THINK ABOUT THIS... Demonic Nature

by Guy C LaMar, https://www.youtube.com/@ticcog

God’s living word contains several passages where demons refer to themselves using plural pronouns such as “we,” “us,” “them,” and “they.” And these instances provide some insight into demonic nature and their behavior.

The most explicit example within God’s living word concerning demons using plural and self-referencing is the Gadarene demoniac. 

“Then He [our Lord Jesus] asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he answered, saying, ‘My name is Legion; for WE are many.’ 10) Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send THEM out of the country.” – Mark 5:9-10. 

The Apostle Luke provides us a parallel account ──

“Jesus asked him, saying, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ because MANY demons had entered him. 31) And THEY begged Him that He would not command THEM to go out into the abyss.” – Luke 8:30-31.

Interestingly, the demon spoke both in the singular (“My name is Legion”) and then uses plural pronouns (“we are many”), indicating as the Apostle Paul wrote, “because many demons had entered him.” So, multiple demons can enter into a person while one speaks collectively. 

Continuing ──

“So all the demons begged Him, saying, ‘Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.’” – Mark 5:12.

The Apostle Matthew also recorded this interaction ── 

“So the demons begged Him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.’” – Matthew 8:31.

Now, regarding swine. We are told in the Book of Leviticus chapter 11 that swine (and swine is a broader term that refers to all members of the pig species) is not allowed to be consumed by human beings ── 

“and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, IS UNCLEAN TO YOU. 8) Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses [the dead carcasses] you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.” – Leviticus 11:7 8.

The copy of this law of the LORD God is recorded for us in the Book of Deuteronomy ── 

“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 tough their dead carcasses.” – Deuteronomy 14:8. 

The Lord GOD declares to us through His Prophet Isaiah: concerning what happens to those that are consuming swine and other abominable things during the Day of the Lord! ── 

“’ Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens [indicating temptations and gross indulgence] After an idol in the midst, Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the [rodent], Shall be consumed together,’ says the [Eternal One].” – Isaiah 66:17.

These demons suddenly crying out to the glorious Son of God, “’ What have WE to do with You, JESUS, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us BEFORE THE TIME?’” – Matthew 8:29.

They knew just who He was, and that He was and is the living Son of God! The Apostle James, a very brother to our Savior also states this very thing ──

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe ── and tremble!” – James 2:19. 

God’s living word tells us clearly that Satan the Devil and his demons are rulers of this world ──

“in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” – Ephesians 2:2.

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4) whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the lory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. 

The Apostle Paul ── divinely inspired by the Spirit of God ── explains who we, as true Christians, are at war with ──

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12. 

Notice that the Apostle John understood and acknowledges that the whole world ── this present evil age ── is under the control of the evil one. Satan the Devil. (1 John 5:19). And we are commanded to come out of this world and be separate. As God has said ── 

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:17.

We also should not conform any longer to this present evil age ── 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2. 

“DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16) For all that is in the world ── the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ── is not of the Father but is of the world. 17) And the world [this present evil age] is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever [for all eternity].” – 1 John 2:15-17.

All of these Scriptures show us that Satan the Devil and his demons are ruling this present evil age. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s apostles recorded for us these encounters to reveal an organized kingdom of demons, a collective nature of demonic forces operating under a spiritual authority known as “the evil one” – Satan the Devil – who spiritually influences this world. 

What demonic influenced groups around the world fall into this singular, yet plural narrative? 

A few ── al-Qaida, Cartel de los Soles, Antifa, Los Lobos, Tren de Aragua, ISIS, and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGBTIA). 

They are servants of Satan the Devil ── either knowingly or unknowingly. 

Sadly, in our modern wicked and perversely twisted societies of evil, people have begun to accept that which is evil as good. Homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, and whatever intersex is ── are now being accepted as “normal” and an acceptable lifestyle choice. Even though the Creator of all life, in His living word, says just the opposite! That those who do such things are deserving of death (speaking of eternal death).

The very destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plains was primarily because of their abominable “lifestyle choices.” The Apostle Peter warning ──

“and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them AN EXAMPLE to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7) and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by THE FILTHY CONDUCT OF THE WICKED.” – 2 Peter 2:6-7.

The LORD God has warned us ── 

“’ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. IT IS AN ABOMINATION.’” – Leviticus 18:22.

