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“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and  for training in righteousness”

(2 Timothy 3:16) 

Consider This

Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that the Bible is the breathed-out Word of God. “Breathed” is from the Greek word ‘theopneustos’ and is also translated as ‘inspired’. ‘Divine Breath’, conveys that the Scriptures do not merely contain divine thoughts; they are the product of God’s own creative breath. Just as God breathed physical life into Adam (Genesis 2:7) and spiritual life into dead bones (Ezekiel 37:5-10), He breathes out His Word, imparting authority that is equal to His own character (Psalm 33:6; John 10:35).

THIS IS THE ORDER OF GOD’S PLAN AND PURPOSE

God spoke the worlds and the entire cosmos into existence. And it was not chaotic as some, (in science), consider chaos. It was formative. As time has passed, we can see that it was orderly and created the order of the universe. God created, with purpose, and on purpose.

Secondly, God’s Word is eternal. It never ceases, or fades. It is like “the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it”. (Isaiah 55:10-11). Consider what this means when “you are in Him and His Word is in you”! (see John 15:5-8)

Therefore, since God is the God of order, (see 1 Corinthians 14:33), you can safely and accurately conclude that God’s spoken and written Word is in the correct and perfect order, and that It creates order.

JESUS SAID, “FOLLOW ME”

From Genesis through The Revelation, every ‘jot and tittle’, each and every sentence, paragraph and chapter, tells us of God’s Grand Design, of His Plan and Purpose – in the order in which it is spoken. It has occurred. It is occurring. It shall continue to occur. We must read it and understand this God-made-order so we can understand how we are to obey and follow Him. We must read The Word of God and understand this, in order to understand the predestined purpose of our life and existence. We must read it and understand this, in order to understand why we exist and how we get the most out of our short lives by following (the Words, teaching and life of Jesus.)

Jesus said, “Follow Me”. Do you understand these two words spoken by Jesus?

Let me assist:

Matthew 4:19, And He said to them, “Follow Me, [from the Greek word, ‘deute’, which carries the force of a warm but urgent imperative: “come,” “come here,” or “come now.” It functions as a summons that demands personal response, never mere observation. It carries with it the idea of drawing very close to Jesus – as looking over His shoulder – in order to observe to learn from Him while, at the same time, being closely identified with Him, as His disciple], and I will make you fishers of men, [from the Greek word anthropos, which means ‘people’].” Verse 20. Immediately [from the Greek word, ‘eutheōs’, translated as “at once,” or “straightway”, gives a rapid, action-oriented pace, yet the term appears in every narrative stratum—from the Synoptics to Revelation—linking decisive divine action with equally decisive human response] they left their nets and followed Him. Verse 21. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father [they left family, friends, their livelihood and everything familiar], and followed Him.

Then what?

If you will simply read, and study to understand) Matthew chapters 4 through 10, you will see the ‘what then’. Jesus, as He always does, said the words, showed the works and then sent the workers – but even before this, they began to ‘follow Jesus’, i.e., they began to do as He commanded and as He had done. They had proved through action that they were His disciples, Christians, the Body of Christ – The Church.

So, after hearing this, would you say you and those around you are truly following Jesus, as a “fully devoted follower of Christ” as we like to say?

The Bible is written in the precisely correct order and presents us with the correct order in which we are required to follow Him.

In the beginning, in the book of Genesis, “God said” and it was done; and in the end, in the book of The Revelation, God speaks and says, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

Everything God says between these two points is thereby ordered,  “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” (see Isaiah 28:10). No word, no thought, no teaching, no command is out of order in God’s Breathed Word.

We cannot just drop into the Word of God and assume you can know what God is saying and instructing if we do not know what came before and what will come afterwards. Each and every verse of the Bible must be kept in context of the entire Bible. Remember, the Word of God is creative, causative, informative and prophetic, and the world and the universe have been framed by the Word of God (see Hebrews 11:3); and without this guiding principal concerning the Word of God, the world and the Church descend into perversion and the evils of manmade chaos.

IS THAT SO?

Let’s read Matthew 4:1-2, as an example of how each and every verse is in the context of the entire Bible, that is what came before and what comes after defines a particular verse or chapter:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said…”

If, from these verses you conclude that this event, when Jesus is tested by the devil, “serves as a precursor to His ministry and a demonstration of His sinlessness and obedience to God”, as most reliable Bible commentors assert, then you would have an opinion of many commentors. And, I suppose, you would have an idea of what one might assume about this testing or temptation of Jesus. But, you would actually be missing the main point and you will be left defenseless when your time of testing and temptation comes – because that is exactly what these verses are meant to do. They are meant to inform you, to warn you and to prepare you to follow Jesus and to prepare you for your day of testing; for if you follow Him, you will be tested – sorely tested.

It is important, even vital, to know what led to the purpose for this testing of Jesus as found in Matthew 4:1-11. And to know this you must go back to Genesis 1:1 and follow the “Scarlet Thread” through to Matthew, chapter 4. Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”:

Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female, He created them.”

In His own image:  from the Hebrew word, ‘ tselem’, we get the image, which is described and defined as a mere, empty, image, semblance; image, vain show, from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e., an illusion, a resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol, an image, a vain shew, of dubious character. (Made, from the beginning, as just a semblance of God, but not an exact representation. Made with the flaw of a dubious character, bound to fail and in need of redemption. But made with a purpose and being shaped into the image, the perfection as of Jesus – “And you are to be (made) perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). This is a creative prophetic statement, made in the future tense. God, through His process of sanctifying, is in the process of molding and making (poieo) believers and followers of Jesus into His image.

By this we can know that man is created with a sin flaw – a “dubious character and mind” as the Hebrew translation gives it. And from the beginning of the time of the creation man sinned. He was bound to fail and he was in need of a Savior, being reborn and transformed by being purified, cleansed and refined by trials (see Daniel 12:10). As 1 Peter 1:6-7 puts it, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Hence, God sent His only son to seek and to save those who were lost. And Jesus leads the way by teaching and demonstrating how this rebirth and transformation – purifying, cleansing, refining, and testing by fire is to take place, as seen in Matthew 4:1-11, by His own testing and temptations.

 To recap and further illustrate the point that Scriptures, the Word of God, is perfectly ordered, here is a linear timeline of how God foretells of a coming Redeemer, a Savior, the coming redemption of humankind and God’s sanctifying of His people:

THE PROPHECIES

Additional Insights

• Many of these prophecies are fulfilled in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.
• The Messiah is seen as a deliverer who will save people from sin and establish a kingdom of peace and justice.

These scriptures collectively paint a picture of the anticipated Messiah, highlighting His lineage, birthplace, and divine mission.

Tracing our “Crimson Thread”, what came next?:

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11, around the years 6 to 4 B.C.)

Then:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said…”, (Matthew 4:1-2.)

TO REPEAT:

God created the worlds. God created man and woman, but with a ‘sin flaw’, in need of redemption and of a Savior. God shapes his creation through trials and tribulations. God sends His Son, The Savior of the world. Jesus tells of and demonstrates how we will encounter and endure our coming temptations and trials which will lead to our new birth and to our transformation. Those who believe in, obey and follow Jesus are being made into a new creature, a new creation, being shaped into the image and likeness of Jesus through many trials, tests and temptations. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Hebrews 10:14 and Romans 8:30)

You see, everything recorded in the Scriptures that preceded the “Temptation and Testing of Jesus” (Matthew 4:1-11), were necessary precursors. It was in the proper and correct order. (This is known as a “Kairos moment”, (from an ancient Greek word ‘kairos’, meaning “the right or critical moment”, which signifies a qualitative time for action, contrasted with ‘chronos’, which refers to chronological or sequential time. “Kairos” is a frame of time which is passing, and the window of opportunity will last only for a specified period. You must ‘go through that window of time when it is presented, or the opportunity is lost.) As it was, it is and forevermore shall be. Now you know.

