I am watching a movie on TV. The name of it isn’t important. It is a satire or a parody of the war in Afghanistan and, then president Obama, and his deliberate mockery of America’s military, his misuse of our national resources, his disrespect and demoralization of our military and its leadership. Again, it was a parody of real events and real people.
In one scene, the commander of the forces in Afghanistan, an army general, is giving a ‘pep talk’ to a company of marines on the front lines. This general has been instructed by the White House representatives that the military is there to clean up the mess Obama has made, wind the war down, under the guise of “nation building” and to install a democratic style of government.
During his speech, the general says that “we cannot help these people if we are killing them. It ain’t humanly possible.” And, he says, “they cannot trust us if we keep killing them. So, we need to stop killing them so we can help them.”
He noticed this group of marines were not responding with the enthusiasm as he had hoped for, so he solicits remarks from them. One marine responded with something like, “this is all bull, sir!”
The general look surprised and growled, “What do you mean by that, marine!?”
The marine said, “You are telling us we are here to help these people?”
The general says, “That is right, marine.”
“And we are not supposed to kill any of them?”
“You’re getting it, marine.”
“But, I am a marine, sir. I am in a war. I kill people, sir”, the marine continued.
The general responded with, “Not anymore, marine.”
“No disrespect sir, but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy? How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me? How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me, sir? I am a marine, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself. I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir. I am confused, sir!”, the marine pleaded.
“Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused, son”, the general replies.
THEN IT STRUCK ME
We are not to kill them either. Neither by weapons nor by our words or our actions. (That is the people who are enemies of God). We are supposed to help them and build the Kingdom, even when they are trying to kill us!
Listen to the Apostle Paul as he wages his earthly war for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
2 Corinthians 11:23:
(I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
Verse 24. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
Verse 26. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
Verse 27. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
Verse 28. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Although I am a Christian, reflecting back on the movie I am compelled to say, “No disrespect Lord but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy – that I care about them? That we are here to build their country and help them become prosperous? How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me? How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me? I am a Christian soldier, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself. I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir. I am confused Lord!”
To which the Christians is told, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused son.”
The Apostle Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:24:
“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
Verse 25, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
Verse 26, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
And, again, the Apostle Paul says, in Colossians 4:5:
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Verse 6. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
I have to ask, “How am I supposed to do that, sir, when they are defying our laws, burning our cities down, destroying our businesses, killing our people, attacking our way of life? How am I supposed to do that when one out of three or five or ten of them want to kill me? I am confused, sir!”
To which the Apostles Peter and Paul and our Lord Jesus seem to be saying, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself un-confused son!”
When we are being mocked, spit upon, beaten, robbed, and assaulted, how are we to do as the Apostle Paul says?
We do it by following the Words and example of Jesus as found in Matthew 4:1-11 when Jesus is tempted (tested) by the devil, but He resisted the devil, drew near to the Father through the Word and the devil left Him. (Notice that James 4 :7 also says that we are to draw near to God and Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We do it by “resisting the devil so he will flee from us”!
We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a person says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time-consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness, they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment, and this coat is not worth my time.”
The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance in order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holding the door open to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!
Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.
This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.
I am thinking that if we stay busy doing what Jesus called us to be doing, we will have our attention diverted away from the temporal to the things that really matter.
Our war is not a war of flesh and blood, and our weapons are not weapons of this world.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, we are to take up the full armor of God, so that we will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
We are, therefore, to be on the alert, for we do not know which day The Lord is coming.
But we can be sure of this, that if we had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, we would be on the alert, and we will allow our households to be broken into.
This is the reason we must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when we do not think He will.
So then, who is the faithful and sensible follower of Jesus, whom Jesus has put in charge of His household to give them their “food” at the proper time?
Blessed is that disciple, that Christian, whom Jesus finds so doing when He comes.
Nothing else really matters. So, we must just get un-confused and get on with His Business!
AN OLIVE BRANCH IN ONE HAND – A SWORD IN THE OTHER
Girding up for War – Confronting the spirit of antichrist!
In his most recent and provocative book, Letter to the American Church, Eric Metaxas asks, “Can it really be God’s will that His children be silent at a time like this? Decrying the cowardice that masquerades as godly meekness, Eric Metaxas summons the Church to battle.
“The author of a bestselling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas reveals the haunting similarities between today’s American Church and the German Church of the 1930s. Echoing the German martyr’s prophetic call, he exhorts his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil.
“An attenuated and unbiblical “faith” based on what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” has sapped the spiritual vitality of millions of Americans. Paying lip service to an insipid “evangelism,” they shrink from combating the evils of our time. Metaxas refutes the pernicious lie that fighting evil politicizes Christianity. As Bonhoeffer and other heroes of the faith insisted, the Church has an irreplaceable role in the culture of a nation. It is our duty to fight the powers of darkness, especially on behalf of the weak and vulnerable.
“Silence is not an option. God calls us to defend the unborn, to confront the lies of cultural Marxism, and to battle the globalist tyranny that crushes human freedom. Confident that this is His fight, the Church must overcome fear and enter the fray, armed with the spiritual weapons of prayer, self-sacrifice, and love.” (see Eric Metaxas.com – Letter to the American Church)
Here is a ‘must watch’ interview by pastor Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, as pastor Hamrick and Eric Metaxas discuss how the Church (Christians) must respond to the spreading evil of the spirit of the antichrist which is in the world now.
((Please Note: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics – and politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible.))
((Again, I repeat: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics. Politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible. Just preach and teach the ‘unvarnished’ plain truth of the Word of God. ))
Key Verse
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”James 4:7
Jesus spoke on these matters more succinctly than anyone, past or present. Hear what Jesus tells us is the ways to confront evil in our day:
WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?
TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
John 18:37“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”
TO BRING A SWORD
Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35, For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; verse 36, and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.”
TO FULFILL THE LAW
Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”
TO CALL SINNERS
Mark 2:17 “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
TO SAVE THE WORLD
John 12:47 “If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
Luke 12:49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50, But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51, Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division; “
“WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”
Jesus has told us, inJohn 14:12, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. Verse 13. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
I have heard so many preachers, bible teachers and detractors alike, try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited. These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12. They will begin their commentary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…”.
Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said. He is our model for our counter cultural resistance to the growing global threat of Communist-Marxist-Globalism, And we need to get on with it.
Jesus had a divine appointment with a cruel Roman cross. Read what He said when Peter proposed to get in the way of His mission:
Matthew 16:21- 23, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
We do not literally have an appointment with a crucifixion, but, the Bible is clear in Galatians 5:24, that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” and again in Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” which must be true for all who follow Jesus because we are on mission with Jesus. Our ‘old self’ must die so our new selves can follow and serve Him.
Jesus always, taught the Will of His Father, then, demonstrated what He taught. He expects us to do the same. Ephesians, chapter six, gives us a clear teaching and picture of the type of preparation and the kind of resolve we are to assume.
Ephesians 6:10-17, tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Stand, i. e. continue safe and sound, stand unharmed: Acts 26:22.
Stand ready or prepared: Ephesians 6:14. One who does not hesitate, does not waver, of one who vanquishes his adversaries and holds the ground, also of one who in the midst of the fight holds his position against the foe, to persist, continue, persevere: (so as not to fall from thy faith).
