A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – “I will – be clean”, Part 34

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean. And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” And Jesus said to him,  “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 8:1-4.

When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of people. Such an audience, full of questions, anticipation and perhaps, excitement.

And a leper came up to Him in this throng of perhaps thousands of people, and bowed down before Him. Most likely, no one noticed at first. No one except Jesus. And, if anyone had noticed, they would have been, no doubt, terrified and repelled by this man’s disease.

The leper spoke, “Lord, if You are willing, You are able to make me clean (well).” Again, how could he have been heard above the crowd noise? Nonetheless, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. He touched him despite the disease, despite the potential reaction from the crowd, and said, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Immediately, his leprosy was cleansed.

There are many more millions who claim to be Christ followers, Christians, and deny that these things happen any longer. I have personally heard those who attend church regularly and open declare they are Christians, say these miracles have ceased, with no Biblical justification. They say that Jesus did these things to draw crowds, and since He has been crucified and His Church established, these things (miracles) are no longer necessary, or so they say. And, by the words of their mouth, it has come to pass – at least in their presence.

Jesus said the reason miracles had ceased or slowed, or that even He could do few things in some places, was because of their unbelief. (see Matthew 17:20 and Mark 6:1-6).

Imagine, anyone – especially someone calling themselves Christians – standing in judgement on Jesus’ ability or standing in judgement on the veracity of the Holy Scriptures. A troubling and terrifying thought.

Nonetheless, Jesus said to the now-cleansed-leper, “See that you tell no one [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest [for inspection] and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony (evidence) to them [of your healing].”

This man is restored physically, undoubtedly renewed spiritually and ready to be reintegrated into society. Made whole, made safe, healed; the very definition of ‘to be saved’ (sozo).

Finally, what about the crowd? Where have they gone? They aren’t mentioned again. They must still have been there, watching. Our attention is drawn away from the crowed and what they think. It doesn’t matter. The business at hand is Jesus healing a person in need. That is what matters. That is all that has ever mattered. You and Jesus, renewing your spirit, saving your soul, healing your mind, body and spirit.

If He calls you, come to Him. If you come to Him, ignore the crowds – they are just a curious distraction. Follow Jesus, only.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: (coming soon). A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – I Will Come And Heal Him – Part 35

PREVIOUS:  A PROPHETIC WORD FROM JESUS – Build your house on the Rock – Part 33

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A seminary professor recently remarked that in his 40-something years in ministry as a pastor, teacher and professor, training young men and women for ministry, he has never seen such a dearth of young men desiring to become pastors. He attributes this decline to the complexities of requirements, the mounting pressures of becoming more than a pastor to be a pastor and fear; the fear of having to say things that society is becoming increasingly hostile toward. The fear of speaking Biblical truth that results in rejection, animosity and isolation from society at large and even in the church, in part.

TO ASPIRING PASTORS:  Don’t come if you are not called. If you are fearful of what you will have to say, don’t come.

If you do come, fear not! And, don’t let the crowds rule you – they are just a curious distraction. Follow Jesus, only.

Does God Get Angry?

The Bible says that God gets angry. That is odd, wouldn’t you say? An omnipotent, gracious, loving God would lose His temper? Actually, that idea should be downright frightening to everyone who believes in God.

Does this mean God can “get up on the wrong side of His bed”, so to speak? If God is in a fickle and grumpy mood, would He cause unimaginable damage to the cosmos, the earth and to all people just because He is angry?

The Bible does say that God gets angry. Here is a link with 25 examples of where the Bible says God gets angry.

God help us if this is the case.

The Bible also tells us that God is all-knowing (omniscient), and all-powerful (omnipotent), He knows all things, and that raises some questions about God ‘getting angry’.

1. If God created all things by His design, why would He make people so they would defy Him to the point it would make Him angry?
   1. Wouldn’t God have known ahead of time that His creation would anger Him? (YES, of course, He would have known. He is all-knowing).
   2. So, couldn’t God have avoided ‘anger issues’ from the start by creating a more compliant people? (YES, He could have). So, WHY didn’t He?
2. Since God is all-knowing (omniscient), and all-powerful (omnipotent), He knows all things. And He can do all things. So, doesn’t this ‘spontaneous anger thing’ seems out of place – almost to the point of being nonsensical?

Still, God apparently has emotions. For example, there was a point in history when God was ‘sorry’ He had made humankind. (Another emotion). Then the Bible says He was ‘grieved in His heart’ that He had to destroy all living things with a flood. Yet another emotion!

Jesus also showed emotions. He seemed to get angry at times – and He is God (the Son).

