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.

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

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

A PROPHETIC WORD FROM OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 52

“It will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.”

“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” –

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:20-24.

These words of Jesus are spoken, both to those in that day and are prophetically spoken to everyone of all the ages since that day.

Jesus is patient and loving beyond our comprehension. He is the embodiment of love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control.

But there is a time coming when the faithful will be rewarded and the faithless will be judged. And Jesus words should be taken with all the seriousness and gravity as one would expect from God’s judgments.

Jesus is warning the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum of God’s coming judgment for their unbelief, their sins and their worship of false gods despite the fact that they had seen and experienced the acts of Jesus in their midst. This warning is extended to each and every person, city, state and nation who falls in the category of the unbelieving ways of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum. BE AWARE and BEWARE!

These coming judgments are pictured as seven seals opened, seven trumpets blown, and seven bowls poured out. God’s judgment against the wicked will leave no doubt as to His wrath against sin. (Besides punishing sin, these judgments will have the effect of bringing the nation of Israel to repentance.) Here is a recap of these judgments for your edification:

Here are the judgments of the tribulation period (Revelation 6—16):

Wars, famine, earthquakes, death, martyrdom, a cosmic apocalypse, a rain of hail and fire mixed with blood hurled to the earth as a third of the earth will be burned up, and a third of the trees will be burned up, and all the green grass will be burned up. Something like a great mountain burning with fire will be hurled into the sea; and a third of the sea will become like blood, and a third of the creatures in the sea will die; and a third of the ships will be destroyed.

A great star will fall from heaven, burning like a torch, and it will fall on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters, and a third of the waters will become wormwood, and many people died from the waters because they were made bitter. 

A third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars will be struck, so that a third of them are darkened, and the day will not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

Then a star from heaven shall fall to the earth; and the key to the shaft of the abyss will be given to Him, and He will open the shaft of the abyss, and smoke will ascend out of the shaft like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air will be darkened from the smoke of the shaft. Then out of the smoke will come locusts upon the earth, and power will be given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They will be told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they will not be permitted to kill anyone, but to torment people for five months; and their torment will be like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a person. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death will flee from them!

Then the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates will be released. And the four angels, who will have been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, will be released, so that they will kill a third of mankind. (The number of the armies of the horsemen will be two hundred million; These armies will release fire, smoke and brimstone, and a third of mankind will be killed by these three plagues, that is by the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone which will come out of their mouths. For the power of the horses will be in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails will be like serpents and shall have heads, and with them, they will do great harm. 

(The rest of mankind, who are not killed by these plagues, will not repent of the works of their hands so as not to worship demons and the idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they will not repent of their murders, nor of their witchcraft nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts).

Next, and harmful and painful sores will afflict the people who have received the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image, who are the ones who have not believed on Jesus and who have rejected Him.  And the sea will become like the blood of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea will die. Then the rivers and the springs of waters will become blood.

And the sun will scorch people with fire. And the people who are scorched with the fierce heat of the sun will blaspheme the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and will not repent to give Him glory.

Then the throne of the beast, and his kingdom will be darkened; and those who worshiped him will gnaw their tongues because of pain, and they will blaspheme the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds.

The great river, the Euphrates; and its water will dry up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

Then you will hear, “It is done.” And there will be flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and a great earthquake, so great an earthquake and so mighty, such as there had not been since mankind came to be upon the earth. The great city will be split into three parts; and the cities of the nations will fall. Babylon the great will be remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.

And every island will flee, and no mountains will be found. And huge hailstones, weighing about 100 pounds each, will come down from heaven upon people; and people will blaspheme God because of the plague of the hail will be extremely severe.

The greatest danger facing many people who call themselves Christians is unbelief. This type of unbelief is manifest in two ways:

  1. There are those who go by the name of Christian but are not doing what Jesus has told them to be doing until He returns. Note: You are in grave danger.
  2. There are those who acknowledge what has been written and then casually go about your way thinking you will not be affected, ignoring your responsibility to warns others of this pending doom, ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’.

Scriptures warn is that the Lord will deal harshly with those who shrink back from and with those who neglect their responsibilities.

Please, do not be deceived or lulled into complacency. His return is near. Let’s be found doing the bidding of our Lord and Master, longing to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “What did you go into the wilderness to see?”, Part 51

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

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Exegesis or Eisegesis? True or False?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Exegesis or Eisegesis?

True of False?

Exegesis is “the process of careful analytical study of the Bible to produce useful interpretations of those passages.” (The word “exegesis” comes from the Greek term, exegeomai, which means “to explain” or “to narrate” or “to show the way”.

The process of exegesis involves asking questions of the text that might unearth new insights. However, The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary is clear that the goal of exegesis is “to know neither less nor more than the information actually contained in the passage. Exegesis places no premium on speculation or inventiveness” and “novelty in interpretation is not prized.”

Simply put, exegesis is not about discovering what we think a text means (or what we want it to mean), but what the biblical author meant. It’s concerned with intentionality; what the author intended his original readers to understand.

The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.

Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words.

Second Timothy 2:15 commands us to use exegetical methods: “Present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” An honest student of the Bible will be an exegete, allowing the text to speak for itself. Eisegesis easily lends itself to error, as the would-be interpreter attempts to align the text with his own preconceived notions. Exegesis allows us to agree with the Bible; eisegesis seeks to force the Bible to agree with us.

The process of exegesis involves, (1), observation: what does the passage say? (2), interpretation: what does the passage mean? (3), correlation: how does the passage relate to the rest of the Bible? and (4), application: how should this passage affect my life?

Eisegesis, on the other hand, involves, (1), imagination: what idea do I want to present? (2), exploration: what Scripture passage seems to fit with my idea? and, (3), application: what does my idea mean? Notice that, in eisegesis, there is no examination of the words of the text or their relationship to each other, no cross-referencing with related passages, and no real desire to understand the actual meaning. Scripture serves only as a prop to the interpreter’s idea.

First, “the interpreter-teacher” decides on a topic. Let’s say, for purpose of this example, today, the sermon will be about “What is heaven like?” The interpreter reads Colossians 3:1, “Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God”. And the point the interpreter-teacher wants to make is that “we are already in heaven”.