Jesus’ example of steadfast, unmovable courage; this is our example and our command to do the same:
CONFRONTING THE STORM
Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
CONFRONTING DEMONS
Luke 8:26-33 “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.
“Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.”
CONFRONTING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
John 19:8-12 ”Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”
BEFORE THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT
Matthew 24:57-67, “Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him.”
Jesus did not draw back. (He proceeded boldly to the Cross and secured our salvation!) We must not draw back. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on the earth and is with us until the end!
Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons – and these same reasons are our method and our calling:
TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. We are to testify to the truth!
TO BRING A SWORD. We are to bring the sword of the Word of God!
TO FULFILL THE LAW. We are to fulfill the same law!
TO CALL SINNERS. We are to call sinners!
TO SAVE THE WORLD through Jesus. In a very real sense, this, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him
TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH. This, too, is our calling! The Word of God is a stumbling block to those who do not believe, dividing A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; (Matthew 10:35-36)
Dear Brothers and Sisters, this is not hyperbole, a philosophy or metaphor. Now is the time to gird ourselves up with the full armor of God and follow our Lord, the King of Kings into battle.
For our struggle is not againstflesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places and must be fought with Spiritual Armament!
Let’s please stop buying the lies of the devil. He is whispering softly into the ears of the Church and many of the pastors are buying it and have been selling it to you!
Lie #1. We are to love everyone in the world “unconditionally” and equally.
This lie has done more to weaken the church and to tear her from her Moorings of Christ than any overt sin. Such attention to the world and misplaced affections turn into pandering, the type of love that characterizes a sappy, sentimental feeling such as we often hear portrayed. This can cause us to miss the mark of God’s agape love, which is characterized by loving the unlovable and the unlovely, and not because they deserve to be loved or because of any excellence we or they possess, but because it is God’s nature to love this way.
Listen carefully to what Jesus says and think. “For God so love the world (the cosmos signifying the collective mass of people needing salvation), that He gave His only Son.God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose.
(IT’S CONDITIONAL)
that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. The one who believes in Him is not judged, but the one who does not believe is judged already because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God.”
The unbelieving world is already condemned. And every one person ever born, is born into sin as an unbeliever – and they are already condemned. But God loves us so much that He has sent His Son as a means to forgiveness and reconciliation. Those who accept His gift of reconciliation and salvation are no longer condemned to an eternal death, but those who reject His gift are His enemy.
James 4:4, call the world adulteresses and enemies of God, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (Also see GotQuestions.Org).
(IT IS A CONDITIONAL PARADOX)
We, the Church, are in a spiritual war with this world, but we are to recognize the God ordained an “uneasy truce” we have with the world. We are burdened with the knowledge that in the end, this war will bring total destruction of those who oppose God, those who are enemies of God.
Herein lies our dilemma: The Paradox. Although we are in a war with the world, we, at the same time, are commanded to love this world as God loves this world. We are to bring them the Good News that they can escape their fate of destruction by coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus. We must somehow tell them and show them that they need not perish in the eternal lake of fire at the judgment.
We must explain to the world that God loves them with an incomprehensible love. We must explain to them that He does not will that any should perish, but that all should come to know His Son and be saved. We must plead with the world to be reconciled to God and avoid their coming judgment and eternal destruction.
THE PARADOX DEEPENS
Since the world is enemies of God, they will be our enemies as well. They will insult us, and say all manner of evil about us. They will lie about us, they will hate us, persecute us, and try to kill us, because of Jesus. (see Matthew 5:11-13).
Finally, God loves the world, not because of who they are but because they are of His creation and He loves what they can become as His children.
Still, we must know that there are 7 things God hates and that He hates about the world. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, there are six things the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to Him:
Haughty Eyes. A proud or arrogant look is considered hateful by God, symbolizing pride and arrogance.
A Lying Tongue.The intentional misuse of words to deceive or harm others is detestable to God.
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood. This refers to heartless cruelty, such as murder, and the protection of the innocent is a key aspect of God’s character.
A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans. The internal scheming and planning of evil deeds within one’s heart is seen as a deep-seated form of sin.
Feet That Are Quick to Rush Into Evil. This describes those who show no resistance to sin and quickly engage in evil actions.
A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies. A person who gives untrue testimony and spreads falsehoods is seen as a hateful act.
A Person Who Sows Discord Among Brethren. This refers to stirring up conflict, division, and disruption within the community.
Still, because God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose, “it is not His will that any should perish”, we love them also, and plead with them. Make no mistake, although all of us were made in His image, we, as Christians, are not of the same family as the world, which brings us to Lie #2.
Lie #2. Jesus’ words were spoken to and for the entire world.
On occassion Jesus would direct His Words at the watching world-at-large, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – not for the world-at-large.
His teachings and instructions were for the House of Israel and specifically for those who would believe in Him.
Read Matthew 13:10-11, “And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”
Also please Read Matthew 15:24, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel”. (the words of Jesus).
Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman also show an awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plan of salvation. God revealed through Moses that the children of Israel were “a holy people to the Lord, a chosen race, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6, NKJV). It was through the Jews that God issued His Law, preserved His Word, and sent His Son. This is why, elsewhere, Jesus tells a Samaritan that “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). In Matthew 15, when the Jewish Messiah says that He was sent to “the house of Israel,” He is simply connecting His presence with God’s purpose in Old Testament history. Christ was “born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5, NKJV).
God includes the Gentiles (non-Jews) in His redemptive plan. Romans 11:17 tells us that “you, being a wild olive (a Gentile who believes in Jesus), were grafted in among them (The Jews who believe in Jesus) and became partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree.
The rich root represent the spiritual nourishment the patriarchs and the covenants God made with them, particularly the Abrahamic covenant. The nourishment signifies the spiritual blessings and promises that flow from these covenants, including salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By being grafted in, Gentile believers partake in these blessings, becoming heirs to the promises of God (Galatians 3:29). This sharing in the nourishment underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
With this merciful act, God now says that “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not (just) of (Jewish) blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.” (see John 1:11-13).
This established the New Covenant House of God, the unified Body of Christ. Now it can truly be said that Jesus words were spoken for the world to hear but they were spoken specifically to and for The entire Household of God.
Please read these examples of God’s Words being spoken which may have been heard by the world-at-large, and on occassion specifically directed at the watching world, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – and not for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:14.“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; Verse 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Verse 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:21. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ Verse 22. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Verse 23. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, verse 24, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Verse 25. Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Verse 26. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:23“Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 7:4“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye?This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 6:42“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 17:3“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:10But as for you, why do you judge your brotheror sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brotheror sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:21It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brotheror sister stumbles.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Revelation 1:9,I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Lie #3. We are to treat the entire world the same way we treat our Christian brothers and sisters, extending them the same privileges, honors and courtesies.
These few selected verses, of the many to be found, are representative that the Words of Jesus may have been heard by the listening world, but were spoken to and for the believers and followers of Jesus, alone, telling them how they are to treat one another.This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.
Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15-20, “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentileand a tax collector.
Truly I say to you, whatever you bind (or forbid) on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (or permit) on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Again, in Matthew 18:21-22, Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times”.
