings [or, kingdoms ── as God views kingdoms] who have received no kingdom yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast [a final Catholic influenced United States of Europe; also known as a final “Holy” Roman Empire]. 13) These are of ONE MIND, and they will give power and authority to the beast.’” – Revelation 17:12-13.

A final European civic leader, who is also known in God’s word as a final “king of the North,” will ultimately strengthen his religion of “military strength and superiority – his “god of fortresses” (see Daniel 11:36-38), with “a god which his fathers did not know.” This final European civic leader will be stronger militarily than his fathers could ever dream of! He will, however, be in bed with Catholicism! He will make a deceptive peace deal with leaders of a final Islamic confederation of nations (see Psalm 83:3-8). This Islamic confederation of nations will include Syria and Turkey ── yet Turkey will eventually back out of the deal and support this final European civic leader.

Reciprocal tariffs on Europe, along with violent and terrorist Islamic immigrants within her borders will be contributing factors in the rise of this final European “beast” civic leader ── and God’s living word shows us that this final European civic leader will eventually subjugate the United States of America along with the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth nations! Notice this ── again a two-fold prophecy ──

“’ Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.’” – Daniel 11:39.

He will also overwhelm like a whirlwind an Islamic power from the Middle East and North Africa!

“’ At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41) He shall also enter the Glorious Land [speaking of Palestine], and many countries shall be overthrown; but these [initially] shall escape from his hand: Edom [which is Turkey], Moab [which is Iraq], and the prominent people of Ammon [or Jordan]. 42) He shall stretch out his hand [the ‘king of the North’] against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape’” – Daniel 11:40- 42.

Now, Turkey is basically to the north of Jerusalem. Iraq is basically to the east of Jerusalem. Jordan is basically to the southeast of Jerusalem.

Please note ── as a great many are wrongly claiming ── that this final “beast” is not RUSSIA! And, despite claims from a false prophet by the name of Joel Richardson, this final “beast” is not Islamic!

Also in the news ── Chuuk State, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (UN member state under a Compact of Free Association with the United States) has interests of becoming a sovereign and independent nation (See: DW - Micronesia: Activists push for Chuuk islands' independence).

Here is some information from Wikipedia regarding the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia ──

The Federated States of Micronesia, abbreviated FSM, or simply Micronesia, is an island country in Micronesia, a subregion of Oceania. The federation consists of four states—from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae—that span the western Pacific just north of the equator for a longitudinal distance of almost 2,700 km (1,700 mi). Together, the states comprise around 607 islands and a combined land area of approximately 702 km2 or 271 sq mi. 2 Chuuk Lagoon, previously Truk Atoll, is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. … It has a land area of 93.07 square kilometres (35.93 square miles), with a population of 36,158 people and a maximal elevation of 443 metres (1,453 ft). Weno city on Weno (formerly Moen) Island functions as both the atoll's capital and the state capital, and is the largest city in the FSM with its 13,700 people. 3

The Federated States of Micronesia can certainly be considered a type of “sea gate” ── Chuuk Lagoon was the Empire of Japan's main naval base in the South Pacific theatre during World War II. It was the site of a major U.S. attack during Operation Hailstone in February 1944 and Operation Inmate, a small assault conducted by British and Canadian forces in June 1945. 4 The United States of America could easily lose this important “sea gate” very soon.

Why do we say this?

Because of God’s living, immutable word! Many biblical prophecies speak of this. Let’s look at a promise given to Abraham ──

“ … ‘By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son ── 17) blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess THE GATE OF THEIR ENEMIES.’” – Genesis 22:16-17.

Enemy “gates” were promised to Abraham’s descendants. And a great many “sea gates” were later in the hands of her descendants ── but now, many are no longer.

We in Christ’s Church have been proclaiming for decades that the United States of America and the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations would ultimately lose control of many of her vital “sea gates.” And we believe they possessed them because of this great promise from the LORD God to patriarch Abraham. But they ultimately lose them one by one because of disobedience.

Notice one such prophecy from God’s living word ──

“’ And IF by these things you are not reformed by Me, but [continue] to walk contrary to Me, 24) then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven times for your sins. 25) And I will bring a sword against you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; when you are gathered together within your cities I will send pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.’” – Leviticus 26:23-25.

Sadly, the overall people of this world either are ignorant of, or outright refuse to believe, that the Anglo-Saxon descended nations received their great wealth and power because of the promises that the LORD God gave to Abraham, which passed down to Isaac, and onto Jacob/Israel, and was then passed onto Joseph, and onto Ephraim and Manasseh.