He then goes on to use a story known as “The Allegory of the Cave”, which was presented by the Greek philosopher Plato to compare “the effect of education and the lack of it on our nature”. It is written as a dialogue between Plato’s brother Glaucon and his mentor Socrates and is narrated by the latter. In the allegory, Plato describes people who have spent their entire lives chained by their necks and ankles in front of an inner wall with a view of the empty outer wall of the cave. They observe the shadows projected onto the outer wall by objects carried behind the inner wall by people who are invisible to the chained “prisoners” and who walk along the inner wall with a fire behind them, creating the shadows on the inner wall in front of the prisoners. The “sign bearers” pronounce the names of the objects, the sounds of which are reflected near the shadows and are understood by the prisoners as if they were coming from the shadows themselves.

Only the shadows and sounds are the prisoners’ reality, which are not accurate representations of the real world. The shadows represent distorted and blurred copies of reality we can perceive through our senses, while the objects under the Sun represent the true forms of objects that we can only perceive through reason.

Socrates explains how the philosopher is like a prisoner freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall are not the direct source of the images seen. A philosopher aims to understand and perceive the higher levels of reality. However, the other inmates of the cave do not even desire to leave their prison, for they know no better life. (this color print is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)

He concludes by alleging that Christian’s current view of heaven is like that of the people trapped in the Allegory of The Cave. It is a sweeping assumption, overly broad in its accusation, and breathtakingly inaccurate, incomplete and totally inadequate. He goes on to hypothesize that only heaven is real and the earth or the natural world is just a shadow, like the shadows on the wall of a cave, reflected by the light of a fire. I suppose one could find some similarity in the Bible verse found in 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal”, but even this verse and the surrounding verses are Paul telling us about his own life and ministry and NOT about what heaven is like. In the world’s eyes, Paul’s life was an incredible failure. At the height of a career that would reach much higher, he left it all for a life of hardship, suffering and persecution, with eventual martyrdom. Paul recognized that the world only sees the outward, not the unseen eternal things. When we look at the things which are seen, all we see is our light affliction, and then it doesn’t seem very light! But when we look at the things which are not seen, then we see and appreciate the eternal weight of glory.

Paul isn’t saying that all afflictions automatically produce glory. It is possible to allow suffering to destroy us and to let affliction make us bitter, miserable, and self-focused. However, if we will look to the things which are not seen then our affliction will work in us an eternal weight of glory.(Comment in this color is taken from David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary). But, even 2 Corinthians 4:18 is not about what heaven is like.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with preaching about what heaven is like. And a cursory reading of Colossians 3:1 seems to support that passage as an apt illustration. However, the above interpretation is totally wrong. First, using a secular philosophical teaching to illustrate and illuminate a Biblical truth is speculative at best and errant at its worst.

This interpreter-teacher (or others) may point to the many parables, allegories and idioms used in the Bible as justification for using Plato’s the Allegory of the Cave. However, when the Bible uses such methods to tell a story, the characters and-or events are symbols representing other events, ideas, or people, they are based on pre-existing and familiar people, places and things. They are NOT secular-philosophical assumptions, or presumptions.

Our interpreter-teacher is using an eisegesis to skillfully syncretize Biblical truth and scriptures verses with philosophical teachings which come from the imagination of man, in order to lend some religious credence to his remarks.

For example, our interpreter-teacher says, “the author of The Allegory of the Cave is telling us to step out of the cave and to see the brilliance of the sun. But the captive in the cave says, “And be blinded by the intensity of the sun? No thank you! We have lived in this cave for decades and centuries, and if it was good enough for my grandpa, it’s good enough for me!”.

Our interpreter-teacher then goes on to allege that the Apostle Paul, based on 1 Colossians 3:1, in many ways is calling us, as Christians, to step out of our cave and into the light of the sun; in other words we should come out of our darkened minds of ignorance and simplicity and become enlightened. (Thus the transition – the eisegesis – the syncretism). The Apostle Paul is calling us to set our minds on heavenly things, not on things of this earth. He goes on to state “that we go on to explore the message of this passage in Colossians, we are going to do it through three points:

The first point is that you are already in heaven, whether you know it or not.

Secondly, heaven is for real.

And, thirdly, heaven is a world of love.”

Our interpreter goes on to cite verse one, that “you have been raised with Christ”;

Verse three, “you have died with Christ”;

And then in a reference to Ephesians 2:6, “You have ascended with Christ”.

All of this to further his personal interpretation that heaven is real and our current existence is just a shadow.

Then in a slight-of-hand movement, our interpreter-teacher, goes to Ezekiel 10:9 and sarcastically uses several complex symbolisms from the Bible to explain what heaven looks like, saying “and remember, this is oh-so crystal clear”, know that it is NOT clear at all. (This is an effective deflection to confuse the listener-student about thier own view of heaven so they will lay their old “caveman, cave-like, neanderthal beliefs” aside, and enter into the light of this new revelation” about what heaven is really like.

A problem for our interpreter-teacher arises if the Christian-listener is a Bible student and will read and study Ezekiel chapter 10, only to discover that Ezekiel 10 is not meant to be a description of heaven. It is The Vision of God’s Glory Departing the Temple. Our interpreter-teacher is misleading the listener a false teaching.

Ezekiel 10 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s righteous path. The departing Glory of the Lord from the Temple, however, doesn’t signify an eternal absence, but a call to repentance, encouraging us to invite God’s glory back into our lives by living in obedience and faith.

The Themes of Ezekiel 10 are:

God’s Majesty and Power,
Divine Judgement,
Divine Presence and Absence,
Prophet’s Visionary Experience,
Symbolism of Cherubim.

The Topics of Ezekiel chapter 10 are:

Ezekiel’s Vision of God,
The Glory of the Lord,
The Cherubim,
The Wheel within a Wheel,
The Departure of the Glory of the Lord from the Temple,

The People:

Ezekiel,
God,
Cherubim.

The Locations named in Ezekiel chapter 10 are:

The Temple in Jerusalem,
The threshold of the temple,
East gate of the Lord’s house.

