Month: May 2025

THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 5, Part 1

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 5, Part 1

The Healing at Bethesda – Jesus’ Equality With God

The words and the events of this chapter are so astounding, so revealing, and so important for the believer and to the watching world, that I will break this chapter into 2 parts so we do not hurry through and fail to absorb this enriched spiritual bread for the nourishment of our souls.

This testifies to the power, the presence the nature and the purpose of the One and Only Living God, Immanuel. Please read slowly and carefully, believe and receive.

The Healing at Bethesda

John 5:1, After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

(Commentary Break): After the conclusion of the great events of the Feast of Trumpets, the commemoration of the Creation and the Law giving in chapter four, Jesus went to Jerusalem. Now, the coming events will c0rrespond with that theme. Furthermore, the fact that this particular miracle on the sabbath would be referred to a few months later in Jerusalem, on Christ’s third appearance there, is no coincidence. Bear in mind that Judaean emissaries in Galilee had been bitterly assailing Jesus, on the ground of his persistent determination to heal sickness and hopeless maladies on the sabbath day. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 2. Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes.

(Commentary Break): The Encyclopedia from BibleHub.com, tells us that “The symbolism of the Sheep Gate takes on a deep meaning with the advent of Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The Sheep Gate can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrificial death. Just as sheep entered through this gate for sacrifice, Jesus entered Jerusalem, ultimately to be sacrificed for the sins of humanity. This connection highlights the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in the person and work of Christ.”

“Furthermore, in John 10:7, Jesus refers to Himself as the “gate for the sheep”: “So He said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.'” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the entry point to salvation, emphasizing that through Him alone can one enter into a relationship with God. This metaphorical use of the gate imagery reinforces the idea that Jesus is the ultimate means of access to spiritual safety and eternal life.”

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“In a broader theological context, the Sheep Gate also symbolizes the believer’s journey. Just as sheep entered through the gate to be consecrated for sacrifice, believers are called to enter through Christ, the gate, to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This act of spiritual worship is a response to the grace and mercy received through Christ’s sacrifice.”
“The Sheep Gate, therefore, is rich in symbolism, pointing to the central themes of sacrifice, atonement, and access to God. It serves as a reminder of the continuity and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb and the true gate for the sheep.”

Please put yourself into this event. You are one of the sheep, waiting for your Shepherd at the gate. Good News for you is now at hand! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. In these porticoes lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping, or paralyzed. Verse 5. Now a man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. Verse 6. Jesus, upon seeing this man lying there and knowing that he had already been in that condition for a long time, said to him, “Do you want to get well?” Verse 7. The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Verse 8. Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Verse 9. Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

(Commentary Break): Once again, please continue to see yourself as the man who had been ill for 38 years. Or at the very least, put yourself there as a first hand witness to what is happening. Imagine, as far as you can see is the horrendous sight of a multitude of sick, blind, limping and paralyzed people. Jesus focuses in on this one man out of a multitude who was lying there.

How did this man care for himself? How did he manage to get there? One can only guess his appearance was pitiful or appalling. His odor was probably repelling. Why did Jesus choose this one?

Jesus, then comes straight to the point, as He always does, and asks the man, “Do you want to get well?”

Take note of the man’s excuse in place of an answer, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Some might say that his answer is as pathetic is his condition. You or I might ask, “Why didn’t he just say ‘yes’?!

But, after 38 years of lying in his sickness and filth, helpless and hopeless, who can blame him for his hopeless reply? What would you have done after 38 years of unrequited prayers and efforts?

Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being made “poor in spirit” literally translates to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing, helpless and powerless to accomplish an end; destitute of wealth, influence and honor; destitute of Christian virtue; destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford.

It should cause one to wonder, how could they possibly be considered “Blessed” if they are made “poor in spirit”.

It is, however, because people of this class are the ones most ready to give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure. 

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape, that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before. 

We hear it said “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God” which is true enough, but none of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state.  It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help.  And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives.

Then, when all is said and done,  Jesus tells him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” And, IMMEDIATLEY the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

This is for you and for me today! (End Commentary Break).

Now it was a Sabbath on that day. Verse 10. So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is a Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” Verse 11. But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” Verse 12. They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk’?” Verse 13. But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. Verse 14. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” Verse 15. The man went away, and informed the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Verse 16. For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath. Verse 17. But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

(Commentary Break): Most of these verse simply and powerfully speak for themselves. But I would like to focus our attention of verses 14 through 17. Verse 14: Please pay close attention to Jesus’ instruction “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The word ‘sin’ or from the Greek language, ‘harmartano’, translates literally as “to miss the mark of God’s intentions, plans and purpose for you and to miss out on what He has planned for you; to lose your share in the prize and a joint heir of Jesus”. Being saved by Jesus means you are being made well, made safe, made whole, given a life of purpose and this manifests from the Spiritual into the natural or physical world – i.e., it is manifested in your life. What worse could have happened to this man that being lame and disable for 38 years? It would be to lose one’s soul to hell. One cannot imagine.

Verse 17: But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” Jesus is saying God is always at work, and His care and provision for us are constant and unlimited. We are to recognize that His sovereignty and power to act is outside of human limitations and constraints.

The Sabbath is the symbolism of the rest we find in Christ. We are to find our true rest in Jesus and not in religious legalistic observances.

Jesus is saying, in essence, that God desires mercy instead of sacrifice.

He is inviting us to join Him in what He is already doing, not in creating solutions in our own imagination.

The main lesson for us here is to always and simply say “Yes” to Jesus! (End Commentary Break).

Jesus’ Equality with God

Verse 18. For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

(Commentary Break): Verse eighteen clearly and concisely describes the heart of the Religious Jewish mindset which is rigid, legalistic and deadly. On the one hand it might be admirable that the Jews are so profoundly committed to their belief system if it were not, on the other hand, so unforgiving and fatal.

(I have personally experienced the wrath of legalism when it comes to the various doctrines of eschatology, the matters of the rapture and the tribulation. Although eschatological matters have little effect on one’s salvation, I have seen hate-filled schisms in the Body of Christ over these matters and the selfishness of the ego.)

Nonetheless, the final conflict for the hearts, souls and minds of people is under way and Jesus is showing us the way to safety. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 19. Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way. Verse 20. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. Verse 21. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. Verse 22. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, verse 23, so that all will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Verse 24. “Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

(Commentary Break): Jesus, in these verses, forcefully and powerfully declares His unity with God the Father as His Son. A unity that makes them indistinguishable except by Jesus’ own words. It is incumbent on every Christ follower to understand the profundity and the gravity of these words, to accept them as truth and to embrace them as the only way through death, unto life eternal and the Father. These are the Hallmarks of a true believer, a true Christian. (End Commentary Break).

(End Part 1, Chapter 5).

The word ‘disciple’ from the Greek, ‘mathētḗs’ (math = the “mental effort needed to think something through”) + a learner; a disciple, a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines of Scripture and the lifestyle they require; someone catechized with proper instruction from the Bible with its necessary follow-through of life-applications.

The term ‘disciple’ is a central concept in the New Testament, reflecting the relationship between Jesus and His followers. It signifies more than just a student; it implies a committed follower who seeks to emulate the teacher’s life and teachings. In the Gospels, the twelve disciples are often referred to as His disciples, highlighting their role as Jesus’ closest followers who were chosen to learn directly from Him and to carry on His mission.

The role of a disciple involves both learning and living out the teachings of the master. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” indicating that the process of discipleship involves both teaching and baptizing new believers into the faith. This underscores the transformative aspect of being a disciple as it requires a change in both understanding and lifestyle.

Therefore, we can safely and accurately say that this chapter of John is part of the bedrock of our faith as disciples of Christ, just as Matthew chapters four through ten are the detailed instructions for every disciple of Jesus.

Jesus, in part 2 of Chapter 5, completes His proclamation as the Son of God and tells us of our eternal future. Just as the greatest commandments of the Bible, according to Jesus, are “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself”, I for one, would consider this chapter of John to be the greatest explanation of our future and the greatest proclamation about Christ, by Jesus, Himself.

Let’s study it; Meditate on it; Believe it; Do it.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 5, Part 2. Two Resurrections – The Testimony of John The Baptist, of Works, of The Father, of Scripture.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 4, Jesus goes to Galilee, The Woman of Samaria, Samaritans, Healing of an official’s son.

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COCKEYED?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

What do you call it when someone tries to focus on two separate and unrelated things at the same time? Syncretic? Double-minded? Indecisive? Undisciplined? Confused? Silly? Absurd? Idiotic? It depends. It depends on the context.

Cockeyed is properly defined, in the slang, as “foolish, ridiculous, absurd, askew or crooked”, as in “not aligned properly”.

It is, in actuality, a physical medical condition called strabismus, in which the eyes do not point in the same direction. It can also be referred to as a tropia or squint. And, although people may tease about it, it is anything but funny.

Strabismus can be caused by a defect in muscles or the part of the brain that controls eye movement. It is especially common in children who have brain tumors, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, other disorders that affect the brain

Diseases that cause partial or total blindness can cause strabismus. So can extreme farsightedness, cataracts, eye injury, or having much better vision in one eye than the other.

In adults, strabismus is usually caused by diabetes, head trauma, stroke, brain tumor, other diseases affecting nerves that control eye muscles.

Now that we have the description and definition, let’s look at a particular application of the word, cockeyed, in the slang.

What would you call it if a theologian, preacher, pastor or anyone calling themselves a Christian, would deliberately redefine doctrines and teachings in the Bible from their commonly accepted and customary meanings, definitions and descriptions? (Before we answer that, let’s dig a little deeper).

For example, the Bible says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident:

sexual immorality, (i.e., loveless, cheap sex),

impurity, (i.e., a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage),

sensuality, (i.e., frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness),

idolatry, (trinket gods, ugly parodies of community),

enmity, (paranoid loneliness),

strife, (cutthroat competition),

jealousy, (all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants),

fits of anger, (a brutal temper),

rivalries, (an impotence to love or be loved),

dissensions, (divided homes and divided lives),

divisions, (small-minded and lopsided pursuits),

envy, (the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival),

drunkenness, (uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions),

orgies, (ugly parodies of community, and things like these).

I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who continue to do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (see Galatians 5:16-21).

(This was written by Paul the Apostle to the churches in southern Galatia, and perhaps northern Galatia, founded by Paul during his missionary journey – in other words, it was written to Christians.)

So, let’s say someone, claiming to be a Christian were to believe that, despite what the Bible clearly teaches, they believe that sex outside of marriage is okay because we are weak and fallible and God must understand. So we confess our sin, or not, but continue to have sex outside of marriage – and using our own logic and reasoning, teach others likewise. What is that?

Or, consider the so-called churches that are ‘gay affirming’.

1 Corinthians 6:9 says, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.”

Or any of the other things, the sins? It’s cockeyed! You think you will go to heaven, but, #1, you are not a Christian, according to the Biblical definition; or if somehow you are a Christian, then you will have “lost your salvation” (another can of manmade theological worms) and you certainly “will not inherit the kingdom of God”, i.e., you are not going to heaven. Your thinking and reasoning is cockeyed: “foolish, ridiculous, absurd, askew or crooked”, as in “not aligned properly”.

Look friends, I know that some who read this will say things like, “you are the one who is cockeyed”, but that is just lame.

Or perhaps you will say “I just can’t stop it. I cannot help it. I have tried over and over, only to fail. I guess I was just born this way”. To which I say, “I understand”.

I do understand! Listen. The Bible does say that sin can separate you from God? I have often heard this phrase, that my ‘sins’ separate me from God, and that sin even hinders or negates my prayers or that God won’t even hear me.

Those who say that sin separates us from God, usually quote verses like Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”

Or, New Testament verses like Galatians 5:4 “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

Then, when I commit a sin, this phrase comes to my mind, and I begin to worry and doubt and fear that I have created a separation between me and my Eternal Hope.

I try to “not sin”, then I sin, anyway. And, the cycle of worry and doubt and fear starts over again.

I have met Christians who have serious challenges with alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual addiction, kleptomania, homosexuality, and other habits of thought, behavioral habits or addictions, and most will either say “the harder I try, the worse it gets” or “I am better, but…” or, they find themselves having to live in the torment. I had found myself in this dilemma, once in my life.

Then there are the few who say they have been delivered from this torment and have been set completely free. How do they do that?

I have read all the well-intended commentaries and the so-called Bible scholars on this matter, and you get answers that differ depending on denominational views.

WHAT A QUANDARY.

The Apostle Paul gives us a word of hope in Romans, chapter 7, speaking about the conflict of the two natures that dwell within us.

Romans 7:14-25, tells us,

“For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 

For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.  But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.

For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind I am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh, the law of sin.”

But, there is good news because there is deliverance from this bondage. It is not easy and it is never quick. But, there is deliverance. Jesus meant it when He says, “It is the one who endures to the end who will be saved”!!

Please click the link below to continue…

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THERE IS DELIVERANCE FROM THIS BONDAGE

THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 4

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 4

 

Jesus goes to Galilee, The Woman of Samaria, Samaritans, Healing of an official’s son.

A gentle reminder, or two: I encourage you to please, do not read these verses with a contemporary eye. In other words, it is very important to understand that these events were spoken and written in the culture of that day. So, it is not completely helpful to attempt to understand them through a contemporary lens. Secondly, as I have said before, my commentaries are not meant to be comprehensive in language nuances, politics, social customs or mores, religious traditions, habits and rituals, and so forth, although I may touch on them from time to time. My commentary breaks are for our application. Please ask yourself, when there is so much God could have recorded in His Word, why He would emphasize what seems to be incidental events? Is it for our casual reading or for our temporary interests? It is because we are to learn from them so we can fix our mind on the Ways and Methods of God and to do them – inculcate them into our mind, heart and soul. It is part of the process preparing us for the sanctifying work God is doing in our lives. Do the Works He has prepared for us, ahead of time, to walk in, and as preparation for an eternity with Him.

Now, I encourage you to gird up the loins of your mind for action!

Jesus Goes to Galilee

John 4:1, So then, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John, verse 2, (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing; rather, His disciples were), verse 3, He left Judea and went away again to Galilee. Verse 4. And He had to pass through Samaria. Verse 5. So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; verse 6, and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, tired from His journey, was just sitting by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

(Commentary Break): Jesus is headed back to Galilee, which by the way can be translated as ‘circle of Gentiles’, which is no coincidence, but a harbinger of things to come, and has been referred to at times as Jesus’ hometown.