Notice this beautiful and glorious blessing that passed onto Ephraim and Manasseh ──

“ … ‘ Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into A MULTITUDE in the midst of the earth.’ 19) But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS.’” – Genesis 48:16, 19-20.

The great British Empire, which included the Commonwealth Nations, was the largest empire in the world and consisted of a multitude of nations. True that the Chagos islands, Falkland Islands, and Gibraltar are not technically separate nations, they do indeed consider themselves British, and are subject to both the blessings and curses given to Israel and his descendants.

Concluding Comments

Notice this from the Book of Proverbs ──

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths. 22) His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin. 23) He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” – Proverbs 5:21-23.

Brethren, iniquity against the LORD God will be punished ── including those who sin against us. Let us NEVER give up our hope in Christ and His master Plan.

In deep gratitude and love, in Jesus' name,

Are You Dull of Hearing?

by Guy C. LaMar

The LORD God’s living word talks about people that are “hard of hearing” ── Matthew 13:15; Hebrews 5:11.

I have experienced this so many times ── when people are offered the SIMPLE truth of the LORD God (the Elohim, which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus) through the living word of God, they REFUSE to listen or accept it.

Sadly, most people love to hold onto their ready-made religion. A religion they were born into.

The overall people of this present evil age (those who are NOT being called out of this world at this present time) absolutely REFUSE to open their eyes or their ears to the living truth of God.

They deny the LORD God’s awesome and beautiful Master Plan that is set before us by God Almighty!

The people of this present evil age would rather go along (because it feels comfortable to them) with their “emotionally driven religions” rather than the TRUE RELIGION OF JESUS CHRIST ── which causes them to embrace the false religions of this world. Along with the aegis of false Christianity.

All of which ARE LIES!

This world’s false Christianity is a falsehood created and influenced by Satan the Devil!

Today at work, a discussion was brought up concerning the eating of pork meat.

I grabbed God’s living word and turned to several Scriptures on this topic, yet this one man just bickered and DEFENDED HIS SIN!

I told him unequivocally that a man lying with another man is just as guilty in the eyes of God as if they were consuming pork meat!

Ponder on this a moment.

God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ never change ── cf. Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8.

Our Lord Jesus was the God of the Old Testament, as John 1:1 shows us ──

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (NKJV).

And, verse 14 confirms just who the Word was ──

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, …”

The word “homosexuality” is not found in the Authorized Version of God’s living word, yet everyone knows what “’ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman” means! – Leviticus 18:22-23. Everybody knows what “effeminate” means, what “abusers of themselves with mankind” means. Effeminate: having characteristics and ways of behaving traditionally associated with women and regarded as inappropriate for a man. Abusers of themselves with mankind: It is a translation of the Greek word “arsenokoitēs,” which is a compound word meaning “one engaging in homosexual acts.” (Strong’s #733).

In the New Testament of God’s living word, it emphatically states that people who engage in sexual immorality (such as homosexuality), and those who do such things ── those very things that the LORD God disapproves of ── will not be a part of the glorious kingdom of God! Notice ──

“Do you not know that the unrighteous WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals [a catamites; a boy kept for homosexual practices], nor sodomites [The meaning of SODOMY is anal or oral copulation with another person; especially: anal or oral copulation with a member of the same sex], 10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, NKJV.

Certainly, if the Lord GOD says that something is an abomination unto Him, then that means He intensely abhors it!

So, why would the Lord GOD change His mind on something which He intensely abhors!?

I explained to this man how the eternal Law of God is still very relevant and alive.

Sadly, this man confused the old Levitical priesthood laws with the glorious holy, just, and good Law of God ── that all mankind are required to obey and keep.

The LORD God’s ordinances and statutes regarding His physical and sexual laws are for the benefit of all mankind. They are not grievous.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, “’ For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven [the atmosphere] and earth pass away [a reference to Revelation 21:1], one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law TILL ALL IS FULFILLED.’” – Matthew 5:18. Showing us that no part of His Law has been “done away with,” or “nailed to the cross.”

“TILL ALL IS FULFILLED” means when He ‘makes all things new’ and when “’ It is done!’” – the glorious establishment of the kingdom of God on planet Earth!

Our Eternal God doesn’t change.

“’ For I am the LORD, I do not change; …’” – Malachi 3:6.

Yet, sadly, in this modern present evil age of religiosity, most of mankind claims ── either our Lord Jesus Christ disagreed with His Father and changed His Law, or that He “nailed” His Father’s Law to the cross, or that He “fulfilled” all the Law so that we didn’t need to keep them!

