Author: Michael Young, Sr.

I am a practicing Christian, a disciple of Jesus, a husband of over 50 years, a father and a grandfather, a business man, a veteran and a friend to all who will have me. I have served or am serving, at various times, as an Evangelist, a Pulpit fill pastor, an Associate Pastor of Evangelism and as Senior Pastor of a church plant. My passion is for practicing and teaching the Bible, building small groups, reaching the lost with the message of the Gospel of Jesus, recovering the straying Sheep of God and the gathering together the Called of God, in neighborhoods, business settings and in churches by equipping other Christians. I have authored a few small books and I have a background in professional business management, finance and investments. I am glad to meet you, even if it is virtually. Write me at any time and let's become friends.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Links to a Spiritual Gifts Test at the end of this article

 “DO YOU KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT?”

​Have you ever been asked that question before?

So, do you?  Do you know your Spiritual Gift?  And, if you do know your Spiritual Gift – SO WHAT?

​What I mean is, SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR PRECIOUS GIFT from the Holy Spirit?

​Spiritual gifts, (charismata) are an endowment or extraordinary powers given by the Holy Spirit.

These supernatural graces, are given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit with the purpose of building up the Body of Christ which is The Church and are needed to fulfill the mission of the Church.  Spiritual Gifts enable Christians to serve the Lord and His Church.

Two important Truths have been lost over time, and this loss is rendering God’s Church as less effective in Her mission and, is in fact, soiling His Bride.

Truth #1.  Many in the Church have become grossly “self-serving”.

It is through Spiritual Gifts that God empowers and enables us to serve Him and to serve His Church, which is His Body.  We are, as Christians, to serve the Lord and His Church.

Jesus, Himself, said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

That is our calling also. ​We are not here to be served, we are here to serve.

​Truth #2.  You and I are The Body of Christ, that is we are “The Church”. 

​We have become accustomed, over the last two millennium (beginning with Constantine) with the idea that we ‘go to church’, but that is impossible in God’s Kingdom and in His economy because we are The Church.

Jesus created His Church, His Body, and made it so the whole Body fits together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Holy Spirit guides us, convict us, defends us and empowers us.

Jesus transformed the practice and attitude of ‘going to church’. He also teaches about not allowing external things to convict or to defend us. We are to depend on and call upon the Holy Spirit for those things.  Jesus has told us that His laws are now written upon our hearts and in our consciences.

We must BE the Body of Christ, The Church, and behave as such, or we simply are not following Jesus.

​No matter what we believe or say or do, we are not a follower of Jesus and we should not call ourselves by His Holy Name, if we are not behaving as Jesus says.

​We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus and called to serve. ​We are God’s church.

Here is a list of the Gifts which God gives His Body.  See if you can find which gift or gifts are yours.  Can you imagine how different things would be in The Church and the world around us if we engaged and used these Gifts, daily?

​Romans 12             1 Corinthians 12       Corinthians 12       Ephesians 4

Prophecy               Word of wisdom            Apostle                   Apostle
Serving                  Word of knowledge       Prophet                  Prophet
Teaching                Faith                                Teacher                  Evangelist
Exhortation           Gifts of healing              Miracles                 Pastor
Giving                     Miracles                          Kinds of healing   Teacher
Overseer                Prophecy                         Helps
Mercy                     Distinguishing spirits   Administration
Tongues                 Tongues
Interpretation of tongues

​Sometimes, Spiritual Gifts are mistakenly considered to be a natural talent or a person’s proclivity, a natural inclination.  Natural talents can mimic Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but, they will never accomplish God’s purposes effectively.

Please remember, these are not natural talents.  These are supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Here is a more detailed description and function of the Gifts.

Apostle:   The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”.  It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land.  Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel. (There is no passage in the Bible saying this gift was temporary nor that is has ceased)

Prophet: In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11).  The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something from God’s Word that God brings to your mind”.

Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).

​Evangelist:   An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.

Pastor:   This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”.  Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.

The term “poimén” primarily refers to a shepherd, one who tends, leads, and cares for a flock of sheep. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it describes those who care for sheep, while metaphorically, it refers to leaders or pastors who guide and nurture a community of believers, akin to a shepherd with his flock.

The image of a shepherd was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious consciousness of the Israelites, often symbolizing leadership, provision, and protection. This imagery is prevalent throughout the Bible, where God is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, and leaders are often called to emulate this role.

(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.

​During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)

Teacher:  Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.

Service: The word translated as “ministry” is diakonia, which can also be translated “service”.  Since there are many types of ministries and service to the Church, this then describes a broad array of gifts rather than a single gift.

Exhortation: The ability to motivate Christians “to patient endurance, brotherly love, and good works”.

Giving: Those with this gift share their own possessions with others with extraordinary generosity. While all Christians should be givers, those possessing this gift will go beyond this normal giving.

Overseeing:  This gift speaks to the various roles found in the Church. While many think of roles such as administration, management of funds, strategy planning, etc. as functions outside of the supernatural realm, in reality individuals in these positions are just as in need of supernatural empowerment as are ministers of the gospel.  This is sometimes inappropriately called ‘leadership’.

Mercy:  Possibly identical to the gift of helps, the mercy-shower possesses a ministry of visitation, prayer, and compassion to the poor and sick.

​Word of wisdom:   An utterance or message of wisdom supernaturally granted to an individual. For Paul, wisdom refers to “the knowledge of the great Christian mysteries: the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ, and the indwelling in the believer of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 1:17)”.

​Word of knowledge: The knowledge referred to is often said to relate to understanding Christian doctrine or scriptural truth.  It is sometimes said to be connected with the ministry of teachers.

Faith:  This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19–20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”.  It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.

Gifts of healing:  The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.

​Working of miracles: The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Visions. An outpouring of this gift is prophesied in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 and is expected to increase and be of great value in the “last days”.

Discerning of spirits:  The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation—whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit. It seemed to have been particularly associated with prophecy as it would be necessary to know whether a prophetic utterance was truly inspired by God.

​Tongues:  The supernatural ability of speaking an unlearned language.  Paul seems to have distinguished between the public use of the gift (which must always be interpreted) and the private use which was for the spiritual strengthening of oneself.

​(Among Christians there is a discussion as to whether tongues were/are always xenoglossy, which is speaking an unlearned human language, or whether it also included/includes glossolalia, which is speaking an unlearned and allegedly non-human language of heavenly or angelic origin).

The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about tongues in the church. For example, in 1 Corinthians 14:23, Paul says, “Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane?” Paul encourages order, reason, and emphsizes the higher gifts of prophecy and teaching.

Interpretation of tongues:  This gift always follows the public exercise of the gift of tongues.

(In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul required that all speech in Christian worship should be intelligible. This required that speech given in an unknown tongue be interpreted in the common language of the gathered Christians.)

​Helps:  This gift has to do with service to the sick and the poor.   Possessor of this gift has a “spiritual burden and a God-given love for the needy and afflicted”.

Administration:   Also called the gift of governing, the Greek word translated “governments” is kubernesis, the verb form of which means “to steer” or “to be a helmsman”. This gift then refers to the God-given capacity to oversee or guide the Church through storms and difficult seas.

(NOTE:  Many versions of the Bible and many theologians and bible teachers say the word “leader” or “leadership” is a Spiritual gift.  That is a misunderstanding of the correct word and intention of the word “overseer”. )

I pray that you will consider the Gifts God has given you and how you can serve His Church and affect the world around you as we make ready for His return.

​There are many places you can find and take a Spiritual Gifts test for the purpose of applying what God has so graciously and generously given you.  Here are just two of such web sites:

​Spiritual gifts test link to an external site​

Or, you can click on this image to take a the test and grade it yourself by clicking on the image below

Your Brother and Friend,

​Mike Young

THE CHURCH – Believe, Do, Be

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE CHURCH

WHAT ARE YOU TO BELIEVE  –  WHAT ARE YOU TO DO  –  WHAT ARE YOU TO BE ?

I submit that there are at least four basic elements of a Christian church, and not necessarily in this order: (1). Community, (2). The well-being of and the  ministering to the Christians in the church, (3). Training and teaching the Church (those within the church) the mindset, attitudes, methods and ways of Jesus, and, (4). Sending Christian disciples into the world to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He has taught us. (This may be the order initially necessary to get everyone settled in, oriented to the mission, and then sent out on mission.

But in order of mission priority, it more likely would be, (first). Training and teaching the Church (those within the church) the mindset, attitudes, methods and ways of Jesus, and, (second). Sending Christian disciples into the world to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He has taught us. (third). The well-being of and the  ministering to the Christians in the church, (fourth). Community.

Of course, each element is important, in and of itself, and are probably interchangeable depending on the stage of the Church Body growth and maturity. (I also believe that far too much emphasis is placed on church numerical growth and too little emphasis is placed on fulfilling the Great Commission.)

But this matter is not as ‘cut and dried’ as it sounds. Jesus spoke these words, “For God so loves the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Because He loves us, He is providing us with promises of our redemption from the curse of sin and death and our safekeeping both now and eternally with Him in heaven. This is the Good News.