Our interpreter-teacher further confuses the student-listener by using a “dietetical” approach by having omitted the real intention of Ezekiel chapter 10.

It is a skillful presentation with a the intention of ‘salting the oats’ of the listener to come out of their ancient and archaic cave which is a metaphor for our ‘old way of thinking about heaven and scriptures’ and to come into the light and thirst for this new way of thinking, this new revelatory view of God and heaven.

His presentation completed, our interpreter-teacher concludes with an invitation for his listeners to accept Jesus’ free gift of heaven, which is without cost. Of course this can be practically irresistible to the ‘heavy burdened and weary traveler of earth’.

Of course Jesus does call, and does encourage each and every person to put down his or her burdens of this earth and to look to Him for relief. And the Bible is abundantly clear that this greatest of Gifts cannot be earned nor can it be purchased for any price. However, Jesus also makes abundantly clear that we trade in or sacrifice our old life for a new life with Him. And indeed, the salvation of one’s soul begins immediately for the person who accepts these terms, and lasts eternally. It is upon these conditions that we will live with Him in heaven, forever.

But let’s be clear: The gift is NOT heaven. Heaven is only the result of the Gift. The Gift is Jesus. The gift is His mercy and forgiveness. He gift is the eradication of power and the penalty of sin and death. The result of The Greatest of all Gifts is an eternity with Him in heaven.

 

 

Our interpreter-teacher’s first point is that you are already in heaven, whether you know it or not, is true, however, it is positional.

Secondly, our interpreter-teacher says heaven is for real. True.

And, thirdly, heaven is a world of love. Oddly put, but true.

Our interpreter-teacher goes on to cite Colossian 3:1, that “you have been raised with Christ”; and, in verse three, “you have died with Christ”; and finally, in a reference to Ephesians 2:6, “You have ascended with Christ”. This is to point out that these verses sound as if they were written in the present tense, suggesting that they have already come to pass. However, all three verses cited are in the aorist tense, which means they are positionally true in the past, as well as in the present and will be true in the future. This is what is known as “positionally” true, and “progressively true” in its application. One day it will be “practical” and true.. God has said it, we are in the process of getting these, so it is as good as done, but not just yet.

Our interpreter-teacher has some very creative thoughts and ideas and is very entertaining in his Osteen-esque way of preaching. But, in the meantime, I say let’s leave the inerrant Word of God as it is presented in the Bible. It is written to all people in a way to be understood by all people. Now, as Paul instructed Timothy, God instructs you, “therefore, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work”.

Until He returns!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

 

A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “What did you go into the wilderness to see?”, Part 51

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 51

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”

“As they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind, (which is commonplace)? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing (entirely unsuited for the harsh desert)? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:7-19

These words of Jesus are often misunderstood or passed over because of their mysterious sounding nature and complexity. These are metaphors and colloquialisms known by the Jew, and if you were a Jew in that day, you would understand the references used.

It would be easy to assume that these words spoken to the gathering crowd are draped in sarcasm, when actually Jesus is issuing a stern warning. He is rhetorically asking the crowd why would they travel so far in such a desolate place? Did they make this journey only to see the ordinary and mundane, such as a commonplace reed blowing in the wind? What would be the point of travelling into the wilderness when you could see that anywhere? Or perhaps did they expect to see a man wearing royal clothing wandering about the wilderness? Nonsense. They are fooling no one but themselves!

Before continuing, please remember that these are creative, causative, prophetic and instructional words of Jesus. These words apply to you and to me today in the same way they applied to the crowds following Jesus. Grasping what Jesus is saying, teaching, prophesying and instructing is our obstacle to overcome.

Even in our day, crowds of people travel near and far after hearing about a miracle-worker, a prophet or a gifted man of God. They go to great lengths to be amazed, entertained or to receive a prophet’s miracle. Too often, however, when we seek out a prophet of God, we only find that which is very ordinary. But what did you really expect?

But if you encounter a true prophet of God, it will not be a commonplace thing. There will be no inspiring oratory, no magnificent stage presence, no entertainment, no magic. Jesus continues by saying,

“But what then did you (really) go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more (eminent, more remarkable and far more) than a prophet (who foretells the future). This is the one of whom it is written (by the prophet Malachi),

“‘Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.” (Matthew 11:9-10)

Jesus emphatically states, whether they know it or not, they shall see one who is a prophet, and more than a just a prophet!

Likewise, if you encounter a true prophet of God, your curiosity will turn into fear. You will not encounter the ordinary, but the extraordinary things of God. Your sins will be exposed, you will be humbled, and you will know the fear of God. You will mourn, you will hunger and thirst, and you will find seek and find mercy.

Jesus warns this crowd and gives us perspective of the natural order versus the Devine, our standing as citizens of earth before Christ Jesus and on our position as Christians in His Kingdom. Jesus continues,

”I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater (in privilege) than he.” (Matthew 11:11)

Jesus, in His tribute to John the Baptist, is reminding us that the greatness of men is measured by the divine, not a human standard. ‘The prophet, who was more than a prophet’, the herald or the forerunner of the kingdom, was greater in his work, his holiness, his intuition of the truth, than the far-off patriarchs, Abraham, Moses, David or Solomon, and much greater than the conquerors and the destroyers. The Greek gives the comparative, not the superlative.

The death and the resurrection of Christ were indeed great points of the gospel, but to which John could only prophesy of, and not preach of, and declare us things in his time accomplished. So, Jesus explains and warns that the weakest Christian is greater in privileges than the greatest of the Old Testament saints.

 We are not to seek to attain earthly glory or status – even when they are beneficial and worthy things, for the best of earthly accomplishments fade to nothingness when compared to the glory and privileges, even the lowest of Christians will attain in the Kingdom of God. Jesus continues in

Verse 12, From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violent assault, and the violent take it by force (as a precious prize). Verse 13. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, Verse 14, and if you are willing to accept it, John (himself) is Elijah (the messenger) who was to come (before the Kingdom). Verse 15. He who has ears to hear, let him hear (and heed my words).