They preach, teach, and proclaim to the world that “God said it’s alright to commit what He once called an abomination because Jesus came and ‘did away’ with all those laws.” As far as homosexuality, they claim, that is one abomination that will never go away because it is as old ── they claim ── as the “oldest profession.” Often claiming that homosexuality has emerged through evolution as a normal variant that confers survival benefits to the family! 1

Sadly, their reasoning is twisted ── and as the comedian Ron White often says, “You can’t fix stupid!” ── the majority completely DENY that the Holy Bible is the inspired living word of the Creator of the known universe!

Those that are professing Christians in this world continue to claim they are now allowed by the LORD God to consume pork meat ── and therefore (by that same reasoning) are now allowed to be a homosexual if they so desire! Without any issues from God.

Yet, the overall majority of those who claim to be a Christian DO NOT know what the definition of sin is ── defined by the LORD God! It is defined as breaking the Law of God!

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

The LORD God is clear and does not change! When the LORD God makes a rule, you can bank on that rule. Because if the LORD God abhors something, They are not going to suddenly like it down the road! If God abhors it, then He abhors it!

Our Lord Jesus clearly said that ’Men shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ – Matthew 4:4.

The Lord GOD has declared that consuming pork meat (which is pig, swine, hog – all of which are of the genus Suidae) is an abomination unto Him.

“’ Also the swine is UNCLEAN FOR YOU, because it has cloven hooves, yet DOES NOT chew the cud; you SHALL NOT EAT their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.’” – Deuteronomy 14:8.

“’ For behold, the LORD will come with fire And with His chariots, like a whirlwind [speaking of the Day of the Lord!], To render His anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire. … 17) ‘Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens AFTER AN IDOL in the midst, Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the [rodent], Shall be consumed together,’ says the LORD.” – Isaiah 15, 17.

I tried to explain the appalling filthiness of pigs to this man.

Interestingly enough, the animals of choice that our Lord Jesus chose to send the demonic spirits into were swine – cf. Matthew 8:28-34.

The worst insult to be called in first century Jerusalem was a “Samaritan.” Jews called the Samaritans a ‘herd, ’ not a nation. A widely used Jewish proverb stated that “a piece of bread given by a Samaritan is more unclean than swine’s flesh.” 2

The Law of God is love.

The LORD God made the physical and sexual laws for mankind out of Their love for mankind ── that if mankind abided and obeyed those physical and sexual laws, then they would not only be closer to the LORD God, but would remain healthier in life.

When mankind embraces and obeys those physical and sexual laws, then mankind is not only showing their love for the LORD God, but will also remain healthier in life.

But sadly, on the whole ── those that claim the title Christian ── do not even know what the word means.

Christian is defined as “a follower of Christ.” It means to emulate the Way of Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus lived a life perfect in the Law of God ── the only person who ever accomplished that! He gave us the perfect example to follow.

Our Lord Jesus admonished us to strive to “’ be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.’” – Matthew 5:48.

If you are a true Christian, then you are going to follow His example!

Did our Lord Jesus Christ consume unclean meats, i.e., pig meat?

The unclean meat-eating people of this present evil age identify them as unwitting servants of Satan the Devil.

Why do I say this?

Because they’re actually doing the will of a devil.

They’re doing what Satan the Devil desires them to do, not what the LORD God wants them to do.

They’re going against the LORD God!

They’re embracing something that the LORD God intensely abhors!

As we are told in Revelation 12:9, Satan the Devil has deceived the whole world!

And, as our Lord Jesus has said, Satan the Devil is “’ a liar and the father of it.’” – John 8:44.

He also called those that worship Him in vain, hypocrites! “’ And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.’” – Matthew 15:7-9.

The ideologies and doctrines of these worldly religions are all based upon the deception and influence of Satan the Devil.

Any denomination or faucet of Christianity that okays the consumption of unclean meats, i.e. pig meat ── is not of God, but is unwittingly working for Satan the Devil!

In Acts 15, in which a letter was sent to the Gentiles who were turning to God, in which they were being told by some who went out from among the apostles, troubling the Gentiles with words and upsetting them, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic laws” ── in which the apostles gave no such command. It’s NOT talking about the consuming of unclean meats at all, but rather one should “abstain from things [anything] offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

Most professing Christians continue to claim that God’s living word says that one can now consume any meats that were deemed “unclean.” But THIS IS NOT TRUE!