“’ If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. …’” and the grave punishment by the LORD God at that time, and we are told that God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) “ …’They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.’” – Leviticus 20:13.

We are not to enable or approve of this filthy conduct of the wicked! Here are some Scriptures teaching us this ── 

“who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS are deserving of death [eternal death], not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:32. 

“And have NO FELLOWSHIP with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11.

“If ANYONE comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [the very doctrine that our Lord Jesus brought from Father God], do not receive him INTO YOUR HOUSE NOR GREET HIM; 11) for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” – 2 John 10-11.

We are to warn this word that is accepting the filthy conduct of the wicked and those who practice such abominations unto the LORD God ── Ezekiel 3:18-19. 

Sadly, our societies are embracing evil as good. And that which was once considered “good” is now considered as “bad” ── Isaiah 5:20-21. 

Computer search engines will promote and defend the evil of this present age. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also programmed to be in favor of the evil of the LBGTQIA+ agenda! Apparently, AI will not allow college students to write a thesis against this abominable lifestyle. AI is programmed with a liberal narrative which is pro-homosexual.

“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” – Proverbs 17:15. 

“’You have wearied the LORD with your words; Yet you say, 

‘In what way have we wearied Him?’ 

In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil Is good in the sight of the LORD, And He delights in them,’ Or, ‘Where is the God of justice’” – Malachi 2:17.

The Apostle Paul ── writing to Timothy ── warns us that toward the end of this present evil age the wickedness of man will be great in the earth, just as our Lord Jesus has warned us, “and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart [will be] only evil continually” – Genesis 6:5; see also Matthew 24:37-39 ── 

“But know this, that IN THE LAST DAYS perilous times will come: 

2) For men [mankind] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good; 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power.

And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5. 

“’Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore [without national or personal repentance and a complete change of heart and mind] they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them [the terrible and dreadful Day of the Lord], They shall be cast down,’ Says the LORD.” – Jeremiah 6:15. 

These Scriptures show us that this world is completely reversing itself in its ignorance and lack of knowing, and in understanding God’s living word, to immoral standards. Showing us that our societies are turning themselves over completely to evil ── to Satan the Devil, the “god of this present age,” and to his rulership and great authority. 

Woe to those who embrace evil as good. 

May the kingdom of God come soon! □                     

Additional things to think about...

How God is called God ── Friends, how is it that “God” is called “God” by the native tongues of various regions around the world?

Debt Forgiveness ── When people do good deeds for others and expect something in return for those good deeds, then that person is offering a loan.

A New Sodom and Gomorrah ── In the local news - A guy who is involved with the University of North Alabama (UNA) posted something against homosexuals on his own PERSONAL social media account.

A Soon-Coming Kingdom ── Personally, I firmly believe the following – and it surely makes a lot of wonderful sense.

A Roman 'Mark'!? ── Back in Rome, in the times before our Lord Jesus Christ, the Roman government MARKED people ...

Blessing or Curses? ── IT IS my understanding that of all the remnants of the churches of God, the Intercontinental Church of God has had the most confirmed Covid-19 cases and deaths!

Pray to Father God or Jesus Christ? ── SHOULD WE pray to Father God or to Jesus Christ?

We Stand Firm On God’s Word

by GC LaMar

I write this based upon my own personal observations compelled by the truth of God’s living word. 

After much research and prayer, I’ve come to sobering conclusions regarding certain church organizations with which I once fellowshipped. This isn’t about causing division — it’s about standing firm on God’s Word.

The Apostle Paul warned, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4) and they will turn their ears away from THE TRUTH, and be turned aside to fables.” – 2 Timothy 3:3-4.

THE CALL TO SEPARATE OURSELVES 

The LORD God’s living word is clear: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15) And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.

When a church organization that once stood firm on biblical guidance begins to compromise with worldliness, we must choose obedience to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” – Jude 1:3 over any loyalty to an organization or institution that has knowingly departed from “sound doctrine.” 

The Apostle Paul has declared, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18) For those who are such do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” – Romans 16:17-18.

Women In Leadership. What Does God’s Word Say? 

Some church organizations have introduced women preachers and teachers in direct contradiction to God’s living word. These church organizations are trying to appease popular sentiment, but are doing nothing more than losing their spiritual backbone. 

The Apostle Paul clearly wrote, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35) And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. 