Jesus enlarges the concept of brotherhood to encompass all who submit to God’s will. “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Here biological relations yield to covenant loyalty. After His resurrection He instructs the women, “Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee” (Matthew 28:10), signifying that the risen Lord now counts disciples as brothers, sharing His Father and His family with them (John 20:17). (also see Bible Hub comments)
Please don’t misunderstand. I am not saying that we are to deny our re-birth as Christians nor to deny our Christlike character. We, as Christians, filled, embodied by and controlled by the Holy Spirit still demonstrate His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The world, then as now, was hostile to believers—not incidentally hostile, but purposefully hostile. Wolves are intentional about the harm they inflict upon sheep. In such an environment, the question becomes: “How can we advance the kingdom of God effectively without becoming predatory ourselves?” Jesus taught His followers that to be Christlike in a godless world, they must combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove. In using these similes, Jesus invokes the common proverbial view of serpents and doves. The serpent was “subtle” or “crafty” or “shrewd” in Genesis 3:1. The dove, on the other hand, was thought of as innocent and harmless—doves were listed among the “clean animals” and were used for sacrifices (Leviticus 14:22). To this very day, doves are used as symbols of peace, and snakes are thought of as “sneaky.” But Jesus is telling His disciples who hear (Him), not entangle to themselves with this world and its ways and thereby become distracted (pulled away) from your primary message and the path of safety.
You start by outwardly loving your enemies, and by do good to those who hate you;bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you.Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)
So, if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (see Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20).
NOTE: The two foregoing paragraphs and the verses referenced in Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20 may seem philosophical, parabolic or like a metaphor, but they are not. They reveal the hidden power of how we “resist the devil so he will flee from us”!
We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a persons says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment and this coat is not worth my time.”
The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance inn order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holdig open the door to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!
Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.
This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.
Paradox? Inconsistency? Enigma? Anomaly? Conundrum? None these things. This is the mystery of God pointing to an Oracle of God, a divinely delivered message, the truth, or a command from God, conveyed through the inspired Scriptures of the Bible. (The term “Oracle”, which stems from the Hebrew word “massa”, (“burden”), and the Greek word, logion, (“word”), refers to God’s authoritative guidance and revelation to humanity.)
So, how is this to conclude and what am I to take from this? What am I to do? Please, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not be confused. Do not be deceived.
Love the world as God loves the world – on purpose and with His singular purpose.
Love what God loves and hate what God hates.
Know that the world may have heard what Jesus spoke, but His words were spoken to and for those who would believe in Him and would follow Him. (Know the difference).
There is a difference between the world and the family of God, the chosen ones, the children of God. (Know the difference).
Be aware that we are already engaged in the End Times War. It originates in the Spiritual realm but is being fought in the natural realm.
We act toward and treat our Christian brothers and sisters differently than how we act toward the world. (Know the difference).
“The accuser of our brothers and sister, Satan, has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And the brothers and sisters in the faith overcame the devil because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
The Council in Jerusalem, James’s Judgment, The Second Missionary Journey
Bible scholars, seminary professors, and many if not most pastors following their formal training, will explain that the book of Acts is the second volume of the good news. They will tell you that this is the sequel to the Gospels. In it, they will tell you that Luke explains Christianity’s amazing growth, perhaps to legitimize the church to civil authorities or to confirm the faith of believers. Luke seems to have wanted congregations to understand the source of conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians who were brought together through Jesus the Messiah as members of God’s family. The difficulties faced by the early church can serve as an encouragement to us in the present-day church. The disciples’ zeal that took the gospel across ethnic and national boundaries can also inspire us today. The Spirit so active in Acts is the same Holy Spirit that is currently at work today in the church.
However, the truth and ‘the rest of the story’ as Paul Harvey used to say, is that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the writers of the four Gospels, stumbled along as they followed Jesus. They went from being, at times, skeptical, confused, afraid, to being astounded and finally boldly committed to telling the world about their experiences with Jesus, about Him, and about the Good News, The Gospel of Christ.
All of this should be interesting and perhaps even helpful for the student of Bible history or those interested in following the threads and paths of the early Church development, the personality development of the Apostles, the skirmishes and conflicts within the church and the tensions that existed between Christians, their religious opponents and the unbelieving world. Where this leads the reader or how it aids them in their quest to become “fully devoted followers of Christ”, however, is anyone’s guess. You can gain knowledge being a student of these matters, but please remember that “unapplied or idle knowledge is simply worthless information.
It should be our intention, however, to discover the power of God through a careful and personal study of this letter by digesting His Word; and to allow this Word to transform us by the renewing of our mind so we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect. I invite you to come along.
The Council in Jerusalem
Acts 15:1, Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
(Commentary Break): Read what BibleHub.comsays about verse one: “Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14) and was later incorporated into the Mosaic Law. It was a physical mark of Jewish identity and religious commitment. The insistence on circumcision highlights the tension between Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ, which emphasized faith over law (Galatians 5:6). This issue was central to the early church’s struggle to define the role of the Law in salvation.” To which I say, interesting. Informative. But, for the average “Christian in the pew”, like me, I ask – “So what?” And here is the answer:
This reflected a belief that adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation, a view that was challenged by the apostles, particularly Paul, who argued that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This controversy led to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-29), where it was decided that Gentile believers were not required to follow the entirety of the Jewish Law. This decision was pivotal in shaping the identity of the Christian faith as distinct from Judaism. It, in fact, shaped the unique characteristic of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, alone! Nothing more is necessary to be saved.
Just like “some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, (that to be saved) “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses”,religious people and institutions in our day – such as the Catholic Church or the Church of Christ – have been adding or trying to add requirements for salvation or to validate your salvation. In other words, it’s Jesus plus something else like being baptized or maintaining good church standing. Others have a myriad of rituals, practices and additional beliefs, but “it is by grace you are saved, through faith, and not from yourselves, for it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (in their salvation). (See Ephesians 2:8-9),
If this seems too simplistic, then you are both right and mistaken. It is simple to say that you surrender your life to Jesus and accept Him, His Ways and His teachings and commit to follow Him faithfully and dutifully; but it is anything but simple or easy to follow through on that commitment.
Verse 2. And after Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Verse 3. Therefore, after being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were bringing great joy to all the brothers and sisters. Verse 4. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. Verse 5. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to keep the Law of Moses.”
Verse 6. The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. Verse 7. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. Verse 8. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; verse 9, and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Verse 10. Since this is the case, why are you putting God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? Verse 11. But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
(Commentary Break): In these last days there are many voices within the Church and they are leading many astray. We, as Christians, have always been faced with choices within the Church. Some are Biblical and necessary; others, and many others, are clothed in religious garb, ritual and language, but they are not of God. They sound similar, but they are counterfeits. And how can you tell the difference between a counterfeit and the Truth? Pray and ask for wisdom and discernment; study the entire Bible in the context of the entire Bible. Watch the fruit of those who practice such things – those things that seem to be close to the Biblical interpretations, but seem questionable or a “derived from” but not “found in” or “plainly contained in” the Bible. And remember: if it sounds cheap, it is cheap. A cheap imitation, a knock-off.
By comparison, the cost of your salvation was and is the death of God’s One and Only Son on your behalf, which is of inestimable value. The cost of your salvation is the death of your ‘self’ and your former life. That cost you everything you once held valuable. The cost of your salvation may have been and may yet be extended to scores of others, who might otherwise perish in the lake of eternal fire, but may find life because of your life as a testimony. There is just no way to put a value on those lives.