This is not a labor of ‘blood, sweat and tears’, it is a labor of love. And, until the disciple fixes this in their mind and attitude, very little will get done in the Name of Jesus.

I would ask, what are we, as churches claiming the Name of Jesus, actually teaching and encouraging Christians to do? What are your church sermons, Sunday school classes, discipleship classes and revival meetings encouraging? Is the central and primary message the love of God through Jesus for our world? Does your church sermons and teachings inspire you to tell of His great love for them, and to warn them of the coming judgement? Are they teaching, encouraging and inspiring you to do what Jesus commanded and taught, or are we just teaching about the Bible and about Jesus?

Let’s take a brief look at WHAT Jesus thought, taught and WHAT Jesus demonstrated and told His followers, His disciples to do, and compare it to what you are doing in your local church Body. Then, perhaps, we would make some much-needed adjustments and return to the teachings of Jesus, and really live.

(I will garner this information directly from the Words of Jesus found in the New Testament of the Bible).

MATTHEW 4

This is the second recorded time in the New Testament that Jesus spoke:

Matthew 4:4, “But he answered, “It is written, ’Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’.

First, the word “live” here is the Greek verb, zaó, which primarily means “to live” or “to be alive.” It is used in the New Testament to describe physical life, spiritual life, and eternal life. The term encompasses both the biological aspect of living and the qualitative aspect of life that is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is often used to contrast life with death, both physically and spiritually.

In the Greco-Roman world, life was often understood in terms of physical existence and vitality. However, in the Jewish and early Christian context, life had a deeper, spiritual dimension. The concept of life was closely tied to one’s relationship with God, obedience to His commandments, and the hope of resurrection. The New Testament writers, particularly the Apostle John, emphasize the abundant and eternal life that Jesus offers to believers, which transcends mere physical existence.

The word, “word” in this verse is the Greek word, ‘stoma’, meaning “the mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword”. This is the breath or the breathed Word of God.

Jesus is saying that life is more than what we eat or drink. In fact, life is meaningless, left wanting and impotent without the Breath of God, the Breathed Word of God which gave us life and continues to give us life!

These marching orders for the Church are like the Word found in Joshua 1:1-19 and of Deuteronomy 6:1-11, which have been fulfilled or completed by the advent of Jesus the Messiah.

Joshua 1:1-9, After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.

For then, you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The book of Joshua is told and re-told as a narrative about the continuing the story of the Israelites after the exodus from Egypt. It is presented as chronicles of the approximately 20 years of Joshua’s leadership of the people after Moses anointed him at the end of Deuteronomy. The twenty-four chapter divisions of the Book of Joshua are summarized as follows:

Chapters 1 through 12: Entering and conquering the Promised Land.

Chapters 13 through 22: Instructions for distributing the portions of the Promised Land.

Chapters 23 and 24: Joshua’s farewell address.

Joshua is presented as a prime example of the benefits of a worthy mentor. For years, he remained close to Moses. He watched Moses as he followed God in an almost flawless manner. He learned to pray in a personal way from Moses. Furthermore, he learned how to obey through the example of Moses. Joshua apparently also learned from the negative example that cost Moses the joy of actually entering the Promised Land.

But more than this, these words were written to you and for you. They are, by their nature, prophetic and therefor are instructional, creative and causative. They speak the truth to you and when you set your mind on them by meditating on them and make them your own in order to do them, they will tell the truth to you and through you! And no man will be able to stand before you to obstruct your path, all the days of your life!

Deuteronomy 6:1-11, “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules, that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.

Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord, is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

 “And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant, and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

What are we, therefore, TO BELIEVE, TO DO and TO BE?

These are the Words of God. Some call them the promises of God, and that they are. But they are more. They are creative, causative and prophetic.

Please, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. These are the Words, teachings and commands of Jesus. We are His Body. Let’s BE the Church and do His works! He has given these things to the ones who believes.

The mind set on these things of the Spirit of God bring life and peace.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: (coming soon). TO THE CHURCH – Matthew 4:7, Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

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

OF THINGS TO COME

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

OF THINGS TO COME

Let me begin by saying that it is my firm conviction that scriptures are inerrant (without any error), and I will add, “in the original manuscripts”, particularly since there are over 450 known versions of the Bible in the English language alone. And the matter of inerrancy can be further complicated as the Bible has been translated into over 700 languages.

Versions vs Translations.

When it comes to a Version of the Bible, translators will focus on conveying the meaning of the text instead of strictly mirroring the exact wording or syntax. Versions such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT) can be easier to read and understand, especially for those without historical-linguistic expertise. This approach presents Scripture in a more contemporary style, though at times the original phrase structures are smoothed out to ensure greater readability.

However, this approach leaves open the possibility of the translator omitting certain words or phrases found in the original manuscripts, or adding a meaning to fit a particular denominational view, a political view, a social or economic view or a personal worldview. This can lead to errors in the original author’s intent and context of scriptures.

Paraphrased or expanded translated Versions take a looser approach to wording, aiming for clarity and devotionally oriented reading. Examples include The Message (MSG) and The Living Bible (TLB), which give fresh expressions but are not usually recommended as primary study Bibles. Some translators feel that they can, however, be helpful alongside more literal versions for additional nuances of meaning.

Translations emerge from a desire to make Scripture accessible in various languages and cultures. The ancient Hebrew and Aramaic texts of the Old Testament and the Koine Greek texts of the New Testament are the ultimate sources. Over centuries, scholars have pieced together the earliest manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (date range from about 3rd century BC to 1st century AD), the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures dated around the 3rd-2nd century BC), and numerous Greek New Testament manuscripts (including Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, etc.) – to accurately transmit Scripture’s words.

Each translator or Translation committee must consider two primary goals: (1). Faithfulness to the original text and (2), readability in the receptor language. This tension has produced different philosophies of translation, each influencing how closely a modern Bible version adheres to precise wording or broader meaning.

So, please forgive me for being surprised to astounded that so much of the plain word of God has been and is being either misread, misinterpreted, misused or distorted and then taught as the truth of scriptures and formulated into a doctrine when it is clearly and obviously does not conform the earliest manuscripts or is sometimes deliberately taught as a way to achieve an agenda that is not Gospel centered.

I seriously and openly welcome you to challenge what I am presenting so we can discuss these matters if you will do so in a civil, responsible and reasonable way. I.e., no hostilities.

I have studied and written extensively on eschatological matters (relating to End Times and the End of This Age) using the Book of Matthew and the Book of Revelation as my primary sources and other relevant chapters and verses of the Bible for context, corroboration, collaboration and evidence of facts.

Furthermore, I am using, alternatively, the New American Standard Version of the Bible, the English Standard Version because of their close proximity to the original wording and intent of the authors of the Bible, and occasionally the King James and the Amplified versions to corroborate context. I will also use the BlueLetterBible.com, BibleHub.com and Biblegateway.com for translations to and from the Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament) languages, and for verb usage (tense), and for Strong’s Bible concordance definitions, context, historicity and for social, political and cultural nuances of wording and phraseology.

In this essay, I am corroborating my previous Bible and eschatological studies from the books Matthew and Revelation (used as my focus books), with the Book of Mark.

Here is my Thesis: The Bible, i.e., the Scriptures, have consistently foretold, (prophesied), the coming of a Messiah, both from the Hebrew Bible or the Torah and from the Christian Bible. The Messiah, or “Mashiach” meaning “Anointed One” is seen throughout many Old Testament passages, culminating in the New Testament with the person of Jesus, identified as the Christ – The Savior of the World. The arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, set in motion what the Bible calls the ‘Last Days’ or the ‘End of The Age’. The study of this subject is known as Christian ‘eschatology’. It can be most clearly seen, in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, Mark, Revelation with certain details and context given in other New Testament books such as 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Timothy 3:1, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:3. 1 John 2:18. Revelation 1:9.

  1. “The End of The Age” or the “Last Days” began in or around the time of the birth of Jesus through around A.D. 99. These prophesied and prophetic events are first described in the breaking of Tribulation Seals One through Five. (See Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, and Revelation 6:1-11.)
  2. The breaking or opening of these first Five Seals, known as the Birth Pains (phase) of the Tribulation, have been overlapping and intensifying to the present day, preparing us for the breaking of the two final Seals, the Judgement Seals (Six and Seven – see Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, and Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 7:1-17, Revelation 8:1.), followed by the sounding of the Seven Judgement Trumpets and finally, followed by the pouring out of the Seven Judgment Bowls of Wrath and the Wrath of the Lamb.
  3. The breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Judgment Seal, which is yet a future event, will usher in The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, also known as the Great Tribulation and initiates the final Seven years of the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb.