It is also no coincidence that He would pass through Samaria and to Jacob’s well. Jesus will be speaking their language and not just linguistics or in the words of their known language. He will begin the conversation speaking to this woman in the context of her culture, history, belief systems and of her religious attitudes. This exactly how He speaks to us. Learn from this. The stage is set. (Commentary Break).

The Woman of Samaria

Verse 7. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” Verse 8. For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. Verse 9. So the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Verse 10. Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

(Commentary Break): Again, notice that Jesus begins the conversation speaking to this woman in the context of her culture, history, belief systems and of her religious attitudes.

The woman replies to let Jesus know that she is aware of the rules of her society and religious beliefs. But, once she responds in the context of the cultural norms, she is hooked like a fish and her mind is now prepped to hear. And it is at this point that Jesus turns the dialog from the ‘natural’ to the ‘spiritual’. “

First, Jesus dispels here supposed knowledge, saying, “If you knew”, because she does not know. And we do not know as Jesus knows. Then Jesus utters these four prophetic words of God’s Plan, Purpose, Method and Way: “The Gift of God”. One could shorten John 3:16-18 to these four words, and John 1:1 into the 6 words, “He would have given you living water”. Jesus has presented the Gospel Message to a ready, willing and listening world, in just 10 words! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. She said to Him, “Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? Verse 12. You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?” Verse 13. Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; verse 14, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

(Commentary Break): The woman weakly deflects Jesus’ remarks to her saying something about a ‘deep well’, but return quickly to the matter of living water! Then her challenge to Jesus is, in actuality, a plea for clarification. It as if she wants to believe. And Jesus does not leave her wondering. Dispatching of former beliefs in her legacy, Jesus returns her to “water springing up to eternal life.” Please remember, this woman represents EVERY MAN, WOMAN BOY AND GIRL and how Jesus is calling to them. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw water.”

(Commentary Break): Now, like so many of us today, she still mixes her newfound salvation with the ways of the world. She is asking for what she can get to make her life easier, neglecting the fact that Jesus is offering a way to permanently quench all the thirsts of her life, not just in a physical sense, but in a spiritual and eternal sense.

There a major denominations and movements that offer these same things. It is called “syncretism”. It is like ‘having your cake and eating it too’. They make offers of both fame, success, power and riches in this natural world and eternal life with God. But Jesus is clear. You cannot serve two masters – the natural world (mammon) and God – you will come to hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Please dear friend, do not fall for the foolishness of this world. If you or I find wealth or success, remember if you can, it is from God and you may enjoy the fruits of wealth, but it is to be used in service to Him. Wealth is fleeting. Learn to live without it, first; then perhaps you can learn to live with it. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 16. He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” Verse 17. The woman answered and said to Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; verse 18, for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true.” Verse 19. The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Verse 20. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship.”

(Commentary Break): Now Jesus pulls the covers back, so to speak. He reveals what is hidden, as He always does. And please remember the same is true in your life and in my life. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed by the Lord. You can choose to deny it or accept it and repent. This woman admits the truth, in part, then continues to deflect, challenging Jesus about where one must worship.

Please dear friend. Look to see yourselves here. We confess our sins but continue to argue with God about how or where we must worship Him? Such foolishness! True repentance requires true surrender. We must crucify our flesh in order to hear and to follow Jesus. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 21. Jesus said to her, “Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. Verse 22. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. Verse 23. But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. Verse 24. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

(Commentary Break): Now Jesus reveals the truth and she is almost ready to hear. It would be wise for us to memorize this method and these words of Jesus as we encounter our ‘woman (or man) at the well’.  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 25. The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” Verse 26. Jesus said to her, “I am He, the One speaking to you.”

(Commentary Break): She has heard from the Living Water, the Christ, the Messiah and now she recalls. And Jesus drives the ‘final nail home’. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 27. And at this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What are You seeking?” or, “Why are You speaking with her?”

(Commentary Break): I could say too much, here, about how we followers of Christ Jesus, will still challenge His Methods and Ways when they do not fit our idea of righteousness. In this case, the disciples question goes unanswered. They are left to figure this out own their own or at another time. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 28. So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, verse 29, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” Verse 30. They left the city and were coming to Him.

(Commentary Break): Has this woman at the well now become a disciple, witnessing to others about the Christ? And, how about you? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 31. Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat something.” Verse 32. But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” Verse 33. So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” Verse 34. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Verse 35. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. Verse 36. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the one who sows and the one who reaps may rejoice together. Verse 37. For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ Verse 38. I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have come into their labor.”

(Commentary Break): Having opened this woman’s eyes, Jesus now teaches His disciples deeper truths contrasting ‘earthly matters’ such as sowing, reaping, food, hunger, sowing, reaping and harvesting. This is meant for ALL of Jesus’ disciples for all the ages. This is for me and for you: “Your food is to do the will of Him who sent Jesus, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving spiritual wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the one of us who sows and the one of us who reaps NOW, in this day and time, may rejoice together. Jesus sent you and me to reap that for which we have not labored; others have labored, and you and I have come into their labor.” THUS SAYS THE LORD TO US! (End Commentary Break).

The Samaritans

Verse 39. Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” Verse 40. So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. Verse 41. Many more believed because of His word; verse 42, and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.”

(Commentary Break): Please read and hear verses 39 through 42 again. And Jesus told them, “Behold, the sower went out to sow. And some seed fell on good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.” The ones who have ears, let them hear. (End Commentary Break):

Verse 43. And after the two days, He departed from there for Galilee. Verse 44. For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Verse 45. So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, only because they had seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast.

(Commentary Break): It is true that a prophet has no honor in his own country, as it is true that Jesus could not do many miracles in His hometown, Nazareth of Galilee. (see Matthew 13:53-58). This should serve as a caution and a warning to us about familiarity as Christians and the dangers of becoming lethargic and routine in our faith. We must not mistake God’s mercy, goodness, grace and abundance for us as license as so many do. (End Commentary Break).

Healing an Official’s Son

Verse 46. Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee, where He had made the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. Verse 47. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and began asking Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. Verse 48. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” Verse 49. The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Verse 50. Jesus said to him, “Go; your son is alive.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went home. Verse 51. And as he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was alive. Verse 52. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” Verse 53. So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son is alive”; and he himself believed, and his entire household. Verse 54. This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come from Judea into Galilee.

(Commentary Break): Time and again Jesus observed and commented about people’s lack of faith. Even His own disciples were recalcitrant in their belief at times. Still, Jesus gave freely, out of mercy, withholding nothing so that many would believe. (End Commentary Break).

Matthew 4:23-25 gives us an overview of “Jesus going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

And the news about Him spread throughout Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

The Book of John gives us a closeup view of Jesus’ ministry and Him doing the Work of His Father. And because very little is left undisclosed, this is an excellent book for our training in becoming His disciple. Jesus’ attitude, motives and methods are clear. The Works of the Last Days have begun. Now,  He says we are to join Him in doing the Father’s work.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 5, Part 1, The Healing at Bethesda – Jesus’ Equality With God.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 3, The New Birth, John the Baptist’s Last Testimony.

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IS YOUR CHURCH – RELATING TO THE CULTURE?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

IS YOUR CHURCH

RELATING TO THE CULTURE?

Many if not most pastors and churches have decided, whether deliberately or ignorantly, to make themselves and the ‘church experience’ more relatable for the potential ‘seeker’ or casual church attender.

 

They say they try to look like and be more like the general public because coming to church can be an intimidating experience. You come into a place where you don’t know anyone, people behave differently and the service can be a little confusing.

Oh yeah? Well, these same people go to ball games where they don’t know anyone, people behave wildly different and getting into the stadium and finding your assigned seating can be a little confusing too. But they still go – by the thousands.

These same people go to movies, theaters, museums, restaurants, amusement parks, lectures, political gatherings, comedy clubs, and the likes, most of which can be an intimidating experience at first because you come into a place where they don’t know anyone, people behave differently and it can be a little confusing. But they still go – by the millions.

But, according to Jesus and according to the Bible, the primary aim of going to church should not be about being entertained or having ones’ adrenalin or dopamine flow increased.

According to GotQuestions.Org, coming to church is God’s will for believers. Hebrews 10:25 says we should “not be giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not meeting with other believers. The author of Hebrews says that’s not the way to go. We need the encouragement that church attendance affords. And the approach of the end times should prompt us to be even more devoted to going to church.

Church is the place where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), “spur” one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, he or she is made a member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function properly, all of its “body parts” need to be present and working (1 Corinthians 12:14–20). We are not to attend church as if we are mere spectators. We are actually part of our church. Not only does our church help equip us for ministry, it is a place where we serve, using the spiritual gifts God has given us (Ephesians 4:11-13) A believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without having that outlet for his gifts, and we all need the assistance and encouragement of other believers (1 Corinthians 12:21–26). As we serve, worship, and live in community together, the body of Christ reflects who God is. Together, we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16).

For these reasons and more, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer’s life. Weekly church attendance is in no sense “required” for believers, but someone who belongs to Christ should have a desire to worship God, receive His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church (1 Peter 2:6), and we are “like living stones . . . being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). As the building materials of God’s “spiritual house,” we naturally have a connection with one another, and that connection is evident every time the Church “goes to church.”

And therein lies the problem. When the church organization becomes more like a 501-c-3 legal entity, and begins to adopt worldly attributes and begins to function as a corporate entity, many of God’s intentions and design for the church are either marginalized, obscured or relegated to the dustbin.

So, you enter many churches and you will be greeted by a coffee bar, prepared greeters and people milling around, chatting and ignoring all but their own little clutch. Almost like the lobby in a theatre. Relatable?

Then you enter an auditorium complete with padded seating, an elevated stage, stage lights, audio-visual effects. This used to be called the ‘sanctuary’, a place to reflect on God before the sermon. Now you read about upcoming events on a large screen while you uncomfortably avoid eye contact with others.

Then the show begins. A quality production and a mix of gospel music, religious rock-style music, accompanied by guitars, pianos, drummer’s rhythmic beats, and a ‘worship team’ of well-trained singer-actors.

I am not criticizing. I am critiquing. The fact is that all of this can be very entertaining and can get you in the mood. It elevates your mood and can put you on an emotional high, readying you for the final two acts – the offering (somebody has to pay for all this) and the sermon.

Now the unfortunate rub. One of the most frequent complaints you might hear from church seekers, visitors or casual attenders is that “it’s always about money”. (Jesus even dealt with this when When Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” (see Matthew 21:12-13 and Mark 11:15-18)).

Perhaps all this is necessary in order to draw a crowd so they can hear the Gospel Message. Perhaps. But even that is dependent on two contributing factors. #1, will they hear a Gospel Truth? And, #2, if you build it, will they come?

A recent report from veteran researcher George Barna and the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University showed that just 37% of Christian pastors have a biblical worldview, with the predominant worldview among pastors (62%) being syncretism, a hybrid mixture of disparate worldview elements blended into a customized philosophy of life. According to this latest report, the widespread absence of biblical worldview among American pastors is resulting in eroding beliefs in areas as basic as salvation through Jesus Christ, the nature of God, the sinful condition of human beings, and the existence of objective truth.

It can be a challenge to attract first time visitors to your church.

A study and survey by Pew research shows that people come to church for these top 9 reasons, or at least by those who attend religious services at least once a month. (For your information, respondents were allowed to give more than one reason.) The percentage refers to people who said this was a “very important” reason for their decision:

  1. To become closer to God. (81%)
  2. So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
  3. To become a better person. (68%)
  4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
  5. They find the sermons valuable. (59%)
  6. To be part of a faith community. (57%)
  7. To continue their family’s religious traditions. (37%)
  8. They feel a necessary obligation to go. (31%)
  9. To meet new people or socialize. (19%)

They will also leave a church if these expectations are not met.

Counter Cultural?

I will offer a meek (and probably a weak) contrast and rebuttal to all these statistical analyses, as this comes from my personal experience as a church deacon, Sunday School teacher, guest speaker, itinerant preacher, evangelist and pastor. (In order to shorten an already too lengthy article, I will cite just a few examples).

EXAMPLE #1.

As a relatively new Christian, I was asked to start a young adults Sunday school class. After about six months of effort, we had just three attendees. Me, my wife and one other. Visitors would come and leave. As failure hung over my efforts and weighed on my mind, I decided that I had nothing to lose, so rather than offering the typical Sunday school lesson from a Baptist quarterly, I would take a risk. I would use the Bible to relate to our daily lives. We would study a book of the Bible and search for practical and spiritual guidance. (I had very little-to-no idea of how to teach the Bible). But we began, and after about six months we had over 100 people coming to this class.

We had some gifted Bible teachers in the class now, so I recruited them to co-teach and rotated the responsibility. This group grew to around 200 people, and from this group we established six home based bible based social ‘small groups’. (This was before the ‘small group’ concept was popular so the senior pastor panicked a little at first, wondering how such a thing could happened. Was it a revolt? A takeover? Not likely considering it was being led by an inexperienced and lowly ‘layman’.) None-the-less, he politely and lovingly suggested it be restructured and a ‘more experienced’ bible teacher was assigned to the class. The small groups were disbanded. The class shrunk down to about 25 people. Everyone else found a different bible study group or stopped coming to Sunday School. Many simply left the church in search of what they had experienced.

My point? People do come to church and Sunday school for these 8 reasons, and I would like to add one more observable reason:

  1. To become closer to God. (81%)
  2. So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
  3. To become a better person. (68%)
  4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
  5. They find the Bible lesson valuable. (59%)
  6. To be part of a faith community. (57%)
  7. To meet new people or socialize. (19%)
  8. To feel included, loved, cared for and useful (100%).

EXAMPLE #2.

I was a deacon in a medium sized Baptist church, but concerned that the Sunday School program was not well attended nor was it growing. So I asked the senior pastor if I could start a class. He said there was no class room space available. So, I asked if I could use the sanctuary space if we ended our class time early enough that we would not interrupt the main service. He told me to give it a try.

I began by calling everyone who had once attended or was on the membership role, but had stopped coming to church. I explained that we were going to try a new approach, reciting what I had discovered during my time at our previous church. Many of those I called came. The group had immediate growth. We had people from our ‘church leadership teams’ sneak in to see what we were doing to cause this growth and excitement, and there was concern. We were not using the Baptist quarterly and we were laughing and making too much noise.

The pastor came to me with the concerns of ‘those people’. He said they had emptied a storage room for us to use. The room was more like a closet – windowless and small. They had succeeded in keeping the status quo. The class disbanded.