This is why Paul and the others were called to Jerusalem; to hear God and to settle these matters for the rest of us. Now, let’s make use of this. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 12. All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.
James’ Judgment
Verse 13. After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me. Verse 14. Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. Verse 15. The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
AND I WILL REBUILD THE FALLEN TABERNACLE OF DAVID,
AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL RESTORE IT,
Verse 17. SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’
Verse 18. SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS known from long ago.
(Commentary Break): These preceding verses are taken from Amos 9:11:12, and gives us the example of how we too, are to read, interpret and understand the Word of God – in context of the entire Bible. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 19. Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, verse 20, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. Verse 21. For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
Verse 22. Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, verse 23, and they sent this letter with them:
“The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. Verse 24. Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, verse 25, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 27. Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. Verse 28. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: verse 29, that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”
(Commentary Break): To abstain from food polluted by idols: Is this a custom, from the culture, a superstition or a law from the Old (Testament) Covenant?
In the Greco-Roman world, idol worship was prevalent, and food offered to idols was a common practice. Abstaining from such food was crucial to avoid participating in idolatry, which was strictly forbidden in Jewish law (Exodus 20:3-5).
This directive aimed to prevent Gentile Christians from being associated with pagan rituals and to maintain a clear distinction from idolatrous practices. So this was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, have a belief in God alone.
To abstain from sexual immorality:
Sexual immorality was rampant in the pagan cultures surrounding the early church. The Greek word used here, “porneia,” encompasses various forms of illicit sexual behavior. This command aligns with the moral teachings found throughout Scripture, such as in Leviticus 18 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, emphasizing the call to holiness and purity for believers. Many people, then and now, would argue that God was withholding or forbidding a personal pleasure. But again, this was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, not to be drawn away from the ability to obey and worship the One True God. Sexual perversity or even sexual addictions have the ability to draw a person away from purity, honoring one another and God and destroy ones honesty toward our One God.
To abstain from the meat of strangled animals:
Jewish dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 17:13-14, prohibited consuming blood, which included meat from strangled animals since the blood was not properly drained. This instruction was given to respect Jewish sensibilities and promote fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, ensuring that Gentile believers did not offend their Jewish brethren. This was not just about obeying a law or a rule, it is about attitudes, mindsets and foremost, unity in the Body of Christ.
To abstain from blood:
The prohibition against consuming blood dates back to Genesis 9:4, where God commanded Noah not to eat flesh with its lifeblood still in it. This command was reiterated in the Mosaic Law and was significant for maintaining ritual purity. For the early church, this directive served to uphold a standard that would facilitate unity and respect between Jewish and Gentile believers, reflecting the continuity of God’s moral law.
Now, ask yourself, what is more important? Serving God and the Body of Christ, or taking what you think you might deserve?
Verse 30. So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and after gathering the congregation together, they delivered the letter. Verse 31. When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Verse 32. Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters with a lengthy message. Verse 33. After they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers and sisters in peace to those who had sent them out. Verse 35. But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Second Missionary Journey
Verse 36. After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Verse 37. Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. Verse 38. But Paul was of the opinion that they should not take along with them this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. Verse 39. Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. Verse 40. But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Verse 41. And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (End Chapter 15).
Now, please ask yourself, “So what?” How does what I have read in chapter 15 help me? What am I to do about what I have learned, and why? According to Genesis 1:27 God has created us in His image. A careful study of those words (especially in the Hebrew language) you will find that the “image” (tselem), is a “likeness, a form, but a vain show, but only a resemblance and an illusion who is of a dubious character – but with the potential to be made in the likeness of Christ”. And it is the things taught in this and other Books of the Bible that “transform us by the renewing of our mind into what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect”.
DON’T BE DEFEATED – DON’T BE CONFUSED – “BE BEREAN”
Matthew 24:3,And as He (Jesus) was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privatelysaying, “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 deceives or misleads you. Verse 5. For many will come in My name, (or representing Me), saying ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will deceive and will mislead many people.
Verse 6. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, 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 there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Verse 8. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.
Verse 9. “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Verse 10. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. Verse 11. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and mislead many people. Verse 12. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. Verse 13. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.
“THAT DAY” IS NOW
We, the Church, the Body of Christ, must shake the dust off our feet and cast aside the weak, impotent and syncretic post-modern compromised gospel which is teaching compromise, self-indulgence, and universalism and ecumenicalism, and return to our roots as the Remnant Church of the Lord – the most blessed the true Church, the body of Christ, chosen out of the millions who have lived and died over the centuries. Jesus made it clear that this remnant would be small when compared to the number of people on the earth throughout history. “Many” will find the way to eternal destruction, but “few” will find the way to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). We who believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can, with great peace, rest in the fact that we belong to the “remnant.”
WHAT JESUS SAID AND TAUGHT – AND WHO WAS HEARING HIM
The immediate world was watching, but Jesus’ earthly ministry, first, was for the Jews. Jesus is the Messiah that the Jews had been anticipating for centuries (see Luke 2:25, Luke 3:15). As such, He was born into a Jewish family and was reared according to Jewish law in a Jewish town (see Luke 2:27; Galatians 4:4). Jesus selected Jewish disciples, spoke in Jewish synagogues and the Jewish temple, and traveled mostly in Jewish areas. His mission, in fulfillment of the Jewish prophets, was to the Jewish people.
However, this does not mean that Jesus’ ministry would not be extended to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul was called by Jesus to deliver the Gospel Message of Jesus to the Gentile world population. (Although, Jesus’ first ministry and His written words were directed and meant for the Jew.)
As an example, please read Matthew 10:1-5, Jesus summoned His twelve disciples (who were Jewish) and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.
These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
All of Jesus teachings, during His earthly ministry were directed to and were about the Jews.
The ministry of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, is a profound demonstration of God’s redemptive plan for both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus, the promised Messiah, came first to the lost sheep of Israel, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. However, His mission extended beyond the Jewish people, reaching out to the Gentiles and establishing a new covenant that embraced all nations.
Jesus’ earthly ministry began among the Jewish people, as I have said. He was born into a Jewish family and lived in a Jewish cultural context. His mission to the Jews is evident in His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus states, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” This focus is further emphasized in His instructions to the disciples in Matthew 10:5-6: “Do not go on the road to the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently engaged with Jewish religious leaders, teaching in synagogues and the Temple. He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, as He declared in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” His miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, were signs to the Jewish people of His messianic identity.
While Jesus’ initial focus was on the Jews, His ministry also foreshadowed the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s salvific plan. This is evident in several key interactions and teachings. In John 4, Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking cultural norms and revealing His identity as the Messiah to a non-Jew. The result is that many Samaritans come to believe in Him.
Here is the twist, however. Read Romans 11:17, But if some of the branches (Jews) were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot (Gentile), were grafted in among the others (as Christians) and now share in the nourishing root (The Lord God) of the olive tree,
And again in John 1:12-13, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
(Thereby having become a part of the family of God, all the words, works, rights and commandments of Jesus apply to every Jew and Gentile who have submitted themselves to Christ Jesus and believe on His Name).