So, if we mess up and upset Him, maybe it’s His fault? After all, He made us this way. Right? (THAT WOULD BE A NO).

So, what are we to make of this? How are we to respond to God if He is emotionally inclined? Are we safe? Should we quietly tip toe around God so as not to disturb or disrupt Him? Should we hide from Him? Appease Him? We should do none of the things aforementioned – except for one.

We must appease Him. And I should add, we need to understand Him. After all, He is Who created us and made us the way we are, so some understanding might go a long way.

First, appeasement comes through Jesus Christ. We need to come to Christ and from that we form a relationship with Him and gain a personal understanding of God.

God wants us to know Him – and to know about Him. That is why God came to earth as a man. A man with all the characteristics and traits of any other man, but without sin. Truthfully, He was fully man and fully God, and He invited us to come to Him, to spend time with Him and He with us.

Jesus invited us to see His humanity so we could relate to Him and have a relationship with Him. He showed us His humanity when He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness by to be tested by Satan. And, through that time of temping, He did not sin. In fact, it was during His testing that He showed us how to resist temptation and to overcome sin as a man or a woman.

Secondly, it is important to know that there is a human element in the way we perceive God. We perceive God and how He behaves and interacts with us, in human terms. We see Him as angry, happy, grieved or pleased, etc. That is how our limited mind, from our perspective, sees an infinite, undefinable God.

But, God is holy and God is perfect. That is hard for the human mind to fathom. God cannot sin and cannot and will not tolerate sin. He judges the unrighteous person, (those who are not saved – those not ‘covered by the cleansing and appeasing Blood of Jesus) for their sins.

There is a distinction we must make, for God is patient and merciful toward the sinner. But a time will come when God will judge the sin and the unrepentant sinner.

However, if a Christian commits sins, He will correct the sinner, but God will still judge the sin. His correction may come in ways that seem harsh, but in fact are purely redemptive in their nature.

But, what we see as anger (from God), in reality is His response toward sin, remembering that God loves the sinner:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
He will not always contend with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.

Psalms 103:8-12

However, if you are in rebellion against God, and your life is controlled by sin, and you are living your life according to what your passions choose, it because you are filled with ‘the desires of the flesh’, as the Bible puts it.

The Apostle Paul explains it another way, saying that ‘the sin is which present within you is making you a prisoner of your flesh. Paul laments, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!”

God will not tolerate ongoing sin because sin is antithetical to God’s nature, and sin angers God. So, if you are willfully harboring sin, you are both, in mortal danger now, and in danger of eternal damnation.

God will judge sin – and you will personally suffer the consequences of His judgment if sin is dwelling within you without the protective covering of Jesus Christ. The unrepentant person will personally suffer the anger and wrath of God.

But, there is Good News. God’s anger and wrath have been quenched and satisfied for those who call on the name of Jesus. It is through God’s sacrificial offering of His Son was payment for sin’s penalty in the life of a believer.

You do not need to suffer the consequences of sin and suffer the anger of God. You can find reconciliation, relief, peace, safety and salvation in the Name of Jesus and through a personal relationship with Him. Jesus has paid the price for your salvation out of His love great for you.

Embrace God and His love – and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Need A God-Sized Miracle? There Is A Way

The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.  Romans 1:16.

So, what does receiving a miracle have to do with being saved? First and foremost, you must believe in order to receive. Otherwise, there is a chance you will write a miracle off as merely a fortunate coincidence, and miss the full benefits. Secondly, I consider being saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ to be the greatest of miracles. So, I propose that one must be saved to receive a miracle from God. (There is a vast difference between seeing a miracle and actually receiving a miracle). It is as simple as that.

(Please. Before you think, “I have already done that –  I have been saved, so, let’s get to the ‘good stuff”. Let’s talk about what it actually means to be saved.)

SAVED: From Strong’s concordance, means to save, make and to be made whole, to be given purpose for your life, to heal and to be made healthy.

To keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your mortal body, in your mind, in your will and emotions (your soul).

To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your relationship with your spouse, your children and your family.

To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your relationships with your friends, acquaintances and the world at large.

To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your job, your career, your finances and all that God has entrusted to you.

Being saved literally means to save a suffering one (from perishing); to save one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health; to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue; to save in the technical biblical sense, to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment. (The complete Bible translation from Strong’s concordance #4982).

There are obvious benefits to being saved. And if you are around church for any length of time, you may hear the encouragement to become “a fully devoted follower of Jesus”, which is great advice. But what is usually left out is becoming “a fully developed follower of Jesus”.

The Apostle Peter encouraged believers by telling them, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you still need milk and not solid food.” (see Hebrews 5:12).