Again, writing to Timothy, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13) For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” – 1 Timothy 2:12-14.

This is not about misogyny──women are very precious “being heirs together of the grace of life” – 1 Peter 3:7. It’s about order, obedience, and structure to the LORD God’s well-established structure for mankind. As Paul explains, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3. There is the LORD God’s structure for mankind.

But, when we call something by another name to avoid the living truth of God, we are deceiving ourselves, “’ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!’” – Isaiah 5:20. 

 WORLDLINESS HAS ENTERED THE CHURCH OF GOD 

There has been a blending of worldly entertainment with worship, which has been grieving the Spirit. We are told, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16) For all that is in the world──the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life──is not of the Father but is of the world.” – 1 John 2:15-16. 

When churches of God embrace this world’s ways, i.e., its music, its entertainment culture, even including celebrating its pagan festivals under the cover of “Christianity” ── they have departed from holiness. 

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Truly, truly, there have been the Lord’s ordained Feast of Tabernacles where costume parties were being held. Now, keep in mind that the Feast of Tabernacles and Halloween are very close to each other on the Gregorian calendar. There was a minister and his wife dressed as a magician and a witch at one of the Feast of Tabernacles “costume parties.” Ponder on that. 

If you are truly obedient to the LORD God, then you know what God thinks of that. To me, it’s terrible. God’s living word declares, “’ There shall not be found among you ANYONE who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer.’” – Deuteronomy 18:10. Those are abominations unto the LORD God!

The Apostle James asks pointedly, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” – James 4:4. 

Our Lord Jesus Himself said, “’ No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’” – Matthew 6:24. 

Discerning the fruits of man 

Our Lord Jesus teaches us, “’ You will know them [false prophets and false teachers] by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17) Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.’” – Matthew 7:16-18.

When a church organization or a church’s leadership, or its members, consistently display worldly attitudes rather than “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), you must take notice.

Christ Jesus warned of those who “have a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:5. He has also warned us, “’ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.’” – Matthew 7:15. 

The Apostle John wrote, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” – 1 John 2:19.

Standing for truth in Godly Love

I share this with you not in worldly anger, but in grief and in warning. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11.

We should not remain silent when the word of God is being compromised! 

The Apostle Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2. Again, the Apostle Paul to Titus, a true son in our common faith, “This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.” – Titus 1:13.

For those who seek wholeheartedly genuine biblical teaching: be diligent. “Test [prove] all things; hold fast what is good. 22) Abstain from every form of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Search for congregations of the Church of God that hold firm to God’s living word without any compromises, where God’s word──not church or worldly culture, trends, or human reasoning──is the final authority. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” – Isaiah 8:20. 

 THE LORD GOD’S STANDARD HAS NOT CHANGED 

There are some who call faithfulness to biblical standards “old-fashioned” or “outdated.” But the LORD God’s living word declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9) Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” – Hebrews 13:8-9.

Our Lord Jesus says, “’ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.’” – Matthew 24:35. 

I personally have noticed there are a lot of modern churches of God with a great lack of godly discipline, a great lack of decency, and a great quantity of filthiness. 

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4) neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks.” – Ephesians 4:3-4.

What was the living truth of God in the apostolic era remains true today. We do not update God’s word to fit the times we are living in; we conform ourselves to God’s living word. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2.

The LORD God had established great Church leadership in the early years of the 20th century as a great guide for us in the 21st century. But, because of a “falling away” into laziness, lack of discipline, a desire to be unkept slobs and slothful, we are now seeing ministries of slouches──ministries of pathetic representation.

e.g., if your minister is going to be dressed down and look like a beach bum, or appear before the congregation as past ministers have appeared, then… keep this in mind… that man represents Jesus Christ. That man is displaying his disciplined efforts for the ministry. As such, uniforms are important as a sign of discipline, unity, and a representation of a position. There was a time when you could easily recognize a person's position by what they were wearing, i.e., police officers dressed like the television show Adam-12. Classy and easily recognizable. Today, police officers dress like they’re in the military. School uniforms have changed drastically over time,  reflecting the changing socio-political landscapes and pedagogical philosophies. It’s becoming a sign of lacking. And the ministry is no different. They too are becoming like the modern world.

Over time, the clothing of insurance agents has changed significantly. Initially, agents typically wore suits and ties, with women often in skirts and blouses. Today, many agents have opted for jeans and polo shirts. A minister used to wear a suit and tie because he represented an office of position.