Jesus ministry and His redemptive work of salvation is now extended to all people. But still there are three distinctions:
John 6:44, “No one can come to Me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name (the redemptive Work He has done as the sacrifice of Himself for the sins of many), he gave the right to become children of God.
Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Many are called). This phrase highlights the broad invitation of the Gospel. In the context of Matthew 22, Jesus is speaking about the parable of the wedding banquet, where many guests are invited. The “calling” refers to the general invitation to salvation extended to all humanity. This aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of being God’s chosen people, yet Jesus expands this to include Gentiles, emphasizing the universal reach of God’s call.
(But few are chosen). This part of the verse underscores the distinction between being called and being chosen. While many hear the Gospel, only a few respond in faith and obedience, demonstrating the transformative work of God in their lives. This echoes the concept of the “remnant” found in the Old Testament, where only a faithful few remain true to God (Isaiah 10:22). Theologically, this can be connected to the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals for salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). It also reflects the parable’s context, where many invited guests refuse to attend the wedding, symbolizing those who reject God’s invitation. This phrase challenges believers to examine their response to God’s call and to live in a manner worthy of being chosen.
Those who respond to God’s call and are found worthy to enter the Kingdom, symbolizing true believers.
Now, to this day, the Words and teachings of Jesus apply to all who follow Him as His disciples. Therefore, His Words and teachings, although may be heard by everyone, and may be beneficial for all who do them, they are only for those who follow Him.
For example, Matthew 13:10-17 tells us,
“And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,
You shall keep on listening, but shall not understand; And you shall keep on looking, but shall not perceive; For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their heart, and return, And I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Then Jesus,, by His own Words has said and commanded, in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Jesus makes the distinction when He said “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another”, as He was speaking to His Disciples only. (John 13:35).
The Good News of the Gospel Message, that “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” is for the entire world, but the riches, the gifts and the commandments of the Kingdom of God are only for those who belong to Him.
Therefore, do not be deceived into thinking that you are to extend what is Holy, or the pearls of the Kingdom to those who are not of His Kingdom, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Because THEY shall keep on listening, but THEY DO not understand; And THEY shall keep on looking, but THEY Do not perceive; For THEIR heart IS dull, and With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes.
Please read this carefully. Listen, hear and heed these words from Ephesians chapter 6:10-18:
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For although our struggle is not against flesh and blood, it is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places – which wage this war among us, in this natural world.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in this evil day.
And having done everything that He has showed you and commanded you, now stand firm.
Remain steadfast in your faith and convictions. This is the call to stand firm is a reminder of the strength and stability found in Christ (Ephesians 6:10).
Ephesians 6 repeatedly urges us, as believers, to “stand against the schemes of the devil, having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:11-14). In Jude’s doxology God is able “to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless” (Jude 1:24). Standing becomes the posture of moral courage, whether before hostile authorities (Acts 5:25) or amidst social ridicule (James 5:9). Standing strong portrays the attitude, condition, or appointment of everything from ordinary bodily posture to the believer’s secure position in grace, from the fixed status of divine decree to the final scene of judgment. Its range touches history, prophecy, worship, discipleship, and mission.
Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,
The time has come – and it is past time – that we, The Church, come together as the Ekklesia of God. Holding nothing back for ourselves, but to lay our lives down for the cause of Christ. We must close our ranks as His Church, present ourselves as blameless, but girded up for this war which is already raging.
(The foregoing quotes are from Jesus – and it is not the “sweet dashboard one”).
AGAIN – WHO IS THIS MAN AND WHY DID HE COME INTO THE WORLD?
TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
John 18:37“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” (And, not-so-coincidentally, this is also the calling of every Christian!)
TO BRING A SWORD
Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35. For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; Verse 36 and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.” (And, not-so-coincidentally, this is also the calling of every Christian!)
TO FULFILL THE LAW
Matthew 5:17, “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.” (And, not-so-coincidentally, this is also the calling of every Christian!)
TO CALL SINNERS
Mark 2:17, “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (And, not-so–coincidentally, this is also the calling of every Christian!)
TO SAVE THE WORLD
John 12:47, If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” In a very real sense…
TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
Luke 12:49, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50. But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51. Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division; (And, not-so-coincidentally, this is also the calling of every Christian!)
WHAT HE REALLY MEANT, WAS…
John 14:12, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
I have heard so many preachers and bible teachers try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited. These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12. They will begin their commentary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…”.
Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said. We need to get on with it.
A FINAL WORD
Jesus taught His disciples then and He is teaching us now (Taken from Matthew 5):
“Blessed are you when you are made to be poor in spirit, for it is then that you are made fit for and are made able to inherit the kingdom of heaven – and it shall be yours!
“Blessed are you when you mourn your worldly losses, for it is then that I, the Lord your God, shall be your comforter.
“Blessed are you when you are made to be meek, for it is then that you shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are you when you hunger and thirst for righteousness in the midst of trials, persecution, attacks and tribulation, for it is then that you and My Word shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are you when you are merciful, for it is then that you are able to and shall receive My mercy.
“Blessed are you when you are made to be pure in heart, for it is then that you shall see the Living God.
“Blessed are you when you become My peacemakers through the strength of My Word and the strength of My might, for it is then that you shall be called sons and daughters of God.
“Blessed are you when you are severely persecuted for My (righteousness) sake, for it is then that the kingdom of heaven is yours.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you unfairly and falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward which is stored up just for you, is great in heaven. So they persecuted the prophets who were before you – you are in great company!
“You being made into the salt of the earth. Do not lose your saltiness nor your taste like salt, for that cannot be restored once it is lost. Otherwise your works are no longer good for anything except to be shamefully thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. But that is not your fate for you are not of those who would shrink back (also see Hebrews 10:39).
“You are the light of the world for I have made you to be that way. You, like a city set on a hill, must not be and in fact cannot be hidden or obscured. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In this same way, your light will shine before others, so that they may see My Good Works through you, and that will give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
There are pivotal events taking place before our eyes and though we may be made to feel poor in our spirit, this is but our opportunity to lay down our worldly possessions and our pride and self so we are able to fit through the “eye of the needle” which is the only way into His Kingdom, where there is the authority, the power and the glory of our Lord, made ready for us this day.
We may mourn our losses this day, and we do mourn, but He is our comfort and our assurance. The victory belongs to The Lord and to His Own.
It is in this mournful state of meekness that the power of God is released. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” as found in 2 Corinthians 12:10, our weaknesses allow the power of Christ to be evident. When we are diminished, He is made strong!
Hunger for His Righteousness, His mercies, His purity, and you will be known as His Oaks of Righteousness. It is then that the Kingdom of God is yours!
Let’s assemble ourselves together, hold His Banner high, and go forward in the Name and power of Jesus. The victory is ours.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young.
PS: In honor and loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a Christian, a servant of Christ Jesus, a voice for truth an honor, and a co-laborer in the Kingdom. May his family be comforted as Charlie rests in the Strong and Loving Arms of our Lord. See you soon, Charlie. Thanks for all that you have given us. We will continue the work.
Seals ONE through FOUR have been broken, progressively, up until this day and seal FIVE is being progressively opened (These are known as the Birth Pains of the Tribulation, which began at or around the time of the birth of Jesus, They inclued the Great Apostasy, falling away from the faith in Christ, a great persecution of Christians, the final signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her enemies), which leaves only one event to be completed – The revealing of the man of perdition – before the SIXTH TRIBULATION SEAL is opened, marking the beginning of the 7 years of Great Tribulation, also known as the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb.