God’s Word says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). And, that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” And Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Within these words are the instructions that we must follow Him, in His steps, adopting His mindset, His attitude, approaching life as He approached life. Do all things as He does them. “Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

And we know that the Word became Flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (see John 1:14), and that the life of the flesh is in the blood to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’ (Leviticus 17:11).

It is not enough to just know His Words. Jesus has said that we must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, [i.e., we must abide in Him and His Words in us] otherwise you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink [true  nourishment for the body, mind, soul and spirit]. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, the one who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died; the one who eats this bread will live forever.”  

CHURCH?

CHRISTIANITY?

What was it then?  What is it now?

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal church or as the local church.

The universal church consists of everyone, everywhere, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. All those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ comprise the universal church.

The local church is described in Galatians 1:1–2: “Paul, an apostle, and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—they had a localized ministry and were scattered throughout the province. They were local churches. A Baptist church, a Lutheran church, an E-Free church, etc., is not the church, as in the universal church; rather, it is a local church, a local body of believers. The universal church is comprised of everyone who belongs to Christ. Members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church.

In summary, the church is not a building or a denomination. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ – all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Local churches are gatherings of people who claim the name of Christ. Members of a local church may or may not be members of the universal church, depending on the genuineness of their faith. The local church is where believers can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 – encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christianity began roughly 2,000 years ago, shortly after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Acts 11:26b says, “It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.” “Christians” means “Christ’s people.” Early Christianity consisted of a group of loosely connected local bodies of believers who gathered together on a regular basis, usually in each other’s homes to fellowship and worship together (Acts 16:15; 18:7; 21:8; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). These churches generally had the organization of pastors, elders, and deacons within each individual congregation.

This early New Testament church lived communally and often shared resources such as food and money (Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-36). Their services consisted mainly of preaching (during which time they might also read letters from missionaries such as Paul) and the singing of songs. They took offerings to support the journeys of their missionaries, and they performed baptisms. Also, the early Christians celebrated the Lord’s Supper each time they gathered together.

But, soon, early Christianity was challenged by Roman persecution. The majority of the persecution began with the great fire in Rome that destroyed much of the city and devastated the economy. In an attempt to absolve himself, the Roman Emperor Nero claimed it was the Christians who tried to destroy Rome and its pagan gods. From that point on, the Christians were blamed for many of the misfortunes befalling the Empire. Persecution and martyrdom was quick to follow. Because of this persecution, the early Christians were forced to meet in the catacombs, which were long, dark galleries under the city of Rome. There they continued their meetings, baptisms, and even burials for their dead. As a result of the persecution, many of the early Christians were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, expediting the cause of evangelism and fulfilling the Lord’s commands to make disciples of all nations (Acts 8:1, 4-40; 11:19-26; Matthew 28:18-20).

The early Christians had a pure, simplistic approach. The people were able to concentrate on the study of God’s Word, service and dedication to one another, hospitality, benevolence (within the church), and missions (Romans 1:8; 15:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Acts 13:1-26:32).

(The foregoing paragraphs are from GotQuestions,Org, in part or in their entirety.)

The programs and technology present in many churches today can be useful tools in helping us emphasize the same things, but are also often distractions. Compared to the structured organization of the church today, the early church looked more like the informal settings of one of our Bible studies or small groups. The church today looks more like a presentation of an idealism, entertainment to elevate an emotional response complete with appreciative applause, an oratory and a collection of funds for the support of the incorporated church through a 501-c-3 tax shelter.

Jesus never taught about starting a building program, incorporating, seeking government assistance or control, involving the unsaved, the marginally saved, or the un-tested in church leadership roles of any kind in His day. They were the tares! And this still applies in our day. Churches have allowed and even encouraged the tares to lead our churches. And you should know them by their fruit. And, they do not have the spiritual gifts necessary. And please don’t suggest that “that was then and this is now” nonsense. Our technology is far above the first century, but technology does not improve the nature and character of humankind.

The result of this religious drift of the Christian Church and of Christians has created a vacuum or a void which is naturally being filled with the antithesis of Christianity – which is evil. Satan (the devil) and his force of demons and their demonic darkness of evil is spreading across the globe infiltrating every home, institution and darkening the minds of billions; bringing wars, rumors of war, disease, sickness, famine, hate, murders, violence and anarchy.

There is an intensifying of this conflict which will culminate with the intervention of Jesus the Christ bringing the Messianic judgment, the Wrath of the Lamb upon the rebellious. He is bringing an end to sin, and end to the rebellion against God and will deliver the fatal and crushing blow to Satan and his evil.

The church has been infiltrated and compromised. The Apostles, and the Apostle Paul in particular, fought against the same things, such as the Judaizers, the Gnostics, false teachers and the false gospels, in the early church. Almost immediately after the Apostles died, the drift away from the clear teachings of Jesus had begun, but particularly during the era and reign of Constantine.

OKAY? What are we to do as these events come to pass?

We are to “follow Jesus” and do exactly as He has said and exactly as He has done.

(Read, with new eyes, Matthew 4:1-25 through Matthew 10:1-42, Matthew 28:16-20.)

So, GO to church if you will. But most importantly you must BE the church wherever you go. Know that a building does not constitute a church. If it is a convenient place, then I guess I would say “use it”. But do not lose the intimacy and the close fellowship you will find in someone’s home. You will lose the sense of belonging and of co-ownership in the Church Body. And if you are not careful, you will become a Sunday, (Wednesday, etc.) member visiting the church’s edifice. And instead of sensing the wonders of being a member of God’s immediate household, you will just sense being a member.

(Jesus said he considers His followers as His brothers, friends and joint-heirs in the Kingdom of God, and we should consider one another likewise.)

Acts 2:42 tells us that, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. A network of homes are more ‘organic’, quick to respond to one another and by their nature, more transparent to one another – and by the way, it makes it harder for the government or the adversary to interfere.

It is true that we are commanded not to forsake the assembling ourselves together, but when the Apostle Paul said, “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”, he was speaking in the first century to first century Christians who met in homes or anyplace they could intimately and safely gather.

(Remember that Paul’s admonition is the Word of God. And this word is still true today.)

Jesus never said, to any of His fully devoted believers and followers, “GO to church”. Never. He did say “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 commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” And becoming a fully devoted and mature disciple of Jesus is both taught and “caught”.

Yes, please do as the Lord leads and commands you to do. But remember that His Word was written and is written to you, for your instruction, teaching, for your rebuke, correction, and your training in righteousness; so that, you, the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for each of the good works (that He prepared ahead of time that you should walk in them). And in this case innovation has gone too far and has not been good for the Church and the mission of Jesus.

You are the “Called Out Ones” the Ekklesia – The Church. Now go get it done!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More on this subject:

The Church – The edifice

The Church – Believe, Do, Be

Building The Church

Intro to a Church Plant / Revitalization

Many in the American and Western Christian Church are either deliberately or unwittingly preaching, teaching and practicing a form of religious humanism, better known as Marxism, cloaked in the garbs of the Gospel of Christ. Either way, the effect on the church is damning.

We can trace the roots of this demonic theory, or Marxism, an anathema to the Church, to Karl Marx. Interestingly, Marx called religion the “opiate of the masses”. He meant that it acts as a mind-numbing painkiller, dulling the suffering of the oppressed working class by providing a comforting illusion of a better afterlife and preventing them from confronting the root causes of their exploitation and suffering in this world. He believed this distraction, or “false consciousness,” served the interests of the ruling class by discouraging revolutionary action and maintaining the capitalist status quo. 