You might be better served to read a good commentary for the preceding verses (twelve through fifteen). However, it is certainly passive here. Luke’s phrase compels us to understand the reason of the violence is for entrance into the kingdom. The kingdom is not being ill-treated, but it is as if it were being taken by storm (Meyer). The violent, are men using strong force, men whose minds are made up and who do not care what force and power they employ to attain their object. Take it by force, i.e., ‘grasp it for themselves’ like rough and violent bandits seizing their prey. Our Lord is describing the energy with which some souls are pressing in, and using such energy, so their salvation is obtained. There is no thought of hostile purpose in these words. Next Jesus says, in

Verse 16. “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

Verse 17. “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Verse 18. “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ Verse 19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”

Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the behavior of both observant and non-observant Jews as miscreant children, saying they are immature, selfish and childish. They are “like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates”, pretending that what is occurring is only a child’s game for their entertainment. But the seriousness and the reality of it is that, “John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and (yet you ‘childish people’ say), ‘He’s possessed by a demon. ’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’

“Yet, wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Please don’t make the mistake of reading these words and believing they were spoken only to and for the Jews present at that time – or you miss the entire point of what Jesus is saying. These words were spoken to the Jews at that time and for you and me in our time. Also, please remember specifically, the words of Jesus are never random. His Words are always creative, causative, prophetic, and instructional, and are spoken to and for all people of all the ages.

We must grasp the reality, the immediacy and urgency of this fulfillment of prophecies as explained by Jesus in these last days – which are evidenced by the coming of John and of Jesus.

We must not think or behave like immature children through the rituals of “going to church and calling out to our ‘playmates’ seeking to entertain and to be entertained in the name of our religion, complaining when we don’t get what we want or expect.” In other words, we must stop ‘playing church’, and sense the gravity of the task before us as Christians.

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” and of us will be found out by way of our own deeds! There is no exception.

Please, let’s show one another grace and pray for one another. That day is now upon us. We must be mature, trained, obedient and ready for His return. It is imminent.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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

PREVIOUS:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “Go and report what you hear and see”, Part 50

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SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part 4

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”  John 21:25

There are millions and millions of books, articles, commentaries and opinions describing and defining “What is a Christian”, and, how a Christian should think, behave and what they should do.  It can be a bit daunting and confusing, but, it need not be.

The Bible, if read in context of itself and read at face-value (except for the obvious metaphors, idioms and similes) the Truth clearly emerges.

Here is an example of KEEPING IT SIMPLE when asking…

1. What is a Christian?

2. How does a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, think?

3. How does a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, behave?

4. What is a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, to do?

Here are some, out of numerous scripture verses, that may help answer this important, but basic, questions – all without opinions.

1. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

Acts 11:21-26 tells us, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.  The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then, when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

John 13:34  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Acts 1:8  “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

John 15:5  “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

 2. HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, THINK?

Philippians 2:5  “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

 Philippians 2:1  “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

3. HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, BEHAVE?

 John 5:19  “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”

 John 5:30  “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

John 12:49-50  “For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

 4. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, TO DO?

 John14:10  “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

 MY CONFESSION

(Please memorize and repeat as your confession, and be strengthened)

I WILL THINK LIKE THIS:

 Philippians 2:5  “I will have the attitude in me which is also in Christ Jesus, Who, although existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. I, TOO, WILL TAKE ON THE ROLE OF A BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST. Being found in appearance as a man, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. I too, will humble myself and become obedient to the point of the death of my fleshly desires and passions.”

Philippians 2:1  “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, I will make Jesus’ joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose, just as Jesus. I will do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind I will regard others as more important than myself; I will not merely look out for my own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

I WILL BEHAVE THIS WAY:

 John 5:19  “Therefore as a follower of Jesus, I confess that, “As the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing, I will do the same; for whatever the Father does, these things I will also do, in like manner.”

 John 5:30  “I can do nothing on my own initiative. As I hear the Holy Spirit, I judge; and my judgment will be just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of God through the One He sent, that is Jesus.”

 John 12:49  “For I will not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Jesus has given me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Jesus has told me.”

I WILL DO THESE THINGS:

 John 14:10  “I believe that Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in Him, and He is in me.  The words that I say, I will not speak on my own initiative, but I will allow the Father, Who is abiding in Me do His works through me. I believe it when Jesus says that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him, and He is in me; otherwise I believe it because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, I believe in Jesus, so the works that He does He will also do through me; and greater works than these He do through me, because Jesus has gone to the Father. Whatever I ask in Jesus name, that will He do, so that the Father may be glorified.  If I ask Jesus anything in His name, He will do it.”

Let’s pray for one another and hold one another up, until that day – may God find us faultless when He comes.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More valuable resources at these links:

Knowing and Doing the Will of God.  Do you ever wonder about “The Will of God for your life” or for your life’s circumstances?  It is recognizing and continually doing God’s Will in the course of my life that determines the outcome of His Will for my life

Experiencing God’s Will.  Have you heard this ‘funny definition’ of Insanity: “Doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.”  I guess it is sort of funny, but because it bears so much practical truth, it’s really not that funny, especially if you are struggling with an issue. Sometimes it seems, the harder we try, the worse it gets. We might have success for a while, but then we slip back into the same old patterns. We try to lose weight, or we try to stop a habit, over and over and over, we keep using the same old methods, and nothing changes, permanently.   The Bible says to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

What We Believe.  Our saving faith in Christ Jesus and our Biblical Christian World View determine how we approach all ares of life. We express our Christian World View through politics, theology, art, sociology, philosophy, ethics, anthropology, the humanities, science, history, law and government. But, in the end, this music video (creed and confession) captures the essence of what we believe.

PREVIOUS: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part 3

SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part 3

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part III

“As a person thinks in his own heart, so is he”

There is a verse in the Bible that makes a great point about the inward thoughts and intentions of a person, despite what they may project to you. This expression means that what someone says or does is not necessarily what they think in their heart. People may be courteous or polite, but have contentious thoughts and sentiments. This is particularly troublesome if that person is you.

Ultimately, “what a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” The book of Proverbs is known for such concise wisdom. People ruled by sin are influenced by the chief deceiver, Satan, and become deceivers themselves – to the point of being self-deceived.