Please read these scriptures and testimonies by Jesus, His Apostles and disciples, confirming that the Last Days and the breaking of tribulation seals one through five had begun in or around the birth of Jesus through A.D. 95 found in:
Look for and make note of ‘clues’ in the following verses:
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). Jesus warned that “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). Do you see these things in our day? Is this a clue pointing to the “Last Days”?
(2). Jesus said, “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 Fourth Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8). Do you see these things happening in our day? If you aren’t ‘denominationally biased’ could this reasonably be a clue to the timing of the “Last Days”?
(5). Jesus said, “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 (see Matthew 24:8), 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.
Do you now see the clues to the timing of the first 5 tribulation seals?
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 daysit shall be…’ (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). Do you see this clue to the timing of the Last Days?
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). Do you see this clue to the timing of the Last Days here?
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). A clue!
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). Is this true in our day, also?
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, now?
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). Could it be any clearer? The Last days began at the appearance of Jesus!
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE LAST 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 LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
Would you now think the Last Days began? Want more?
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).
According to the words and the testimonies of Jesus , His disciples and Apostles, the “LAST DAYS – THE LAST TIMES – THE END OF THE AGES – THE END OF ALL THINGS – THE BIRTH PAINS OF THE TRIBULATION” began with the Birth of Christ Jesus.
With the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal we will see that 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 then 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 and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31 & Revelation 6:12-16)
Sometime after the rapture of the church, which occurs at the 6th Seal, the Antichrist enters a treaty with Israel. This begins the seven-year tribulation:
Daniel 9:25, So you are to know and understand that from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Messiah (the Anointed One), the Prince, there will be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it will be built again, with [a city] plaza and moat, even in times of trouble. Verse 26. Then after the sixty-two weeks [of years] the Anointed One will be cut off [and denied His Messianic kingdom] and have nothing [and no one to defend Him], and the people of the [other] prince who is to come [The “prince” is often interpreted as a future ruler or antichrist figure, suggesting a dual fulfillment of prophecy] will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will come with a flood [of military people]; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. Verse 27. And he will enter into a binding and irrevocable covenant with the many [enemies of Israel] for one week (seven years), but in the middle of the week he will stop the sacrifice and grain offering [for the remaining three and one-half years – culminating at the seventh tribulation trumpet]; and on the wing of abominations [i.e., a specific part of the Temple] will come one who makes desolate [i.e., the antichrist], even until the complete destruction [a sacrilegious act that defiles the temple, making it desolate – conveys the idea of being laid waste, astonished, or appalled. It describes both the outward ruin of places and the inward stupefaction of people confronted with divine judgment or overwhelming calamity]., one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who causes the horror [or the one who makes desolate which is the antichrist and his forces].”
At the midpoint of the tribulation (1,260 days later – a the seveth tribulation trumpet), the Antichrist breaks the treaty, desecrates the temple, and begins to persecute the Jews.
At the end of the tribulation (1,260 days after the desecration of the temple), Jesus Christ returns to earth and defeats the forces of the Antichrist. (See Revelation 19:11-21 through Revelation 20:1-3 – and notice that Jesus and His armies appear in the skies, and Jesus does not put foot on the earth, but an angel descends to earth to bind and throw satan into the abyss.)
During the next 30 days (leading up to 1,290 days after the desecration of the temple), Israel is rebuilt, and the earth is restored.
During the next 45 days (leading up to 1,335 days after the desecration of the temple), the Gentile nations are judged for their treatment of Israel.
Then the millennium begins, and it will last for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:3,5–6).
Here is a more complete description of the Tribulation Timeline. Concern yourself with the first SIX SEALS.):
– THE TRIBULATION JUDGMENTS LEAD TO THE END OF THE AGE –
The signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her enemies.
The 1st Seal of the tribulation was being broken just after the death and resurrection of Christ and the succeeding seals (Seals 2 – 5) have been broken at various periods of time since AD 1 and that we have now entered the time of the breaking 5th Tribulation Seal. Jesus refers to this period, the breaking of the tribulation Seals ONE through FIVE as “the beginning of the birth pangs”,and He points out that “this is not yet the end”.
Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God
As witnessed by, Matthew 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days 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. Verse 30. “And then 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. Verse 31. “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
The “7 years of Great Tribulation” (aka Daniels 70th week) begins with the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, will reach the mid-point of the tribulation period, (after three and one half years) with the sounding of the 6th Trumpet of the Great Tribulation.
Then, the Great Tribulation will end with the pouring out of the 7 Bowls of Wrath.
I will continue through the ‘Bowl Judgments’ in this article, but, for the Christian, The Rapture has occurred at this point and Jesus has taken His Spotless Bride, The Church, to the Throne of God, Her eternal home.
Be Sure. Be ready. Be secure.
Eternally In His Grip – Your Brother and Friend
Mike Young.
So now you see what is coming and is in fact now upon us. So, if you have never prayed and given your life to God through faith in Jesus, now would be a good time: “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and surrender my heart and my life to you. I will trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior the rest of my days.”
Is your future and your fate predetermined, or do you have a say in the matter?
Predestination: Strong’s Concordance number 4309, proorizó, to establish boundaries or limits.
Predestination, (proorizó), speaks of God’s decisive appointment of events and people to their ordained end. The verb is consistently used of divine initiative that unfolds in time what was settled in eternity. Whether the subject is salvation, adoption, glorification, or the very death of Jesus Christ, the word frames history as the outworking of God’s purposeful counsel.
Through its six appearances, Strong’s number 4309 unveils a God who lovingly, wisely, and effectively determines the destiny of His Son, His people, and history itself. The church’s confidence, worship, mission, and hope all rest on this firm foundation: “The plan of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations”
Romans 8:29 – For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;
Romans 8:30 – and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:5 – He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Ephesians 1:11 – In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,
Matthew 22:14 – “For many are called, but few are chosen (elected).”
2 Thessalonians 2:13 – But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen (elected) you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
2 Timothy 2:10 – For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen (elected), so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
NOW, IN CONTEXT:
Matthew 18:14 – “So it is not the will of your Fatherwho is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
Matthew 18:14IN CONTEXT:
Matthew 18:12-13, What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? “And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
John 3:16, “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.
John 3:16 IN CONTEXT:
John 3:16-21, For God so loved the world, that He gave His (C3)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. 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. “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.” For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. “But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.”
2 Peter 3:9,The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 IN CONTEXT:
2 Peter 3:9-14,The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation;
CONTEXT AND DEFINITIONS
John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will drawall men unto myself.”
The term “draw” indicates an irresistible attraction or pulling power, suggesting the universal scope of Jesus’ redemptive work. This aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6, where the Servant of the Lord is a light to the nations, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. The use of “everyone” underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking cultural and ethnic barriers, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and the vision of a diverse multitude in Revelation 7:9. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the means by which He draws all people, offering salvation to anyone who believes in Him.
“ALL” [men]. Strong’s 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few arechosen.”
“For many are called”.