I, as a Christian, vehemently disagree with and refute Marx’s philosophies, writing and teachings. They are satanically inspired and demonic in their application. History has shown it is the root of evil. It murdered hundreds of millions who resisted its grip and has enslaved hundreds of millions more in hopelessness, poverty disease and death under despotic regimes around the globe.

• By focusing on spiritual comfort, people are distracted from the concrete, temporal issues of exploitation and class struggle in their daily lives. 

(This can be seen in our postmodern era as being free from the constraints of any personal disciplines, code of ethics, or morality as defined by Christianity or Judaism.  in other words you can be and do anything or anyone you choose, regardless of the consequences to the society or the people around you. It is the belief that no one has the right to tell you right from wrong or good from evil. You can be heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, or any other variant of a species you choose, regardless of how it affects those. This kind of thinking also says you have the right to force this on others and if they do not agree, you have every right to resist them to the point of violence and even murder. Anarchy and lawlessness are the trademarks of this world . It is like in the example of the tower of Babel, man has decided that he will determine his own fate, and he will build his own man-made tower to the heavens in rebellion of and in spite of God.)

Three Spheres of Right: Hegel develops his concept of right through three stages:

AS A CHRISTIAN

I AM SUPPOSED TO DO WHAT!?

I am watching a movie on TV.  The name of it isn’t important.  It is a satire or a parody of the war in Afghanistan and, then president Obama, and his deliberate mockery of America’s military, his misuse of our national resources, his disrespect and demoralization of our military and its leadership.  Again, it was a parody of real events and real people.

In one scene, the commander of the forces in Afghanistan, an army general, is giving a ‘pep talk’ to a company of marines on the front lines.  This general has been instructed by the White House representatives that the military is there to clean up the mess Obama has made, wind the war down, under the guise of “nation building” and to install a democratic style of government.

During his speech, the general says that “we cannot help these people if we are killing them.  It ain’t humanly possible.” And, he says, “they cannot trust us if we keep killing them.  So, we need to stop killing them so we can help them.”

He noticed this group of marines were not responding with the enthusiasm as he had hoped for, so he solicits remarks from them.  One marine responded with something like, “this is all bull, sir!”

The general look surprised and growled, “What do you mean by that, marine!?”

The marine said, “You are telling us we are here to help these people?”

The general says, “That is right, marine.”

“And we are not supposed to kill any of them?”

“You’re getting it, marine.”

“But, I am a marine, sir.  I am in a war.  I kill people, sir”, the marine continued.

The general responded with, “Not anymore, marine.”

“No disrespect sir, but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me?  How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me, sir?  I am a marine, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself.  I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir.  I am confused, sir!”, the marine pleaded.

“Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused, son”, the general replies.

THEN IT STRUCK ME

We are not to kill them either. Neither by weapons nor by our words or our actions. (That is the people who are enemies of God). We are supposed to help them and build the Kingdom, even when they are trying to kill us!

Listen to the Apostle Paul as he wages his earthly war for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

2 Corinthians 11:23:

(I am out of my mind to talk like this.)  I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

• Verse 24. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
• Verse 25. Three times I was beaten with rods,
• once I was pelted with stones,
• three times I was shipwrecked,
• I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
• Verse 26. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
• Verse 27. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
• Verse 28. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Although I am a Christian, reflecting back on the movie I am compelled to say, “No disrespect Lord but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy – that I care about them?  That we are here to build their country and help them become prosperous?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me?  How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me?  I am a Christian soldier, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself.  I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir.  I am confused Lord!”

To which the Christians is told, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused son.”

The Apostle Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:24:

• “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
• Verse 25,  with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
• Verse 26,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

And, again, the Apostle Paul says, in Colossians 4:5:

• Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 
• Verse 6.  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

I have to ask, “How am I supposed to do that, sir, when they are defying our laws, burning our cities down, destroying our businesses, killing our people, attacking our way of life?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of three or five or ten of them want to kill me?  I am confused, sir!”

To which the Apostles Peter and Paul and our Lord Jesus seem to be saying, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself un-confused son!”

When we are being mocked, spit upon, beaten, robbed, and assaulted, how are we to do as the Apostle Paul says?

We do it by following the Words and example of Jesus as found in Matthew 4:1-11 when Jesus is tempted (tested) by the devil, but He resisted the devil, drew near to the Father through the Word and the devil left Him. (Notice that James 4 :7 also says that we are to draw near to God and Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We do it by “resisting the devil so he will flee from us”!

We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a person says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time-consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness, they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment, and this coat is not worth my time.”

The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance in order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holding the door open to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!

Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.

This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.

I am thinking that if we stay busy doing what Jesus called us to be doing, we will have our attention diverted away from the temporal to the things that really matter.

Our war is not a war of flesh and blood, and our weapons are not weapons of this world.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, we are to take up the full armor of God, so that we will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

We are, therefore, to be on the alert, for we do not know which day The Lord is coming.

But we can be sure of this, that if we had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, we would be on the alert, and we will allow our households to be broken into.

This is the reason we must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when we do not think He will.

So then, who is the faithful and sensible follower of Jesus, whom Jesus has put in charge of His household to give them their “food” at the proper time?

Blessed is that disciple, that Christian, whom Jesus finds so doing when He comes.

Nothing else really matters.  So, we must just get un-confused and get on with His Business!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Please click on this invitation)

AN OLIVE BRANCH IN ONE HAND – A SWORD IN THE OTHER

Girding up for War – Confronting the spirit of antichrist!

In his most recent and provocative book, Letter to the American Church, Eric Metaxas asks, “Can it really be God’s will that His children be silent at a time like this? Decrying the cowardice that masquerades as godly meekness, Eric Metaxas summons the Church to battle.

“The author of a bestselling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas reveals the haunting similarities between today’s American Church and the German Church of the 1930s. Echoing the German martyr’s prophetic call, he exhorts his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil.

“An attenuated and unbiblical “faith” based on what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” has sapped the spiritual vitality of millions of Americans. Paying lip service to an insipid “evangelism,” they shrink from combating the evils of our time. Metaxas refutes the pernicious lie that fighting evil politicizes Christianity. As Bonhoeffer and other heroes of the faith insisted, the Church has an irreplaceable role in the culture of a nation. It is our duty to fight the powers of darkness, especially on behalf of the weak and vulnerable.

“Silence is not an option. God calls us to defend the unborn, to confront the lies of cultural Marxism, and to battle the globalist tyranny that crushes human freedom. Confident that this is His fight, the Church must overcome fear and enter the fray, armed with the spiritual weapons of prayer, self-sacrifice, and love.” (see Eric Metaxas.com – Letter to the American Church)

Here is a ‘must watch’ interview by pastor Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, as pastor Hamrick and Eric Metaxas discuss how the Church (Christians) must respond to the spreading evil of the spirit of the antichrist which is in the world now.

((Please Note: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics – and politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible.))

((Again, I repeat: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics. Politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible. Just preach and teach the ‘unvarnished’ plain truth of the Word of God. ))

Key Verse

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Jesus spoke on these matters more succinctly than anyone, past or present. Hear what Jesus tells us is the ways to confront evil in our day:

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

1. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

John 18:37 “Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”  

2. TO BRING A SWORD

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

3. TO FULFILL THE LAW

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

4. TO CALL SINNERS

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

5. TO SAVE THE WORLD

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

6. TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

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

 “WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”

Jesus has told us, inJohn 14:12, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. Verse 13. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

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

Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said.  He is our model for our counter cultural resistance to the growing global threat of Communist-Marxist-Globalism, And we need to get on with it.