Mark 13:1, “As Jesus was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look! What wonderful stones and [footnote b]what wonderful buildings!” verse 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

verse 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew were questioning Him privately, verse 4 “Tell us, when will these things come about,

(This verb “Tell” is in the Aorist Tense which is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar action; that is, the concept of the verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time. [It could also be said that this is how God sees time]. There is no direct or clear English equivalent for this tense, though it is generally rendered as a simple past tense in most translations. The events described by the aorist tense are classified into a number of categories by grammarians. The most common of these include a view of the action as having begun from a certain point (“inceptive aorist”), or having ended at a certain point (“cumulative aorist”), or merely existing at a certain point (“punctiliar aorist”). A continuous and continuing action. The categorization of other cases can be found in Greek reference grammars. The English reader need not concern himself with most of these finer points concerning the aorist tense, since in most cases they cannot be rendered accurately in English translation, being fine points of Greek exegesis only. The common practice of rendering an aorist by a simple English past tense should suffice in most cases.

This is important, because to the reader it may seem that these disciples, Peter, James, John and Andrew are asking Jesus a question about the FUTURE, and that Jesus’ response seems to be in the FUTURE TENSE, but Jesus’ answers in the AORIST TENSE, i.e., something has already occurred at a certain point in the past (“inceptive aorist”), or having ended at a certain point, (“cumulative aorist”) and is existing at a certain point (“punctiliar aorist”).

NOTE: The Bible uses this type of description of time (from God’s view of time) when it  says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” or ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

verse 4 continued, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”

Once again this sounds as if it is a question about a future event, but these words, “what will be the sign” are actually a verb spoken and written in the PRESENT TENSE, which represents a simple statement of fact or reality viewed as occurring in actual time. In most cases this corresponds directly with the English present tense. Some phrases which might be rendered as past tense in English will often occur in the present tense in Greek. These are termed “historical presents,” and such occurrences dramatize the event described as if the reader were there watching the event occur. Some English translations render such historical presents in the English past tense, while others permit the tense to remain in the present.

Again, this is important because we are hearing of an event or of events which are simultaneously past, present and future. There are evidentiary statements and testimonies of the disciples and of Jesus, regarding these Last Days events, were initially spoken in or around A.D. 1 through around A.D. 99, and were consistently referred to as LAST DAYS – THE LAST TIMES – THE END OF THE AGES – THE END OF ALL THINGS – THE BIRTH PAINS OF THE TRIBULATION”. These first Five Tribulation Seals had begun to be opened in or around A.D. 1 through A.D. 99, have continued to occur, overlap and intensify to this very day. In other words, the tribulation has already begun. We are in the tribulation period known as The Birth Pains and that period will both culminate, merge with and initiate the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Judgment Seal, marking the beginning of the Day of The Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb, initiating the rapture of the Elect of God off the earth and into the presence of God before His Throne.

verse 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. verse 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and they will mislead many.

verse 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. verse 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;

there will be earthquakes in various places;

there will also be famines.

These things are only the beginning of birth pains.

verse 9 “But [e]be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. verse 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. verse 11 And when they ]arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you at that time; for you are not the ones speaking, but it is the Holy Spirit. verse 12 And brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

verse 13 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

verse 14 “Now when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be—let the reader understand—then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. verse 15  Whoever is on the [l]housetop must not go down, nor go in to get anything out of his house. verse 16 And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. verse 17 But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! verse 18 Moreover, pray that it will not happen in winter.

verse 19 For those days will be such a time of tribulation as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will again.  verse 20 And if the Lord had not shortened those days, no [n]life would have been saved; but for the sake of the [footnote “o”] elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

This marks the end of the Tribulation of The Birth Pains and the beginning of the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

verse 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Look, there He is’; do not believe it; verse 22 for false christs and false prophets will arise, and will provide signs and wonders, in order to mislead, if possible, the elect. verse 23 But beware; I have told you everything in advance.

The Return of Christ

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

The word “after” in verse 24 is a preposition referring to “those days” that came before they days now being mentioned. The word “that” is a demonstrative pronoun referring to which entity, which in this case is “the tribulation periods that preceded this mention”. And the word “tribulation” is the Greek word, “thlipsis” which is the word that is always used for tribulation, whether Tribulation Seals one through five, or six through seven, or the Tribulation Trumpets or the Tribulation Bowl Judgments and is distinctively different from and separate from “persecutions” or “stresses”.

27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His [q]elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.

We can also see in the corresponding scriptures in Revelation 6 and 7, “After these things (see Revelation 6:1 through Revelation 7:9), “I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

In recapitulation, Jesus appears in the sky, the angels gather the elect and immediately, a number too great to be counted is standing before the Throne of God, giving praise! Don’t be misled. This is THE RAPTURE!!)

So, what can we learn and apply from what we know, and what can we gain?

  1. We can know that the Tribulation period of the first five Tribulation Seals began at or around the time of the Birth of Christ and that they have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity to this day.
  2. Most in the Church today are still waiting for events that have already begun and are not prepared for what is upon them. Jesus warned against this:
    1. 28 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. verse 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. verse 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. verse 32 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
    2. verse 33 “Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is. verse 34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. verse 35 Therefore, stay alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—verse 36 so that he does not come suddenly and find you asleep. verse 37 What I say to you I say to all: ‘Stay alert!’”
    3. We also see in Matthew 24:48-51, “verse 48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ verse 49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; verse 50 then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will cut him in two and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  3. We must be doing those things Jesus modeled, taught and commanded in preparation of the End of the Age and for His Return – nothing more and nothing less or one will hear the words, “Why do you call me Lord and have not done what I have told you? I do not know you. Depart from me you workers of lawlessness!”

So, what will you do with what you have now read and heard? Will you continue to simply accept the word of another, or will you study it until you know for yourself? (And by the way, I realize that a lot of what I have presented is complicated and can be confusing. Some might say, ‘unnecessarily so’. But, like the old saying goes, ‘is anything that is easy or cheap really worth much?’ But, for those who are interested, I do have these very eschatological matters presented and discussed in several easier-to-understand versions. Sort of in an order of stepping stones, from simple to not-so-simple. But, I believe that each presentation leads to the same Biblically sound conclusion and will enable the disciple of Jesus, the fully devoted follower, to be informed and prepared for these Last Days. (Please see “God’s Plan Of Perfection – A Timeline from the Beginning to The End”, and “Is This The End of The Age?”, or “Did Jesus and His Apostles Really Say This?”).

While it would be easier and a lot less trouble to just say “I believe in Jesus, I go to church, I am active in various religious activities”, and to say you are saved, it is no easy thing to be saved and to really believe Him and follow Him. And although it is always God who does His Works through us, (it is never anything of or by ourselves), really following Jesus requires faith, obedience and action. We know that we walk by faith and not by sight, but it is not blind faith, but informed faith. We are informed by The Holy Spirit and Scriptures on how we are to believe, to think and to act. Scriptures tell us that He is the Lamp unto our feet. And though we may not know each step, we can know that when His Voice and circumstances line up with the revealed Word of God, we must move on it!

So, I encourage you to study to be approved by the Word of God. And I appeal to you to contact me with comments, questions or to discuss these matter further.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 6, Choosing The Seven

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 6,

 

Choosing the Seven

 These are the works of the Apostles.

Acts 6:1, Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. Verse 2. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Verse 3. Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. Verse 4. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Verse 5. The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. Verse 6. And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

(Commentary Break): This chapter begins with these important words: “Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number”. Too often, the idea of being a disciple of Jesus is disassociated from the idea of becoming a Christian. But they are one-and-the-same. Every new believer is to become a disciple. The Greek term, “mathétés”, refers to a disciple or follower, someone who learns from a teacher. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the followers of Jesus Christ, who were committed to learning from His teachings and emulating His life. Jesus, in Matthew 4:19, calls His first disciples, saying, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. The word, “follow” in the Greek language, is “deute”, and is an imperative command and not just an invitation. It is a call to draw near to the teacher; to look over His shoulder in order to closely observer the teacher’s ways and forever to be identified with that Teacher, and in this case, Jesus.

 I am emphasizing the point because the vast majority of current-day Christian disciples only identify with Jesus using the moniker of Christian and avoid the responsibilities as His disciple. Jesus, in this same chapter of Matthew, verse 23, “went about in all of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, healing every disease and every sickness among the people”. This is repeated throughout His ministry, particularly in Matthew chapter 10 when He said to His disciples, “preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, silver or copper for your money belts.” Tell me of just one true disciple, follower of Jesus who does this. We have created a professional clergy that in so many ways are prouder, more arrogant and slothful, and some are even more wicked than the Pharisees of Jesus’ ministry. This must change before He returns. His remnant is coming. Be His remnant from where you stand this moment!

Secondly, we should be astonished that some Jews, who had come to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, would engage in disputes and arguments with their brethren about the polity of the Church. This is especially astonishing considering that Jesus has only recently ascended and already disputes have begun. This is the beginning of what Jesus prophetically spoke about when He said there would be divisions and dissensions within His Church, which would eventually lead to widespread deception, delusions and apostasy (falling away from the faith).