What can we gather from that? I think you know. But as a P.S., we started a small group with many of these folks at our home on Friday evenings. Covered dish dinners, bible studies, games and the entire family was invited. We grew to over 50 coming until our home could not hold any more. So, we divided into other homes. We discovered that people love to come together in order….

  1. To become closer to God. (81%)
  2. So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
  3. To become a better person. (68%)
  4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
  5. They find the Bible lesson valuable. (59%)
  6. To be part of a faith community. (57%)
  7. To meet new people or socialize. (19%)
  8. To feel included, loved, cared for and useful (100%).

EXAMPLE #3.

We moved to another church and after some time had passed I was asked to be a Sunday School teacher. Several in the class agreed to have some ‘at home socials’. After a few social events which included meals, testimonies, singing, games and prayer, it was my wife and my turn to host. It would be on a Memorial Day weekend. I reasoned that most people would be away. So, reasoning that we should invite more than we could expect to come, I recruited a friend to help and we invited around 85 people to a cookout at our house. The response was immediate. We had 85 respond in the affirmative, but wanted to bring other family members or friends. We made the adjustment, added another grill for cooking and, wow, what a crowd. We sang together, laughed, played games, told testimonies and prayed together, late into the evening.

Soon afterwards, the executive pastor called me and asked how we had accomplished what we had done, and would we show him how to do it? I said yes, and we planned another get-together. He sat and listened to the invitation process. He attended the gathering. Again we had around 80 people show up. Same process, same results. Everyone wanted to know when we would meet again! (All these folks attended this church, but had been avoiding Sunday school).

The executive pastor asked if we would head up a ‘small groups ministry’. I explained this was not a project, it was friends making friends and ‘loving the stuffings out of it’ and out of one another. But, yes, I would do it. He then said, ‘let’s keep the groups to around 12 people per group’. I explained that friends do not like to be segregated. They do that on their own. So, no, I would not be able to continue with that limitation. So, he relented and watched as the ‘main group’ eventually led to smaller groups at others’ homes. And just as it should be, the effect flowed over to greater attendance in the church building and in Sunday School class attendance.

You know, it seems that the vast majority of our seminary trained church leaders, pastors, and teachers know so much ABOUT church, that they have neglected to actually get to know the Church – which is THE PEOPLE OF GOD – The Ekklesia!

Similarly Jesus once said something like, “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required. Do you have any idea how silly you look, writing a life story that’s wrong from start to finish, nitpicking over commas and semicolons?” (Too harsh a comparison?)

I could go on, but you get it, right? People, and especially Christians are not cattle to be herded. They are God’s people and they need to be heard. And here is what they are saying:

  1. I want to get closer to God.
  2. I want my children to have a moral foundation through my church and through bible study.
  3. I want to become a better person, a better Christian.
  4. I want comfort from my Christian friends and my church in times of trouble or sorrow.
  5. I want to find valuable Bible Lessons to live by.
  6. I want to be part of a loving, interactive Christian faith community.
  7. I want to meet other Christians to socialize with.
  8. I want to feel included, loved, cared for and useful.

I am fortunate enough to be part of a faith community that provides these things which helps me to achieve and to have these things. I wish that for you. I pray for that for you.

But I have this to say to the church as a 501-c-3 business organization. I know it’s a tough business. And therein lies the problem. IT IS NOT A BUSINESS and there should be no such overriding priority such as ‘the business of church’. It killed Jesus for One Reason, and it will kill you for a thousand other reasons!

The Church is the Body of Christ. Hear that again, and this time listen: The Church is the BODY OF CHRIST. All the Williams, Marys, Timothys, Susans, Howards, Cathys, Sarahs, Billys and millions of others. They, all of them, are the BODY OF JESUS.

You say you ‘know Jesus’ but you admit that you don’t know each and every person who is part of Jesus’ Church? Naw. You don’t KNOW ALL OF JESUS if that is the case. You only know about Him. (Too harsh a comparison?)

If this angers some of you who read this, guess why? Guess why you are angry? So were the Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees angered. And, why were they angry? (You know why, don’t you.)

Oh, and by the way. Jesus and His Church is counter-cultural.

A noun

  1. A culture, with values or lifestyles in opposition to those of the established culture.
  2. Any culture whose values and lifestyles are opposed to those of the establishedmainstream culture, especially to western
  3. A culture with lifestyles and values opposed to those of the established culture.

So, what is the answer? Pray and read your Bible, Pray and understand what you read in the Bible. Pray and spend time with Jesus and His Body!

Now, let’s go and BE THE CHURCH and leave the ‘organizing’ to God’s people.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Comments Welcomed).

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you instruct the brethren you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

IN CONTEXT

1 Timothy 4:1, But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, verse 2, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, verse 3, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. Verse 4. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; Verse 5, for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Verse 6. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Verse 7.  But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; Verse 8, for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Verse 9.  It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. Verse 10. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

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Verse 11. Prescribe and teach these things. Verse 12. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Verse 13. Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Verse 14. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Verse 15. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Verse 16. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I instruct the brethren in these things, I will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6.

(MY COMMENTS)

We are being instructed and cautioned that in the later times which include the days in which we now live, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, and this will occur inside and outside the church. (It is easy to see that this has begun). The Apostle Paul calls them hypocrites and liars who have a seared conscience forbidding marriage and eating of certain foods. Paul says to stay away from people like this and ignore their stories. Particularly teachers and pastors who like to twist scriptures to stir up controversies or over things that are a matter of personal interpretation.

Instead, through the spiritual gift God has granted you through words of prophecy, you are to pay attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching, and you are to persevere in these things, for as we do this we “will save both ourselves and those who hear us”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION- “While it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’ (also see Psalms 95:7, 8.) – Hebrews 3:15.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION –“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8).

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Journey to Perfection – God’s Plan – The Exodus Way

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

The Exodus Way

God has a Master Plan for all His creation, which, of course, includes you and me. And, all of His teachings, commandments and examples are to show us how to avoid the obstacles and pitfalls along our way and to show us how to access His presence and His power to overcome the obstacles, endure and successfully arrive at His appointed destination and at the appointed time.

God’s plan is seen in a repeating pattern throughout the Bible, of God’s people entering into a captivity, escaping the captivity only to wander in a wilderness until God graciously shows them the way into a promised land – of sorts.

This pattern is seen from Genesis through the Exodus, repeating itself through the advent of Christ and up to this very day. And it is not over yet.

This has been God’s Pattern and His Plan since before time began, and it would appear that we Christians have, once again, just like the Israelites and the children of Israel, wandered off into a wilderness on our own. This can even been seen in our individual lives.

Perhaps if we really understood God’s Plan, Purpose, Methods and His Ways AND where all this is leading, and WHY it is this way, we could find the motivation and the strength to “endure to the end” and enter the final and permanent Promised Land.

To help us better understand this journey, I am offering this series “The Exodus Way”, presented by The Bible Project.

The Exodus Way – Summary.

In the story about God delivering Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a literary pattern emerges—an exodus pattern that authors repeat over and again throughout the biblical story. This pattern often involves God providing people with the way out of bondage or oppression, the way through a period of challenge or testing, and the way into new life.

The Exodus Way –  What Is the Exodus Way?

The Big Picture – The Exodus Way Pattern.

The exodus story involves an epic showdown between Pharaoh and Moses that includes 10 intense plagues, a massive group of escaping slaves who safely walk through the Red Sea’s chaotic waters, and freedom for Israel on the other side. But the story continues well beyond the showdown and escape to establish a three-part pattern we discover in Scripture so often that it becomes thematic. We’re calling this theme the exodus way—it’s the way out of slavery, the way through a wilderness transformation, and the way into the abundant life God offers in the promised land.

The exodus story begins when Pharaoh, a harsh Egyptian dictator, crushes the Israelites under the weight of oppressive slavery. After hearing the cries of his people, God sends Moses to rescue them. So Moses commands Pharaoh to let God’s people go. After Pharaoh refuses, he watches his kingdom crumble as all of Egypt suffers from things like heaps of invasive frogs, incurable bursting boils, and crop-destroying hailstorms.

As the Israelites march out of a defeated Egypt, they stop at what seems like a dead end: the chaotic waters of the Red Sea. But God provides a way through, parting the waters so that the Israelites can pass through on dry ground. This moment illustrates a recurring pattern for the way out of slavery—God guides his people along paths that look like death but ultimately lead to life.

Now free, the people follow God through the wilderness, which provides an opportunity for them to learn to trust God for food, water, and protection. In a harsh and barren wasteland, it’s easy to despair at the first sign of hunger and thirst. But God supplies food from the sky and water from a rock. The way through the wilderness requires increased faith and reliance on God. As God leads people through this experience, he seeks to transform them.

On the far side of the wilderness journey, the Israelites encounter the way into the promised land—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here the former slaves can roam free and enjoy God’s goodness and provision. The wasteland gives way to abundant harvest, so that the people can spread God’s blessing to their neighbors and the world. The way out of slavery, through the wilderness, and into the promised land provides a three-part pattern that other key events in the biblical story will follow, like a repeated melody.

Out, Through, and In—Again and Again.

After settling in the promised land, the Israelites face a fresh crop of new Pharaohs, the rulers of neighboring nations, who oppress them. Again and again, God rescues them by sending Moses-like figures called judges. They also lead the people out of slavery and into freedom, while facing tests along the way. Like Moses and the Israelites, they are challenged to trust God to guide them through difficult situations. And when God brings them through the difficulties, he leads them into a time of peace in the land. We see the pattern on repeat, but then something shifts.

In a tragic reversal, Israel’s own kings begin to oppress their people. God has already warned them about the dire consequences sure to result from such rebellion, but his warnings are ignored as the oppression continues. So God allows a foreign enemy to remove Israel from the land. The king of Babylon—the greatest Pharaoh-like figure since the book of Exodus—conquers the Israelites and places the yoke of slavery back on their necks. He takes them on a backward journey along the exodus way: out of the good land, back through the wilderness, and into slavery once again.

Though exiled and oppressed, Israel still has reason to hope. Even in these bleak circumstances, God’s prophets imagine a way out of slavery. They speak of a new rescuer—a better Moses—who will again lead God’s people to freedom. Isaiah describes God leading his people out of exile on a highway through the wilderness, as he makes the dangerous wasteland a safe and fertile path. And on the other side of that wilderness is something greater than the original promised land of Canaan. This new rescuer will lead the whole world on the way into a freedom and abundance that lasts forever.

Jesus Is the Way.

The Israelites eventually return from exile to re-enter the promised land, but God’s promises of blessing and abundance have not yet been fully realized. So, clinging to the prophets’ words, the people continue to wait for a new Moses. Then, one day, this rescuer shows up in a surprising place, as a baby lying in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem.

People hope that Jesus will rescue them from their oppression under Rome and the corruption of their own religious leaders. But he has his sights set on a much bigger, far more deadly “Pharaoh”—a merciless slave master called sin and death that captures and ensnares all humanity. Instead of wielding a sword or leading an army, Jesus walks humbly into the chaotic waters of death and destroys this last and greatest enemy, making a path to true freedom for anyone who wants to follow.

The first people to walk that path with Jesus call themselves followers of “The Way.” They enter the waters of baptism as a sign that they are following Jesus out of slavery to death, through the transforming wilderness experience of learning to trust God amidst the fear and uncertainty of this dark world, and into the restful peace God has promised. That place of peace involves both a new way of life with him and an entirely renewed cosmos, one no longer suffering under any form of oppression.

Jesus’ followers still endure corruption and death as they continue on the path through the wilderness. But God ultimately provides everything they need for this difficult journey. And they can walk confidently, knowing that Jesus’ path will one day lead them into the reunion of Heaven and Earth, where love, joy, and peace saturate every relationship.

So as a patterned literary theme, the exodus way extends well beyond Moses and Israel, reaching its climax in the story of Jesus and his followers. Jesus is the way out, the way through, and the way in.

Mike Young
NEXT:  You can follow a Biblical Historical Timeline from Creation (Genesis) and captivity to sin, through wanderings in the wilderness (Exodus), to the escape from the wilderness (The Gospels) and the Birth of the Christ, to entering the final promised land and the Re-Creation – a new heaven and a new earth. (The Book of the Revelation).

THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTION

AN ILLUSTRATED TIMELINE FROM THE ALPHA TO THE OMEGA

THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 3

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 3

 

The New Birth, John the Baptist’s Last Testimony

Chapter 3 moves away from an introduction of Jesus and His first miracle to a serious introduction of Jesus’ mission, plan, purpose and method. This chapter contains some of the most amazing revelations of the foundational principles of Christianity, heaven, salvation, and judgement. Each and every one of us as Christians, should not attempt to move any farther in our faith nor stake our claim a Christians (‘Christianos’, a follower of Christ), until we have completed and mastered these fundamentals.

The New Birth

John 3:1, Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; verse 2, this man came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Verse 3. Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

(Commentary Break): Here is an irony. Nicodemus is a ‘ruler of the Jews’ a ‘teacher of Israel’ and his name, Nicodemus translates as ‘conqueror’, yet he skulks around in the dark as a coward or as a thief in order to talk with Jesus. To his credit, Nicodemus address Jesus as “Rabbi”, (‘my great one, my honorable sir’), humbling himself before Jesus.

Then, without further introduction, Jesus responds by pointing out Nicodemus’ one greatest need, “unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Without this, Nicodemus cannot see nor understand heavenly matters, true nature of God and at this point his life is fatally flawed and condemned to destruction.

But just knowing about this encounter or just knowing about these principles does no good unless they are acted upon. This is the lesson for us to learn, “can you see the kingdom of God?”  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 4. Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” Verse 5. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Verse 6. That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. Verse 7. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ Verse 8. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”

Verse 9. Nicodemus responded and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

(Commentary Break): Again, to his credit, Nicodemus humbles himself and admits he does not understand what Jesus has said. His answer sounds foolish, even mocking, but in reality this is the depth of the blindness and ignorance of a great teacher and ruler of Israel.

Jesus patiently explains this principal using a metaphor, comparing the movement of the Spirit of God to the wind.

Once again, let’s please be careful not to read this just as a narrative about Jesus and Nicodemus. This is meant for you and me to see and understand. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Verse 11. Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you people do not accept our testimony. Verse 12. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

(Commentary Break): These verses 10 through 15 may be some of the most insightful and important fundamental teachings of Jesus. Let’s break it down into its component parts, then reassemble them into a practical and powerful application.