Jesus’ 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.”

Jesus had a divine appointment with a cruel Roman cross. Read what He said when Peter proposed to get in the way of His mission:

Matthew 16:21- 23, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

We do not literally have an appointment with a crucifixion, but, the Bible is  clear in Galatians 5:24, that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” and again in Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” which must be true for all who follow Jesus because we are on mission with Jesus. Our ‘old self’ must die so our new selves can follow and serve Him.

Jesus always, taught the Will of His Father, then, demonstrated what He taught. He expects us to do the same. Ephesians, chapter six, gives us a clear teaching and picture of the type of preparation and the kind of resolve we are to assume.

Ephesians 6:10-17, tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Stand, i. e. continue safe and sound, stand unharmed: Acts 26:22.

Stand ready or prepared: Ephesians 6:14. One who does not hesitate, does not waver, of one who vanquishes his adversaries and holds the ground, also of one who in the midst of the fight holds his position against the foe, to persist, continue, persevere: (so as not to fall from thy faith).

Jesus’ example of steadfast, unmovable courage; this is our example and our command to do the same:

CONFRONTING THE STORM

Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

CONFRONTING DEMONS

Luke 8:26-33 “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

“Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.”

CONFRONTING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

John 19:8-12  ”Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”

BEFORE THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT

Matthew 24:57-67, “Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?”  But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”  Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy;  what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him.”  

Jesus did not draw back.  (He proceeded boldly to the Cross and secured our salvation!) We must not draw back. Jesus has all authority in heaven  and on the earth and is with us until the end!

Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons – and these same reasons are our method and our calling:

TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. We are to testify to the truth!

TO BRING A SWORD. We are to bring the sword of the Word of God!

 TO FULFILL THE LAW. We are to fulfill the same law!

TO CALL SINNERS. We are to call sinners!

TO SAVE THE WORLD through Jesus. In a very real sense, this, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him

TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH. This, too, is our calling! The Word of God is a stumbling block to those who do not believe, dividing A  MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; (Matthew 10:35-36)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, this is not hyperbole, a philosophy or metaphor. Now is the time to gird ourselves up with the full armor of God and follow our Lord, the King of Kings into battle.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places and must be fought with Spiritual Armament!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: LIES OF THE EVIL ONE – BEWARE

LIES OF THE EVIL ONE – BEWARE

Let’s please stop buying the lies of the devil. He is whispering softly into the ears of the Church and many of the pastors are buying it and have been selling it to you!

Lie #1. We are to love everyone in the world “unconditionally” and equally.

This lie has done more to weaken the church and to tear her from her Moorings of Christ than any overt sin. Such attention to the world and misplaced affections turn into pandering, the type of love that characterizes a sappy, sentimental feeling such as we often hear portrayed. This can cause us to miss the mark of God’s agape love, which is characterized by loving the unlovable and the unlovely, and not because they deserve to be loved or because of any excellence we or they possess, but because it is God’s nature to love this way.

Listen carefully to what Jesus says and think. “For God so love the world (the cosmos signifying the collective mass of people needing salvation), that He gave His only Son. God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose.

(IT’S CONDITIONAL)

that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. The one who believes in Him is not judged, but the one who does not believe is judged already because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God.”

The unbelieving world is already condemned. And every one person ever born, is born into sin as an unbeliever – and they are already condemned.  But God loves us so much that He has sent His Son as a means to forgiveness and reconciliation. Those who accept His gift of reconciliation and salvation are no longer condemned to an eternal death, but those who reject His gift are His enemy.

James 4:4, call the world adulteresses and enemies of God, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (Also see GotQuestions.Org).

(IT IS A CONDITIONAL PARADOX)

We, the Church, are in a spiritual war with this world, but we are to recognize the God ordained an “uneasy truce” we have with the world. We are burdened with the knowledge that in the end, this war will bring total destruction of those who oppose God, those who are enemies of God.

Herein lies our dilemma: The Paradox. Although we are in a war with the world, we, at the same time, are commanded to love this world as God loves this world. We are to bring them the Good News that they can escape their fate of destruction by coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus. We must somehow tell them and show them that they need not perish in the eternal lake of fire at the judgment.

 We must explain to the world that God loves them with an incomprehensible love. We must explain to them that He does not will that any should perish, but that all should come to know His Son and be saved. We must plead with the world to be reconciled to God and avoid their coming judgment and eternal destruction.

THE PARADOX DEEPENS

Since the world is enemies of God, they will be our enemies as well. They will insult us, and say all manner of evil about us. They will lie about us, they will hate us, persecute us, and try to kill us, because of Jesus. (see Matthew 5:11-13).

Finally, God loves the world, not because of who they are  but because they are of His creation and He loves what they can become as His children.

Still, we must know that there are 7 things God hates and that He hates about the world. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, there are six things the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to Him:

1. Haughty Eyes. A proud or arrogant look is considered hateful by God, symbolizing pride and arrogance.
2. A Lying Tongue. The intentional misuse of words to deceive or harm others is detestable to God.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood. This refers to heartless cruelty, such as murder, and the protection of the innocent is a key aspect of God’s character.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans. The internal scheming and planning of evil deeds within one’s heart is seen as a deep-seated form of sin.
5. Feet That Are Quick to Rush Into Evil. This describes those who show no resistance to sin and quickly engage in evil actions.
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies. A person who gives untrue testimony and spreads falsehoods is seen as a hateful act.
7. A Person Who Sows Discord Among Brethren. This refers to stirring up conflict, division, and disruption within the community.

Still, because God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose, “it is not His will that any should perish”, we love them also, and plead with them. Make no mistake, although all of us were made in His image, we, as Christians, are not of the same family as the world, which brings us to Lie #2.

Lie #2. Jesus’ words were spoken to and for the entire world.

On occassion Jesus would direct His Words at the watching world-at-large, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – not for the world-at-large.

His teachings and instructions were for the House of Israel and specifically for those who would believe in Him.

Read Matthew 13:10-11, “And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”

Also please Read Matthew 15:24, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel”. (the words of Jesus).

In Jeremiah 50:6, God calls Israel “His people” and “lost sheep.” The Messiah, spoken of throughout the Old Testament, was seen as the one who would gather these “lost sheep” (Ezekiel 34:23-24; Micah 5:4-5). When Jesus presented Himself as a shepherd to Israel, He was claiming to be the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (Mark 6:34, 14:27; John 10:11-16; see also Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; and Revelation 7:17).

Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman also show an awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plan of salvation. God revealed through Moses that the children of Israel were “a holy people to the Lord, a chosen race, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6, NKJV). It was through the Jews that God issued His Law, preserved His Word, and sent His Son. This is why, elsewhere, Jesus tells a Samaritan that “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). In Matthew 15, when the Jewish Messiah says that He was sent to “the house of Israel,” He is simply connecting His presence with God’s purpose in Old Testament history. Christ was “born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5, NKJV).

God includes the Gentiles (non-Jews) in His redemptive plan. Romans 11:17 tells us that “you, being a wild olive (a Gentile who believes in Jesus), were grafted in among them (The Jews who believe in Jesus) and became partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree.

The rich root represent the spiritual nourishment the patriarchs and the covenants God made with them, particularly the Abrahamic covenant. The nourishment signifies the spiritual blessings and promises that flow from these covenants, including salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By being grafted in, Gentile believers partake in these blessings, becoming heirs to the promises of God (Galatians 3:29). This sharing in the nourishment underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

With this merciful act, God now says that “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not (just) of (Jewish) blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.” (see John 1:11-13).