Being saved is all encompassing, but Jesus specifically teaches that there are levels of maturity you should strive to reach when He says “you should become perfect, even as I am perfect”. (see Matthew 5:48).

Just between you and me, when I read the Biblical definition of ‘saved’, it makes me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, it almost sounds too good to be true. But, it says what it says. So, I am going to believe. Now, how do I get there from here?

How does this come about? Here is the odd or surprising part – This is not esoteric or something that is unattainable as if it were on some far away mountain top, or some kind of magic available only to a few special people..

In fact, the Bible clearly tells us, “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL GO UP INTO HEAVEN?’, (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”, that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

It says, The Word is near you – it is in our mouth and in your heart. That is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:8-10

Jesus has told us, in Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, and in Matthew 10:7, that the Kingdom of Heaven, where all things originate, is now at hand, another way of saying it is as close as the words in your mouth!

Next, confessing or speaking what you are thinking, or why is speaking what you profess to believe required for salvation?  For that matter, why is saying aloud (confessing) what you believe, necessary at all?

Notice how the Apostle Paul connects Words + Believing + Confessing

• “The Word in your mouth” with also being “in your heart”.
• And again, he connects “confessing with your mouth” with “believing in your heart”
• And finally, again, connecting “with the heart a person believes” with “with the mouth he confesses”
• THE RESULT is SALVATION (soteria)

There is something powerful about saying aloud what is in your mind or heart – for good or for evil.

1. THE POWER OF THOUGHTS 

Proverbs23:7  “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, Eat and drink!
But his heart is not with you.”

2. THE POWER OF MEDITATION

Joshua 1:8  “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

3. THE POWER OF SPEECH

Matthew21:21  And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.”

Verse 22. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

John15:7  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Matthew 16:19  “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Matthew18:19, “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.”

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Verse 9. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

The Bible uses words like The Mind (set on), To Think, To Think on, Meditate, Dwell on, Speak, Say, in both the Greek (NT) and Hebrew (OT) languages to show us how we are made and how we are to manage what God has granted to us.

So, why are these things germane to receiving a miracle? Because you must first have faith. You must first believe!

Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is the seedbed of miracles: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, for by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

A caution:  The secular view by most psychologists and psychiatrists is anthropocentric (man-centered, woman-centered). The Biblical view is Theo-centric or God-centered. So, while you practice these powerful Truths, it is vitally important to remember that the Bible teaches us the difference between man-centered (death) and God-centered (life) and the application of these truths.

Finally, it is vitally important to know that faith and miracles are not random. The believer must diligently seek God by faith, first, then know that miracles are the purposeful work of God. You must set your mind on the things above,  seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, then all these other things will be provided. (see Matthew 6:33).

SET YOUR MIND

Romans 8:5,“Those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

Verse 6.  “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8: 5-6).

The Greek language for the words and phrase “the mind set on” from Romans 8:5-8, tells us that ‘setting one’s mind’ is a metaphor describing a door a or gate leading into or out of a room by which you will either escape to freedom or you will enter a prison with no way of escape – and it is of your choice and of your own making!

If you need a miracle, turn to God and be saved. Then, set your mind on things of the Spirit and live!

Please remember that you are dealing with powerful forces here.  One leading to death and the Other leading to LIFE.  Use wisdom.  Use caution. Choose Life.

This is about SERVING GOD, BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE and BEING MADE INTO HIS IMAGE.  What you learn and apply here are His gifts and methods to serve Him better and to live this life abundantly by His Standards.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Father, I pray over this article and this message and that you will watch over those who read this, who diligently apply this, Your Word, to their lives, that You will cause it to bear much fruit that You will be glorified.”   Amen & Amen!

(Related study: “Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind”.

THE FOURTH STAGE

Please do not think that by reaching this 4^th and final stage that your training in righteousness or your being made perfect in the image of Christ is complete. Being sanctified is a life-long process of being made holy, consecrated, dedicated, made separate from the ordinary an set apart for God’s special use.

Examples of this are found in Matthew 4 and Matthew 11.

Matthew 4:18-25 gives us our first example of Jesus’ demonstration of what He is calling His disciples to become and to do.

JESUS MADE DISCIPLES – WE ARE TO MAKE DISCIPLES

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 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, and followed Him.”

JESUS DEMONSTRATES HIS WORKS

“Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.”

“And the news about Him spread throughout Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.”

WE ARE TO GO AND DO HIS WORKS

“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.” (Matthew 10:1).

“As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8).

WE ARE TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON, UNTIL THE END

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.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

AND AS YOU GO

Be filled with the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Be filled with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

And finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Amen and amen!