The rebellious-spirited worldly types continue to creep in with their philosophies and their ideologies. In this modern age that we are living in, we should represent what our position is. Well… maybe it’s just me, I’m a super strict disciplinarian. I believe in discipline to the hilt. I have no tolerance for slothfulness and slobs. I do not like it. And, I do not like to be around them. I do not like their demeanor and their lacking.

I’ve known family members who were like that, and I avoided them. As I said, it could be a personal thing ── and probably is ── but I remember how it used to be when people as a whole were disciplined in the Church of God and carried themselves with pride, dignity, and honor.

Today, most don’t seem to care. Does anybody care anymore? That’s what the problem is! And it bothers me──it bothers me──to the core.

God’s living word warns, “’ His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11) Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.’” – Isaiah 56:10-11.

Some mockingly say of people like me ── they “just want to hang on to that old-time religion. Well, that’s what was taught 50-some years ago out in Pasadena.”

Well, brethren, I’d love to have that “old-time religion” that was in the Body of Christ before the sluggard generation and the ministry of ministers came along! 

“Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.” – Proverbs 22:28.

Also, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls” – Jeremiah 6:16. 

There are church organizations that are politicizing the Church of God, trying to bring in modernized political ideologies, literally acting nearly as though they’re voting, every so many years, for their ministers to determine whether or not they should stay in the church. How absurd!

Who is man to think he can judge the anointed of God? The LORD God says, “’ Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.’” – Psalm 105:15.

Even David had refused to harm a hair on King Saul’s head ── even when he had the opportunity to do so, saying, “’ The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.’” – 1 Samuel 24:6.

Those church organizations are a joke. They produce a lot of philosophy, ideologies, and spiritual decay.

We are warned, “’ Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” – Colossians 2:8. 

Those church organizations have left the faith once for all delivered to the saints and have invented a worldly, modernized, propagandized manner of modern religion into the Church of God ── which is of the devil, and most are blinded to it.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14) And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

A final word

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1.

I beseech thee: choose carefully where you plant your spiritual roots. Seek congregations of the Church of God that fear God more than they fear man’s opinions, that uphold God’s living word without apology, and that display genuine spiritual fruits.

“If it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15. 

The Apostle Peter and the other apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29. And the Apostle Paul exhorted, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13.

May the LORD God grant you all wisdom, discernment, and courage to stand for truth in these drastically changing times. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13. 

“’ Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.’” – John 17:17. □                      

Additional things to think about...

How God is called God ── Friends, how is it that “God” is called “God” by the native tongues of various regions around the world?

Debt Forgiveness ── When people do good deeds for others and expect something in return for those good deeds, then that person is offering a loan.

A New Sodom and Gomorrah ── In the local news - A guy who is involved with the University of North Alabama (UNA) posted something against homosexuals on his own PERSONAL social media account.

A Soon-Coming Kingdom ── Personally, I firmly believe the following – and it surely makes a lot of wonderful sense.

A Roman 'Mark'!? ── Back in Rome, in the times before our Lord Jesus Christ, the Roman government MARKED people ...

Blessing or Curses? ── IT IS my understanding that of all the remnants of the churches of God, the Intercontinental Church of God has had the most confirmed Covid-19 cases and deaths!

Pray to Father God or Jesus Christ? ── SHOULD WE pray to Father God or to Jesus Christ?

God's Eternal Marks Upon His Covenant People (PART FOUR)

by GC LaMar

God’s living word reveals to us that the keeping of the holy Sabbath will continue throughout eternity ── 

“’ For as the new heavens and the new earth [see: Revelation 21:1] Which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘So shall your descendants and your name remain. 23) And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another [which signifies a recurring cycle of worship], And from one Sabbath to another, ALL FLESH shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD.” – Isaiah 66:22-23.

So, suppose the holy seventh-day Sabbath was merely a temporary “Jewish” commandment. Why would God’s living word tell us ── by the Prophet Isaiah, inspired by God’s Spirit ── that it will continue even after a new heaven and a new earth come down out of the atmosphere? Its eternal nature confirms for us its role as a permanent sign of the LORD God’s chosen people.