This established the New Covenant House of God, the unified Body of Christ. Now it can truly be said that Jesus words were spoken for the world to hear but they were spoken specifically to and for The entire Household of God.

Please read these examples of God’s Words being spoken which may have been heard by the world-at-large, and on occassion specifically directed at the watching world, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – and not for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; Verse 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Verse 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:21. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ Verse 22. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Verse 23. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, verse 24, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Verse 25. Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Verse 26. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:23 “Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 7:4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15 “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 6:42 “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 17:3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:10 But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Revelation 1:9, I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Lie #3. We are to treat the entire world the same way we treat our Christian brothers and sisters, extending them the same privileges, honors and courtesies.

These few selected verses, of the many to be found, are representative that the Words of Jesus may have been heard by the listening world, but were spoken to and for the believers and followers of Jesus, alone, telling them how they are to treat one another. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15-20, “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Truly I say to you, whatever you bind (or forbid) on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (or permit) on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

Again, in Matthew 18:21-22, Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times”.

Jesus enlarges the concept of brotherhood to encompass all who submit to God’s will. “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Here biological relations yield to covenant loyalty. After His resurrection He instructs the women, “Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee” (Matthew 28:10), signifying that the risen Lord now counts disciples as brothers, sharing His Father and His family with them (John 20:17). (also see Bible Hub comments)

Please don’t misunderstand. I am not saying that we are to deny our re-birth as Christians nor to deny our Christlike character. We, as Christians, filled, embodied by and controlled by the Holy Spirit still demonstrate His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The world, then as now, was hostile to believers—not incidentally hostile, but purposefully hostile. Wolves are intentional about the harm they inflict upon sheep. In such an environment, the question becomes: “How can we advance the kingdom of God effectively without becoming predatory ourselves?” Jesus taught His followers that to be Christlike in a godless world, they must combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove. In using these similes, Jesus invokes the common proverbial view of serpents and doves. The serpent was “subtle” or “crafty” or “shrewd” in Genesis 3:1. The dove, on the other hand, was thought of as innocent and harmless—doves were listed among the “clean animals” and were used for sacrifices (Leviticus 14:22). To this very day, doves are used as symbols of peace, and snakes are thought of as “sneaky.” But Jesus is telling His disciples who hear (Him), not entangle to themselves with this world and its ways and thereby become distracted (pulled away) from your primary message and the path of safety.

You start by outwardly loving your enemies, and by do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)

So, if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (see Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20).

NOTE: The two foregoing paragraphs and the verses referenced in Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20 may seem philosophical, parabolic or like a metaphor, but they are not. They reveal the hidden power of how we “resist the devil so he will flee from us”!

We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a persons says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment and this coat is not worth my time.”

The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance inn order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holdig open the door to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!

Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.

This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.

Paradox? Inconsistency? Enigma? Anomaly? Conundrum? None these things. This is the mystery of God pointing to an Oracle of God, a divinely delivered message, the truth, or a command from God, conveyed through the inspired Scriptures of the Bible. (The term “Oracle”, which stems from the Hebrew word “massa”, (“burden”), and the Greek word, logion, (“word”), refers to God’s authoritative guidance and revelation to humanity.)

So, how is this to conclude and what am I to take from this? What am I to do? Please, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not be confused. Do not be deceived.

1. Love the world as God loves the world – on purpose and with His singular purpose.
2. Love what God loves and hate what God hates.
3. Know that the world may have heard what Jesus spoke, but His words were spoken to and for those who would believe in Him and would follow Him. (Know the difference).
4. There is a difference between the world and the family of God, the chosen ones, the children of God. (Know the difference).
5. Be aware that we are already engaged in the End Times War. It originates in the Spiritual realm but is being fought in the natural realm.
   1. Know your enemy.
   2. Know your weapons.
   3. Know God’s strategy. (Know the differences).
6. We act toward and treat our Christian brothers and sisters differently than how we act toward the world. (Know the difference).

“The accuser of our brothers and sister, Satan, has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And the brothers and sisters in the faith overcame the devil because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: AN OLIVE BRANCH IN ONE HAND – A SWORD IN THE OTHER.

WHEN DOES THE 7 YEARS BEGIN?

When does the “Great & Terrible Day of The Lord” and the 7 years of the Great Tribulation begin?

And, When does the “midpoint” (3.5 years) occur?

This can be a great mystery. But, it need not be.  Here is the Tribulation Timeline, in summary:

The opening of Tribulation Seal ONE began sometime between the birth of Jesus and A.D. 95 as testified to by Jesus, His Apostles and disciples.

Seals ONE through FOUR have been broken, progressively, up until this day and seal FIVE is being progressively opened (These are known as the Birth Pains of the Tribulation, which began at or around the time of the birth of Jesus, They inclued the Great Apostasy, falling away from the faith in Christ, a great persecution of Christians, the final signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her enemies), which leaves only one event to be completed – The revealing of the man of perdition – before the SIXTH TRIBULATION SEAL is opened, marking the beginning of the 7 years of Great Tribulation, also known as the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb.

Please read these scriptures and testimonies by Jesus, His Apostles and disciples, confirming that the Last Days and the breaking of tribulation seals one through five had begun in or around the birth of Jesus through A.D. 95 found in:

Look for and make note of ‘clues’ in the following verses:

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

(1). Jesus warned that “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5). Do you see these things in our day? Is this a clue pointing to the “Last Days”?

(2). Jesus said, “In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes”. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the Fourth Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8). Do you see these things happening in our day? If you aren’t ‘denominationally biased’ could this reasonably be a clue to the timing of the “Last Days”?

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

Jesus calls the 1^st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2^nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6^th 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).

Do you now see the clues to the timing of the first 5 tribulation seals?

Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last 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), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).

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

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

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

What would you think?

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

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

Would you now think the Last Days began? Want more?

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

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

According to the words and the testimonies of Jesus , His disciples and Apostles, the “LAST DAYS – THE LAST TIMES – THE END OF THE AGES – THE END OF ALL THINGS – THE BIRTH PAINS OF THE TRIBULATION” began with the Birth of Christ Jesus.

With the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal we will see that THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31 & Revelation 6:12-16)

Sometime after the rapture of the church, which occurs at the 6th Seal, the Antichrist enters a treaty with Israel. This begins the seven-year tribulation:

Daniel 9:25, So you are to know and understand that from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Messiah (the Anointed One), the Prince, there will be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it will be built again, with [a city] plaza and moat, even in times of trouble. Verse 26. Then after the sixty-two weeks [of years] the Anointed One will be cut off [and denied His Messianic kingdom] and have nothing [and no one to defend Him], and the people of the [other] prince who is to come [The “prince” is often interpreted as a future ruler or antichrist figure, suggesting a dual fulfillment of prophecy] will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will come with a flood [of military people]; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. Verse 27. And he will enter into a binding and irrevocable covenant with the many [enemies of Israel] for one week (seven years), but in the middle of the week he will stop the sacrifice and grain offering [for the remaining three and one-half years – culminating at the seventh tribulation trumpet]; and on the wing of abominations [i.e., a specific part of the Temple] will come one who makes desolate [i.e., the antichrist], even until the complete destruction [a sacrilegious act that defiles the temple, making it desolate – conveys the idea of being laid waste, astonished, or appalled. It describes both the outward ruin of places and the inward stupefaction of people confronted with divine judgment or overwhelming calamity]., one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who causes the horror [or the one who makes desolate which is the antichrist and his forces].”