This phrase highlights the broad invitation of the Gospel. In the context of Matthew 22, Jesus is speaking about the parable of the wedding banquet, where many guests are invited. The “calling” refers to the general invitation to salvation extended to all humanity. This aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of being God’s chosen people, yet Jesus expands this to include Gentiles, emphasizing the universal reach of God’s call.
“but few are chosen”.
This part of the verse underscores the distinction between being called and being chosen. While many hear the Gospel, only a few respond in faith and obedience, demonstrating the transformative work of God in their lives. This echoes the concept of the “remnant” found in the Old Testament, where only a faithful few remain true to God (Isaiah 10:22). Theologically, this can be connected to the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals for salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). It also reflects the parable’s context, where many invited guests refuse to attend the wedding, symbolizing those who reject God’s invitation. This phrase challenges believers to examine their response to God’s call and to live in a manner worthy of being chosen.
CHOSEN (elected): Electos.
Strong’s 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite. Picked out, chosen; chosen by God; to obtain salvation through Christ; Christians are called “chosen or elect” of God; the Messiah is called “elect”, as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable; choice, select, i.e. the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians
What can make this a difficult concept to grasp is our preconceived notion or understanding of God’s Omniscience. God knows all things at all times. God calls all people to Himself and He knows which ones will respond in faith to His call – therefore, those who will one day respond to His calling and will submit themselves, by faith, to accept the call and become Christians, THEY ARE THE ELECT. THEY ARE THE PREDESTINED ONES.
God calls all people to Himself. God draws all people to Himself. Only the ELECT and the PREDESTINED (those who choose to receive and accept God’s call) will be saved.
Universal Call.
The phrase “all men” indicates the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all, and His call extends to every person, regardless of background.
Response to the Call.
While Jesus draws all men, individuals must respond to His call. This involves faith and repentance, turning towards Jesus as Savior and Lord.
IN CONCLUSION:
If God has preordained or predestined all things for all people, then why pray? Why witness? Why evangelize?
Early church fathers linked the term to God’s foreordained plan but retained room for human responsibility. Augustine insisted that predestination is rooted solely in God’s grace, a view strengthened by the Reformers, who saw in predestination (proorizó)the biblical foundation for unconditional election.
Post-Reformation debates, especially between Reformed and Arminian theologians, turned on whether predestination is conditioned on foreseen faith or unconditioned by any human factor. Yet both streams treated the verb as affirming God’s right to order salvation.
(Unconditional Election is a theological concept in Calvinism that teaches God chooses certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will, without any conditions or merits on the part of those chosen. This doctrine emphasizes that God’s decision to save is not influenced by any actions or faith of the individuals but is entirely an act of His grace. The Arminian view of predestination holds that God has decreed to save those who believe in Christ, with this election being based on God’s foreknowledge of their faith. Unlike Calvinism, which teaches unconditional election, Arminianism emphasizes that individuals have the free will to accept or reject God’s grace. ((American Baptist Churches, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Free Will Baptists, United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Free Methodist Church, Assemblies of God, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Foursquare Church, Mennonite Church, Brethren in Christ, Evangelical Friends International, Church of the Nazarene, Wesleyan Church, Salvation Army)).
(From GotQuerstions.Org): There are several common misconceptions about unconditional election. First, it is important to understand that the doctrine does not teach that God’s choice is capricious or arbitrary. It is not random or made without reason. What it does teach is that God elects someone to salvation not because of something worthy God finds in that individual but because of His inscrutable, mysterious will. He makes the choice as to who will be saved for His own reasons, according to His own perfect will and for His own good pleasure (Ephesians 1:5). And while some object to the doctrine of election as being unfair, it is nevertheless based upon God’s will and it pleases God; therefore, it must be good and perfectly just.
Another misconception is that unconditional election precludes and stifles evangelism, but the reality is just the opposite—it empowers and confirms it. When one correctly understands that God has not only elected certain individuals to salvation but also has ordained the means of salvation—the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16; Romans 10:14-17)—it empowers the spreading of the gospel message and the call to evangelism. We see this very thing in Paul’s writing to Timothy in the midst of deep persecution. “I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ…” (2 Timothy 2:10). A proper understanding of the doctrine of election encourages evangelism and guarantees its success. It overcomes the fear of failure when sharing the gospel and empowers people to remain faithful to the message in times of great persecution. They know that the power lies in the gospel message and in God’s sovereign election and not in their own feeble presentation. A biblical understanding of election helps one share the gospel freely with all people, knowing that any one of them could be Christ’s sheep whom He is calling into His fold (John 10:16). It is not up to us to determine if someone is elect or non-elect, and there is always the promise of salvation for anyone who will repent and believe in Christ. The gospel message should be preached to all people in the knowledge that God will use it to draw His sheep to Himself.
Unconditional election also does not mean that there will be people in heaven who do not want to be there, nor will there be people in hell who wanted to be saved but could not be because they were not elect. Unconditional election properly recognizes that, apart from God’s supernatural work in the life of a sinner, men will always choose to reject God and rebel against Him (see the article on Total Depravity for more information on this subject). What unconditional election does correctly recognize is that God intervenes in the lives of the elect and works in their lives through the Holy Spirit so that they willingly respond in faith to Him. Because they are “his sheep…they hear his voice and follow him” (John 10:1-30). As for the non-elect, God is still gracious to them, but because of their sin they are not thankful for that grace, nor do they acknowledge Him as God (Romans 1:18-20). Consequently, they receive the just punishment due them. Those whom God elects are beneficiaries of His sovereign grace and mercy, and those whom He does not elect receive the justice they have earned. While the elect receive God’s perfect grace, the non-elect receive God’s perfect justice.
EITHER WAY
1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen verse 2, 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.
Vesrse3. 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, verse 4, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, verse 5, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Verse 6. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, verse 7, 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; verse 8, and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, verse 9, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young.
Pastor Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone (Calvary) Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, on Predestination.
The Parable of The Good Shepherd, Jesus Asserts His Deity
It is easier for a contemporary Christian to read these words from John chapter ten as simply a narrative about Jesus claiming to be The Good Shepherd (The Lord) of God’s people, than it is to understand the astounding-to-unbelievable claims Jesus is making. And to the Jew, the nature of Jesus remarks are both astounding and outrageous. Jesus opens the doors of a spiritual reality, revealing the truth of a relationship to God through His Son, (the Messiah). He explains this in ways that are unmistakable to the Jew. (And this same truth, later, is to be applied to all people claiming the name of Christian).
Each person who reads this should be asking, at the least, these two questions: “Am I hearing the voice of God through the one I am following?”, and, “Does the one appointed over me for my spiritual safety, hear and follow the voice of Christ?”.
Be reminded these words are inspired by God, have been recorded and preserved and are meant for our instruction, our rebuke and correction for our training in righteousness.
Parable of the Good Shepherd
Verse 1.“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. Verse 2. But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. Verse 3. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
(Commentary Break): These metaphors are laden and rich both with spiritual truth that leads to life and warnings against deceit.
The “door of the sheepfold” is God’s Word. (John 1:1-3, 14, tells us that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”) “The sheepfold” is God’s protective enclosure of safety for His sheep, His redeemed followers.
When anyone claiming to be a leader or a protector of His sheep who “does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep” – in other words, He does not adhere strictly to the Word of God, he innovates, violates or abrogates God’s clear instructions, “he is a thief and a robber”. There is no room for error here. Ignorance of God’s Word is no excuse – it is one of many clear violations that disqualifies a person from representing Christ as a leader, pastor, teacher or prophet.