The main takeaway here is that AS YOU THINK, SO IT SHALL BE WITH YOU, both now and for all eternity. It is important to realize that you were created as an eternal being. God placed you into carbon-based organic flesh-blood-and-bone-shell, so to speak. When the sapient outer-you passes away, the sentient inner-you, your true essence, continues to exist. And “as you have thought, so it will continue to be for you.”

If you based your life on the lusts and passions of this world which cease to exist and dies, like your flesh, then that will have directed your after-life existence (sentient) into a wasteland of outer darkness, horrors of torment, rot, decay and fire. (see Romans 8:6-8). This is the result of rejecting Jesus Christ, “being lost, alone without God”.

If, however, you have set your mind, while you live, on things of the Spirit of God, then you will have life and peace. You will live eternally in the presence and light of God. Revelation 21:4 and Revelation 22:1-5 tells us “and God will wipe away every tear from your eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

 “You will see the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb of God (Jesus), in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever.” This is the result of accepting Jesus Christ and your savior and Lord, and being born again – saved!

In this regard, Oswald Chambers, in one of his devotionals, says, ‘The work of salvation through Jesus is complete and finished forever. “I am not being saved — I am saved’. (Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest devotions on 12/5/2019.)

This made me wonder.

I have heard some say “you are BEING saved”, referring to “the process of Sanctification” (that is, to “set it apart for God’s special use and purpose”. But most of the time, when Christians use the word sanctification, they are referring to the progressive work of God to make a believer more like Jesus Christ.)

First, if you believe (or want to believe), it would be important to know what the word ‘saved’ means. Here is what I have found in the Bible:

SAVED: Strong’s concordance #4982 = sozo = safe, save, make whole, heal, be whole.

1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; (from injury or peril)

2) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health

3) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue

4) to save in the technical biblical sense; to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment

To be made safe, saved, made whole, healed, to be made whole, and kept safe and sound, rescued from danger or destruction in your marriage; with your family; with your friends; in your career or job; in your body, mind, soul and spirit; where you live; where you travel; while you sleep and when you get up.

(Please Note: In this world you will still have tribulations (troubles and stresses), but the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, (those in right standing with Him through faith in Jesus), and His ears are toward their cry for help. (But), the face of the LORD is against evildoers (and non-believers – those who reject Jesus as their savior), to eliminate the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous, (those in right standing with Him through faith in Jesus), cry out, and the LORD hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The afflictions of the righteous are many, but the LORD rescues him from them all. (see Psalms 34:16-19)

With that said, there are 4 essential uses (tenses) of the word SAVED that can apply to you:

John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that THE WORLD MIGHT BE SAVED through Him.” (NASB)

Acts 2:21, “AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (NASB)

Acts 2:47, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those WHO WERE BEING SAVED.” (NASB)

Ephesians 2:8, For by grace YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (NASB)

What struck me is the uses of this Word, SAVED (SOZO) shows a progression:

ALL MIGHT BE SAVED

THOSE WHO WILL BE SAVED

THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED

YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED

Why is this significant or interesting?

It is interesting that many believe that they “MIGHT BE SAVED”.

Many others believe they are among those “WHO WILL BE SAVED”

Some believe they are among “THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED”

And some of you know, “YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED“.

WHICH ONE OF THESE 4 USES DESCRIBE YOU?

No kidding. Only one of these four scenarios can secure your eternal destiny in heaven with God, that one is KNOWING that YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED.

Anything less can be tragic.

How can you tell which 1 of the 4 fits your situation and condition?

NOW, HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD:

John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

You will follow Him.

You will yearn to Think as He thinks;

You will endeavor to Act as He acts;

You will desire to Do as He does;

You will long to Be as He Is.

And, His Reward is waiting for you:

John 10:28-30, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand”.

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

 “I and the Father are one”.

Be Certain – It will show and it will tell.

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

PS: Ultimately, what “a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” The book of Proverbs is known for such concise wisdom. But beware: People ruled by sin are influenced by the chief deceiver, Satan, and become deceivers themselves and of themselves.

:PREVIOUSLY: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part 2

NEXT: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – Part 4

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

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 3,

Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon

These are the Acts of the Apostles. Let’s learn from them and be blessed.

Healing the Beggar

Acts 3:1, Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. Verse 2. And a man who had been unable to walk from birth was being carried, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order for him to beg for charitable gifts from those entering the temple grounds. Verse 3. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple grounds, he began asking to receive a charitable gift. Verse 4. But Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us!” Verse 5. And he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Verse 6. But Peter said, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” Verse 7. And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. Verse 8. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Verse 9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; verse 10, and they recognized him as being the very one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg for charitable gifts, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

(Commentary Break: The words of this event have to speak for themselves. I find it interesting, however, that the man “who had been unable to walk from birth” was being carried and is referred to as a beggar. This tells me that this poor man was barely capable of helping himself, so others had to help him get to the place where he could help himself, by begging. But it appears that Peter was having none of it. He calls out to the man, “look at us!” And Peter proceeds to move past the physical and onto the spiritual, saying, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”

You see, instead of satisfying the temporal, Peter has taken Jesus at His Word and believes, yes, in fact knows, that he has the authority under Jesus to give permanent restoration, so the man would no longer be a beggar but could fulfill his life’s role, being healed, made healthy, safe and whole – the very definition of being saved – sozo! This is our calling and our example.

I would like to ask, how many times have you encountered a person in physical distress or need, and you called to them and commanded “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”, or “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, receive your sight”?

I humbly submit that I have failed to do this very thing. Once I encounter a blind man and sensed God telling me to call to him, but I resisted. Another time, coincidentally, while telling about my encounter with the blind man, a man in a wheelchair rolled into the classroom where I was teaching and asked what we were talking about. I froze, again.