At the midpoint of the tribulation (1,260 days later – a the seveth tribulation trumpet), the Antichrist breaks the treaty, desecrates the temple, and begins to persecute the Jews.

At the end of the tribulation (1,260 days after the desecration of the temple), Jesus Christ returns to earth and defeats the forces of the Antichrist. (See Revelation 19:11-21 through Revelation 20:1-3 – and notice that Jesus and His armies appear in the skies, and Jesus does not put foot on the earth, but an angel descends to earth to bind and throw satan into the abyss.)

During the next 30 days (leading up to 1,290 days after the desecration of the temple), Israel is rebuilt, and the earth is restored.

During the next 45 days (leading up to 1,335 days after the desecration of the temple), the Gentile nations are judged for their treatment of Israel.

Then the millennium begins, and it will last for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:3, 5–6).

Here is a more complete description of the Tribulation Timeline. Concern yourself with the first SIX SEALS.):

– THE TRIBULATION JUDGMENTS LEAD TO THE END OF THE AGE –

(Concern yourself with the first 6 Seals):

Revelation Ch. 6 – as corresponding to – Matthew Chapter 24

the 1st Tribulation Seal  –  Global conquest and political intrigue

the 2nd Tribulation Seal –  Wars and Rumors of War

the 3rd Tribulation Seal  –  Famine

the 4th Tribulation Seal  –  Death

the 5th Tribulation Seal  –  Martyrs, persecution,Anti-Christ, falling away

During the ‘tribulation period of “birth pangs” (see Matthew 24:8 & Revelation 6) begins with the breaking of the 1st Tribulation Seal and continues through the 5th Tribulation Seal, during which time we will see the

• Apostasy,
• The great persecution of Christians,
• The revealing of the man of perdition and
• The signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her enemies.

The 1st Seal of the tribulation was being broken just after the death and resurrection of Christ and the succeeding seals (Seals 2 – 5) have been broken at various periods of time since AD 1 and that we have now entered the time of the breaking 5th Tribulation Seal. Jesus refers to this period, the breaking of the tribulation Seals ONE through FIVE as “the beginning of the birth pangs”, and He points out that “this is not yet the end”.

Then, with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal , THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE DAY OF THE LORD, THE GREAT TRIBULATION, BEGINS. (Matthew 24:29, & Revelation 6:12)

“THE GREAT TRIBULATION”

the 6th Tribulation Seal  –  Cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun

(During the Sixth Tribulation Seal)

• Sealing of the 144,000
• The Rapture
• Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God

As witnessed by, Matthew 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. Verse 31. “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

The “7 years of Great Tribulation” (aka Daniels 70th week) begins with the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, will reach the mid-point of the tribulation period, (after three and one half years) with the sounding of the 6th Trumpet of the Great Tribulation.

Then, the Great Tribulation will end with the pouring out of the 7 Bowls of Wrath.

I will continue through the ‘Bowl Judgments’ in this article, but, for the Christian, The Rapture has occurred at this point and Jesus has taken His Spotless Bride, The Church, to the Throne of God, Her eternal home.

Be Sure. Be ready. Be secure.

Eternally In His Grip – Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young.

So now you see what is coming and is in fact now upon us. So, if you have never prayed and given your life to God through faith in Jesus, now would be a good time:  “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and surrender my heart and my life to you.  I will trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior the rest of my days.” 

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The 7th Tribulation Seal – (click to continue) – The announcement of the 7 Trumpet Judgments.

(Ancillary reading:  The Great Concurrence and Convergence of Events)

Is your future and your fate predetermined, or do you have a say in the matter?

Predestination: Strong’s Concordance number 4309, proorizó, to establish boundaries or limits.

Predestination, (proorizó), speaks of God’s decisive appointment of events and people to their ordained end. The verb is consistently used of divine initiative that unfolds in time what was settled in eternity. Whether the subject is salvation, adoption, glorification, or the very death of Jesus Christ, the word frames history as the outworking of God’s purposeful counsel.

Through its six appearances, Strong’s number 4309 unveils a God who lovingly, wisely, and effectively determines the destiny of His Son, His people, and history itself. The church’s confidence, worship, mission, and hope all rest on this firm foundation: “The plan of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations”

 Romans 8:29 – For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

 Romans 8:30 – and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

 Ephesians 1:5 – He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

 Ephesians 1:11 – In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,

 Matthew 22:14 – “For many are called, but few are chosen (elected).”

 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen (elected) you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

 2 Timothy 2:10 – For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen (elected), so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

 NOW, IN CONTEXT:

 Matthew 18:14 – “So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.

Matthew 18:14 IN CONTEXT:

Matthew 18:12-13, What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? “And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 IN CONTEXT:

John 3:16-21, For God so loved the world, that He gave His ^(C3)only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. “And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil.” For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. “But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.”

2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 IN CONTEXT:

2 Peter 3:9-14, The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.

 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation;

CONTEXT AND DEFINITIONS

John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.”

 “WILL DRAW”: Helkysō, Strong’s 1670: To drag, draw, pull, persuade, unsheathe.

The term “draw” indicates an irresistible attraction or pulling power, suggesting the universal scope of Jesus’ redemptive work. This aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6, where the Servant of the Lord is a light to the nations, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. The use of “everyone” underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking cultural and ethnic barriers, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and the vision of a diverse multitude in Revelation 7:9. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the means by which He draws all people, offering salvation to anyone who believes in Him.

“ALL” [men].
Strong’s 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

“MYSELF”.

Strong’s 1683: of myself.

Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

 “For many are called”.

This phrase highlights the broad invitation of the Gospel. In the context of Matthew 22, Jesus is speaking about the parable of the wedding banquet, where many guests are invited. The “calling” refers to the general invitation to salvation extended to all humanity. This aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of being God’s chosen people, yet Jesus expands this to include Gentiles, emphasizing the universal reach of God’s call.

“but few are chosen”.

This part of the verse underscores the distinction between being called and being chosen. While many hear the Gospel, only a few respond in faith and obedience, demonstrating the transformative work of God in their lives. This echoes the concept of the “remnant” found in the Old Testament, where only a faithful few remain true to God (Isaiah 10:22). Theologically, this can be connected to the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals for salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). It also reflects the parable’s context, where many invited guests refuse to attend the wedding, symbolizing those who reject God’s invitation. This phrase challenges believers to examine their response to God’s call and to live in a manner worthy of being chosen.

CHOSEN (elected): Electos.

Strong’s 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite. Picked out, chosen; chosen by God; to obtain salvation through Christ; Christians are called “chosen or elect” of God; the Messiah is called “elect”, as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable; choice, select, i.e. the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians

What can make this a difficult concept to grasp is our preconceived notion or understanding of God’s Omniscience. God knows all things at all times. God calls all people to Himself and He knows which ones will respond in faith to His call – therefore, those who will one day respond to His calling and will submit themselves, by faith, to accept the call and become Christians, THEY ARE THE ELECT. THEY ARE THE PREDESTINED ONES.

God calls all people to Himself. God draws all people to Himself. Only the ELECT and the PREDESTINED (those who choose to receive and accept God’s call) will be saved.

Universal Call.
The phrase “all men” indicates the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all, and His call extends to every person, regardless of background.

Response to the Call.
While Jesus draws all men, individuals must respond to His call. This involves faith and repentance, turning towards Jesus as Savior and Lord.

IN CONCLUSION:

 If God has preordained or predestined all things for all people, then why pray? Why witness? Why evangelize?

 Early church fathers linked the term to God’s foreordained plan but retained room for human responsibility. Augustine insisted that predestination is rooted solely in God’s grace, a view strengthened by the Reformers, who saw in predestination (proorizó) the biblical foundation for unconditional election.