 This can be seen in the prophesied Birth Pains of the Fifth Seal of the Tribulation period. And, we are indeed seeing the amplification and intensification of apostasy in our Churches today, as we draw nearer to the End of The Age. (Also see The False Church Emerges).

 We are seeing the first appointment of men into the office of deacon to serve the people in the Church so the Apostles and teachers could continue to minister the word. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Verse 8. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. Verse 9. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. Verse 10. But they were unable to cope with his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking. Verse 11. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” Verse 12. And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away, and brought him before the Council. Verse 13. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking against this holy place and the Law; verse 14, for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us.”

(Commentary Break): First, Key Points: Despite the stresses and divisions within His Church, the Word of God kept spreading; the number of disciples kept increasing; the priests were becoming obedient to the word.

Then there were the ‘gatekeepers of the law and tradition’. The Synagogue of the Freedmen. They had correctly heard Stephen and Jesus but decided that this was a threat to their small grip on power. They would not accept the truth. So, like so many ‘leaders’, even in our churches today, they conspire to twist the truth to fit their narrative and will deny the Gospel at any cost. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. And all who were sitting in the Council stared at him, and they saw his face, which was like the face of an angel. (End chapter 6).

Little about men and women has changed, even to this day. There are local church leaders and so-called pastors, today, where you live, who will defend their own twisted version of Christianity and attempt to tighten their flimsy grip on power, craving recognition for themselves at the expense of the Gospel and the true disciples.  They are selfish and arrogant. They destroy instead of building up. They claim to have the anointing of God, but they do not. They marginalize, taunt, deceive, bully and abuse the flock of God. The Apostle Paul says we are to expose them, avoid them and run from them!

We will see in the next chapter that the Pharisaical spirit is alive and well in the fledgling church, killing, stealing and destroying. So it is today.

But greater is He Who is in you, than he who is in the world!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira, Imprisonment and Release, Gamaliel’s Counsel.

NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 7, Stephen’s Defense, Stephen’s Death.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

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

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

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

“Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18.

IN CONTEXT

Romans 11:13, “But now I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, verse 14, in the hope of somehow making my fellow countrymen jealous [by stirring them up so that they will seek the truth] and perhaps save some of them. Verse 15. For if their [present] rejection [of salvation] is for the reconciliation of the world [to God], what will their acceptance [of salvation] be but [nothing less than] life from the dead? Verse 16. If the first portion [of dough offered as the first fruits] is holy, so is the whole batch; and if the root (Abraham, the patriarchs) is holy, so are the branches (the Israelites).

Verse 17. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them the rich root of the olive tree, verse 18, do not boast over the [broken] branches and exalt yourself at their expense. If you do boast and feel superior, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you. Verse 19. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Verse 20. That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him]; verse 21, for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“If I do boast and feel superior, I will remember that it is not me who supports the root, but the root that supports me.”

These verses are rich with symbolisms and metaphor. The Olive Tree comes to mind when talking about prophecy and about Israel.  It is mentioned frequently in the Bible with regard to fruitfulness, health, and blessings. It is one of the seven species with which the land was blessed.

The branches of the olive tree are the Jewish people. The branches which have been grafted in are gentiles who have come to believe in Jesus.

Those branches which were broken off are the unbelieving Jews.

The warning is that we, gentile Christians, should never be arrogant, proud nor condescending toward the Jewish people because of our salvation. It is thanks to God and through His Chosen people that the Christ was given. Pray for Israel and pray for the Jewish people to come to the Messiah, Jesus.

Jewish people, in relation to the Olive Tree, associate it with the concept of “putting down roots” in the Holy Land. As such, olive trees appear in the emblems of both the State of Israel, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The olive tree has also been used as a motif in many works of art and in Jewish culture throughout history.

Here are some specific examples of ways the symbolism of the olive tree is represented in the Jewish faith:

  • Peace: The olive tree has become a consistent symbol of peace over the years, thanks to the story of Noah’s Ark and the dove that brings back an olive branch as a way to inform Noah that the rain had subsided. Olive branches even became used as a means of showing peace to other leaders/nations.
  • Love and celebration: Olive branches were used to make wreaths for the heads of young people on their wedding days, and at festivals in biblical times. The pilgrims who brought their first fruits to Jerusalem decorated the horns of the bull that led the procession with olive branches.
  • Life and vitality: Throughout the Bible, there are consistent references to olive trees as symbols of life and vitality. For example, the people of Israel are referred to as “a green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit” in the book of Jeremiah. When King Solomon dies, the trees of the garden mourn, shedding their leaves.

We are to carry these symbolisms forward, manifesting them in our beliefs and conduct in honor of Jesus our Lord and God our Father.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon). CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil”. Romans 13:4.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

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A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “It Will All Be Torn Down”, Part 54

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 54

“It will all be torn down”

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

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them,

“See to it that no one misleads or deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ (the Messiah), and they will mislead and deceive many people. 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.

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

“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 24:1-8

The date is sometime around A.D. 29. Jesus is speaking to His disciples, instructing and warning them of things at hand, things they must concern themselves about.

Jesus is giving an outline and an overview, a synopsis of the tribulation period, beginning in Matthew chapter 24 with the breaking of the first tribulation seal through the sixth tribulation seal and concluding in Matthew chapter 25 of Matthew with this prophetic pronouncement of:

The signs of the tribulation period  (the breaking of the first through the sixth tribulation seals; the 6th Seal is the beginning of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation.

His glorious return in the clouds for all to see.

The Trumpet blast and the Gathering of His Elect (i.e., the rapture).

The parable of the fig tree as a metaphor for the timing of His Return and the beginning of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, (the final 7 years of tribulation).

A warning to get ready and to stay ready for His Return.

Teaching on readiness and preparation.

An overview on the Judgment.

It is important to recognize that Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples in answer to their question, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Jesus is teaching, instructing His disciples of the things, some of which they will encounter, regarding “the sign of His coming and of the end of the age”.

(I will cover through Matthew 24:31 in this “Part 53”, the partial events of the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, and then complete Jesus teaching on the ‘season’ of these events, the need for preparation and the consequences of being unprepared in the next episode.)

Most teachings on this matter, mistakenly conclude that the entirety of the tribulation period is contained in one seven year future period. That is a misconception and is erroneous. The “birth pains” of the tribulation, as described by Jesus in Matthew 24:8, began at or around the time of the birth of Jesus, as testified to by the Apostles. Succeeding seals have been broken,  and overlapping and intensifying up to our current day, all of which we have seen and have or are experiencing now – with the exception of the 6th Tribulation Seal, which is a future event, yet to come! Then, with the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal, the final 7 years of Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb begins. (Click here for a full explanation with detail comparing Jesus’ prophetic teaching and instructions from Matthew 24, correlated with His extended teachings in Revelation chapters 6 through 8).

Jesus, warning against false messiahs, false teachings, misconception and error on these matters, clearly says, “See to it that no one misleads or deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ (the Messiah), and they will mislead and deceive many people.

 NO ONE has the knowledge nor the authority to restate, reinterpret or to change what Jesus has taught. No man, no woman, no institution, no theologian, no teacher. No one.  It is better to say, “I do not know” or “I am not sure” than to invent a meaning from man’s perspective. Jesus has said, “Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven” (see Matthew 5:19) and again, “If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” (see Revelation 22:19)

Beware of institutional (false church) deception. It is present and growing at an alarming rate. You have been warned.  (Click here on how to spot a false prophet and false teaching).

Jesus’ next words are repeated with detail and more clarity in Revelation chapters six and seven (and greater details can be found through Revelation chapter twenty-one).

Jesus next words encapsulate tribulations seals ONE through FIVE and conclude with the clear and amazing statement that, ”all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.”  Not the entire period, nor are they the end of all things. They are merely the beginning of birth pains.

Here is Jesus’ enumeration of the breaking of the initial tribulation seals found in Matthew 24:6 through Matthew 24:31 coded in red, which ostensibly had already begun. Please carefully read (Matthew 24) verses twenty-nine through thirty-one and see them correlated and compared them with Jesus’ teaching on these same events in Revelation 6:1 through Revelation 7:17 coded in blue.

Matthew 24, Verse 6. And you will be hearing of (Seal #1), wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

Revelation 6, Verse 1. (Seal #1). Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” Verse 2. I looked, and behold, a white horse, and the one who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Matthew 24, Verse 7. “(Seal #2), For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and

Revelation 6, Verse 3. (Seal #2). When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” Verse 4. And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that people would kill one another; and a large sword was given to him.

(Seal #3), there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Revelation 6, Verse 5. (Seal #3). When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

Matthew 24, Verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.”

Matthew 24, Verse 9. “(Seal #4), Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.

Revelation 6, Verse 7. (Seal #4). When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come!” Verse 8. I looked, and behold, [i]an ashen horse; and the one who sat on it had the name Death, and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, and famine, and plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.

Matthew 24, Verse 10. (Seal #5), And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24, Verse 13. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 6, Verse 9. (Seal #5) When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; Verse 10. and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” Verse 11. And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also.

