IN LIGHT OF CURRENT EVENTS – DON’T BE DEFEATED – DON’T BE CONFUSED – BE BEREAN

 

ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF CURRENT EVENTS

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 privately saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

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

1. 1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 2. 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.

1. 1. 3. 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.

Jesus says:

“I am not bringing peace. Instead, I am bringing a sword to the world; Matthew 10:34.

“I will be turning sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers“. Matthew 10:35.

“If you do not love me more that your mother, father, sons or daughters, you are not worthy of Me”; Matthew 10:37.

“I am the fulfillment the Hebrew and Judaic law and that of their prophets of the Bible; Matthew 5:17.

“I am Calling you and all the other sinners to righteousness”; Mark 2:17.  

“I am bringing fire upon the earth and I will be creating a lot of division”; Luke 12:49.

“And, by these things, I will save all in the world who believe in Me”: John 3:17.

(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.