“But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” The doorkeeper (gatekeeper) represents the Holy Spirit who opens the door for the Good Shepherd and for those who represent Him today. Do not be deceived. I am heartbroken and alarmed that so many churches are being led by thieves and robbers. They excuse embracing homosexuality in leadership; turn a blind eye to sexual deviancy and promiscuity; they allow women to preach and rule over the men; they raid the treasury for their own profits; they seek success, fame, glory and admiration. You know them – you see them – avoid them. Flee from them or you are complicit in their evil and wicked deeds and you will share in paying the consequences. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 4. When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. Verse 5. However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Verse 6. Jesus told them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what the things which He was saying to them meant.
(Commentary Break): The true sheep of God willingly follow the Shepherd – in other words they hear the Word of God and practice that Word by following it. But if you hear strange teachings, this is the voice of a stranger. Flee and call to the other sheep to flee. Do not be like those who heard these words from Jesus and did not understand what the things which He was saying to them meant. Know the Word of God and follow it. (End Commentary Break)
Verse 7. So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. Verse 8. All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. Verse 9. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. Verse 10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.
Verse 11. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Verse 12. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters the flock. Verse 13. He flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep.
(Commentary Break): Verses seven through thirteen are clear and plain language. Jesus makes clear the choice and the consequences at stake. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” You can attend a church all of your life and still find that you will have been robbed of life, killed in your soul and you will be destroyed. We must put our own selfish desires to death and be born again and follow the True Shepherd.
Listen, please. If you are attending a church or following a man (or, God forbid, a woman) who puts themselves forward as a representative of Christ, and who has a cloud of suspicion hanging over them – flee. The man of God appointed to pastor God’s sheep will lead a holy and humble life, blameless and will live his life above reproach – and he will know the Word of God and be able to correctly preach and practice that word. A “hired hand” is not like this. He is there for the paycheck, the recognition, for what he can get for himself. These kind are usually cowardly in the face of opposition, controlling, unrelenting in disputes, and spiritually abusive. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 14. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, verse 15, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. Verse 16. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. Verse 17. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. Verse 18. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father.”
(Commentary Break): It is noteworthy that Jesus is forecasting His coming death as the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of many. And that He now comments that He has other sheep – Gentile sheep – that are not of this (Jewish) fold; He says He must bring them also, and that they will listen to His voice; and that they will become one flock, with one shepherd. Obviously, this would have been a mystery at this point in time. Jesus is speaking a prophetic truth which is, as is always the case, coming to pass. It is just not possible to over-emphasize the importance of what Jesus is saying in this chapter and in these verses and is still true and applicable today. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 19. Dissension occurred again among the Jews because of these words. Verse 20. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?” Verse 21. Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who is demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of those who are blind, can it?”
Jesus Asserts His Deity
Verse 22. At that time the Feast of the Dedication (Now known as Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Lights) took place in Jerusalem; verse 23, it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area, in the portico of Solomon. Verse 24. The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Verse 25. Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. Verse 26. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. Verse 27. My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; verse 28, and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. Verse 29. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Verse 30. I and the Father are one.”
(Commentary Break): Rather than comment here, I ask you to imagine. Imagine walking with Jesus and asking Him “are you the Christ” and His response is “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep.” This is still the litmus test today. You can be walking with Him and ask (through prayer), “are you the Christ?”. Don’t be afraid to ask. The Apostle John asked this very question as he was facing his death, (see Luke 7:18-23). You see, we are redeemed by Christ and saved from the coming Messianic judgments by God’s grace, through our faith in Christ Jesus. It is not of ourselves, It is a gift of God. So, yes. Ask in faith. Seek and knock and He will give all these things to you! (End Commentary Break).
Verse 31. The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Verse 32. Jesus replied to them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” Verse 33. The Jews answered Him, “We are not stoning You for a good work, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” Verse 34. Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law: ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS’? Verse 35. If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be nullified), verse 36, are you saying of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? Verse 37. If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; verse 38, but if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” Verse 39. Therefore they were seeking again to arrest Him, and He eluded their grasp.
(Commentary Break): (From BibleHub.com bible study), This phrase, : ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS’?, is a direct quotation from Psalm 82:6, where God addresses the judges of Israel, calling them “gods” because of their role as representatives of divine justice. In the cultural and historical context, judges and leaders were seen as God’s agents on earth, tasked with upholding His laws and justice. Jesus uses this reference to argue that if human judges can be called “gods” in the Scriptures, then it is not blasphemous for Him, the Son of God, to claim a unique relationship with the Father. This argument underscores Jesus’ divinity and His fulfillment of Old Testament types and prophecies concerning the Messiah. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 40. And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He stayed there. Verse 41. Many came to Him and were saying, “While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man was true.” Verse 42. And many believed in Him there. (End Chapter 10 text).
It should seem incredible, then and now, that even after His testimony, His amazing works (miracles), that there continue to be dissension and divisions. But these same dissensions and divisions concerning Jesus continue to this day – and in fact, the religious and doctrinal fractures outside and inside the church have become chasms. It would appear that the church in 2025 is divided against itself. But that is not the case.
It is true that the enemy has invaded the church in a last ditch effort to thwart and pervert the Gospel Message and the mission and cause of Jesus as the Christ. God has addressed the shortcomings of the Church in a message to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. But for now, God has said we are to tend to the “wheat” (the true believers) in the church and that He will remove the tares (the weeds or the non-believers) from our midst in the final harvest (see Matthew 13:30).
So, what may appear to be an errant or deliberately rebellious church is actually a counterfeit of Jesus’ Church, the Body of Christ. (The term “counterfeit church of Satan” often refers to groups or organizations that mimic true Christian teachings but promote false doctrines, misleading followers away from genuine faith. These groups are seen as deceptive, using tactics similar to those of Satan to lead people astray from the truth of the gospel. The term “Counterfeit Church of Satan” refers to religious groups or movements that mimic true Christian teachings but distort them to promote false doctrines. These groups often present themselves as legitimate expressions of faith while leading followers away from the core truths of Christianity.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Churches
Attribute
Description
Deceptive Teachings
They often teach doctrines that sound similar to biblical truths but are misleading.
Charismatic Leadership
Leaders may use flattery and persuasive speech to
attract and retain followers.
False Miracles
Some may claim to perform miracles or signs that are not genuine, aiming to deceive.
Focus on Emotional Experience
Emphasis on feelings over scriptural truth can lead to a shallow understanding of faith.
Biblical Warnings
The Bible warns against such counterfeits. For instance, the Apostle Paul cautioned that Satan disguises himself as an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), indicating that false teachings can appear attractive and convincing.
Conclusion
Recognizing the counterfeit church involves understanding the core tenets of true Christianity and being vigilant against teachings that deviate from biblical principles. Engaging with scripture and seeking genuine spiritual guidance are essential steps in avoiding deception.
We must be Berean, diligent in examining the Scriptures, as exemplified by the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12, who carefully checked the teachings of Paul and Silas against the Old Testament to verify their truth. This approach emphasizes the importance of seeking truth through prayer and personal study of the Bible.
Matthew 24:4-31,