(The Abomination of Desolation)

Matthew 24, Verse 15. (Seal #6), So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.

Matthew 24, Verse 21. (Seal #6 continued), For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.

Matthew 24, Verse 22. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. Then, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Matthew 24, Verse 29. (Seal #6 completed), “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 heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Verse 31. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet-call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Revelation 6, Verse 12 (Seal #6 begins). And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; Verse 13. and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. Verse 14. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

Revelation 6 Verse 15. (Seal #6 continued) Then the kings of the earth and the eminent people, and the commanders and the wealthy and the strong, and every slave and free person hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; Verse 16, and they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the sight of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Verse 17, for the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to stand.

Revelation 7, Verse 1. (Seal #6 continued) After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. Verse 2. And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and he called out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, Verse 3, saying, “Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Revelation 7, Verse 4. (Seal #6 continued) And I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: Verse 5, from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,  

Verse 6, from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,

 Verse 7, from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,

 Verse 8, from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, and from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.

Revelation 7, Verse 9.(Seal #6 Continued). After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; Verse 10, and they *cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Verse 11. And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,  Verse 12, saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Revelation 7, Verse 13. (Seal #6 Continued). Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”  Verse 14. I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7, Verse 15. (Seal #6 Continued – the rapture).  For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.  Verse 16. They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; Verse 17, for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 8, Verse 1. (Seal #6 COMPLETED). When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Verse 2. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Verse 3. Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. Verse 4. And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God. Verse 5. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder and sounds, and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. Verse 6. And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.”

THIS IS IMPORTANT

These verses from both Matthew and Revelation show:

The first five seals had already begun to be broken as early as A.D. 29.

His glorious return in the clouds for all to see.

The Trumpet blast and the Gathering of His Elect.

The parable of the fig tree as a metaphor for the timing of His Return and the beginning of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, (the final 7 years of tribulation).

A warning to get ready and to stay ready for His Return.

Teaching on readiness and preparation.

An overview on the Judgment.

The Sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 Tribes of Israel.

The multitude saved out of the Tribulation.

The multitude before the Throne of God, i.e., THE RAPTURE.

If you will pray and study and ask God for understanding and clarification, you will see that the first five Tribulation Seals have been broken and that we are at the precipice of the 6th Tribulation Seal – the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord – The rapture and the final 7 years of the Great Tribulaion.

Prepare. Stay Ready. Tell others.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “The lesson of the fig tree”, Part 55.

PREVIOUS:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “You will find rest for your soul”, Part 53

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IT’S ALL GOOD NEWS – The Great Mystery – Chapter 1

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE GREAT MYSTERY – Chapter 1

 

WARNING: Enter at your own risk. If you will, read, pray and meditate on the words of Jesus from the book of Matthew, chapter five, and absorb them into your mind, soul and spirit, then you may begin to experience a transformation, which at times will be exhilarating and at other times may be some of the most bewildering and difficult days of your life.

This experience has been, inadequately called, by many theologians and Bible teachers, ‘the process of sanctification’. (The process of making or becoming holy, set apart, sanctification, holiness, consecration; the believer being progressively transformed by the Lord into His likeness, and the similarity of His nature.) And, indeed, it is. But when you make this personal, it becomes much more.

Yet, herein lies the source of this great mystery. It requires we take a great journey which will take us back in time. We will travel back over 2,700 years to find the first words written about this greatest of mysteries. But the Bible says it existed long before that time. That it has always existed.

It is good to know about this oracle, but even better if you can discover it for yourself. Just knowing about it, however, can be of little use unless you know what to do with it – and then only if you actually do something.

One of the central obstacles to finding and deciphering this mystery is that it is indeed a mystery!. Its secrets are only revealed by God and only to those who are His own and who are spiritually minded. It has been stumbled across by many people, but understanding and applying this mystery to one’s life is the most difficult undertaking. This mystery and its power, with a few exceptions, have been almost universally misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misapplied.

Many people have tried to make sense of this mystery throughout the centuries, but by way of their own contemporary lens or paradigm. So, using their humanist viewpoint, many have come close, but most have failed.

Undeterred however, religious people have endeavored to codify this mystery into their own theologies, (studies of God), with their own doctrines, confessions, creeds, catechisms and liturgies. They have reformulated the Words contained in this Mystery, and restated them to fit their particular views. They have argued among themselves about it all and have started wars over its meaning. And there have been divisions and splits or schisms resulting in the creation of over 45,000 different Christian denominations, (see Wikipedia.com), each with their own set of values and practices ranging from those which are similar to those that hold weird and vastly opposing views.

Jesus, however, clearly taught and demonstrated the way to correctly appropriate, and to be appropriated by, this mysterious transforming power. He personally trained, equipped and sent eleven men into the world to propagate this message, to teach its mysteries and to submit themselves to its amazing powers. But almost from the beginning of this great commission to take this message to the world, it was being blurred and then was muddled into man’s view of what Jesus must have really meant.

Please know that I am certain that the efforts of many good people to understand and to spread this message of Good News were, and are, sincere and well-intentioned.

But the sad results we are dealing with are that people who are claiming the name of Christ are more divided than ever in their biases and their prejudices. They have become what the Bible describes as lawless and cold toward one another, lovers of self, greedy lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. And this is within the Church!

The only distinction from many churches and any other social event is that in some churches, you might hear a sermon or see bulletins lying around which reference upcoming religious activities.

It seems to have come to the point that Christians are little different from the pagans of the world! So what chance is there of transforming the world around us?

Yet, despite these things, there is Good News. Hidden within the clamor of pseudo-religious beliefs and practices, there still lies this mystery. One could say it remains hidden in plain sight. It is ever-present, waiting to be discovered or re-discovered. And, when you encounter this mystery, there will be no doubt that you have found “the treasure hidden within the field”, “the pearl of great price”. Its radiance is greater than the brightest star, and its difference is that of the day from the night. You will have found the source of the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control you have been seeking.

So, how do you begin your search for this mysterious and wonderful power? Jesus put it best when He said you must first “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”.

If your life is absent the permanent and continuous flow of the fruit of the Spirit, you must repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

If your life is missing out on the works that Jesus did, and even greater works of teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, healing all kinds of sickness and diseases, you must repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

If you are living in loneliness, fear, doubt, lack and want, then you must repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.

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

Jesus is saying that you must begin by willingly and purposefully turning away from your current and closely held opinions and “religious belief systems” that do not align with those of Jesus the Christ. You must be able to honestly admit that what you have thought and practiced to this point is a failure. You must ‘deny yourself of your worldly attitude and dispose of your current ways of thinking and acting’, and start anew. This, however, is the reason most people who are being held by a religious spirit will not be able to discover this mystery nor can they understand it.

Additionally, you must know that you will find It only when you search for It with all your heart. You must search ‘like a deer, when it is dying of thirst, will search for water’.

Even then, it usually takes a crisis of some sort to bring a person to the point of surrendering to this process of discovery. So don’t be surprised or dismayed if that crisis occurs during your search. In fact, this anticipated crisis is actually part of God’s preparing you and enabling you to submit yourself to God and to receive.  Please see “The Sermon On The Mount”.)

You must come to realize that this greatest of mysteries is only to be found within the person of Jesus Christ. And, the one who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and it is only then that He will prove to be the One Who rewards those who seek Him. (see Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Hebrew 11:6).

Once again, I tell you that this will be especially difficult for the person who has been inculcated with a contemporary, modern or postmodern view of Christianity. So, don’t lose heart as God strips away these layers of old religious varnish.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: It Is (coming soon). All Good News – Chapter 2 – THE WILDERNESS

PREVIOUS: IT’S ALL GOOD NEWS – An Introduction.

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IT’S ALL GOOD NEWS – Introduction

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

IT IS ALL

INTRODUCTION

Ofttimes, people are ‘secretly’ reminded of their past sins and failures by circumstances they encounter. And this may cause many people to harbor a privately held low self-image and plagues them, at some level, with a low self-esteem. And if that isn’t enough, there are those around us that will remind you of your past or present inadequacies. Sometimes out of spite or in order to elevate their own image. That is bad news.

Here is the Good News. You don’t have to live in that cage. You do not have to be chained to that rock of humiliation any longer. There is a way to free yourself and to erase that past from the annals of shame, guilt and self-incrimination.

Let me repeat and restate a quote from a book I will leave unknown:

Here is a Mystery: 

Believe it or not, and as strange as it may seem, there is a Power which exists that is able to transform your life, so radically, so completely, so thoroughly, that those who knew you beforehand, would hardly recognize you afterwards.  In fact, you would hardly be able to recognize yourself when the process is complete.

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

You are, in one sense the same person, but in another sense, you will have become someone utterly different.

This intensely real power, can pick you up today – right now – from the midst of loneliness, failure, ruin, misery, despair or any difficulty, and in the twinkling of an eye, as Paul said, begin to solve your problems, smooth out your difficulties, cut you free from entanglements and place you clear, safe and happy upon the highroad of freedom and opportunity.