Worldwide Observance In the Kingdom of God 

The Prophet Zechariah has prophesied that beginning in Jesus Christ’s Millennial Reign, all nations will be required to keep and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles ── 

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17) And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to [New] Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18) If the family of Egypt [the nation of Egypt] will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19) This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.” – Zechariah 14:16-19.

This passage shows us that the LORD God’s annually appointed Feast of Tabernacles will not be abolished, but will be observed worldwide, beginning with our Lord Jesus Christ’s Millennial Rule—the establishment of the glorious kingdom of God. It will be mandatory that all nations (delegations of all nations) come up to New Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, with severe punishment for those nations that refuse to do so.

The Prophet Isaiah also confirms this truth ── “And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD.” – Isaiah 66:23.

All flesh──which means every human being will be remembering and observing the holy seventh-day Sabbath even after the establishment of the new heaven and the new earth. 

Whom Do You Serve & Worship? 

God’s living word makes it clear that there are two masters.

The Prophet Elijah ── whose name literally means “My God is YHWH,” who was a prophet for the LORD God in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC ── makes this clear to those who were worshipping Baal ── 

“Then it happened, when [King] Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, ‘Is that you, O troubler of Israel?’ 18) And he answered, ‘I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. … 20) So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21) And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.” – 1 Kings 18:17-18, 20-21. 

Every person on planet earth either serves the LORD God or Satan the Devil ── the god of this age. There is no neutral position. 

Our Lord Jesus points out to us ── “’ No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’”  – Matthew 6:24.

The Greek word for “mammon” is mamōnas, which means “wealth, assets.”

The Patriarch Joshua, gathering all the tribes of Israel, speaks the same truth ── “Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. 2) And Joshua said to all the people, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River [Euphrates] in old times; and they served other gods. … 15) And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.’” – Joshua 24:1-2, 15.

Each person must choose. Obedience to the LORD God of Israel──which includes the keeping and observance of His Sabbath and His Holy Days──or the gods of the peoples who are all around you (for the LORD your God is a jealous God among you).

Satan the Devil and His Demons Are Religious

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

The Apostle Paul speaks volumes concerning this very truth ── “ … from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14) And NO WONDER! For Satan himself transforms into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” – 2 Corinthians 11:12, 13-15.

Satan the Devil, doesn’t always appear as an evil-looking being. He, more often than not, appears as righteousness. And, his ministers appear as ministers of righteousness. They deceive people into believing that they are serving the LORD God, when in fact they are serving Satan the Devil ── either on purpose or because of ignorance. And, there is a saying, “ignorantia juris non excusat.” Ignorance of the Law of God is not a valid defense.

The Prophet Hosea underscores this truth ── “’ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.’” – Hosea 4:6.

Speaking of the end-times of this present evil age, our Lord Jesus Christ says ── “’ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24) For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25) See, I have told you beforehand.’” – Matthew 24:23-25.

So often, the deception can be so powerful and convincing that even the elect of God can be deceived. Our Lord Jesus has warned us, brethren, beforehand. He who holds fast what we have, brethren, till He comes, and who overcomes and keeps all His works until the end, shall escape and stand before the LORD God in the glorious kingdom of God!

We are warned that in the end-time a most-popular and powerful religious figure will stand up and announce that he is God ── “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day [the Day of the LORD] will not come unless the falling away comes first, 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. … 

9) The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10) and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11) And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12) that they all may be [judged] who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 9-12.

Those who reject the living truth of God ── again, either on purpose or because of ignorance ── God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe that this lawless one is God. Thinking that they are serving Jesus Christ, but instead ── in reality ── they are serving Satan the Devil.

 There is a WIDE GATE

Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of this wide gate ── “’ Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life [eternal life], and there are few who find it.’” – Matthew 7:13-14.

The majority of our peoples are traveling along the broad road that leads to destruction. And this includes the multitudes who are claiming Christianity while outright rejecting God’s commandments. The narrow way ── the path to eternal life ── is traveled during this present age by only a few, those who have within them the Spirit of God and who obey all of God’s commands! 

Our Lord Jesus Christ was asked, ‘are there few who are saved?’ ── “ … ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.’” – Luke 13:24. 

Many will be seeking to enter into His kingdom, but will not be able ── because they refused to obey the LORD God in their lifetime. 

‘Come out of her, my people’ 

The LORD God calls for His people ── those that Father God has called out of this world, have properly repented, been baptized, and have had hands laid upon them, receiving the glorious Holy Spirit ── to completely separate themselves from this world’s religions and this world’s religious practices ──

In vision, the Apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying ── “ … ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.’” – Revelation 18:4. 