(1). Jesus uses the first person personal pronoun (I) in verses 11 and 12 to contrast and compare what he teaches about heavenly things versus earthly things. Then He shifts to a collective pronoun (we), “we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen” then Jesus refers to “you people do not accept our testimony”, referring to the elite ruling religious class in Israel.

But who are the “We” Jesus identifies with? It is the Trinity? It cannot be the Holy Spirit because He has not yet been sent. Is it Jesus and the Father? This is a possibility. Or, is it Jesus and His disciples? This is possible because of their testimony.

This is important because “this phrase encapsulates the importance of speaking truth based on genuine, firsthand knowledge-especially knowledge of spiritual matters. In Scripture, “speaking what we know” is not limited to objective or intellectual information but encompasses personal experience (1 John 1:1), communal testimony (Acts 4:20), and divinely revealed truth (2 Timothy 3:16).

Across biblical narratives, believers are urged to boldly share truth they have come to know: God’s power, character, and redemptive works. The question can also be applied more broadly to any believer who is called to testify about spiritual realities. This entry will explore the concept through multiple lenses, highlighting why it is vital to speak from genuine knowledge, how that knowledge is shaped by Scripture and personal experience, and how archaeological, historical, and experiential evidence further affirms it.” (see Biblehub.com).

Although the disciples have only seen a small portion of what is yet to come their firsthand testimony based on their faith in Jesus is all that is required. The same is true for you and for me. We may not have seen it all or know it all, and seminary degree might indicate we have ‘book learning’ but do people identify you as having spent time with Jesus?

Jesus continues, asking “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” This too is important for us to remember because this truth of the Christ is only revealed to those whom the Holy Spirit draws. Ours is to testify, His is to do the Work of the Father. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 13. No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. Verse 14. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, verse 15. so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him.

(Commentary Break): Jesus speaks a profound Truth. A reality. There is only One Who is, when He is lifted up, will draw all men unto Himself. What a lesson for Nicodemus around A.D. 30, and what a lesson in truth for us in the twenty-first century! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. Verse 17. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. Verse 18. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. Verse 19. And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. Verse 20. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. Verse 21. But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.”

(Commentary Break): Verses 16 through 21 encapsulate the truth of the Gospel message, the effects of the Gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, the consequences for those who do not believe and the rewards of those who do believe. This is the prophetic truth of the great divide: light and darkness, truth and lies, salvation and destruction, heaven and hell, eternal life in the presence of God or eternal death in darkness and fire.

Only the Chosen will understand, but to everyone else, it is folly. Pray for wisdom and pray for the lost. (End Commentary Break).

John the Baptist’s Last Testimony

Verse 22. After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea; and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. Verse 23. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and being baptized, verse 24, for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

Verse 25. Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. Verse 26. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” Verse 27. John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

(Commentary Break): “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” If there are things such as “predestination”, or “foreknowledge”, verse 27 would make that case. But personally, I gravitate to 1 Peter 1:1-5 when he says, “To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”.  

Corporately, as the Church, this gives us insights and discernment. If a pastor is unable or unwilling to teach and preach the Word of God according to the Word of God, instead of using personal illustrations and examples or contemporary examples including stories, books, movies and songs to make his points about the Word of God, you can then know, “That person cannot and has not received even one thing from heaven” and someone needs to be gone. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 28. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ Verse 29. He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. Verse 30. He must increase, but I must decrease.

(Commentary Break): John has set the example for all who follow after him when he says, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ (Additionally, Jesus warns that in the Last Days, many will come IN HIS NAME saying, “I am the Christ”, and they would mislead many people. Whether they are foolish enough to use His Name, or they are using the authority of His Name, do not believe them! (see Matthew 24:4-6). Jesus goes on to inform us that “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them (also), and they follow Me.” (see John 10:27). This is our example to follow. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 31. “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. Verse 32. What He has seen and heard, of this He testifies; and no one accepts His testimony. Verse 33. The one who has accepted His testimony has certified that God is true. Verse 34. For He whom God sent speaks the words of God; for He does not give the Spirit sparingly. Verse 35. The Father loves the Son and has entrusted all things to His hand. Verse 36. The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (End chapter 3).

Here for us are the foundations, taught through simple contrasts and distinctions:

Earthly things versus Heavenly things.

Born of water versus Born of the Spirit.

 He who descended from heaven is the One who ascended to heaven.

Jesus came to save, not to judge.

If you believe you are not judged; if you do not believe you are already judged.

Light versus Darkness.

Eternal Life versus The Wrath of God.

Being a religious person, an educated church leader, a pastor, teacher, or a theologian does not make you able to see the kingdom of God. You must be born again to bear that fruit.

“You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? (see Matthew 7:16).

“And, if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.” (see Hebrews 6:8).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 4, Jesus goes to Galilee, The Woman of Samaria, Samaritans, Healing of an official’s son.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 2, The Miracle at Cana, The First Passover – Cleansing the Temple.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

SEEK FIRST HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HIS KINGDOM – AND ALL THESE OTHER THINGS WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU (Matthew 6:33)

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

SEEK FIRST HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HIS KINGDOM – AND ALL THESE OTHER THINGS WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU

– Matthew 6:33 –

If you were to go to an encyclopedia or to Wikipedia and search for the word “Syncretism”, it would be helpful if you would find photos of Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Myer, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, Paula White, Benny Hinn, Brian Houston, Kenneth Hagin.

Syncretism is defined as:

  1. Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.
  2. The merging of two or more originally different inflectional forms.
  3. Attempted union of principles or parties irreconcilably at variance with each other.
  4. The union or fusion into one of two or more originally different inflectional forms, as of two cases.
  5. The reconciliation or fusion of differentsystems or beliefs (or the attempt at such fusion).
  6. The fusion of different inflexional
  7. The fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections).
  8. The union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy).

These people, and others like them (who hold a similar or the same view of the Bible) preach and teach a motivational style of prosperity and how to attain it or at least how to “be the best you, now”. Jesus refers to these types of teachers a “false teachers and wolves”.

 

They drape their “sales pitch” and the ensuing “sales training pitch” with religious language found in the Bible. Of course they reconstruct the language to fit their worldly and secular language so they can sell their merchandise, subscription membership to their websites, fake religious artifacts and memorabilia and to solicit their millions of dollars in donations in order to keep them in business and to “gain God’s favor”. I have to admit, however, that I have founds some of their messages entertaining and even motivational for personal gain.

One the other hand, there are more direct and transparent motivational speakers. On such man who is a motivational speaker and a personal life coach is Tony Robbins (and I am not rcommending or pitching for him). He says it for what it is. As he puts it:  “Extraordinary lives answering to a higher calling – a life on your terms, both of deep meaning and incredible impact. Driven by the pursuit of excellence and guided by a profound sense of purpose”. I.e., work hard, be good, reach for excellence in the personal pursuit of success and wealth while enriching the lives of those around you.

Although many of the principles Tony espouses can be found in the Bible, it not religious and it is not Bible-based and never claims to be.

Does the Bible ever talk about wealth and gaining wealth, success and fame? The honest answer to the question is ”yes”. The Bible does not shy away from this subject and in the Bible refers to the subject of prosperity around 125 times. The broader subject of prosperity, to prosper, wealth or to be wealthy, to be rich or riches is mentioned in various context about 290 times. Furthermore, Deuteronomy chapter 28 has a lot to say about prosperity and frames it within the idea of blessings from God:

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come on  you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity, in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

And Joshua chapter 1, verses 7. And 8 plainly state, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

The Bible talks frequently about both the advantages and the disadvantages of obtaining wealth and success. There are instructions about gaining wealth and how to handle it. But there are also stern warning about the pitfalls of wealth and its consequences.

The Bible refers to King Solomon, Abraham, King David, Job, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob, Lydia, Joseph of Arimathea, Hezekiah and a few others as being wealthy. Some as the richest men in the world at that time. (Some estimate King Solomon’s wealth in today’s currency at between 2 billion dollars to as much as 2 trillion dollars).

But the Bible is clear that we are not to first seek riches, wealth and fame:

Matthew 6:19, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Verse 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; Verse 21, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Verse 22. “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then, if your eye is [n]clear, your whole body will be full of light. Verse 23. But if your eye is bad (or evil), your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Verse 24. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Verse 25. “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Verse 26. Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? Verse 27. And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? Verse 28. And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, verse 29, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. Verse 30. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Verse 31. Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ Verse 32. For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Verse 33. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”

If this is so, and if I am to seek first His Righteousness and His Kingdom, what are these things, what am I looking for, and how to I find them?

Righteousness carries the meaning of “just” or “righteous.” (tsedeq) and is found in Strong’s Concorance, Hebrew language referebce #6664, is often translated as “righteousness” or “justice,” referring to the moral and ethical standards expected by God.

It refers to righteousness in terms of right actions and justice, often used in the context of God’s covenant faithfulness and the ethical obligations of His people.

These Hebrew terms provide the Old Testament background for the New Testament understanding, highlighting the continuity of God’s righteous standards and His provision for humanity’s right standing with Him through faith.

The New Testament describes the righteousness that comes from God and is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses both the legal standing of being declared righteous before God and the ethical conduct that flows from this status.

The concept is central to the New Testament’s message of salvation and ethical living. It is frequently associated with the righteousness of God, which is revealed in the gospel and is accessible to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not based on human merit or works but is a gift from God, as seen in Romans 3:22: “And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

In the teachings of Jesus, it is often linked to the kingdom of God and the ethical demands of living as a disciple. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33 BSB): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

The Apostle Paul elaborates on the doctrine of righteousness in his epistles, particularly in Romans and Galatians. He explains that righteousness is credited to believers apart from works, as exemplified by Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:3 BSB): “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” This imputed righteousness results in a transformed life, leading to ethical behavior that reflects God’s character.

Furthermore, this is not only a legal standing but also involves the process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness and conformity to Christ’s image. This dual aspect of righteousness—positional and practical—is a recurring theme in the New Testament, encouraging believers to live out their faith in tangible ways.

So, to recap and simplify, “God’s Righteousness and His Kingdom” is:

  1. The moral and ethical standards expected by God.
  2. God’s righteous standards and His provision for humanity’s right standing with Him through faith.
  3. Salvation and ethical living.
  4. The ethical demands of living as a disciple.
  5. This involves the process of sanctification.
  6. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

I.e., it’s all about obedience to God and the building of your character in conformity to His Righteousness and according the standards of His Kingdom – THEN ALL THESE OTHER THINGS WILL BE PROVIDED.

There can be much more said in this pursuit. But, believe it when the Bible simply says that you must first have the attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. (see Philippians 2).

If you want any degree of success, God says you are to walk by the Spirit, so you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not enter nor will you inherit the kingdom of God.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Seek His Righteousness. Seek His Kingdom. Enjoy the ensuing success!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Oh. And by the way, you may find success in fame, wealth, property or power in this world, but God’s definition of success is not measured in those terms. It is measured in terms of the soul. “May you prosper even as your soul prospers”; it is measured in healthy family relationships, in friendships and acquaintances, in how you treat others, in good physical, emotional and mental health, in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and the like. Obtain these things and all the other things will be provided!

IS THIS THE END OF THE AGE?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Is This The

… You won’t see this in the Mainstream Media

(Please Note: I have been student of Biblical eschatology for over 20 years and a serious student of Biblical eschatology for the last ten years.

There was a time that I simply accepted the traditional dispensational teaching on the tribulation, and the rapture. But honestly, after each conference or sermon series I attened on this matter, I came away more confused than before, although the teacher or pastor would usually offer the disclaimer that it was normal to not understand all of it.

But I became absolutely certain that John Nelson Darby (the  originator of the idea of a rapture) did not have it all right. It was his mistake and it is anyone’s mistake to start at the end of a matter and try to study it by working to its conclusion. You have to start “at the beginning” or “in the beginning” and draw the conclusions given by scriptures “at the end” and it this case, “at the of time”.

The evolution of the tradtional teachings on the tribulation and the rapture has solved nothing, and has, at best, just created division. The traditional views,

The rapture is associated with the tribulation period. The timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation is one of the most controversial issues in the church today. Some of the primary views are

A more recent view, the “Pre-Wrath Tribulation and Rapture” was a presented by a man named Robert Van Kampen, an American businessman, who served as a member of various organizational boards in the business world and Christian ministry. (1938-1999). Then in 1990 Marvin Rosenthal, a pastor, writer, and Biblical lecturer  developed  this viewpoint in his book, The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church. Rosenthal was not the originator of this new viewpoint. Rather, he was the one who popularized it with his book.

  • Pre-wrath rapture (Sixth Tribulation Seal Rapture).

The previous viewpoints just do not and cannot make sense because they do not square with the plain and simple words of Jesus, His disciple’s and the Apostle’s tesimonies regarding the End of Days or the Last Days which are plainly found in the scriptures. They are a patchwork of partially realted or unrelated scriptures and events – an unsolvable ‘religious eschatological rubic’s cube’ or sorts.

It is my prayer and hope to dispel the mystery surrounding these matters and bring you the simple truth. It will require, however, careful reading, study and a thorough comparison with scriptures, on your part. (If you say “I have always heard differently” or “have been taught otherwise” so I will. not listen, then please stop here.

But please know that this is important.

It is important because most people are simply standing by staring skyward, waiting for an event that has already begun, but having done little-to-nothing in preparation, and scriptures admonish us to get ready, to be ready and to stay ready for what is upon us.

It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of true Christianity and only a true believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His
return.

It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your
name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger

It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness.

It matters because, as Christians, our faith, our convictions and our behaviors are speaking louder than our words

If there is any chance that you might sense that all is not as they have been saying or that you want to know “the rest of the story”, then please pray and read on.)

Matthew 24:3 says,  “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Verse 4, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

Verse 5, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

Verse 6, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

Verse 7, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

Verse 8, “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Verse 9, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.”

So, when will these things happen?

I. Many will come IN MY NAME:

This can be someone literally saying ‘I am the Christ’, but it is proving to be those who consider themselves as an emissary of Christ – such as ‘ordained pastors’ – who speak for Christ, but are blindly following ‘new age’ or errant doctrines; or, as we are clearly seeing, now, in our day, ‘institutional deception’, where entire denominations fall away from the clear teachings of Jesus and lead millions astray. (Also see “Shipwrecked”).

So, how can we know ‘which of the false Christs‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

II. WARS and rumors of war:

There have been thousands upon thousands of wars and conflicts since the time of Christ. Most notable for their scope and breadth are the

  • Religious Crusades (1095 – 1291, Muslims vs Latin Church, almost 2 million dead),
  • WWI (1914 – 1918, 17 million dead), and
  • WW2 (1939 – 1945, over 70 million dead).