Your Brother and Friend – (Always In Training)

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  STAGE 3 OF LAUNCH – Becoming A Fully Developed Christian.

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STAGE 3

Preparations for pre-launch are complete. Now comes the final testing. Once this testing is satisfactorily completed, we will be ready for launch. But first, Stage 3.

Examples of this, Stage 3, can be found in Matthew 4.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.  And the tempter came.”  Matthew 4:1-3

Jesus showed us how we would be tested if we choose to follow Him, that is, after becoming a Christian. He has shown us the way to resist the devil and to overcome his testing and temptations. There is nothing easy here.

The word “Temptation” as used here describes a ‘trial, and a testing; a proving trial’.

It is the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy; the enticement to sin, arising from personal desires or from the outward circumstances;

In this case, it is the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand; It is also the way the devil will attempt to divert you, and it IS NOT EASY!

It also shows the condition of a person, a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and holiness;

It comes from adversity, affliction, trouble, sent by God and serving to test or prove one’s character, faith, holiness.

Jesus set the example and showed us why God sends trials and temptations our way.  He tested His own son to show us what to expect and how we are to react.  Notice:

1. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit – God initiates the trials.
2. Into the wilderness – No food, no water, no resources, no earthly help for 40 days.
3. To be tempted by the devil – In a weakened state, alone.

This part of the Judean desert or wilderness could be arid, fiercely hot and waterless.  There were predatory animals prowling and roving bands of thieves.  Imagine how the dangers of geography, climate and the barren landscape could affect and test your body, mind and spirit.

This actually happened. It also serves as a type of metaphor for you, today: There will be ‘predatory animals’ prowling and roving bands of thieves lying in wait for you.  Imagine how the dangers of geography, climate and the barren landscape will affect and test your body, mind and spirit. IT IS NOT EASY, Brothers and Sisters!

Then, “after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came”  Matthew 4:1-3

This is the condition, and these are the type of circumstances which will truly prove a disciple.  Jesus deliberately and willingly followed The Spirit into a hostile wasteland to be tested. This is also a choice you will have to make to follow Jesus.

In a desperate physical condition, Jesus was tempted by Satan, first with His physical need of food.

Next, His soul was tempted with pride of life.

Finally, His Spirit was tempted with glory and honor.

Jesus was tried, tempted and tested, and He overcame the temptations of the Body, the Soul and the Spirit.  He has shown us the way! (Matthew 4:1-11).

We would do well to study this and commit it to memory so that anytime you are tested and tempted you will say,

1. ‘I SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
2. ‘I SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD MY GOD TO THE TEST.’”
3. ‘I SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD MY GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’

And then, and only then, the devil will leave you; and even the angels will come and minister to you.  (Matthew 4:11).

If someone told you about an “easy salvation” or some kind of “cheap grace”, don’t believe it. This is tough. But, have you ever found anything in life that is cheap or easy that had any lasting value?

Are you getting the idea that being saved is not easy, and it is not supposed to be easy?  Following Jesus is not easy, but there is no adventure like it. Rather than a temporary pleasure on earth, then an eternity in darkness and fire, you will find both purpose in life now and then eternal peace with God; things the eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard — the things God has prepared for those who love him!

Stage 3 is complete. Now, we are ready for launch – on to Stage 4.

PREVIOUS: STAGE 2 OF LAUNCH – Becoming a Fully Developed Christian.

NEXT:  STAGE 4 and LAUNCH TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

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STAGE 2 of becoming a Christian is no easier than step 1, but you may be better prepared having completed the first step.

Matthew 5:1, says, “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'”.

This “Sermon on the Mount” starts by telling us that we are Blessed, when we are poor in spirit.  We all have heard that this means we are “spiritually bankrupt”, and I suppose this can be one very basic and rudimentary meaning. Being “Poor in Spirit” however, means so much more:

“Poor in spirit” (from the Greek:  ptochos), literally means to be reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor; lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches; helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; poor, needy, lacking in anything as respects their spirit; destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure). This comes from a root and alternate meaning “to be terrified”, “as a decaying corpse”.

It should cause us to wonder, how could we possibly be considered “Blessed” if we are truly “poor in spirit”.

“Poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing.

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape, that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before.

We hear it said “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God” which is true enough, but none of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state.  It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help.  And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives.

Please read the following verses and take note of the process.  Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we must endure (yes, endure) in order to become a Christian and to “inherit the Kingdom of God”.

Verse 4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“Mourning”.  An understandable response upon finding yourself severely pinched by poverty, reduced to begging; destitute with no influence, no position; lowly, afflicted and helpless; powerless to change your circumstances for the better; lacking in anything and terrified.