It can lift you out of a socially, spiritually or morally invalid bed and make you sound and well.
It can free you to go and shape your life as it should be.
It can throw open the prison door and liberate the captive.

It has a healing balm for the bruised and broken heart.

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

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

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

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

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

It can provide you with an ideal home.

It can provide you the type of  prosperity that means freedom.  Not as the world knows prosperity.  But the type of prosperity that means true Freedom.  Free to be and to do and to go as your soul calls.

This transformation, for some people can begin as soon as they discover it and embrace it. For others, it may take time, as they unpack or relieve themselves of “the old person” and embrace the “new”.

What is this Power? This power, as I put it, is actually a Person. He is the Person of Jesus Christ. And you must possess this Person and you must allow Him to possess you, before this Power can transform you and your life as I have described..

Actually, it is not me saying these things. It is Jesus saying these things. And He says that this can only happen, “If you abide (live and find your being in) Him and His Words abide in you”. You must mentally and emotionally leave everything of this world, all that you possess and everything that possesses you. You must leave them behind, and follow Jesus – adapt and follow His teachings and His life –  in order to experience this Transformative Power.

Jesus said you must deny yourself of your personal “fleshly desires”, that is things that you lust after, the frivolous wants, likes and desires that only satisfy the ego. You must deny yourself earthly relations and pursuits and seek Him for this Power to be at work in you. Forget what this world has to offer, and spend all of yourself on Him and His Calling. Then, and only then, can His Promises be yours.

Once you have truly encountered and embraced this power a transformation will take place. The Bible says you will become a new creature, It is then that you might ask yourself, “Can I really be the man or woman who went about under my name six months or six years ago?  Was I really that person?  Could that person have possibly been me?”

And the truth is that while in one sense you are indeed the same person, yet in another sense you will be someone utterly different.

I had been a practicing, sold-out, surrendered-to-Christ, Christian for about 15 years when I read the aforementioned excerpt. It so happens that I had become disappointed with my experience of church, and with Christians.

It seemed that the Christianity I had found was little more than a religious exercise of unrealized expectations.

Sure, the Christians I met acted differently than people who did not believe or follow Jesus. But just under the surface, their “old selves” were lurking.  And too often, the “old selves” of these Christians could be lured out into the open with just a slip of the tongue or an inadvertent act.

And, I was tired of the high cost of this Westernized style of Christianity which gave a very low return.  I was tired of the excuses offered when the behavior of the “Hope” talked about did not match the promised demonstration of faith.  The miraculous I heard about had been evasive. In other words, what I was seeing within Christianity was not what I was reading in the Bible. Not even close!

Still, there was that quote, and that quote haunted me.  It was as if someone or something continued to whisper it into my mind.  It whispered the Christianity I longed for, the Christianity I so desperately needed. This haunting would not leave me.

I reasoned that I was a changed person.  I had decided to stop certain behaviors and start others.  But, I still struggled with hidden thoughts and desires.  I still had few friends outside of family.  I continued to struggle financially.  I had no confidence or courage.  My past was a constant reminder of my failures.  My future was full of uncertainty.  I clung to the promise of becoming a ‘new creature’ and the promise of heaven, but my grip was growing weak.

I was certain I had not experienced a real “deliverance”.  It was still me doing the work.

It was not that I was “looking for more” in my walk with God or from the Church. I was looking for “THE WALK” found in the Bible. I reasoned that the problem was not God or the Bible nor was it other Christians or the Church. I reasoned that the problem was with me and my understanding. I struggled to imagine that I had misunderstood the truth of the Bible, the truth about Jesus, salvation and just about everything else concerning God. I knew I could not go on playing this façade. I had to find the truth or I would give it all up. Wretched man that I had become.

I thought, “If God cannot get out of heaven and be real to me, help me, and change me right now, what earthly good was this to me?”  And, yes, I know what you must think of me by now.  But, this is how quickly I was sinking in despair.

I needed help and the Church would not or could not throw me the life ring I needed.

So, with caution and trepidation, I read this little book my wife had found in a discarded pile of books at a local church.

I could not agree with everything written in this book.  My religious training would not allow me to agree.

But as I read this excerpt and quote from a little book, and I found a staggering and life changing Truth:

The Bible is not just a book of “stories” about God, Jesus, Satan, some garden someplace named Eden, endless genealogies, the despair of sin, death and misery. Then there are the rules of “do and don’t”, hundreds upon hundreds of seemingly unrelated events, culminating with a hope of a future promise to escape God’s judgements and to live with Jesus, forever in heaven. Was I expected to know all of this and somehow conform my thinking and my life to the 1,189 chapters, 31,103 verses and 807,361 words in the Bible?

No. A thousand times no! The Bible is a love letter breathed out by God, addressed to and for every man, woman, boy and girl ever born.  It is written in a language and a style that anyone can understand if taken at face value. This is why Jesus is called the Living Word of God. He is the Logos. He is the translation we need to know and understand. And, once you understand This Hidden Truth of the Bible and learn how to apply this Truth every day, NOTHING WOULD EVER BE THE SAME.

Finally, a simple and plain language that penetrated my mind, my will and emotions and seeped deep into my soul and spirit. And everything in my life changed in amazing and wonderful ways. If fact, upon reading and absorbing the truth presented to me, I realized that this Power had been working in and around me for years, and it was only at the right time that I became aware of His presence.

My life to that point, was a life of tragedy. As a child I lived in a violent and broken home. I was passed around to family members. Once an adult, I replicated these same failures. No children of my own. A broken marriage. Poverty, sickness and failure. Then, all of that change in what seems what was a “twinkling of the eye”.

I became healthier, body, soul, mind and spirit. Our marriage was restored. I became part of a family. We had children. I found amazing success in business. I had found my greatest joy and purpose in life from My walk with God. (Please understand that all problems did not just go away. I was still living in a broken world and as Psalm 34:17-19 says, “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. The afflictions of the righteous are numerous, but the Lord rescues us from them all”.  You do not need to live chained to that rock of human suffering any longer!

I want to share this great discovery with you.  I want to share it with everyone and anyone who is willing to hear. And for those who are hearing this for the first time, you are the fortunate ones. You have no religious clutter that must be removed before you can hear and accept what I am about to reveal. For those who have are already religious or have been in a Church for any time, you will have some extra work to do.

I will attempt to keep this simple and straight forward. So, to begin, (Please click on the link to Chapter 1, below).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: It Is All Good News – The Great Mystery – Chapter 1.

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A WORD FROM GOD?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

A WORD FROM GOD?

I am not big on things like having prophetic visions, a Word from God and the like. The reason is that the Word of God is complete, so a Word from God must line up with the Word of God. And I am certain and I believe that the Bible teaches there are no ‘new revelations’;

The Bible warns, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.”

Also, the Bible says “I (Jesus) testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”

So it is with great caution I share this:

Today I had a thought, or a “Word” if you will, and it goes like this, “

The Lord God is ready and will soon permit a great shaking of the United States – a shaking to her core. (This will be the beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel 12, and specifically Daniel 12:10, which says, “Many will be purged, cleansed (or whitened), and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those, (the instructors) who have insight (the wise), will understand.”)

However, during this current time of what seems to be a relative peace – which is really no peace at all – we are to prepare ourselves, our families and our churches for what is coming.

We in the United States will soon suffer an economic collapse followed by a social upheaval and collapse, and governmental collapse, military defeats preceding a collapse of our military and a loss of our medical systems. There will be a spread of diseases, food shortages, famines, widespread poverty, death, and sudden earthquakes.

Many churches will likely fill up with people looking for protection, help, and spiritual advice but since most churches have become lukewarm or even apostate, they will not be able to offer any help, solace  or direction. This will cause many churches to become targets of ridicule, persecution censure by a new emerging government and the public at large. These church leaders will encourage surrender and capitulation rather than resist by remaining faithful to Christ in order to escape persecution. Although many of those who remain faithful to Christ may suffer, those who endure to the end, will be saved.

Why am I saying these things and how and I justify saying these things? I am saying these things because I believe them; and I believe them because of what I read about and what I see going on in the world; I believe these things because of what history has shown us; I believe these things because what the most widely read ancient script, the Bible, forecasts, (i.e., prophecies), about what is coming, and I trust that source because of its past accuracies. And I am saying these things because I like to consider myself as a critical cognitive and linear thinker, and I believe and pray that I am correct when I say that God has given me discernment.

Here is my case, stated:

(1). Jesus warned in Matthew 24:4-31, that “In the Last Days, we will see a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (Although, this was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5), do you not see these things increasing in our day with new religions, new belief systems, cults, greedy and narcissistic media preachers claiming to represent Jesus? These are events pointing to what Jesus referred to as the “Last Days”.

(2). Jesus also 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 not 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”?

(3). Jesus said, “In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. But we have never had the capacity to wage the most destructive global war we now see. (See Matthew 24:6 and the Second Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4).

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

(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 are being manifested, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.

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

It is also important to note that at this point in history, all of these things are now happening concurrently!