Current wars and conflicts 2018: Interactive global conflict tracker.

historical_activity_200years.jpg

So, how can we know ‘which wars and rumors of wars‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

III. EARTHQUAKES & VOLCANOES:

Earthquakes are nothing new. In fact, they are so numerous that I can only give you a web link by period of time and let you view what has been recorded. But, Jesus did warn they would come.

Lists of earthquakes by period. (use the links below).

HISTORY_of_earthquakes_1900-.svg.png

Seismic Event List Index

Volcanoes are nothing new, either, but it would seem that seismic events (volcanoes) are on the rise.

historical_activity_600years.jpg

Figure 1. Graph lines showing the number of volcanoes reported to have been active each year since 1400 and 1800 C.E.

At first glance the nearly exponential increase through recent centuries suggests that the planet may soon be overwhelmed by volcanic activity, but this increase tracks the striking growth of global population that has spread potential observers of eruptions over much of the Earth and the technological advances that have facilitated reporting of those eruptions. Global Volcanism Program, 2013. Volcanoes of the World, Smithsonian Institution. January 2020.

So, how can we know ‘which EARTHQUAKES‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

IV. FAMINES:

Famines have taken hundreds of millions of lives since the time of Christ, so this is nothing new, either.

Famine-victims-and-world-population-sinc

So, how can we know ‘which FAMINES‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

V. PERSECUTION:

Jesus tells us there will be a worldwide persecution of Christians. A look at history shows us that In the first few centuries, Christianity grew quickly. By A.D. 325, an estimated 7 million people were Christians, with as many as 2 million killed for their faith in Jesus.

However, according to a Christian think-tank. The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) says 900,000 Christians have been ‘martyred’ in the last decade, equating to 90,000 a year and one every six minutes.

This may be the most dangerous time in history to be Christian

At least 327 million Christians face persecution, according to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which released its biannual report on Religious Freedom in the World in November 2018. That is 7 percent of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians, estimated by Pew Research Center in 2015.

245 million Christians in the top 50 countries on Open Doors USA’s 2019World Watch List experience high levels of persecution (i.e.: torture, rape, sex-slavery, for conversion to Christianity, murder and genocide), an increase of 14 percent from 2018. Sixty percent of those enduring persecution are children; women and girls are most violated. Release International, a UK-based human rights watchdog in operation for the past 50 years who partner with U.S.-based “Voice of the Martyrs” said they expect global anti-Christian persecution is set to rise ‘sharply’ in 2019. – (Read the report here)

So, how can we know ‘whichperiod of Christian Persecution‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

So, where does all of this lead?

1. You will know when ‘The End of the Age’ is near, not when one or two of these events occur, but when ALL of ‘these things’ occur and converge concurrently, as Jesus said they would; then these things are the harbinger of ‘those things’ which have come to pass. (Also, see “The Tribulation of Those Days’).

2. The phrase “the beginning of birth pangs” is a statement made by Jesus in or around the year AD 30 and is a translation of the Greek archē _ ōdin . The meaning of the phrase, translated in the KJV as “the beginning of sorrows” is a direct reference to preliminary birth pangs that ultimately lead to the full scale contractions and travail, which leads to the actual birth.

Recognizing the Old Testament reference that Jesus was hearkening to is an essential, but often overlooked key to determining the timing of the prophecy. Jesus was pointing his disciples to two key passages from the prophet Isaiah.

The first passage is Isaiah 26, a portion of Scripture found in the middle of what is sometimes referred to as “Isaiah’s little apocalypse”. There, the Lord speaks through Isaiah, specifically contrasting the expectations of the Jewish people regarding deliverance, redemption and physical resurrection with the reality of the pain, suffering and travail that they had corporately experienced. In verses 16-18, the complaint of Israel is raised that despite having endured the great suffering of labor, the expected “birth” of deliverance, redemption and resurrection had not arrived.

This makes clear that the Last Days and the opening of the tribulation Seals began in our around A.D. 30.  Other references which confirm this date are

Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),

(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).

(2). In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8).

(3). In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4).

(4). In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11).

(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).

These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.

Jesus calls the 1st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6th Tribulation Seal (Revelation 6:12-14), and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31), and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16).. (Please click these links for verification and understanding).

Now, what would you think?

Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be…’ (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

What would you think?

1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

What would you think?

 2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

What would you think?

 1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).

as spoken by Jesus and the Apostles Paul, Peter, John and Timothy the disicple of Jesus.

(You can also see a teaching by Pastor and Teacher, John Piper on the timing of the End Times. But, one of the first, most accurate, and persistent advocates of the Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church can be found at Zion’s Hope, with videos on this site.)

3. You must ask yourself, “why would Jesus warn His disciples (and subsequent disciples or anyone who would eventually read His Words in the Bible) about these coming events if they would not experience these events? Said another way, if we would have been Raptured before the tribulation, why warn us?  Why warn His disciples and followers about something they would not experience?” The anwer is, “HE WOULD NOT HAVE WARNED US UNLESS WE WOULD ENDURE THE FIRST 5 TRIBULATION SEALS, AND WOULD  NEED TO BE PREPARED!”

NOTE: The first five tribulation seals have been opened progressively since around the time of the birth of Jesus through around A.D. 95. These seals overlap (occur concurrently and converge), and are increasing in intensity, which will lead to the future 6th Tribulation Seal, which is the begining of the Day of God’s Wrath, cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun, the Rapture, the multitude of people out of the tribulation before the throne of God, the Sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel.

4. How can we tell WHICH ‘wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes’ were the result of the breaking of the first Seal of the tribulation, because there have been thousands of them since Jesus said these words.

5. I say again, Jesus, the Apostles Paul, Peter and Timothy, plus direct, clear and obvious scriptural references in  Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 9:26, Acts 2:14-17, 2 Timothy 3:1, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:3 confirm that these events began in or around the year A.D. 30.

6. Was Jesus wanting to ‘scare’ listeners into believing by warning them ahead of time? (I think not. Trickery just doesn’t fit Jesus Character, and He tells us “do not be frightened” by these things.)

7. Jesus tells His disciples (and subsequent disciples or anyone who would eventually read His Word in the bible), in Matthew 24:6 that

“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. Verse 7. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. Verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”

And a few verses later, Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

If we will have been “Raptured” and out of harms way when these things begin, then why would He be telling us these things?

Why is Jesus telling us that we should not be frightened by the WARS, Rumors OF WARS, NATIONS RISING AGAINST NATIONS, FAMINES, EARTHQUAKES, and that we must ENDURE TO THE END TO BE SAVED if we would not be affected?

Again I ask if we will have been “Raptured” and out of harms way when these things begin, then why would He be telling us these things?

5. When you compare Jesus’ Words in the book of Matthew with John the Revelator’s account of the ‘End of Days’ in Revelation, why do you get the very real sense that something about pre-tribulation evangelical or reformed doctrines of the end times don’t line up with or doesn’t fit with what you read IN THE BIBLE.

Look at it this way:   When Hurricane Irma hit the U.S. it was a category 5 storm;  As Irma progressed up the peninsula of Florida, it became a category 4 storm;  then as it entered Alabama it became a category 3 storm;  and finally as it entered Georgia, Irma became a tropical storm; and later as it entered Tennessee, it became a rain event.

To those in the various states which hurricane Irma entered, it would have appeared to them that Irma might have been 5 different storms, occurring consecutively; first a Category 5 storm, then, a Category 4 storm, then, a Category 3 hurricane, then, a Tropical storm, and, finally, a rain event.  But if viewed “From Above” it was ONE CONTINUOUS STORM, progressively unfolding to its conclusion

Next: “How We Should Prepare and Respond in These Last Days”.

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

Go to these links. Study. Learn.

WHEN WILL THE TRIBULATION BEGIN – OR HAS IT ALREADY BEGUN?

THE END OF THE AGE – a short, and to-the-point, series about the Last Days.

CONCURRENCE OF EVENTS POINTING TO THE END OF THE AGE – a short and to-the-point-series of concurrent and converging events in these days.

THE RAPTURE REVEALED

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED, “What Is The Bible Really All About – What Is The Main Point, and What Is God Saying to Us, and Why?”

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED,

“What Is The Main Point of The Bible”

“Where are we headed”, and

What Is God Saying to Us,

And Why?

If you ask this question online (search engines) you will get answers like

  1. The Bible tells the story of God’s relationship with the masterpiece of his creation – people. (General Search on Google AI).
  2. The Bible is a remarkable collection of ancient writings Christians believe to be God’s revelation to people. Some people say it’s actually like a library of books and letters all bound up in one. The Bible tells the story of God’s relationship with the masterpiece of his creation – people. The Bible says that its words are ‘God-breathed’. Although exactly how God ‘breathed’ the words remains a mystery, most Christians agree that God inspired the writers as they recorded his words. (org).
  3. The Bible is great literature and the all-time number-one bestseller. It contains history, entertaining stories, poetry, philosophy, and personal letters. But, more than that, the Bible is God’s Word. If we have to speak of a single purpose of the Bible, it would be to reveal God to us. There are many things that we could never know about God unless He told them to us. The Bible is God’s self-revelation to humanity. The Bible also tells us who we are. It tells us of our sin and of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus (GotQuestions.Org.).
  4. The Bible is a collection of religious texts that are central to Christianity and Judaism, and esteemed in other Abrahamic religions such as Islam. The Bible is an anthology (a compilation of texts of a variety of forms) originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. The texts include instructions, stories, poetry, prophecies, and other genres. The collection of materials accepted as part of the Bible by a particular religious tradition or community is called a biblical canon. Believers generally consider it to be a product of divine inspiration, but the way they understand what that means and interpret the text (Wikipedia.Org)
  5. Etcetera.

These listed online searches are fairly representative of what you will find if you ask “What is the Bible about?” However, if you tweak your question to ask, “What is the point of the Bible” or “Who is the Bible about” you might get very different answers.

But, what I really want to ask is, “What is the MAIN POINT of the Bible”? What is the MAIN THING God is saying to us, and to His creation? What is He trying to tell us and Why? (And I would appreciate an answer that is less than forty cups of coffee and a Ph.D. needed to read the answer!)

 

Like any well written book, the first chapter or two should tell you the main topic(s); it should tell about the beginnings or the origins of its subject or topic, and it should tell about the theme and the central characters.

Then, the final chapters, the end of the book, should recapitulate the revealed the purpose of the Bible, the purpose of life, where humanity is headed and what God is saying to us.

Everything between these two points, the beginning and the end, should give supporting evidence and provide transition points leading to the conclusion.

The Bible is that well written book. Of course, the Bible was not initially meant to be a book. It was a recording of world-shaping events, guiding principles and warnings of pitfalls. And if the Bible were just a Book, it is unlike any other. It is supremely well written. From the Alpha to the Omega – The First to the Last – The Beginning to the End.

But what sets the Bible apart from being just a book, is how it came into existence: It is God Breathed.

God breathed His Creative, Causative, Instructional, Prophetic Word, The Breath of the Holy Spirit into the hearts and minds of men and women, and they wrote what they heard from God and saw of God. They were under the influence and the unction of the Holy Spirit. And know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of someone’s own interpretation, or no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (see 2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Bible, as I have said, is supremely written, however it is not always well-read, taught or understood, primarily because it is rarely read from the Alpha to the Omega, that is from the beginning to the chronological end. And, to be fair, that is a common mistake because it is not arranged in such a fashion.

So, what most folks do is read ‘in order’ of the books of the Bible as they have been pre-arranged for the sake of convenience and according to a logical historical development. Besides, there is no sacred order, and because the order of the books is human-made, it is not necessary to read the Bible in this sequence.

But to find the MAIN POINT of the Bible and to discover the main thing God is telling us, you will have to fix your attention on these topics as priorities. You must fixate your mind, heart and soul on God’s Plan and Purpose as you search for answers.

Start at the beginning; look for the MAIN POINT; search for transition points; follow the transitions to the conclusion. For example:

1. IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED… (Created What and Why?)

    1. First, The heavens and the earth
    2. Then, Light
    3. Then, The Expanse separating the heavens and the waters
    4. Then, Vegetation, plants and trees
    5. Then, Living creatures in the seas and birds of the sky
    6. Then, Living things on the land
    7. Then, God Created Mankind
  2. Then, God Rested. (What, Where and Why?)
  3. Then Mankind Rebelled. (What, How and Why?)
  4. Then God sent His Son to Redeem His Elect from The Rebellion. (Who, What, How, When Where and Why?)
  5. Next, God is coming to get His Own and to take them to His Throne Room. (Who, How, What and Why?)
  6. Then, God will Judge the Earth and everyone on it – the Righteous and the Unrighteous. (When, How, Why?)
  7. Then, God will destroy the heavens and the earth. (When, How, Where, Why?)
  8. And Finally, God will create a New Heaven and a New Earth – our eternal home – and He will populate it with those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (When, How, Where, Why?)
  9. Now, get ready and stay ready. (Because you do not know which day He will come to complete His Plan).
  10. An Abbreviated and Illustrated Timeline – God’s Creation to the Re-Creation of All Things. God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

I heard an evangelist once say and ask, “Jesus is coming back soon. Are you excited?”, to which the congregation exploded in cheers and applause. Then this evangelist became quiet and in a low and serious voice he said, “Too many Christians are doing little more than staring skyward waiting for the Lord to return, but He has told us we are to be busy with His works. So, it is time we stopped looking at the sky and get busy with the Father’s business!”

It is true, in my observations, that far too many Christians are doing little more than waiting around for certain events to occur, which have already begun. The Lord Jesus warned against this in no uncertain terms: “Why do you call me Lord, when you have not done the things I commanded you?”

Let’s clear the confusion and bring God’s bigger picture into sharp focus.

God’s PLAN began in the beginning of time. It came into sharper focus with the birth of Jesus. It has continued to unfold since that day, and we are included in His Plan, and It will conclude exactly as He has PURPOSED.

God’s PLAN is a Plan for and of Perfection. Throughout all of earth’s history, God has been at work perfecting His creation. There is no event in the history of this world that has not been under God’s control and within His Perfect Plan. He is preparing His Church, those who have surrender themselves to follow and obey Jesus, to spend eternity with Him and with one another in perfect harmony in a new and perfect heaven and earth.