Finally, on another occasion, I found the courage to act. I approached a man on crutches who had his leg in a cast and asked him what had happened to his leg. He explained he had fallen off a roof. I asked if I could pray for his healing. He smiled and approved. I prayed, “Jesus, I ask you to heal this man”. The man put weight on his foot, smiled, and nodded in the negative. So I asked if I could try again. He approved. I asked the man if he wanted Jesus to heal him, and he nodded, yes. So I put my hands on his leg and prayed again. Still no healing. So I remarked, with a sheepish smile, “Well, sorry. But that’s all I have!” At first, the man laughed and smiled, but then his eyes filled with tears. I was slightly alarmed and asked if I had hurt his leg or offended him? He said he was okay. It was just that his priest had never shown any concern for him like this, and that he was grateful and touched that I would take the time to care about him and at least try. I was speechless.

The point I came away with is that it is Jesus who heals and not me. Jesus does what He chooses as He wishes. We are simply his servant and his vessel. He has told us to obey Him and act on His Word, and to leave the results to Him. (End Commentary Break).

Peter’s Second Sermon

Verse 11. While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the portico named Solomon’s, completely astonished. Verse 12.  But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? Verse 13. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. Verse 14. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, verse 15, but put to death the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. Verse 16. And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

(Commentary Break): Peter, brash as always, is obviously filled with excitement and conviction. He boldly proclaims an eternal truth, “on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all”.

Rather than assuming the outcome of the Works of God, we should be obedient to His Word and leave the outcome to Him. These things should increase our faith and our conviction. In the end, always giving Him thanks, adoration and worship for what He has done. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did. Verse 18. But the things which God previously announced by the mouths of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has fulfilled in this way. Verse 19. Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; verse 20, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, verse 21, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times. Verse 22. Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR COUNTRYMEN; TO HIM YOU SHALL LISTEN regarding everything He says to you. Verse 23. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Verse 24. And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken from Samuel and his successors onward, have also announced these days. Verse 25. It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.’ Verse 26. God raised up His Servant for you first, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” (End of Chapter three).

I believe that as we are distressed by various trials in these last days, (these days of birth pains which Jesus said are already at hand), we must exercise His authority over matters, and employ the spiritual gifts He has bestowed on us, thereby we prepare for the greater spiritual battles that looming and are coming to pass. Please, dear friends, let’s not shrink back. That day is near.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 2, Healing the Beggar, Peter’s Second Sermon.

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

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

SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – PART 2

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Simple Christianity – Part II

QUESTION: Would Jesus be welcomed in His Church, if He were to return today? Likewise, would you be welcomed in your church if you were truly following all that Jesus commanded and in the ways He demonstrated?

Could He resume His ministry as it was prior to His ascension to heaven without being expelled from most churches, attacked by the ‘woke left’, assailed by the radical Islamic front or jailed by our own government?

This is, of course, a ridiculous question because the Bible tells us that Jesus is coming back, but it will be to gather His elect and take them, (rapture them), to stand before the Throne of God so God may begin seven years of judgement on the earth. But the point is that Jesus was far too radical for most Christian church denominations to put up with Him. (non-denominations included).

Just to be clear, Jesus came to earth, was born in a manger in Jerusalem, and did exactly what He came to do in exactly the time that God the Father allotted. When His earthly mission was finished, it was finished. Then He sent us, His disciples, saying, ”Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”  (See John 14:12.)

I believe this hypothetical is worth considering as a way to determine if becoming a Christian is for you, or to evaluate your own claim as being a Christian and to help refocus Christians minds on the commands and teachings of Jesus. So, let’s begin with some of Jesus’ most controversial statements and acts and see what you think:

GO AND DO AS I HAVE DONE

It wasn’t enough that Jesus demonstrated and performed what He taught, He told His disciples to go and do the same. “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give (exactly as Jesus did it).

Why would Jesus choose to perform the impossible? Was it to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom of God? Jesus had announced that people should “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”, and they have not only seen and experienced His power, but now His disciples are told to exercise this same power under His authority. So, what has changed since that day? I have searched the scriptures and what I have found is that Jesus is the same today as He was then and His final earthly words were to “follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the age.”

DO NOT MONITIZE AND DO NOT CAPITALIZE

Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff (in this ministry of Christ Jesus); for the worker is deserving of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

I don’t know about you, but I find it very unsettling that not only are Jesus’ 21st century disciples (more specifically, many of the pastors, preachers, evangelists, teachers and theologians), inviting people to church rather than going out with the church, they are not doing what they say, they are sending others in their place. Then they capitalize on their methods and acquire wealth and fame for themselves. I not only find it unsettling, but I find it despicable.

DO NOT PATRONIZE PEOPLE – TELL THE TRUTH – STAY ON GUARD

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. Be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues (if you are doing as I have shown you, commanded and taught you); and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.

What part of being sent out as “sheep in the midst of wolves” and to “be as innocent as doves” do you not understand? Hiding behind a bevy of attorneys or cowering in the shadows!

THE GOSPEL WILL DIVIDE THE GOOD FROM THE BAD

“Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death (because of My Message). And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

The Message of the Gospel is divisive only because people will choose the darkness of this world over the Light of the Gospel. One of the primary reasons the nation of Israel has been reviled, persecuted and endlessly punished is because of their absolute standards and enduring success as a people and a nation. Now, even more so, will the world hate and persecute Christians for living the standards of Christ.

STAY ON THE MOVE – DO NOT SETTLE DOWN IN BUILDINGS

“But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

Does it become even slightly apparent that the contemporary churches are not following the commands and examples of Jesus? And please, for those of you who are the paid professional church folks, please don’t try saying, “that message was just for those Apostles”, because if that we true, then the message and command to “go and make disciples of all the world” would have ended after these men were martyred.

But it did not end there. Jesus told His disciples and His Apostles to “Go, therefore, and make disciples”. He did not tell them to go and make Christians or church attenders or religious adherents. He did not even tell them to “go and make men and women, boys and girls who will have a personal relationship with Me”, although that would be an outcome. Jesus told them to “Go 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 I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” And as the preceding generation passed away, the present generation is to carry the same message, following the same instructions, using the same methods in the same way.

Jesus commanded and commissioned His disciples to be disciple-makers and to make disciple-makers, each using his or her Spiritual Gifts as they went. They and we are to continue until He returns for His Church.

So many in the church as overly concerned about the appearance and their brand that I am fairly certain that these ‘church leaders’ would object strenuously to these and other words and methods of Jesus if they were spoken and taught in their own churches! For example:

BRING A SWORD

Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35. For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; Verse 36 and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.” 