Can you not see the clues to the timing and the occurrence 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 days it 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), says, “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.

(The following in these parentheses is very detailed, technical and written language and context specific. But this is very important for a correct and complete understanding of these eschatological matters. It is probably best suited for the devoted follower of Jesus and the serious Bible student.

And, yes, I have been told by several ‘self- proclaimed bible experts’ that these things were only the times of persecution and not the tribulations of the Judgment Seals. Let me be Biblically clear: the use of the word ‘tribulation’ appears just 19 times in the English Standard Version of the Bible.

Sixteen of those instances are in the New Testament, and each instance, tribulation is translated from the Greek word ‘thlipsis’, whether referring to a time before or after the Sixth Tribulation Seal and the rapture.

Then in Matthew 13:21 we see, “yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation (thlipsis) or persecution (diogmos) arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” Each word is distinct in its meaning and in its context – tribulation versus persecution.

Additionally, Jesus makes a distinction between the Birth Pains (odin) of the tribulation (thlipsis) leading up to the Great (megas) Tribulation (thlipsis) in Matthew 24:21, when He says,

“For then (tote) there will be (eimi = future tense) great (megas) tribulation (thlipsis), such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

And again, in Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus makes a distinction between the Birth Pains phase of the tribulation (Seals 1 through 5), and the Great Tribulation (Seals 6 and 7, and the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments) when He says,

“Immediately (eutheōs) after (meta) the tribulation (thlipsis) of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Finally, these same experts will say that Matthew 24:29-31 is neither the rapture nor is it the second coming of Jesus. But the scripture says,

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.“

We can also see in the corresponding scriptures in Revelation 6 and 7, “After these things (see Revelation 6:1 through Revelation 7:9)

Finally, before the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal and the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 instructs us, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

Jesus sternly warns, in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 of these coming events and that we are to prepare.

(And, I am not alone in these matters and with this view: Well-known and respected men and women like Pastor and teacher John Piper , missionary Corrie Ten Boom have come to this realization.  And Zion’s Hope Ministries, offers sound Biblical evidence and excellent geo-political news, overlooked by the bias of religious denominationalism.)

I am available via https://www.whitestone2020.com/  for discussion or to answer honest and serious questions.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: I am aware of how this will make some people think of me. But the time is now and I am willing.

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 5,Ananias and Sapphira, Imprisonment and Release, Gamaliel’s Counsel

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 5,

Ananias and Sapphira, Imprisonment and Release, Gamaliel’s Counsel

This account in the early church is as frightening as it can be confounding. I have read commentaries on this chapter by several highly regarded Bible teachers and theologians and I found each to be rife with conjecture and supposition. There is a lot that can be said after studying this chapter, but I will focus on just three matters:

(#1). Why was God’s chosen punishment of Ananias and Sapphira so severe? Yes, they were deceitful, liars, and hypocrites. And, according to other commentaries, they were most likely seeking undeserved respect and admiration for their feigned generosity. But was a death sentence warranted? What was really at work here? (Theologians offer many ‘guesses’).

(#2). The authority granted the Apostles, for the first time, seems to mirror the works and acts of Jesus. Did this level of authority and responsibility end with the Apostles?

(#3). Fear spread throughout the Christian community (the Church) as a result of these matters. Is this kind of fear of God the proper motivator in the Church?

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5:1, But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, verse 2, and kept back some of the proceeds for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. Verse 3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the proceeds of the land? Verse 4. While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.” Verse 5. And as he heard these words, Ananias collapsed and died; and great fear came over all who heard about it. Verse 6. The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

(Commentary Break): Let the words of the first six verses speak for themselves. Peter, according to these verses, had no prior knowledge of Ananias’ planned deceitfulness. You can guess at how Peter gained this knowledge, but the word does not say and neither should we. What we do know is that Peter, an Apostle of Jesus, knew.

Secondly, Ananias died. We do not know the cause of death, just that he died and “great fear came over all who heard about it”.

If there is a lesson here it is that God knows the heart and intentions of every man and woman, and when it comes to His Church, we, His Body, should keep this event in mind. No one will escape the watchful Eye of God.

So, will a kind and loving God execute such harsh punishment on every Christian who commits the sin of deceit, lying and hypocrisy? Obviously not in the same fashion as with Ananias. But you will not escape the judgment of God. And when it comes to purifying His Church, do not be mistaken in this matter. It is the Body of Christ, the Son of God. And if God would sacrifice His only Son for the sanctifying of His Church, how do you think you might escape His judgment?

Our service, fealty and obedience is owed to God, alone. There may be times when the leaders of a church are as guilty as Ananias, but this does not relieve you or me of our duty and obligations to God. God will deal with His appointed pastors and teachers according to their responsibilities. This kind of fear before God is righteous fear, and is a healthy fear, indeed:

Hebrews 12:4-13, tells us, “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,

“MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,

NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE PUNISHED BY HIM;

FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,

AND HE PUNISHES EVERY SON WHOM HE ACCEPTS.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Verse 8. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for this price?” And she said, “Yes, for that price.” Verse 9. Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” Verse 10. And immediately she collapsed at his feet and died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Verse 11. And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.

(Commentary Break): We have been warned that in these last days “evil people and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But that you are to continue in the things that you have learned, giving you wisdom that leads to your salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus”. (see 2 Timothy 3:13-15). Jesus also warned that there would be an escalation of lawlessness and that most people’s love will grow cold. But that it is the one who endures to the end that will be saved. (see Matthew 24:12-13).

We may not get to personally see God’s judgment on the errant, and it is not our business. It is the business of God. But there should be no doubt that God will purify His Church, whether you see it or not. Keep yourself unstained when dealing with God so that you are not dealt with in such a manner. However, when you do fail, run to Him quickly, confess your sins, fall before Him and seek His mercy. He is faithful and righteous, and He will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all together in Solomon’s portico. Verse 13. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. Verse 14. And increasingly believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being added to their number, verse 15, to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any of them. Verse 16. The people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick or tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

(Commentary Break): These are the most amazing scriptures and events regarding the disciples and Apostles of Jesus. Finally, we see the authority and the works of Jesus through His disciples, just as He said.

The question that arises is “have these works ceased?” Some say yes, others say no. What we can know is that there a very few, if any, who have committed their lives in service to God at a level such as the Apostles. Jesus taught that, “to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away”. (see. Matthew 13:12, and Matthew 25:29). (End Commentary Break).

Imprisonment and Release

Verse 17. But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. Verse 18. They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison. Verse 19. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, verse 20, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple area the whole message of this Life.” Verse 21. Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. Verse 22. But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, verse 23, saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” Verse 24. Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. Verse 25. But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!” Verse 26. Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

Verse 27. When they had brought them, they had them stand before the Council. The high priest interrogated them, verse 28, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” Verse 29. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Verse 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. Verse 31. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Verse 32. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Counsel

Verse 33. But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. Verse 34. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. Verse 35. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. Verse 36. For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. Verse 37. After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. Verse 38. And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; verse 39, but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

Verse 40. They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. Verse 41. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. Verse 42. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the Christ. (End chapter 5).

Is it any wonder why the early Church experienced such exponential growth, even under such severe persecution? The signs and wonders of God were evident. The love of people for one another within the Church was real. The level of commitment of those in the Church to one another and to the Church was unparalleled in Roman or Jewish societies. This was indeed a time when God had come down to earth. His Name is Jesus.

I hear Christians say they have a deep longing to return to the model and the ways of the early Church. And we shall return. We will return to similar circumstances as the early Church, as these Last Days, the Birth Pains of the tribulation begin to intensify and draw to a close. God has said that He will “purge, cleanse, and refine His Church”, the bride of Christ, in preparation for the wedding feast. Then we will see. We will see who are the sheep of God and who are the goats. He will separate the wheat from the tares.

Dear friends, let’s commit ourselves to be found on the Right hand of God and not on the left. Let us all endure to the end.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 4, Peter and John Arrested and Released, Sharing among Believers.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 6, Choosing the Seven.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.

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

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

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

Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”.

IN CONTEXT=

Romans 10:9-13,  For Moses writes of the righteousness that is based on the Law, that the person who performs them will live by them. But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down),  or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”, that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

If I confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved.

Commentary:

It is both interesting and important the phrase “that if you confess” with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” is found to be in the “aorist” tense. This means it is an active truth taking place in the past, the present and the future, simultaneously. In other words, as I confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, “I have been saved; I am being saved; I will continue to be saved”!

This is an eternal truth, active and powerful in the believer’s life. It is good to confess it often, and to believe it completely.

Meditate on it. Think on it. Put it in your heart. Set your mind on it. Keep it with you. Do it right, and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:   CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, `but the root supports you. Romans 11:18.

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

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A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “You will find rest for your soul”, Part 53

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 53

“You will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy, my burden is light”

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:25-30.

We see, in the earlier verses of this chapter eleven, that Jesus has given tribute to John for his faithful and obedient work, and He answers John’s questions about Him (Jesus) being the anticipated Messiah.