The PURPOSE and the WHY of God’s plan is found in Daniel 9:24, is to

1) “to finish transgression,” (that is, to end man’s rebellion toward God),

2) “to put an end to sin,” (that is, to bring an end to sin),

3) “to atone for wickedness,” (that is, to make amends or reparation for wickedness),

4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,” (that is, the quality of being morally right or justifiable),

5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and (that is, to confirm these prophetic visions),

6) “to anoint the most holy.” (that is, to anoint, or to confer divine or holy office upon; in this case the Holy One, Jesus.).

We are included in God’s PURPOSE. His METHOD is found in Daniel 12 is that

1) Many will be cleansed,

2) Many will be purified,

3) They will be made spotless and,

4) They will be refined.

Here are just a few of the major Biblical events through which God has been working to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose in and through our lives. (I have selected the major events only, in order to simplify this matter.

I believe this is important to know, or at the very least, to be familiar with because,

(#1), it shows that what has been prophesied (foretold) has come to pass with exacting accuracy, so,

(#2), you can know that the Bible, God’s Breathed Word, is dependable – you can count on it. And,

(#3), you can know to prepare for what is coming without fear or dread. In fact, you can prepare with confidence that you are loved, needed and called by God to join Him in what He is doing in these last days in preparation for His return and the gathering of His saints, His Church, for an eternity in our heavenly home with Him. And, finally,

(#4), you can boldly, lovingly and confidently confess to your friends and family that God loves them, is calling to them. You can lead them to the safety of His presence, today.

Next is an abbreviated timeline, from the beginning, through selected transition points, to the end and beyond. Please click on the text or image below for

God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

 

GOD’S PLAN OF PERFECTION – An Illustrated Timeline from The Beginning to beyond the End

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

Here are just a few of the major Biblical events through which God has been working to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose in and through our lives. (I have selected the only the most poignant events that begin “in the beginning” and point to God’s method and arrive at His predeterminconclusion of these matters in order to simplify.

I believe this is important to know, or at the very least, to be familiar with because,

(#1), it shows that what has been prophesied (foretold) has come to pass with exacting accuracy, so,

(#2), you can know that the Bible, God’s Breathed Word, is dependable – you can count on it. And,

(#3), you can know to prepare for what is coming without fear or dread. In fact, you can prepare with confidence that you are loved, needed and called by God to join Him in what He is doing in these last days in preparation for His return and the gathering of His saints, His Church, for an eternity in our heavenly home with Him. And, finally,

(#4), you can boldly, lovingly and confidently confess to your friends and family that God loves them, is calling to them. You can lead them to the safety of His presence, today.

Next is an abbreviated timeline, from the beginning, through selected transition points, to the end and beyond:

Here, you can see God’s Hand moving in the affairs of humankind, leading to the End of the Age):

BEFORE TIME HAD BEGUN

1st. The creation of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1–31) – Before time had begun.

God created all things with a plan, which includes me and you! (He never needs a re-do).

(Click here for complete detail, “In the Beginning, God – The Journey to Perfectrion).
2nd.  The first humans (Genesis 1:26–31; 2:8–25) – Before 4,000 B.C.

God created them, male and female, with a plan, in Their image with a ‘flaw’, i.e., from Strong’s Bible Hebrew language Concordance – ‘a phantom, an illusion, a vain image, of dubious character’, but with potential; which includes me and you!

(Click here for details, “Then Came Mankind”).
3rd.  The fall of man (Genesis 3:1–24) – Before 4,000 B.C.

 

Adam and Eve disobeyed. The ‘flaw in their character and image from creation’, which is ‘sin’, had its effect, which continues to this day, but it will have an end.

 

 

 
4th. The Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1 and Genesis 15 – Around 3400 B.C.

 

The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant. God binding Himself to Abraham and his descendants.

 

 

 

 

5th. The great flood (Genesis 6:9–9:17) – Before 2,500 B.C.

 

God was sorry He made them. He was grieved. But it was His plan all along. (God is omniscient and omnipresent).

(Click here for details, “The Flood”).

 
6th. The tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) – Before 2,100 B.C.

 

The ‘flaw of sin’ reemerges as pride and rebellion toward God. Instead of destroying them, this time God scattered them.

(Click here for details, “The Tower of Babel”).
7th. The call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–5) – 2,091 B.C.

 

God prepares the world for Jesus with Isaac through Abraham.

 
8th. The exodus (Exodus 12:31–42; 14:1–31) – 1,446 B.C.

God foreshadows the work of Jesus through the Exodus from captivity and as The Sacrifice for all time.

 

 

 

9th. The building of the first Temple (1 Kings 6) – 966 B.C.

10th. The destructin of the First Temple. (2 Kings 24:13).

 

The Temple was plundered by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem during the brief reign of Jehoiachin c. 598 BCE (2 Kings 24:13

11th. The building of the Second Temple. (Haggai 1)

 

As the central Jewish place of sacrificial worship from about 515 B.C.E. until its destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E., the second temple in Jerusalem played a major role in the religious and national life of the Jewish people.

12th. The birth of Jesus (Matt 1:18–2:23; Luke 2:1–10) – 5 B.C.

 

The arrival of Perfection on earth. Jesus, God in the Flesh, is born and the New Covenant – for you and me – is established. Now the ‘called’ can see and be made into the very image of God. The tribulation begins, and The Eternal Plan enters its final stages.

 

13th. The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation

The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation which began at or around the birth of Jesus which includes the coming of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes, which Jesus calls the beginning of Birth Pains, which describe tribulation Seals one through five as found in Matthew 24:1-31 and Revelation chapters 6 and 7. Testimonies and comments by Jesus and His disciples (the Apostles) clearly show the tribulation period, (the opening of tribulation Seals 1 through 5, began as early as Jesus’ birth through A.D. 95 and continue (see “Did Jesus and the Apostles Really Say This?”)

13 a. The Last Days Are Proclaimed and Explained.

 

The significance of the coming Messiah and the Last Days Are Proclaimed:

 

 

Section 13.a.1.

Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),

(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).

(2). In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8).

(3). In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4).

(4). In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11).

(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).

These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.

Jesus calls the 1st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6th Tribulation Seal (Revelation 6:12-14), and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31), and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16).. (Please click these links for verification and understanding).

Section 13.a.2.

Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be…’ (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

Section 13.a.3.

1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

Section 13.a.4. 

2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.

Section 13.a.5.

1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

 Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).

If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95.

These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at the birth of Christ and these first 5 tribulation Seals have been overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.
14th. The temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13) –27 A.D.

 

Jesus is tested and shows those who will follow Him – which includes you and me – how to resist the devil and overcome trial, temptations and tribulation.

 
15th. The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11) – 27 A.D.

God is building His invasion force of earth, and the preparation for eternity has begun – which includes you and me!

 

 
16th. The Sermon on the Mount/Plain (Matthew 5:1–7:29; Luke 6:29–40) –27 A.D.

Jesus gives the picture of salvation and teaches about the process of sanctification and how we – that is, you and me – are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through many tests, trials, temptations and much tribulation.
17th. Jesus’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–37) – 30 A.D.

The sacrifice is made. The eradication of sin and the imperfect because the perfect has come.

 

 
18th. Jesus’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1–20; Mark 16:1–20; Luke 24:1–53; John 20:1–31) – 30 A.D. – 30 .A.D.

Jesus conquers sin and death. He lives, and we – you and I – can now live! The way is cleared to follow Jesus.

 

 

 
19th. The giving of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) – 30 A.D.

The invasion of earth has begun. Jesus sends His army of saints – which includes you and me – to set the prisoners free. He sends us with His authority, and He is with us until the end!
20th. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41) – 30 A.D.

 

The power of the Holy Spirit is released into the lives of the saints of God – and yes, that includes you and me, and, nothing will ever be the same.

 

21st. The Destruction of the 2nd Temple. (Matthew 24:1-2).

 

Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

FUTURE – END TIMES TIMELINE:

22nd. The rise of the Antichrist. After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8)

 

A satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).

From our perspective today, the next event in the eschatological timeline is the rapture can be considered as imminent, WITH THE EXCEPTION of the revealing of the antichrist, WHICH MOST COME FIRST, which is the man of lawlessness. (2 Thessalonians 1:2-4).

23rd. The Second Coming of Jesus. – (Matthew 24:29-31) – The Future.

The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other – and if you are alive at that time, we are included. (The rapture will have already occurred at this point in time. For greater detail, click here for “The Great Tribulation”).

24th. The Rapture Of The Church – (1 Corinthians 15:52)

 

The rapture of the Church. Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too.

25th. The Breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal – The Beginning of the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, The Wrath of The Lamb and the Final 7 Years of Tribulation – (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 6 – 21).

The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, will have begun. (Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will have escaped these days.)

Section 25.a.

The Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb; a period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time period. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven (Revelation 7:9-11). It is thought that at this time the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10).

Section 25.b.

The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (This can also be found in Revelation 9:1-21, Revelation 16:1-19:1-21, and in Daniel 7:24-27.)

The Sixth Trumpet & The Army from the East

Revelation 9:13. Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, verse 14, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Verse 15. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Verse 16. The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. Verse 17. And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). Verse 18. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. Verse 19. For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm.

The sounding of the 6th Trumpet signals the release of the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates, which represents an army. The number of the troops of cavalry is “twice ten thousand times ten thousand”, or two hundred million. Most commentators suggest this is an army of China based on the size of the army.

However, the Euphrates river is in southwestern Asia, and winds through regions of the Middle East, through northern Syria and Iraq to the head of the Persian Gulf.

It is also useful to note that the 10 Nation Confederation named in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of:

1. Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and,

2. Rosh, (Russia),

 

3. Magog, also known as (Russia),

4. Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia),

5.  Put, also known as (Libya),

6.  Cush, also known as (Ethiopia),

7.  Persia, also known as (Iran),

8.  Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey),

9.  Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey),

10. Beth-Togarmah, also known as (Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia)

The combined armies described in the Book of Ezekiel, from the East. They are Russia, with an army of one million one-hundred thousand; Turkey, with an army of three hundred fifty-five thousand; Iran, with an army of five hundred twenty-three thousand, (including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard); Ethiopia’s army of one hundred thirty-eight thousand; Chechnya’s army is approximately ten thousand; the army of Georgia is approximately twenty-one thousand; Even with this abbreviated list we can count only two million, one hundred forty-two thousand fighting troops, far short of the prophesied “two hundred million troop” end-times military invasion of Israel. 

(Interestingly, however, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has since transformed geopolitics, uniting the West against Russia and reigniting talk of a new Cold War or even World War 3. But Russia, it is now clear, is not as isolated as the initial global outcry suggested. It benefits from a robust network of partners, allies, and fellow travelers that includes countries such as Belarus, China, India, Iran, and North Korea.

Since the invasion, China and India have dramatically increased imports of discounted Russian oil, providing Moscow with a record current account surplus in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with vital arms, including Shahed kamikaze drones to swarm Ukraine’s air defenses. Last year, North Korea began shipments of artillery and missiles to Russia. And many countries in the Global South, including South Africa, continue to maintain military and strategic ties with Russia.

When considering Russia’s allies in addition to the 10 Nation Confederation previous referenced in this article from Ezekiel 38, Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon, the numbers begin to increase dramatically.
Finally, when considering the cumulative population of these countries (three billion seven hundred million) and their conscription capabilities, it is easy to see how a military force of 200,000,000 could be assembled at any moment. And, they will be released to kill one-third of mankind.

Section 25.c.

The abomination of desolation. At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17).

Section 25.d.

 The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of the tribulation.  Having returned in the clouds after the breaking of the fifth tribulation Seal and before the breaking of the Sixth tribulation seal (Matthew 24:29-31), Jesus now re-appears with the armies of heaven And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (see Revelation 19:16), to save Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

Section 25.e.

The judgment of the nations. Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell.

Section 25.f.

The binding of Satan. Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).

 

 

Section 25.g.

The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48).

Section 25.h.

The last battle. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear.

Section 25.i.

The Great White Throne Judgment. All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.
26th. The new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1–5) –  In the Future

Those who have overcome, are with God eternally – which includes you and me – and, God’s Plan for Perfection has been completed.

Yes, we will experience difficulties, trials and tribulations in this life, but as The Apostle Peter says,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold which perishes, and though you are tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

For a more detailed narrative, please see the series:  Journey to Perfection.

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 12, Peter’s Arrest and Deliverance, The Death of Herod

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 12

Peter’s Arrest and Deliverance, The Death of Herod

It could be said that much of what is recorded in the Book of Acts is bizarre in natural terms, and this chapter is no different and is in fact a prime example. So, I ask again, has God gone silent in our days? Has He fallen asleep? Has He forgotten us? For we do not see these great acts of God that these disciples were seeing. Why is that? (Read to the end of this chapter for an answer).

Peter’s Arrest and Deliverance.

Acts 12:1, Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. Verse 2. And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. Verse 3. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.) Verse 4. When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people.

(Commentary Break): King Herod was distrustful, jealous, and brutal, ruthlessly crushing any potential opposition. The Jews never accepted him as their legitimate king, and this infuriated him.

(He constantly feared conspiracy. He executed his wife when he suspected she was plotting against him. Three of his sons, another wife, and his mother-in-law met the same fate when they too were suspected of conspiracy.) Herod, feigning to be a legitimate Jew, would not eat pork, but he freely murdered his sons! Matthew’s account of Herod’s slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem fits well with what we know of the king’s ambition, paranoia, and cruelty (Matt. 2:1–18).

So, true to form, when Herod found it expedient to jail or murder Jews who belonged to the church, he went after the leadership, Peter being central. But, being aware of His timing, rather than execute Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread, he jailed him until after these feast days. And it was under the crafty deceit of evil, God moved in, and things became very strange.

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Does this mean this will happen for you or for me? There is no way of telling. But we do know this: God’s Plan and Purpose is always in motion and nothing will divert, stop or thwart His Plan. It is us – Christians – who are slumbering, not God. He has not forgotten us, but it would seem that we may have forgotten about Him. And why would God rescue a person who did not need or did not want to be rescued?

If we would do as the disciples and Apostles were doing, we just might, once again, see the mighty Hand of God move on our behalf.

Perhaps in our modern context we should remember the significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The timeless themes of freedom, spiritual purification, and humility reflected a commitment to doing what is right in the sight of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:18). Although New Testament believers are not obligated to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, may we never forget that it is our Father in heaven who provides our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church.