The Apostle Paul, too, has this same warning for us ── “Therefore, ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ 18) ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; see also Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41; and 2 Samuel 7:14.

The LORD God (the Elohim, the family of God – which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) promises to receive and acknowledge as sons and daughters those who come out from false religions and unclean practices.

Partial Obedience is Disobedience 

To quote Yoda in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, “Do or do not. There is no try.” 

The LORD God values ── inspiring His Prophet & Judge Samuel to announce to King Saul ── full and faithful obedience above any religious ritual. He explains to us that rebellion is equated to witchcraft ── 

1st Samuel 15:22-23 ── “So Samuel said, ‘Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.’” 

The rejection of the word of the LORD will result in the LORD God rejecting you.

 Life or Death

The LORD God tells the children of Israel that there is set before us all, life and death, and that we are to choose ── “’ I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20) that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and length of your days; and that you my dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.’” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20. 

The LORD God has set before every person a choice of life or death. Choosing life means loving God, obeying His voice, clinging to Him, that you may dwell safely in the land. And this obedience includes ── the remembering and keeping holy His seventh-day Sabbath and keeping and celebrating His Holy Days.

The Seal of God vs. The Mark of the Beast 

The apostle John, under divine inspiration of the Spirit of God, describes for us a grave warning ──

Revelation 13:16-17 ── “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and [bond], to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17) and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”   

There are quite a few places - Revelation 13:16-17; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:4 that speak concerning the ‘mark of the beast.’

Now, the term ‘the mark’ – if you look it up in your concordance or your lexicon under your Bible study helps – it describes an actual something. An actual thing – a symbol. It’s not a concept or an idea. And, it's not “Sunday worship.” 

Revelation 14:9-10 ── “’ If ANYONE worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his FOREHEAD or on his HAND, 10) he himself shall also drink of the wine of the WRATH OF GOD, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. ...” 

Just as the LORD God has a seal upon the begotten children of God, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, has also “marked” their followers. The identifying sign of the churches of false Christianity is the cross, from the time of the Roman Empire down to today. At the end of this present evil age will center upon worship ── as in, Whom do you serve & worship? 

The grave consequences of having received this “mark” ── either you have already received this “mark” or you will receive it in the near future ── could be eternal without proper repentance.

Sadly, those who have either outright rejected or have allowed themselves to be misled concerning God’s commandments ── including the remembering and keeping holy His seventh-day Sabbath and keeping and celebrating His Holy Days ── have most likely accepted the “mark” of the beast, and do not have the seal of God.

God's Eternal, Unchanging Marks of His People 

The LORD God has not changed in standards ── from the beginning, the LORD God has “marked” their people through their faithful obedience to their commandments. From Eden, the seventh-day Sabbath has stood as a perpetual sign for the children of God. Divine appointments that identify those who belong exclusively to Him. 

These are not cultural “Jewish” customs and rituals that were only temporary in the Old Testament, that were abolished upon the cross. We are told that these are eternal statutes that were established by the Lord Himself, and that were observed by our Savior Jesus Christ and His apostles, and are destined to be kept and observed in His Millennial Reign and beyond. 

We are told by the LORD God of Israel, “’ For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. 7) Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,’ Says the LORD of hosts. …” – Malachi 3:6, 7.

We are also told that our Lord Jesus Christ changes not ── “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8.

The LORD God does not change their standards ── their commandments are not going to change. 

God Commands All Men Everywhere To Repent 

Inspired by God’s Spirit, the Apostle Paul tells us ── “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” – Acts 17:30.

Hebrews 3:15 ── “while it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS as in the rebellion.’” – and he went on to explain, 16) For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17) Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, … 18) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to THOSE WHO DID NOT OBEY? 19) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” – vs. 16, 17, 18.

2nd Corinthians 6:2 ── “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2) For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”    

My friend, won’t you seek the Lord while He may be found, won’t you properly repent, be properly baptized, and have hands laid upon you ── receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, receiving the seal of the living God? Won’t you be “marked” as belonging to Him by keeping His holy commandments, remembering and keeping His seventh-day Sabbath, and keeping and celebrating His Holy Days? Or, will you continue in the traditions of men, remaining spiritually dead and under the dominion of Satan the Devil?