The people in first century Jerusalem knew not to consume things that were considered “unclean.” Note: “In Ancient Mesopotamia, differently from what happened in some neighboring cultures (particularly the Jewish society), there were no explicit and permanent avoidances of specific foodstuffs, to be observed constantly by everyone. 3 So therefore, since we are told by the Lord our God, Jesus Christ, that “salvation is of the Jews,” and the apostle Paul stating ── under divine inspiration ── “What advantage then has the Jew, … 2) Much in every way! Chiefly, because TO THEM were committed the oracles of God.” – Romans 3:1, 2. Including the oracle from the LORD God that mankind is prohibited to consume “unclean” meats!

Those items (e.g., swine or rodents) were not considered food to be consumed by human beings!

A great many claim that Romans 14:14 says that there is nothing unclean of itself. Be sure to read or listen to Minister Leonard Johnson’s Think About This… What is meant, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat’? which goes into the truth concerning Romans 14:14.

Many people are ignorant of the proper Greek words used.

The people of God of the first century knew what were considered “clean” and “unclean” foods to be consumed. So, therefore, the statement, “eat anything” ── as far as food stuff ── truly means, eat anything that is considered allowed by the LORD God.

It’s throughout this present evil age that people, “did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper.” – Romans 1:28.

Truly, from cover to cover of God’s living word, pig meat (which includes swine, pork, and hog) was ── and continues to be ── an abomination unto God to consume.

Those who are desiring to do so might want to take a moment and consider their actions! Is it pleasing to God, knowing that He said it is an abomination?

I suppose they can continue to be like the Leftist “fruitcakes” ── the D.E.I. and Woke ideologists ── who take it upon themselves to claim (without any scientific validation) that there are more than two sexes of a human being! Or, like the author I quoted earlier, “Male homosexuality appears to have arisen via human evolution.”

Trying to be a shyster with the living word of God!

I tried the best I could to get across to this man that he is placing himself in very dangerous waters.

Now, he brought this subject up to me; I didn’t bring it up to him. Yet, as God’s living word says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and ALWAYS be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and [reverent] fear; 16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” – 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Also, God’s living word says, “Test [or, prove] all things; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

I witnessed unto him.

Most do not properly understand that God’s living word is to be read and studied like putting together a picture puzzle. A little here, a little there ──

“’ For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.’” – Isaiah 28:9-13.

This is the Way of the LORD God for us in learning His Holy word ── where His grace and knowledge is imparted to us gradually, like a child that is learning.

Also, let us take note: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the Sabbath, taught from the Books of the Bible! And, guess what, friends! He also taught from the Books of the Old Testament!

The OLD TESTAMENT is indeed God’s living word! The NEW TESTAMENT is indeed God’s living word! They complement each other!

Sadly, the overall majority of people will continue to hold onto their religious traditions over the living truth of God. This is part of how Satan the Devil retains control of the people. Our Lord Jesus warned of this very thing! ── Mark 7:7-13.

Of course, here in the United States of America, everyone has the freedom of religion! And let us always thank Almighty God for this! They have the freedom to stay in their sin.

Now, one should think HARD ── when you are resurrected, and you are kneeling before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the “Great White Throne Judgment” (cf. Revelation 20:11-13), is the risk worth it?

Is the lust of the mind, tongue, or flesh more important than eternal life in the glorious kingdom of God?

Once a person has the living truth of God presented to them, and they DENY this truth, then the guilt is on them.

God’s living word is clear ── trying to twist and turn to stay in sin, to give yourself over to the desires of the belly and flesh, the lust of taste, equates to the destruction of your future.

Consuming something that the LORD God has called an abomination is allowing a curse within your body ── defiling the physical body that the LORD God has blessed you with.

We must work really hard on ourselves. We must repent. We must overcome ── while we still have years of life ahead of us.

I have witnessed that the overall majority of the people on Earth DO NOT CARE WHAT THE LORD GOD HAS TO SAY ON ANY GIVEN SUBJECT!

They would only rather play religion. They would rather have “a form of godliness” in the eyes of others but “deny the power of God!”

Now, they can do all the good deeds they want for others, but if they’re rejecting the living truth of God and His Way, then they are simply rejecting the LORD God altogether!

Oh yes, a great many “religious” people can talk a good talk ── and many of them may even look like a grandfather figure while wearing a baseball cap, knowing a great deal of God’s living word ── but if they are not doing the will of God, they are nothing more than a ‘sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.’ They are not righteous in the eyes of God!

“(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the DOERS of the law will be justified.” – Romans 2:13. □