Post-Reformation debates, especially between Reformed and Arminian theologians, turned on whether predestination is conditioned on foreseen faith or unconditioned by any human factor. Yet both streams treated the verb as affirming God’s right to order salvation.

(Unconditional Election is a theological concept in Calvinism that teaches God chooses certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will, without any conditions or merits on the part of those chosen. This doctrine emphasizes that God’s decision to save is not influenced by any actions or faith of the individuals but is entirely an act of His grace. The Arminian view of predestination holds that God has decreed to save those who believe in Christ, with this election being based on God’s foreknowledge of their faith. Unlike Calvinism, which teaches unconditional election, Arminianism emphasizes that individuals have the free will to accept or reject God’s grace. ((American Baptist Churches, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Free Will Baptists, United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Free Methodist Church, Assemblies of God, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Foursquare Church, Mennonite Church, Brethren in Christ, Evangelical Friends International, Church of the Nazarene, Wesleyan Church, Salvation Army)).

(From GotQuerstions.Org): There are several common misconceptions about unconditional election. First, it is important to understand that the doctrine does not teach that God’s choice is capricious or arbitrary. It is not random or made without reason. What it does teach is that God elects someone to salvation not because of something worthy God finds in that individual but because of His inscrutable, mysterious will. He makes the choice as to who will be saved for His own reasons, according to His own perfect will and for His own good pleasure (Ephesians 1:5). And while some object to the doctrine of election as being unfair, it is nevertheless based upon God’s will and it pleases God; therefore, it must be good and perfectly just.

Another misconception is that unconditional election precludes and stifles evangelism, but the reality is just the opposite—it empowers and confirms it. When one correctly understands that God has not only elected certain individuals to salvation but also has ordained the means of salvation—the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16; Romans 10:14-17)—it empowers the spreading of the gospel message and the call to evangelism. We see this very thing in Paul’s writing to Timothy in the midst of deep persecution. “I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ…” (2 Timothy 2:10). A proper understanding of the doctrine of election encourages evangelism and guarantees its success. It overcomes the fear of failure when sharing the gospel and empowers people to remain faithful to the message in times of great persecution. They know that the power lies in the gospel message and in God’s sovereign election and not in their own feeble presentation. A biblical understanding of election helps one share the gospel freely with all people, knowing that any one of them could be Christ’s sheep whom He is calling into His fold (John 10:16). It is not up to us to determine if someone is elect or non-elect, and there is always the promise of salvation for anyone who will repent and believe in Christ. The gospel message should be preached to all people in the knowledge that God will use it to draw His sheep to Himself.

Unconditional election also does not mean that there will be people in heaven who do not want to be there, nor will there be people in hell who wanted to be saved but could not be because they were not elect. Unconditional election properly recognizes that, apart from God’s supernatural work in the life of a sinner, men will always choose to reject God and rebel against Him (see the article on Total Depravity for more information on this subject). What unconditional election does correctly recognize is that God intervenes in the lives of the elect and works in their lives through the Holy Spirit so that they willingly respond in faith to Him. Because they are “his sheep…they hear his voice and follow him” (John 10:1-30). As for the non-elect, God is still gracious to them, but because of their sin they are not thankful for that grace, nor do they acknowledge Him as God (Romans 1:18-20). Consequently, they receive the just punishment due them. Those whom God elects are beneficiaries of His sovereign grace and mercy, and those whom He does not elect receive the justice they have earned. While the elect receive God’s perfect grace, the non-elect receive God’s perfect justice.

EITHER WAY

 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen verse 2, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Vesrse3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, verse 4, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, verse 5, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Verse 6. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, verse 7, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; verse 8, and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, verse 9, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Pastor Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone (Calvary) Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, on Predestination.

The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24, “Jesus put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, Verse 25, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. Verse 26. So, when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. Verse 27. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ Verse 28. He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So, the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ Verse 29. But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Verse 30. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

This is a prophetic and instructional warning given by Jesus to His disciples (and all future disciples, i.e., Christians).  Jesus spoke these words in or around A.D. 29. Matthew recorded this event in or around A.D. 60. These dates are especially important when considering the timing of the tribulation periods as this is a reference to the coming Fifth Seal of the Tribulation. (Read to the end to see how Jesus explains this parable of the weeds.)

The Apostle Paul says this (of the coming Fifth Tribulation Seal):

2 Thessalonians 2:1 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,

(First, please note that this is a direct reference to the time just after the Fifth Tribulation seal and the instant of the Fifth Tribulation seal:

Matthew 24:29, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

 Verse 31. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet-call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”)

Continuing with 2 Thessalonians 2, verse 2, “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. (“The Day of the Lord” is the Great Tribulation which is a 7 year period which begins with the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation seal).

 Verse 3. “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, verse 4, 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.”

Paul makes a direct mention that BEFRORE the Day of the Lord, the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation seal and during the Fifth tribulation seal, the Apostasy is completed.)

Outlined, verse by verse, makes this easier to understand; just read slowly and take it at face value.

1. With regard to the coming of our Lord and the gathering together to Him

2, Do not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

3. Let no one in any way deceive you

*4. For the day of our Lord and the gathering together to Him will not come unless the apostasy comes first

*5. For the day of our Lord and the gathering together to Him will not come unless the man of lawlessness is revealed

6. The man of lawlessness is the son of destruction, (verse 4) who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship,

7. He takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

WHAT IS THE APOSTASY: In Christianity, Apostasy is the rejection of Christianity by someone who formerly was a Christian.

The title of this article might suggest that misbehavior and apostasy is a recent malaise of the church.  Apostasy, from the Greek word, “apostasia”, means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or breach of faith.”

The term apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia, meaning defection, departure, revolt or rebellion. It has been described as “a willful falling away from, or rebellion against, Christianity.

In the first-century world, apostasy was a technical term for political revolt or defection.   Actually, just like in the first century, spiritual apostasy threatens the Body of Christ today.

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

Matthew 24:9, also tells us that one sign of the Fifth Tribulation Seal is being broken and reason for a ‘falling away from the faith’ is, “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Verse 10. And at that time many will fall away from the faith, and they will betray one another and hate one another. Verse 11, And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. Verse 12. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.”

Even now, before the great persecution of Christians has reached the Western world, Pew Research and Barna Research, both, are revealing what the corporate Church is unwilling to admit, that many are leaving the church and are not returning. But, the other half of this ‘equation’ is that many are LEAVING THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS – that is, they are falling away from the faith – but they are staying in the church .

This “falling away from the faith”, as told by Pew and Barna research, alone, may not signal what prophetic scriptures has foretold regarding the “Great Falling Away” (The Great Apostasy) but, considering everything that has already come to pass (the breaking of the first four Tribulation Seals) you can be confident this is what is prophesied.

Just prior to this falling away from the faith, Jesus warns, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people”, (Matthew 24:4-5). False teachers may not say the exact words, “I am Jesus”, but they will claim to represent Jesus and His Gospel, and will mislead many people. Institutional deception is our greatest threat.

I have personally experienced pulpit bullies, false teachers, apostates and heretics in our postmodern church.  Many of these men seem to have started right, but, over time, their ‘true selves’ emerged, and they are the ravenous wolves which scriptures warn about:

Matthew 7:15-23  says, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?  “So, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.  “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

      “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

This is being seen in the Church of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Please review this timeline progression of the Church falling into apostasy:

AD 1 The Church of Jesus Christ, The Body of Christ, had no buildings, little money and no wealth. The Church was a Movement.

Although the penalty for becoming a Christian was often death. The Church grew exponentially.