FULFILL THE LAW

Matthew 5:17, “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.” 

CALL SINNERS

Mark 2:17, “And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

SAVE THE WORLD

John 12:47, If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

Luke 12:49, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50. But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51. Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division;  

These are just a few of the things Jesus demonstrated and commanded that we, His Church, do.

I have heard so many preachers, bible teachers and detractors alike, try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited.  These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12.  They will begin their commentary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…” or, “times and technologies have changed, so our methods need to change”.

Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said.  He is our model for our counter cultural resistance to the growing global threat of the Satanic evils of false gospels, a new religious paganism, the rise of false teachers, false religions, hiding within the new One World Religion (see the Abrahamic Family House) and the pseudo-religion of the Communist-Marxist-Globalist movements, And we need to get on with it.

Jesus’ time on earth was spent fulfilling the purpose, and will of His Father (Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:39). Jesus was on a singular mission (John 6 :38) and nothing would stand in the way of accomplishing that mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

A TWO-SIDED COIN

We are told, on one side of the coin, to “Go and make disciples of all the nations”, while at the same time, we are told to “be as gentle as sheep and innocent as doves”. We are not only to tell others of God’s Love, His mercies and His grace for all people, but we are to be like-minded, united in spirit, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household, and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse, but on the contrary, give a blessing pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection. For, “THE ONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FREE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING  treachery, deceit. “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT. HE MUST SEARCH FOR PEACE with God, with self, with others AND PURSUE IT EAGERLY and actively, not merely desiring it.

Even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, though it is not certain that you will, you are still blessed, happy, and to be admired and favored by God. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR INTIMIDATING THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED or DISTURBED by their opposition. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy, acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives as Lord.

Always be ready to give a logical reason to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance that comes about by faith that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and respect.

And see to it that your conscience is entirely clear, so that every time you are slandered or falsely accused, those who attack or disparage your good behavior in Christ will be shamed by their own words. For it is better that you suffer unjustly for doing what is right, if that should be God’s will, than to suffer justly for doing wrong.

For Christ died for sins, once for all, He, who is the Just and Righteous for the unjust and unrighteous.  The Innocent for the guilty, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. We too must follow His example.

So, now what do you think? Would Jesus be welcomed in His Church, if He were to return today and resumed His ministry as it was prior to His ascension to heaven without being expelled from most churches for His radical approach? Wouldn’t He be attacked by the ‘woke left’, assailed by the radical Islamic front or jailed by our own government?

Likewise, would you be welcomed in your church if you were truly following all that Jesus commanded and in the ways He demonstrated?

This is not just a hypothetical, is it? It is a question to be considered and answered. So, what say you?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – PART 1

NEXT: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – PART 3

SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Simple Christianity

It is my opinion, (along with the opinions of thousands or even tens of thousands and perhaps millions) of others, that Christianity has both become too complicated and has veered off the course set by Jesus.

The introduction to Christianity that most preachers use is simple enough, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense and it is not Biblical. “That” being the infamous ‘sinner’s prayer’.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, a movement emerged to make the Gospel message and the meaning of salvation more relatable. It was an admixture of long held Biblical doctrines with human philosophies, i.e., a syncretism. Words were redefined to fit contemporary social norms, hymns were updated and revised to move people emotionally, and many doctrines and confessions were modified or neglected all together. A wide divergence developed promoting differing political views, social views and musical factions.

This movement further splintered from traditional Biblical Christianity into various new age brands of Christianity, a new and improved kinds of positive thinking religion, all sorts of self-help gospels, a not-so-new name-it-and-claim-it gospel, a brand of communal christianity or the social gospel, (i.e., a twisted Socialist and Communist theology).

Most significantly, a new One World Religion, combining Catholicism, Islam and Judaism named The Abrahamic Family House, a collaboration of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issue and sign the Document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is jointly bestowed on His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Taye

From this chaos, has emerged polished kinetic, entertainment-based style of “church program” and it is becoming the face of “church” transcending denominational lines and religious philosophies.

This strange transformation of the “church experience” has the uncanny ability to excite one’s emotions, producing adrenaline, dopamine and endorphins. It’s almost like going to a religious rock concert or play. It seems to be an attractive and fun alternative to the traditional church service, especially for the under forty crowd. but is discernably lacking the power to transform a person by the renewing of their mind into what is good,  acceptable and perfect according to the Bible.

The result of this exploration of alternative methods of presenting the Gospel, seems to have created a drift from actually knowing the God of the Bible and the Bible itself. Many theologians and Bible organizations are sounding the alarm regarding the rise of  Biblical illiteracy, especially among professing Christians. According to the “State of the Bible 2020 report” released by the Barna Group and the American Bible Society, U.S. adults who say they read the Bible daily dropped from 14% to 9% between early 2019 and 2020.

The study found that the proportion of Americans who read the Bible daily also fell to fewer than one in 10 (9%), the lowest number on record during the 10 years of the State of the Bible research study.

Unapplied knowledge is just idle information.

There are a multitude of churches which have remained theologically faithful and doctrinally sound, but often they will present the Gospel Message and the Bible in ways that are theologically complex and hard to understand for daily living. Many of these remining faithful churches and preachers and pastors who tend to be “educationally academic” in their approach to preaching and teaching the Bible, may be good at disseminating information and even for indoctrination. But when presented this way it can have limited effectiveness to inculcate the power of the Gospel which for salvation to everyone who believes.

“From Keeping It Simple Stupid” to “Simple Is As Simple Does”

“Simple is as simple does” can mean that a person’s approach to matters in life and spirituality can be judged by their actions; if someone behaves in complex and unintelligible ways, it reflects their inability to find simple solutions to problems and the inability to relate to most people. This phrase emphasizes that actions are more telling than appearances or claims of the ability to reason or to think critically.

The Bible was written for every man, woman, boy and girl to read and understand. It has not remained that way and for some very good reasons, many would say. But, God intended His Word to be intelligible and useful for everyone who would believe.

Maybe We Should Make It A Little More Simple?