The choice is yours. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has spoken. His living words are eternal. Choose life. Choose the LORD God. Choose the glorious seal of the living God ── today. □

God's Eternal Marks Upon His Covenant People (PART THREE)

by GC LaMar

Only until God the Father calls you, places upon you the gift of repentance, properly baptized, and has hands laid upon you ── receiving the glorious gift of God’s Spirit ── you will remain under Satan the Devil’s authority, regardless of your religious claims.

The very words of our Savior, Jesus Christ ──

“’ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44) You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.’” – John 8:43-44.

Our Lord Jesus spoke those words to religious people who claimed to know God and that He is their Father. Yet, their outright incredulous disbelief and their disobedience to the LORD God revealed their true father: Satan the Devil.

Again, speaking to those people who claim to be religious ── “’ Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom [from] heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22) Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? 23) And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” – Matthew 7:21-23.

The Greek word for “iniquity” (from the King James Version) is anomia, which means “wickedness, lawlessness, lawless deeds.”

Most who claim to be “Christian” will be rejected by our Lord Jesus Christ, because they practice lawlessness. They are outright, or because of ignorance, rejecting the LORD God’s commandments──including His Sabbaths and Holy Days.

The Apostle Paul ── under divine inspiration, writing to his close companion, Titus ── “For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision [those that are Jewish], 11) whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. … 16) They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” – Titus 1:10 11, 16. 

Again, the Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, speaks about people claiming to be religious, yet in the end denying the very God they claim to worship ── they “[have] a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:5.

A great many have a form of godliness ── they have a religious appearance ── but they deny the very power of God by either outright refusal, ignorance, or disobedience. In truth, they continue in their religiosity to remain spiritually dead, “belonging” to Satan the Devil. 

The LORD God’s People: Identified by Commandment Keeping

Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals to us in the Book of Revealing ── Revelation, the identity of His people toward the end of this present evil age: by them having within them the Spirit of God, and by their obedience to His commandments.

Romans 8:14 ── “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are [children] of God.”          

Revelation 12:17 ── “And the dragon [Satan the Devil] was enraged with the woman [Judah – the nation today called Israel], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring [the Church of God], who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” 

Revelation 14:12 ── “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” 

The very nature of the universe is a pairing of positive and negative. Things are dual, and so will be the final conflict: good vs evil. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s people are clearly marked: ‘For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God, along with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ The two groups of people ── even today ── are clearly visible: those who obey the LORD God and those who do not, those who claim faith all the while rejecting obedience to God and the keeping of His commandments. 

Revelation 22:14 ── “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [New Jerusalem].”   

The Seal of God

The Apostle John ── inspired by a vision while on the Isle of Patmos, was told to write in a book that the LORD God would begin sealing, on their foreheads, their people throughout these two thousand years of all the tribes of the children of Israel ── “Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels [more than likely the four demons that are ‘bound’ at the great river Euphrates that are waiting for God to release them, see Rev. 9:13-15] to whom it was granted [eventually] to harm the earth and the sea, 3) saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.’” – Revelation 7:2-3.

The seal of God marks ownership and divine protection ── spiritually marking throughout these last two thousand years 144,000 servants of God on their foreheads of all the tribes of the children of Israel: From Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph [Ephraim], and Benjamin.

Notice that Dan is not in this group. Dan is most likely the people of Ireland. And, they are sort of hard-headed, and sort of pugnacious – they want to fight, they want to argue. And at the present time – and for a long time – they have been totally bound up in bondage to the Roman Catholic Church. 

For two thousand years – even before Jesus Christ – were servants of God that are going to be in the glorious kingdom of God – and quoting from the King James Version – “ … These are they which [will come after] great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Friends, these are people who will come AFTER tribulation – after trouble, in this end time - and, maybe not even in this end-time, maybe it had been in the Middle Ages (from the 5th to the 15th century), and the plagues which were all around–they were in tribulation.

But to me, the implication is, ‘don’t do any of these terrible things to the earth and the sea until we make sure they possess God’s Spirit.’ So, these people here ── throughout these nearly two thousand years, and even before, have obeyed the LORD God, have been in deep prayers before the LORD God, have properly repented and been baptized, and have had hands laid upon them ── receiving the glorious Holy Spirit of God, which is the seal upon their foreheads.