Jesus then gives John’s disciples evidence of His own divinity, and warns the gathering crowds (and all future potential followers) of the dangers of misunderstanding His intentions and the consequences of unbelief. He continues by warning of the coming “day of judgment”.

(Reader: please do not miss the significance of the context of these remarks. The tribulation period, the days of distress is beginning – and as we will see, the various seal judgments will begin to overlap and intensify. Then, with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, the final 7 years of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord will begin. (Also known as Daniel’s 70th week or the Great Tribulation period.)

Jesus, now praying to His Father, is thanking Him of hiding the great oracles of God and the prophetic truth about His (Jesus’) identity; about His plan and purpose and the fate of the heavens and the earth.

The ‘wise and understanding’, those from whom these things are hidden, are the teachers and leaders of Israel (Jews) such as the Sanhedrin, the scribes and the Pharisees. These are the ones who have seated themselves ‘in the chair of Moses’. They tell you what to do according to scriptures but do not comply, themselves. These are the ones who tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people. (see Matthew 23).

Notice that the spirit of these who consider themselves as ‘the wise and understanding’ as still among us today. Still exalting themselves, still dressing in their robes, ‘broadening their phylacteries’ calling themselves Rabbi, teacher, Father and leader.  Jesus issues eight woes to those who believe and act like them. Be warned, all who hear these words!

Jesus then thanks His Father that He has revealed these things to ‘to little children’, meaning ‘like an infant, a minor, figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian’. Someone who believes and follows Jesus with a simple, abiding faith and obedience. One who is not encumbered by traditions, customs, rituals and the teaching of men.

Jesus warns, that unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven (See Matthew 18:3).

Jesus now makes the most astounding of all claims to His Divinity, Sovereignty and His Authority: All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

Jesus continues by telling us that those who come to Him, will find that His authority and sovereignty will bring them rest for their souls. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It is those who are humble in heart, those who submit themselves wholly to Jesus, His ways and His teachings, who find rest.

And, as odd as it may seem, it is these same gentle sheep of the Great Shepherd who gird themselves with the full armor of God, having become strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, be able to resist the evil in that day, extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one. And with every prayer as an ambassador of Christ, making known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

And one day, you will join in the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him on white horses, as He strikes down the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (see Revelation 19)

Your calling is great. Your future is royal. Let’s embrace all He has prepared for us and join Him in what He is already doing.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “It will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you”, Part 52

NEXT: A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “It Will All Be Torn Down”, Part 54

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 4, Peter and John Arrested and Released, Sharing among Believers

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 4

Peter and John Arrested and Released, Sharing among Believers.

You are about to read about the ongoing establishment and the earliest practices of the Church. There was no written manual for the Apostles or the early Church to follow. The Apostles would take the teachings and examples of Jesus and live them out. They would go out and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that Jesus had commanded them.

You and I should have received these same teachings and practices to obey and do. If your understanding or your application of these teachings and practices is anything other than what the Bible presents, beware. Some contemporary teachers, preachers and pastors will say, “times, technologies and methods have improved  and therefore some of our practices and ways of “doing Church” and presenting the Gospel have been modified to fit our current day”. Whether by design, out of arrogance or out of ignorance, these are false teachers. Jesus warned of this and tells us to avoid them, call them to account and follow only Jesus.

Peter and John Arrested

Acts 1:1, As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, verse 2, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Verse 3. And they laid hands on them and put them in prison until the next day, for it was already evening. Verse 4. But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

(Commentary Break): There is a lot of detail regarding the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees, and the resurrection from the dead, which I will leave to you, the reader, to discover on your own (or use this link). Our focus  in this commentary is on the fact that they apprehended Peter and John and put them in a prison cell for what singularly appears to be for proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. But you can be certain it had a lot to do with the fact that about five thousand men came to believe. This was alarming to the static religious establishment and a threat to their grip on the hearts and minds of the people, to their status in the community and their livelihood. But this is just the first of many teachings and signs of a new way of life with God that is shaking the Jewish Empire and soon, the entire world.

How are these things with you, your church, and your walk with Jesus? Is there a chance that we have drifted too far from the conditions and the commitment of these early Christians? Is it possible that we are not willing to upset our status quo, just like the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees? Is this the reason for our meager results when we preach the Gospel and proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; verse 6, and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. Verse 7. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Verse 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, verse 9. if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, verse 10, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name this man stands here before you in good health. Verse 11. He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. Verse 12. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

(Commentary Break): These verses speak for themselves. Verse eleven which speaks of the cornerstone is drawn from Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16, where it is used to describe the Messiah. This cornerstone is not just foundational but also unifying, bringing together Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual house. The use of this metaphor underscores the essential role of Christ in God’s redemptive plan and the futility of any spiritual edifice not built upon Him. Then Peter goes on to simply and powerfully proclaim Jesus as Savior, the Messiah. This is our truth and our example. (End Commentary Break).

Threat and Release

Verse 13. Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. Verse 14. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.

(Commentary Break): Please take notice. The rulers and elders and scribes along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all whom were of high-priestly descent, observed that Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men, but were amazed because they recognized that their confidence and miracle working power came from having been with Jesus! They were left speechless.

Now-a-day, in the twenty first century, if you aren’t highly educated and trained in one prestigious seminary or another and don’t have a master’s degree or a doctorate in some ministry field, you are marginalized or ignored by most church organziations. Having walked with Jesus your entire life is secondary. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, verse 16, saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. Verse 17. But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person in this name.” Verse 18. And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

(Commentary Break): Even when faced with the truth, the rulers, elders,  scribes and the high priests moved to silence their opposition. Ritual and tradition given priority over the Word and Works of God. Today, there is a global effort through false religions and the world Marxists-Globalist movement to do the same: They command us not to speak or teach at all in the Name of Jesus!

(Many are being threatened in churches even in America today, that if you ever preach salvation through Jesus, alone, or If you preach the Gospel of Jesus in those churches, you will never preach in them again. They have turned away from the Word of God. I know from firsthand experience. I continued to preach sin and salvation, Jesus and the Cross, until I was expelled). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 19. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; verse 20, for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Verse 21. When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; verse 22, for the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old. Verse 23. When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Verse 24. And when they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THEM, verse 25, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘WHY WERE THE NATIONS INSOLENT,

AND THE PEOPLES PLOTTING IN VAIN?

Verse 26. ‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,

AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER

AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’

Verse 27. For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, verse 28, to do whatever Your hand and purpose predestined to occur. Verse 29. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence, verse 30, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Verse 31. And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Sharing among Believers

Verse 32. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Verse 33. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Verse 34. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales verse 35, and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

Verse 36. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), verse 37, owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

(Commentary Break): Verses 19 through 37 speak for themselves. (You can click here for commentaries. To review all the verses, just scroll verse to verse). But the pattern had been established. The preaching of the Gospel and the unity within the Church, created unparalleled and exponential growth, despite the severe and deadly persecution that followed. (End Commentary Break).

It is very apparent that the Church in the twenty first century is sorely divided, even fractured. But this is part of the Plan of God to perfect His Creation and prepare The Bride of Christ for His return. Like in the early days of the Church, in these Last Days, God will once again allow His Church to go through a period of deception and severe persecution as found in Daniel 12:10, when “Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand”. This is being  and will continue to be accomplished through the increasing intensity of Tribulation Seals ONE through FIVE, (also known as the Birth Pains of the tribulation; see Matthew 24:8), which were inaugurated at or around the time of the Birth of Jesus.

Please pay close attention to what has occurred and will soon occur through the Acts of the Apostles as the demonstrate our way to unity and safety in Christ Jesus!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 3, Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon.

NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira, Imprisonment and Release, Gamaliel’s Counsel.

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CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13.

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

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

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

Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

IN CONTEXT

Romans 8:5, Those who are in accord with the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, set their mind the things of the Spirit. Verse 6. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

Romans 8:13, For if I live according to the flesh I will die; but if I live by the Spirit I put to death the deeds of the body, I will live

Commentary:

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to “meditate on His Word (day and night)”, to “hide His Word in our heart”, to “think on His Word”, to “set our mind on the Spirit” so that we may find success and that we may not sin against Him, and that the peace of God will guard us and that we will have an abundant life of peace.

If we keep His Words on our heart and mind and repeat them diligently to our sons and daughters and speak of them when you sit in our houses, when we walk on the road, when we lie down, and when we get up. We shall also tie them as a sign to our hand, and they shall be as frontlets on our forehead. We shall also write them on the doorposts of our house and on our gates. Then we shall have all the things God has promised.

This is how God created us. Our mind and heart, must be trained and programmed, and either you will do this for your good for all the right reasons, or the world and the media will do it for you, for your harm, and for all the wrong reasons.

Meditate on it. Think on it. Put it in your heart. Set your mind on it. Keep it with you. Do it right, and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (Coming Soon).  CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. (Romans 10:9)

PREVIOUS: CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14).

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