(Commentary Break): Please read the significance and the symbolism of verse 5: “So (i.e., therefore), Peter (from the Greek word petros, “small stone, a rock, part of a the greater Cornerstone – God has Plan for Peter), was kept (from the Greek word tēreō, to tend to carefully, to take care of, to keep on in the state in which he is, to reserve for something), in the prison (from the Greek word, phylakē, to guard, watch, persons keeping watch, such as guards or sentinels, of the place where captives are kept, a prison – Peter was not only being held by guards and being watched, he was also being held by God and God was keeping watch over him, keeping him safe), but prayer for him was being made to God intensely (from the Greek word ektenōs, fervently, intensely, earnestly, as reaching a hand out toward.. This kind of prayer is in essence and in fact God reaching His Hand toward Peter), by the church .

This is the interaction of the church and the Apostles with God. It is our service to God that brings God to our rescue. It is our knowing and doing the will of God that moves His Hand in our favor. It is all about God, His Plan, His Purpose and His Ways.

Do you wish to bring God out of ‘His slumber’? Come out of YOUR slumber. (End Commentary Break)

Verse 6. On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.

(Commentary Break): God is never too early and never too late. He does not slumber and He never forgets. Remember this. Rest in this. “Seek first His Righteousness and His kingdom and all these other things will be added to you”. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. Verse 8. And the angel said to him, “Put on your belt and strap on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Verse 9. And he went out and continued to follow, and yet he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

(Commentary Break): When your friends, the watching world and even those in the faith tell you that you are imagining things when God shows you the way or calls you to His service even in the seemingly smallest of matters, search the scriptures; then trust Him first. Obey Him and follow Him. He will never lead in the wrong direction, but always in holiness according to His Purpose. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. Now when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. Verse 11. When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

(Commentary Break): Please remember the words from these verses, “When Peter came to himself (i.e., realized what was going on), the results of his obedience were made clear, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me.”

When you hear the voice of God or see His Hand moving, join Him in what He is doing and you will be made safe in His Arms for His Purpose. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. Verse 13. When he knocked at the door of the gate, a slave woman named Rhoda came to answer. Verse 14. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. Verse 15. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” Verse 16. But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.

(Commentary Break): I encourage us to see the contrast of looking but not seeing and believing before you see. The former says, “You are out of your mind”; the former says “and they were amazed”. Live in His Amazement! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.

Verse 18. Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter. Verse 19. When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.

Death of Herod.

Verse 20. Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one mind they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain<mg1909, 2846=””>, they were asking for peace, because their country was supported with grain from the king’s country. Verse 21. On an appointed day, after putting on his royal apparel, Herod took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. Verse 22. The people repeatedly cried out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Verse 23. And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

(Commentary Break): Verses 22 and 23 give us an astonishing look at the vengeance of God. “Immediately – an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory – (and immediately) he was eaten by worms and (then) died.”

This is an eternal warning to those who would claim the glory of God as their own. Beware pastors. Beware preachers, theologians, and church leaders. Beware unless an angel of the Lords strikes because you try to keep even a small part of God’s glory for yourselves. Remember the fate of Ananias and Sapphira when they held back on God. They immediately collapsed and died and were buried in shame. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 24. But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.

Verse 25. And Barnabas and Saul returned when they had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. (End of Acts chapter 2).

I see, hear and read about supposed pockets of Christian revival taking place. I believe most of these spontaneous ‘revivals’ are more like ‘religious flash mobs’. I agree their intentions may be good, but I wonder if the results are life changing and lasting?

Revival refers to a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God’s holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness. Revival invigorates and sometimes deepens a believer’s faith, opening his or her eyes to the truth in a fresh, new way. It generally involves the connotation of a fresh start with a clean slate, marking a new beginning of a life lived in obedience to God. Revival breaks the charm and power of the world, which blinds the eyes of men, and generates both the will and power to live in the world but not of the world.

In the USA, the first revival, also called the First Great Awakening, produced an upsurge of devotion among Protestants in the 1730s and 1740s, carving a permanent mark on American religion. It resulted from authoritative preaching that deeply moved the church members with a convicting awareness of personal guilt and the awesome nature of salvation through Christ. Breaking away from dry ritual and rote ceremony, the Great Awakening made Christianity intensely personal to the average person, as it should be, by creating a deep emotional need for relationship with Christ.
Revival, in many respects, replicates the believer’s experience when he or she is saved. It is initiated by a prompting of the Holy Spirit, creating an awareness of something missing or wrong in the believer’s life that can only be righted by God. In turn, the Christian must respond from the heart, acknowledging his or her need. Then, in a powerful way, the Holy Spirit draws back the veil the world has cast over the truth, allowing the believers to fully see themselves in comparison to God’s majesty and holiness. Obviously, such comparisons bring great humility, but also great awe of God and His truly amazing grace (Isaiah 6:5). Unlike the original conversion experience that brings about a new relationship to God, however, revival represents a restoration of fellowship with God, the relationship having been retained even though the believer had pulled away for a time. (see GotQuestions.Org).

Either way, I must defer to scriptures when considering these matters.

Characteristics of Revival:

1. Repentance and Confession:

Genuine revival is marked by a deep conviction of sin and a heartfelt turning away from it. Psalm 51:10-12 captures the essence of this transformation: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

2. Prayer and Intercession:

Revival is often preceded and sustained by fervent prayer. James 5:16 emphasizes the power of prayer: “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.”

3. Renewed Love for God’s Word:

A hallmark of revival is a renewed hunger for Scripture. As seen in Nehemiah 8:1-8, the reading and understanding of God’s Word led to a revival among the Israelites.

4. Holiness and Obedience:

Revival results in a renewed commitment to holiness and obedience to God’s commands. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts believers, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

5. Evangelistic Zeal:

Revived individuals and communities are often characterized by a passion for sharing the gospel. Acts 4:31 illustrates this: “After they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

Impact and Legacy:

Spiritual revival has a profound impact on both individuals and society. It leads to personal transformation, church renewal, and societal change. Historically, revivals have been catalysts for missionary movements, social reforms, and cultural shifts. The Great Awakenings in America, for example, were periods of intense revival that significantly influenced the spiritual and moral landscape of the nation.

Conclusion:

While revival is a work of God, it often begins with a small group of believers who are willing to humble themselves, seek God’s face, and pray for His intervention. As such, it serves as a powerful reminder of God’s desire to renew and restore His people, drawing them closer to Himself and empowering them for His purposes. (see BibleHub.com).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 11, Peter’s Report in Jerusalem, The Church in Antioch.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 13, The First Missionary Journey, Paul Turns to the Gentiles.

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THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 2

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF JOHN – Chapter 2


The Miracle at Cana, The First Passover, Cleansing the Temple

I will reiterate that although I offer remarks as a “Commentary Break”, this is not meant to be a comprehensive commentary. (I would, however, recommend BibleHub.com Pulpit commentary for a comprehensive and in depth commentary).

This is a commentary on the application of what we read and those things we come to understand. It is not enough to know about the Bible or to know about Jesus. We must know His Words and know Him personally, and still that is not sufficient. It is what we do with what we know that makes the difference. And that is what this is about.

Miracle at Cana

John 2:1, On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Verse 2, and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. Verse 3. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Verse 4. And Jesus said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet come.”

(Commentary Break): It is interesting that this chapter and verse begins with the phrase “on the third day”.  The “third day” is often associated with divine intervention and new beginnings in Scripture. God brings transformation in our lives at unexpected times. (This phrase may also indicate a specific time frame, likely referring to the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathanael as disciples. The “third day”, in addition to symbolizing divine intervention, can also symbolize completeness, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus on the third day.)

We know from these verses that both Mary, the mother of Jesus, Jesus and His disciples were present. Then, when the wine ran out, Mary calls on Jesus. His response, at first, sounds like a harsh rebuke. The text reads, “what business do you have with me woman” could be translated as “what business is serving the wine have to do with Me”? And finally, addressing his mother as “woman” sounds distant or disrespectful, but In the cultural context of the time, addressing someone as “woman” was not disrespectful. It was a common and polite form of address, similar to “ma’am” today. Jesus uses this term elsewhere, such as when speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:21) and to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection (John 20:15). This indicates a respectful yet formal tone.

Finally, He is reminding Her that although He can solve this problem, “His time to be revealed as the miracle working Messiah” had not yet arrived.

 As we go about our daily lives, we must be aware that God is directing our lives and the circumstances of our lives – and not the other way around. Our requests and prayers to Jesus are not so much to get God to understand our immediate needs – He has known since before time began. But our prayers and requests should bring us to understand His methods, purposes and plans for us and for our lives.

“Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find, Knock and the door shall be opened to you…how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him”? (Matthew 7:7-11).

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you”. (Matthew 6:33). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.”

(Commentary Break): Such confidence as Mary expresses in verse five is reflective of her relationship with her Son. An attribute all of us should strive to attain. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. Now there were six stone water pots standing there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing two or three measures each. Verse 7. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. Verse 8. And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” And they took it to him. Verse 9. Now when the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the groom, verse 10, and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the guests are drunk, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Verse 11. This beginning of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Verse 12. After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

(Commentary Break): These verses speak for themselves as they reveal the magnitude of this miracle. This should encourage and inform each of us that Jesus never slights in or on His works. We can be absolutely certain that when we ask anything according to His Will, he hears us. And if we know He hears us in whatever we ask, we can know that we will have the requests which we have asked Him! (see 1 John 5:14-15). Count on it! (End Commentary Break).

First Passover—Cleansing the Temple

Verse 13. The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Verse 14. And within the temple grounds He found those who were selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Verse 15. And He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; verse 16, and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!” Verse 17. His disciples remembered that it was written: “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.”

(Commentary Break): I am saddened – I am aghast, as you should also be –  to see so many churches that have come to resemble a marketplace or an entertainment center. You can buy ‘favors’, charms and false holy relics, prayer hankies, invest in ‘church bonds’, use an ATM and buy any one of scores of items of religious clothing, jewelry, books, or concert tickets IN THE SANCTUARY, or for the more ‘discriminating’, in the Church lobby. Do you not know the shame and the curse you are bringing on yourselves? Jesus warned that you must repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 18. The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?”

(Commentary Break): Verse 18 is perfectly representative of the arrogance of so many pastors and church leaders today when they are confronted with their rebellious, self-centered attitudes. They will invariably say, “Who gives you authority over us?” (End Commentary Break).

Verse 19. Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Verse 20. The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and yet You will raise it up in three days?” Verse 21. But He was speaking about the temple of His body. Verse 22. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

(Commentary Break): Jesus prophecies to them, and their ears are dead to His Words. These church authorities, although steeped in the Torah, only understand the words of this world. They are ignorant to the Word of God. (It would be wise at this point to be reminded that Jesus spoke these same words to His disciples in Matthew 24, which are pregnant with prophetic warnings.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 23. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name as they observed His signs which He was doing. Verse 24. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew all people, verse 25, and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind.

(Commentary Break): What a fitting end to this chapter and fitting advice to us, as believers. Many may believe IN HIS NAME because they observed His signs. But Jesus was not entrusting HIMSELF to them.

Many may pursue God for what they can get from Him, so they say that they believe IN HIM, but they show by their speech and behaviors that they DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. Don’t entrust yourself to these kinds, especially those within the church. “Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” but his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost]. The “morsel of his compliments and advice” which you have eaten you will vomit up, And you will have wasted the compliments.” (see Proverbs 23:6-8) (End Commentary Break).

This was the beginning of the signs and the miracles of  Jesus, which revealed His glory; and the scriptures say that because of these signs His disciples believed in Him. But let’s not forget that just before His ascension to heaven, the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. (And He sent them out as His disciples and Apostles, anyway.)

It was only when they were faced with the greatest of trials that they not only believed in Him, but it was revealed that they believed Him. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various  trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 3, The New Birth, John the Baptist’s Last Testimony.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 1, part 3, verses 19 – 51, Jesus’ Public Ministry; the First Converts.

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HOW CAN I REALLY BECOME A CHRISTIAN – AND WHY SHOULD I?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

HOW CAN I REALLY BECOME A CHRISTIAN – AND WHY SHOULD I?

The evangelical Christian establishment will generally tell you that to become a Christian all you need to do:

According to Sue Schlesman, on Crosswalk.com, an author, teacher, podcaster, and church leader, with a Masters in Theology and Culture, who is active in teaching and writing about transformative faith, says this:

You’re not the only person to ask this. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas that question (Acts 16:30-31), Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Paul explained to the Romans, “That if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Becoming a Christian is a change of heart and belief. It’s a step of faith, accepting what the Bible says about God and Jesus as true and real. Faith is a transference of dependence on myself to dependence on God. Therefore, the goal of the “gospel” (the good news about Jesus Christ in Mark 16:15) is entering into faith and dependence on God alone for this life and the next. “Being saved” is simply believing in Jesus and accepting Him.

So, Mrs. Schlesman quotes what Paul the Apostle says, and then translates it for us into ‘easy speak’ – or so I say. Simply believing and no submssion required!

According to GotQuestions.Org,, Jesus Christ declared that He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The question then arises – why did we need to be ransomed? The idea of a ransom is a payment that must be made in exchange for the release of a person. The idea of a ransom is most frequently used in instances of kidnapping, when someone is kidnapped and held prisoner until a ransom is paid for the person’s release.

Jesus paid our ransom to free us from bondage! Bondage from what? Bondage to sin and its consequences, physical death followed by eternal separation from God. Why did Jesus need to pay this ransom? Because we are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23), and are therefore worthy of judgment from God (Romans 6:23). How did Jesus pay our ransom? By dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21). How could Jesus’ death sufficiently pay for all of our sins? Jesus was God in human form, God come to earth to become one of us so He could identify with us and die for our sins (John 1:1,14). As God, Jesus’ death was infinite in value, sufficient to pay for the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:2). Jesus’ resurrection after His death demonstrated that His death was the sufficient sacrifice, that He had truly conquered sin and death.
So, How can I become a Christian? This is the best part. Because of His love for us, God has made it exceedingly simple to become a Christian. All you have to do is receive Jesus as your Savior, fully accepting His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins (John 3:16), fully trusting Him alone as your Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Becoming a Christian is not all about rituals, going to church, or doing certain things while refraining from other things. Becoming a Christian is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through faith, is what makes a person a Christian.

And excellent description and definition, wouldn’t you say? Thank you GotQuestions.Org., for making this so ‘simple’. I love ‘easy speak’. Don’t you? No dying to self, no obedient following,

    THEN THERE IS BIBLEHUB.COM and according to BIBLEHUB.COM, the steps needed to become a Christian addresses both an internal spiritual transformation and an outward confession of faith. Becoming a Christian is not merely a one-time decision but an ongoing relationship with God, marked by trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Each step is rooted in Scripture, which serves as the foundation and authority for understanding salvation.