Revelation 9:1-12 ── “Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven [the atmosphere] to the earth. [Satan the Devil and his demons are being ejected from the atmosphere and being confined only to the earth!]. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2) And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. Then the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 

3) Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4) They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5) And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6) In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.”   

The LORD God’s seal protects His people from harm and destruction. Without this spiritual seal on your forehead ── the angels (more than likely the four demons that are ‘bound’ at the great river Euphrates) will be given permission to torment people for five months because they have been participating in outright disobedience to the LORD God!

Our Lord Jesus Christ Fulfilled the Law & the Prophets ── Not Abolished

Our Lord Jesus plainly says ── “’ DO NOT THINK that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets [the first five Books of Moses and the Books of the Prophets]. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18) For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away [surely a reference to Revelation 21:1], one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.’” – Matthew 5:17-18. 

He came to fulfill the prophecies that were spoken concerning Him.

Also, He kept and observed His seventh-day Sabbath and kept and celebrated His Holy Days ── providing for us His example. 

Luke 4:16 ── “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbaths day, and stood up to read.”   

John 7:2, 10, 14 ── “Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. …” – Minister Leonard Johnson speaks concerning why this phrase was said in that way in “Let Us Observe the Feast of Tabernacles!” 10) But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. … 14) Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.” 

Our Lord Jesus kept His Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Day of Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the ‘Last Great Day.’ He never suggested that His feasts were only temporary or would be abolished.

Our Lord Jesus continued ── “’ Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom [from] heaven; …’” – Matthew 5:19.

Our Lord Jesus came to fulfill (to complete, fill to the full, demonstrate the true meaning of) the Law ── not to abolish it. Anyone who breaks even one of His commandments has broken them all ── including the breaking of remembering and keeping the Sabbath holy, and the keeping and celebrating the Holy Days ── they will be called ‘least in the kingdom from heaven.’

Luke 16:17 ── “’ The law and the prophets were until John. …’” – The first five books of Moses and the books of the Prophets were until John the Baptist. “ … ‘Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17) And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.’”  

The Apostle Paul explains ── “Do we then make void the law through faith? CERTAINLY NOT! On the contrary, we establish the law.” – Romans 3:31. 

Faith does not nullify the Law of God ── it establishes it. Faith produces good works ── obedience. 

The Apostle James ── inspired by God’s Spirit, explains ── “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11) For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the [whole] law.” – James 2:10-11.

We are all judged by the Law of God. Breaking any one point of the law ── including the breaking of the seventh-day Sabbath ── makes you guilty of breaking all of the commandments of God. 

The Church of God Continued Observance After Christ’s Resurrection 

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s apostles continued observing the holy Sabbath and keeping and celebrating the Holy Days even after the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ ──  

Acts 13:14 ── “But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.” 

Acts 13:42, 44 ── “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. … 44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” 

So, the Gentiles of the city had asked the Apostle Paul if he would preach again the following Sabbath ── in the first century, Saturday was referred to as “dies Sāturnī” (Saturn’s Day), or rather in Greek, Ημέρα του Κρόνου “Imera tou Kronou” ── it was not Ημέρα του Ήλιου “Imera tou Iliou” – Sun’s Day. If the LORD God’s holy Sabbath had been changed to Sunday, the Apostle Paul had the perfect opportunity here to say to the Gentiles that it had been. Instead, he met with them the following Sabbath.

Acts 17:2 ── “Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” 

Acts 18:4 ── “And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks [Gentiles].”

The Apostle Paul’s ── and to note: He was called “Saul” by our Lord Jesus in the Hebrew language, and was born to a devout Jewish family that was living in Tarsus, which is now a municipality and district of Mersin Province, Turkey ── custom was to keep and observe the holy Sabbath.

And even some 24 years after the death and glorious resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ ── the Apostle Paul, writing to the saints in ancient Corinth ── “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. 8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8. 

Sincerity and truth, being our Lord Jesus Christ! The Apostle Paul instructs the Gentile converts there in ancient Corinth to observe the feast ── speaking here of the Feast of Unleavened Bread ── not with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread (our Lord Jesus is the bread, the bread of life) of sincerity and truth, for Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Acts 20:6 ── “But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, …” 

The Church of God that was there in Philippi ── a predominantly Gentile congregation ── observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread of the New Covenant, demonstrating continued keeping and observance by the early Church. □

to be continued ....