AD 49. The Church expanded into Greece. The Church became a philosophy to many. The Church grew and size and influence.

AD 313.  The Church expanded into Rome and it gained recognition. It grew in power and popularity. It obtained wealth, buildings, property and influence. It became an institution.

AD 380.  The Church expanded into Europe. It was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It grew in wealth, stature, power and influence. It had become a culture.

AD 1607.  The Church reaches America.

AD 1681.  The Church became corporate. It had became a business and incorporated. It became regulated by the government.

The Corporate Church grew. It needed money to support growth and expansion, which meant the Corporate Church needed more people.

AD 1777.  The state of Virginia granted tax exemption to houses of worship.

AD 1894.  The corporate church was granted tax exemptions by the Federal Government.

AD 1954.  The Federal Government regulated what a church could and could not say in order to retain tax exempt status.

The church continued to grow, and in order to attract more people the Corporate Church lowered its membership and doctrinal standards. More people became ‘members’ and gave more money to support more growth.

The Church corporation is complete with leaders, boards and membership and a business model.

Local churches compete against one another for members (customers). The church is selling itself in “three line slogans”.

The Church members now have choices and have become religious consumers. Church people can shop around for the religious brand and standards that best suits them. (2 Timothy 3)

The Leadership (pastors and preachers) have become CEOs, disciples have become church leaders, growing their 501(c)(3) business models.

Record numbers of pastors quitting because of stress, burnout or are being fired by their congregations (some stats say 1500 – 1700 leave “the ministry” each month).

Church debt in America soars; church foreclosures soar.

AD 1968.  The church ordains homosexuals as clergy.

AD 1972.  The United church of christ ordains homosexual clergy

AD 2010.  The Lutheran church ordains homosexual clergy

AD 2012.  The Presbyterian church ordains homosexual clergy

The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have also allowed ordination of openly gay and lesbian candidates for ministry for some years.

Internationally, churches that have ordained openly lesbian or gay clergy include the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Norway, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Iceland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the Evangelical Church in Germany, the Methodist Church in Britain, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the Swiss Reformed Church, the United Protestant Church of France, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church in Canada, the Old Catholic Church, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and the United Church of Christ in Japan.

AD 2021.  The church is losing and has lost influence. The church in 2021 is losing members and adherents. (George Barna research; Pew Research)

AD 2025.  Much of the current-day church is teaching and living a different Gospel than that of the Apostles.

JESUS EXPLAINS THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS OF THE FIELD

Matthew 13:36, “Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” Verse 37. He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. Verse 38. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, Verse 39, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Verse 40. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. Verse 41. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, Verse 42, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Verse 43. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

FAITHFUL AND WISE

Matthew 24:45, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant*, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

The Reward of the Faithful Servant

They were all called ‘servants’ but only the ones who did what the Master said are rewarded. The wicked disobedient will be cut to pieces and put with the hypocrites where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 THEY ARE ALL CALLED VIRGINS

Matthew 25:1, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. ’And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’

But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

The Punishment of the Wicked

But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

THEY ARE ALL CALLED SERVANTS

Matthew 25:14, “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So, take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The Rewards of the Faithful and the Punishment Fearful Servants

They were all called ‘servants’ of the Master. But only the faithful are rewarded and the fearful are counted as worthless and are cast into the outer darkness.

THE SHEEP FROM THE GOATS

Matthew 25:31, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The Final Judgment

The faithful sheep on His right and the goats on His left. The sheep who showed compassion, mercy and servanthood are welcomed into the kingdom prepared for them since the foundation of the world.

The unfaithful goats on His left are told to depart from Him, and are called cursed, and sent into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels

WHO SHOULD HEAR THIS AND HEED HIS WORDS?

Pastors: Prepare those in your charge. Teach this to them. Remind them. Warn them. Encourage them. You are to watch over and to care for the flock of Jesus. It is not yours to judge or to remove them. Please remember that you are being held to a higher accountability.

Christians: Those whom Jesus calls the ‘good seed’ or the ‘wheat’. Jesus has said He speaks in parables because “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”

If we are to consider ourselves as followers of Jesus, that is as Christians, then let’s check ourselves to insure that our faith is not without works, otherwise that faith is dead. Let’s be found doing what Jesus teaches in the way and in the spirit He commands. Otherwise, we may be deluding ourselves and will be found out at the time of the judgment as being among the ‘tares and weeds’, counted amount the ‘foolish’ and of the ‘goats’ to be separated and ‘sent into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Previous: THE GREAT REBUKE – Why Are You Standing Looking Into The Sky?)

More on these matters:

DECEPTION WITHIN THE CHURCH

SHIPWRECKED – Enemies Within The Church

THE FALSE CHURCH EMERGES

PULPIT BULLIES

WHAT IS THIS STRANGE NEW GOSPEL?

THE GREAT REBUKE

“Why Are You Standing Looking Into The Sky?”

These words from Acts 1:1-10, and particularly verse 10, are usually overlooked or at least marginalized. But this is one of the most important instructions and warnings for the Christian, over the ages and up to this day.

Background:

Acts 1:1, Theophilus, in the first book and account that I (Luke) composed, was about all that Jesus began to do and teach, verse 2, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. Verse 3. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ Instructions:

Verse 4. Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; verse 5, for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Apostle’s Self-Centered Inattention:

Verse 6. So, when they, (the apostles), had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus’ Rebuke and Instructions:

Verse 7. But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; verse 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 as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

The Apostle’s Focus:

Verse 9. And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight.

The Angel’s Rebuke:

Verse 10. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, verse 11, and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

And so it is today. Ask just about any Christian what they think about Jesus’ return, and most will say something like, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” (Apparently a rendition of Revelation 22:20, and usually uttered as a frustration with the condition of our world or the condition of the life of the person speaking and the desire to escape to a paradise or a heavenly utopia). Either way, their attention is focused on the skies and a ‘future hope’. (see Matthew 24:30, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky”.) But our Hope has already come to seek and to save the lost. All of Jesus teachings and commandments to His followers, that is to His Church, have been about what we are to be and to be doing now! He never once said (or suggested) that we should stand idly by gazing into the heavens, just hoping for and waiting for His return.

Two Things We Are To Be Doing NOW:

(#1). Jesus final and greatest commission is found in Matthew 28:16-20, “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, 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 commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

And just in case you might think, “well, I am no Apostle. I can’t do such things”, then think again. You contribute to the cause; you assist in this Great Commission by utilizing the Spiritual Gift(s) that God has given you for this very purpose. “Some as Apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, pastor and teachers”. Whether through your gift of healing, giving, administration, faith, mercy, exhortation, helps, or discernment and the likes, you are called to go and do!

(#2). And when that day of His return does come, the very thing you do not want to be found doing is standing idly, staring skyward, for He will ask, “Why do you call me Lord when you do not do what I say? I do not know you”. (see Luke 6:46-49 and Matthew 7:21-23).

You see, the day is coming, and is very near, when “every eye will see Him” (see Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 24:30), and as Paul said, it will happen “in a twinkling of an eye” (see 1 Corinthians 15 :52).

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 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”. (Matthew 24:29-31).

There will be no time to catch up on the things you have left undone, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But, be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will come… then, when the master of that slave comes on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, He will cut him in half and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth…He will answer saying, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you’…He will throw those worthless slaves into the outer darkness, and in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”…Be on the alert because “then comes the judgment”. (see Matthew 24:32-51 through Matthew 25:1-46),

The time to prepare is now. The time to act is now.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

(Next:  Please continue here, for more detail on what it means to get ready for His return and what we are to be doing: A STRONG MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH – In This Year, 2025).