Acknowledging the Reality of Sin

One essential aspect is recognizing personal need. Scripture affirms, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This universal statement highlights that humanity is in moral debt to God, unable to achieve the holiness required for fellowship with Him on our own merit. Archaeological discoveries, such as evidence of ancient cultures mentioned in the biblical narratives, and the preservation of texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls have supported the consistent message that every person needs divine help and deliverance from sin.

Believing in Christ’s Sacrifice

To address this need, the Bible teaches that Jesus-fully God and fully man-lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin, and was raised from the dead. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Numerous historical sources, including the writings of Josephus and Tacitus, attest to the existence of Jesus, while scholarly research supports the fact that early Christians unanimously proclaimed Jesus’ bodily resurrection-an indispensable truth for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Repenting and Confessing

Acknowledgment of sin should lead to heartfelt repentance. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38). Repentance involves turning away from sin toward a life aligned with God’s holiness.

Confession of faith is similarly vital: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Genuine belief is not intellectual acceptance alone, but trust in Jesus as the only way to be reconciled to God.

Receiving Salvation by Faith

Becoming a Christian is ultimately a work of divine grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works (personal efforts), so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith in this context is an active, enduring reliance on Christ’s finished work rather than personal moral efforts. Ancient manuscript evidence, such as early New Testament papyri, demonstrates that these themes of grace and faith have remained central and consistent from the earliest testimony of the Christian community.

Counting the Cost

Responding to Christ’s call entails a willingness to submit one’s life fully. “If anyone would come after Me,” Jesus said, “he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). This means a believer’s priorities, behaviors, and goals increasingly align with God’s Word, fostered by prayer, worship, and the support of a faith community.

Baptism and Public Declaration

While salvation is by grace through faith, the biblical pattern also includes baptism as an outward symbol of the inward change. The practice of baptism, demonstrated in the book of Acts, signifies identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Though not a means of earning salvation, it is a meaningful act that publicly declares one’s new allegiance.

Initial Steps of Growth

After professing faith, believers are encouraged to grow in discipleship through:

  1. Prayer: Regular conversation with God, bringing requests, confessions, and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).
  2. Scripture Study: Reading the Bible consistently and allowing it to shape beliefs and actions (2 Timothy 3:16).
  3. Church Involvement: Engaging in fellowship, worship, and service within a local congregation. Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together.
  4. Sharing Faith: Sharing the message of salvation with others underscores its transforming power and follows the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Transformation Through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works within believers to regenerate, guide, and empower them for Christian living. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation manifests itself in loving God wholeheartedly and serving others sacrificially.

BibleHub gives us, in my studied and prayerful opinion, the best description and definition. It is the most accurate. (No ‘easy speak here’).

In my opinion, the first two examples are examples of what I call ‘drive through salvation and spiritual fast food’ served up with sugary soul-drinks to wash it down.

 

Have you ever wondered why the Bible speaks one way about Church and the family of faith and the actual experience VERY RARELY reaches that standard? Maybe the bar is set too low or perhaps there really is no bar in most instances. I say, please re-read BibleHub.com and pray, think – and then act on what God might say to you.

THE GOOD NEWS!

 John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him”.

 So that the word might be SAVED through Him. SAVED. Just what does that word bring to your mind?

“To be saved – SOZO – in the Bible, means to be rescued from destruction and brought into divine safety“. To deliver or protect— (From Strong’s Bible Concordance).

SAVED:  To be made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole (complete with purpose), NOW and for all of eternity,

Made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole In your body. In your mind. In your soul and spirit.

Made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole In your home. With your family, your children, your spouse and relatives. In your work. With your friends. In every aspect of your life.

(This is not a magic formula or a spell. It is the Word of God through your faithful, submissive obedience in following Jesus.

This is the Good News that God gave John to proclaim.

This is the Good News and the reason God sent us His Son. Jesus.

This is the Good News that Jesus proclaims to the world, then and now.

And this is the reason Jesus sends His followers, His disciples, into the world – to tell the world about this Good News.

And how would that to happen?

Now, come with me as we step back in time to around A.D. 30, when Jesus appeared on the scene in Galilee.

Matthew 4, verses 12 through 17.

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled:

 “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI,

BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE JORDAN, GALILEE OF THE GENTILES —

THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT,  (SAW A GREAT LIGH”)

AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH,

UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.”   A LIGHT DAWNED.

Gensis 1:1 tells us that God said “let there be light”; and the Words of God in Matthew 4:16 are no less significant, no less creative and now less prophetic that those from Genesis 1.

Then In verse 17,  read, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This is Jesus’ first known and His shortest sermon.

In Matthew 4:17, the Bible tells us, FIRST that “From that time” what time is this? This can be considered as one of the most important historical time markers in the Bible – it is a line of demarcation.

 This is the point Jesus began His earthly ministry as commissioned by God the Father, and

 This is beginning of the invasion of earth by the kingdom of heaven! The greatest of all spiritual wars has begun!

 GOD is announcing that He has come back to reclaim what is His and those who are His! He is here to take His land and to take His kids back from the devil’s captivity – you and me and millions more like us.

 This event is a NEW dawn, a NEW beginning – no less fantastic that when in the beginning God said, “LET THERE BE LIGHT”, GOD is now saying “A GREAT LIGHT HAS DAWNED”.

And like we recited earlier in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”, Jesus is saying that time is at hand!

 Next we are told that, “Jesus began to preach and say”,  the word used here from the Greek language is ‘kerusso’. This is NOT a casual statement nor is it just a narration. It is a word of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed; something which has been done, first in the Spiritual realm and to be manifest in the natural.  It is not a general statement nor is it a request.  It is PROPHETIC command. Kerusso!

Next, let’s notice that Jesus says “Repent”. What is often overlooked but should be  glaringly obvious is that Jesus does not tell us WHAT to repent from. We typically assume we are to repent of our sins. But that is not what He actually says. He simply says, “Repent”.

But REPENT from what?

“Repent, (‘metanoeo’), from the Greek, means to change one’s mind – to change one’s mind for the better.

And if it is that we are to REPENT of our sins, it is just as important to know that the word Sin, from the Greek word ‘hamartia’ – literally means to be without a share in; to miss the mark. To miss the mark both of  all that God has intended for your life and all that He has for you now, and for all of eternity.

It is commonly accepted that Jesus meant that we are to heartily amend, with abhorrence of our past sins. And it can mean that and it DOES mean that. BUT IT MEANS SO MUCH MORE.

So, when Jesus says to REPENT, the overall meaning, the connotation of this word it to CHANGE AND CONDITION YOUR MIND TO THINK LIKE JESUS, TO SEE THINGS FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE AND TO RESPOND IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCE AND SITUATIONS OF LIFE AND DEATH AS JESUS DOES.

This requires a radical redefining or our understand. It demands that we turn our minds to what Jesus sas and what He means – even if it makes us uncomfortable.

Jesus is saying that REPENTANCE is a radical reformation and shift in our paradigms. It is a change in our attitudes, and of our mindset, our will and emotions from how we naturally see things to HOW JESUS SEES THINGS. It is a change in the all the choices we make in life so WE CAN SEE THEM AS JESUS SEES THEM.

 Jesus is saying we must change how see or view and deal with our relationships with others, our families, marriage, and even our disputes. How we react to being wronged, how we give of ourselves, of our time of our resources. How we view work, money, wealth, and anxiety. How we view our community, our country and the world and how we view the lost – from how we see them to HOW HE SEES THEM. We must see the world around us and what Jesus is commanding of us AS HE SEES IT.  THAT IS TRUE AND COMPLETE REPENTANCE.

 We begin to see that the Words of Jesus are life giving words. They protect us, they guide and direct us. They strengthen us and provide us with purpose and hope.

And finally, in this verse, Jesus says, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand (The words ” the Kingdom of Heaven” are so descriptive that you must take the definition of each word and consider the impact and importance. 

The Kingdom of God is now at hand, describes the long awaited arrival of the Messiah who is now to establish His Kingdom on earth. As the “Lord’s Prayer” even says, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.  A Kingdom of forgiveness, of grace, mercy, justice and eternal salvation.  A Kingdom conquering death, disease, sin and darkness.

 His Kingdom is a royal power, a kingship, dominion, rule and the right or authority to rule over a kingdom; the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah and the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.” This is our calling and our role as Christians, Disciples of Jesus,

And finally, the phrase, the kingdom is now “At hand.”  (“At hand” comes from a Greek word of with a meaning like the ‘crook of your arm’ and with the action like a mounting wave which has the power to knock you off your feet and roll you over and over; indicating a distance which is as close as your hand is to your wrist, AND as Luke 17:21 puts it, “the kingdom of God is now within you”. Romans 10:8 ALSO tells us, that “THE WORD (OF GOD) IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”.

Jesus is saying, we are to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”.

Now, FINALLY – Here is a Mystery: 

Believe it or not, and as strange as it may seem, the One who spoke these prophetic words, possesses the power which is able to transform your life, so radically, so completely, so thoroughly, that those who knew you beforehand, would hardly recognize you afterwards.  In fact, if and when you embrace and absorbed His Words into your heart, mind and soul as His devoted follower you would hardly be able to recognize yourself when the process is complete.

You might even have to ask yourself, “Can I really be that man or that woman who went about under my name before?”

You are, in one sense the same person, but in another sense, you will have become someone utterly different. Made new. Reborn. A new creation.

This can be most easily accepted by a new believer, as the rest of us may think, “yes, I have already done this”. But when Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus, said, “you must be born again”, He spoke those words in the Aorist tense which means this is a continuing action. The Aorist tense has no regard for the past, present or the future. In this tense they are one-in-the-same. In others words, “In Christ Jesus, you are born anew, each and every day”. He is not saying you must be saved over and over. He is saying our repentance and rebirth in Him is made new and refreshed each and every day. This sanctifying process of perfecting us into the image and likeness of Jesus continues until we are, one day, home with Him, at last!

Please understand that what I am about to say, does not negate the trials, tribulations and troubles we will face in this life. They are part of our being sanctified. Nonetheless, this intensely real power to which I am referring, can pick you up today – right now – from the midst of loneliness, failure, ruin, misery, despair or any difficulty, and in the twinkling of an eye, as Paul said, IN THE MIDST OF THE PROBLEMS YOU FACE IN LIFE, He can begin to solve those problems, smooth out the difficulties, cut you free from entanglements and place you clear, safe and happy upon the highroad of freedom and opportunity – IF YOU CAN UNDERSTAND HIS PLAN AND PRUPOSES, AND ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO ENDURE THIS PROCESS.

Does this mean your will always be physically well or mentally strong or rich by the worlds standards or famous? No. No. A thousand times no.
But it does mean that you can find purpose and meaning and usefulness in even the worst of life’s circumstances.

He can free you to go and shape your life as God would have it – a life full with purpose and of promises met.

He can throw open the MANY prison doors that hold you captive, and liberate you.

He is the healing balm for the bruised and broken heart.

He can inspire you with new thoughts and ideas, so that your life’s work may be truly original, meaningful and lasting.

He can impart new and wonderful kinds of knowledge, as soon as you really want such knowledge – glorious knowledge – strange things not taught in schools or written in ordinary books.

He can find your true place in life, and put you into it, too.

He can find the right friends for you, kindred spirits who are interested in the same ideas and want the same things that you do.

He can provide you the type of  prosperity that means freedom.  Not as the world knows prosperity.  But the type of prosperity that means true Freedom.  Free to be and to do and to go as God has called you to be and to do.

This Power of God can teach you all things you need to know, if only you are receptive and teachable.

But Jesus said, “You must first repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”.

So, if your life is lacking the continuous flow of the fruit of the Spirit, the love, the joy, the peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, Now, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

If your life is missing out on the works that Jesus did, and even greater works of teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom which can heal all kinds of sickness and diseases, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

If you are living in loneliness, fear, doubt lack and want, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

If you are and your behaviors are “friendly” with the world but at odds with the Words and Teachings of Jesus, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

You know, from the day we are born until the day we die, the 23rd Psalm tells us that we will walk through the valley of the shadow of death in this lifetime. And that God has set at table  before us in the presence of your enemies, and that He has anointed our heads with His Oil and that our cup overflows. And His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. And our dwelling place will be in the house of the Lord, forever.

The day of our salvation is now at hand. You can experience the richness of being saved. You can feast at the table He has set before you, even in the presence of your enemies of lack, want, sickness, poverty disease, loneliness and the like. You no longer need to miss the mark or to be left out of the things He has prepared for your life to Bless you and to prosper your soul.

You are made safe, and rescued from eternal harm. You will have found a rich and fulfilling purpose in and for your life, now. You can be made secure in all your relationships and in all the matters of your life. You can be assured of an eternal life with Him. THIS IS THE TABLE HE HAS SET BEFORE YOU.

For the kingdom of heaven is now at hand!

In the words of the great old hymn: Dear Lord, we want to say to you,

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on your Everlasting Arms.

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on your Everlasting Arms.

Leaning, learning, Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on your Everlasting Arms.

Father, we ask that you bless our heart and minds by having read and having heard Your Word and ask You, Holy Spirit, and to plant the seeds of Your Word deep into the soil of our hearts and minds that they will take root and produce your fruit in our lives, some thirty, some sixty and some one hundred fold, and that we will continue to be transformed evermore into the image and likeness of your Son, and our Lord, Jesus. Amen.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as:

“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

IN CONTEXT

1 Thessalonians 1:1, From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

Verse 4. For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know. Verse 5. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing.

Verse 6. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, verse 7, for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; verse 8, for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Verse 9. For what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, verse 10, as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?

Verse 11. Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; verse 12, and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; verse 13, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

(MY COMMENTS)

We read and hear that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second commandment is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

How much more should we show our love to those who have come to Christ in faith? Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, having labored to bring the church in Thessalonica the Good News, are filled with an overflowing joy at the news that in their absence and through persecution and tribulation, that they have kept the faith and have been found blameless in holiness before God.

Paul goes on to say “and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you”.

This should be our aim and focus. This should be a focus of our prayers and a source of our joy, for one another and for all people who would come to faith in God through Jesus our Christ.

Jesus warns that in these Last Days the love of many will wax cold. Let’s guard our hearts, souls and minds and maintain our love for one another, as from the beginning.

We are told that the one who loves his brother and sister remains in the Light, and there is nothing in him to cause stumbling.

Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. If we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed”. – 1 Timothy 4:6.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations such as “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch?” – Colossians 2:20.

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