The Gospel Message literally means “good news” and occurs 93 times in the Bible, exclusively in the New Testament. The gospel is, broadly speaking, the whole of Scripture; more narrowly, the gospel is the good news concerning Christ and the way of salvation.

The Old Testament Law was given to Israel during the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1). The Law can be thought of as a measuring stick, and sin is anything that falls short of “perfect” according to that standard. Despite our “goodness” or “badness” relative to each other, we are all in the same spiritual boat, i.e., we have sinned, and the punishment for sin is death, i.e. separation from God, the source of life (Romans 3:23), and in order for us to go to heaven.

The Jewish Law which was the forerunner of Christianity, established the fact that being made spiritually clean from sin or “perfect” can only happen through a blood-letting sacrifice of an innocent life (Hebrews 9:22). (Although this makes little sense to the contemporary mind, it was well known and was a legalistic and burdensome thing to the ancient Jew.)

The Gospel involves Jesus’ death on the cross as the sin offering to fulfill the Law’s righteous requirement (Romans 8:3–4; Hebrews 10:5–10). (Just for your information, under the Jewish Law, animal sacrifices were offered year after year as a reminder of sin and a symbol of the coming sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:3–4). When Christ offered Himself at Calvary, that symbol became a reality for all who would believe (Hebrews 10:11–18). The work of “atonement”, being made “at one with God”, is finished now, and that’s good news. No more burden of guilt, shame or fear from one’s lack of perfection or sinlessness, for anyone who believes in Jesus, what He has done and what He promised to His followers.

The gospel also involves Jesus’ resurrection on the third day. “He was killed for our sins and was raised to life for our “justification”, or our being declared “not guilty”, justified and in good standing with God (Romans 4:25). The fact that Jesus negated the penalty of sin, (our faults, failures and imperfections), and death (sin’s penalty) is good news, indeed. The fact that He offers to share that victory with us is the greatest news of all (John 14:19).

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

The gospel is a bold message, and we are not ashamed of proclaiming it.

It is a powerful message, because it is God’s good news.

It is a saving message, the only thing that can truly reform the human heart.

It is a universal message, for Jews and Gentiles both.

And the gospel is received by faith; salvation is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9).

The gospel is the good news that God loves the world enough to give His only Son to die for our sin (John 3:16). (This statement is only useful to those who choose to believe it).

The gospel is good news because our salvation and eternal life and home in heaven are guaranteed through Christ (John 14:1–4). “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4).

The gospel is good news when we understand that we do not (and cannot) earn our salvation but God offers this “Gift” without cost.

The gospel is the good news that we, who were once enemies of God, in His sight, have been “reconciled” or brought into agreement with God and with His standard of perfection, by the blood-sacrifice of Christ, reestablishing unified relationship with God.

The gospel is the good news that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Simpler Yet

Even if you don’t know it or can’t recognized it or won’t accept it, in so many ways, you and I are messed up – in fact, you can truly say that you were born that way! And it is because of that innate condition, even though it is no fault of your own, your life will always be a struggle. No matter how intelligent, no matter how rich or connected you become, your “messed-up condition” will always present new obstacles. And, you will die frustrated and unfulfilled unless you change your core-self and your core-beliefs. Additionally, unless you succeed in changing the “Inner Person”, you will die and your soul, your spirit, will descend into what is described as an outer darkness, where there is misery, wailing, endless terror and intolerable pain for eternity. But it need not be this way. You must be born again, in your spirit.

God loves you and has given you a choice. Follow Him. Believe in His Son, Jesus and follow Him and His accept and adopt His Mindset and His ways – or perish.

The Benefits of Christianity                       Without Christ

Unconditional Love                                           Only conditional love

Satisfying, lasting Joy                                      An insatiable search of happiness

Peace that transcends understanding         Peace only from gain

Inexplicable Patience                                        Results oriented patience

Undue Kindness                                                 Requite kindness

Unearned Goodness                                          And eye for an eye goodness

Dependable Faithfulness                                 Faithful to laws or dogma

Comfort Giving Gentleness                             Occasional gentleness

The Power of Self-Control                               Control over or by others

IF YOU WILL ACCEPT IT, GOD GIVES

  • Mental, emotional and spiritual relief through forgiveness of your sins, faults, and bad deeds – past, present and future – if you surrender your life, your mind, will and emotions to Jesus and conform thinking to His Gospel Truth.
  • Ongoing forgiveness and cleansing from sins through confession to Jesus and a new turning away from wrong doing, with continual forgiveness and peace by forgiving others of their misdeeds and sins.
  • God’s abundant provisions for your life according to your true needs and more than you can even think to ask.

I WOULD, BUT I AM NOT READY TO GIVE UP SOME THINGS…

If you are thinking that you would like to have all that knowing and following Jesus has to offer, then it this is all far away from you. The correct question to ask is, “What do I have to give in trade?” And the answer is, “Just You”.

If you are thinking I have to give up this or that to be a Christian well think again. God really does not want your this or that bad habits. In fact, God cannot tolerate those things anyway, so you keep them – or not. But like I said, it is those things that are causing your problems in the first place. So think it over. Shed the things that are causing your misery, loneliness, poverty, ill health, worries, low self-esteem, etc., and find peace and true personal and spiritual fulfillment or stay the way you are, being uncertain of your future and miserable. It really is your choice.

IF I WANTED TO BE “BORN AGAIN”, HOW WOULD I GET THERE?

Just go! Go to God and talk to God. Tell Him your situation. God knows that most people cannot just unload a lifetime of thinking a certain way and shed each and every practice or habit they have accumulated over a lifetime. He will speak into your heart and mind and begin to unburden you of your this and that, one thing at a time. Later on, you might want to find a Bible church to meet people who are on a similar journey and learn some things from them. Maybe you’ll want to get a Bible and see what else God has to say to you.

And believe it or not, you really can hear from God through prayer, through the Bible, through His Church, and circumstances, IF you trade in your natural mind for a Spiritual mind by being born again in your spirit. Just tell God that is what you want and them pursue Him. It’s simple. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.

Or, hey, drop me a note and let’s talk.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

whitestonefellowship1@gmail.com

NEXT: SIMPLE CHRISTIANITY – PART 2