Think with me.  Have you ever endured an especially difficult time?  Perhaps, as a child, you were punished for bad behavior?  Besides receiving a scolding, you may have been spanked or had privileges taken from you?  Or perhaps you endured a time of suffering and loss?  “Mourning” was the natural response.  What did you experience next?

Verse 5. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Do you remember after enduring a time of suffering or loss and “mourning” your loss, having a good cry; how your emotions or spirit was quieted for a time?  You may have now had time to reflect on what has happened, and you lapse into a time of quiet, gentle appearing reflection.

Verse 6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Do you remember coming through a difficult time, having a good cry, either mentally or actually shedding tears, and then the ‘calm the followed the storm’ in your soul?  Do you also remember that, for some reason, with the storm of your life behind you, you were actually hungry?

It is the same in our spirit.  It is usually at this point that we begin to make life-decisions.  We are either getting angry and defiant or we decide to do better and to “be better”.

For those being redeemed by the mercies of God, the process is to ‘hunger and thirst for right thinking and right living’:  which is the very definition of Righteousness.

It is through this process that we gain new insights and understanding.  How apt are scriptures to remind us in the next verse that

Verse 7. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

The word ‘mercy’ in this verse literally means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful

We are indeed being “Sanctified”:  Being made holy and set apart for God’s use.

Verse 8. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Our attitudes are changing.  Showing mercy is a sign that our hearts are changing and become pure in the sight of God.  We are being transformed in what we see and in how we see.  We are beginning to see matters as God sees them.

Verse 9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

A peace will begin to settle over the heart and mind of the redeemed and sanctified Believer.  We, not only begin to experience ‘a peace that passes understanding’ from our deepening relationship with God, but we begin to demonstrate and practice that peace of God which earns us the title “sons (and daughters) of God”.  We are being made into His image.

Verse 10. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The bible tells us, it is at this time, we inherit and possess the Kingdom of Heaven with all the rights, responsibilities and authority of a son of God, a joint heir with Jesus.

This statement is staggering, even for the fully devoted and fully surrendered follower of Jesus.  And, it is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to begin to understand.

The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” means this:

Kingdom:  (basileia from the Greek). The notion of a foundation of power; royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom; Of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah; of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom

(Note:  This comes from a root word baino,  “to walk”.  The sole of the foot; a stepping, walking.)

This reminds us of the tremendous proclamation in Joshua 1:3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.”

We are becoming and, in a real sense, we have already  become, heirs of the Kingdom of God, the place of the foundation of all power.

(Ephesians 1:4, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”)

A place of royal power, kingship, dominion and rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom, God’s Kingdom.  It is of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah.  It is the Place of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.  (From Strong’s concordance, definitions and translations of the Greek and Hebrew languages)

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”

Verse 12. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Verse 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 under foot by men.”

Verse 14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Verse 15. “Nor does anyone 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. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

These verses are a description of entire sanctification, and they should leave the child of God breathless. In John 8:12 Jesus calls Himself, the Light of the World. Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  

Again in John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Jesus is now calling you by that name!  Truly, in His Image.

If you can make this far, you can almost carry the name of Jesus as a Christian! There are only two more stages, and by this time you should be ready to resume.

STAGE 3.

Preparations for pre-launch are complete. Now comes the testing and countdown. Once testing is satisfactorily completed, we will be ready for countdown to launch. But first, Stage 3.

Previous: YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST GOOGLED – Stage 1 (of becoming a fully developed Christian).

NEXT:  STAGE 3 OF LAUNCH – Becoming A Fully Developed Christian

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YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST GOOGLED – AND, OH MY!

About 106,000,000 results (0.54 seconds)

There seems to be a growing intolerance toward Christianity and toward Christians in America – bordering on downright hate! I am finding this in about every city, town and neighborhood I visit. I have given this considerable thought, but that cannot be right, can it?

Some of my Christian friends agree that Christianity is a turn-off to a lot of people, but most of them would argue that non-believers are just hostile toward the things and people of God.

So, I ‘Googled’ the phrase, “Why don’t people like Christians and Christianity?” Here is what I found:

About 106,000,000 results (0.54 seconds)

LinkedIn:

1. Good Reason: Your moral integrity annoys people.
2. Bad Reason: You’re judgmental.
3. Good Reason: Your contentment and confidence make people uneasy.
4. Bad Reason: You’re relatable. (Or just plain weird.)
5. Good Reason: You stand up for the weak and vulnerable.
6. Bad Reason: You act hatefully.

(Click here for the entire article) 

THE GOOD MEN PROJECT:

Number 1: Child ‘Abuse’.

Number 2: Hypocrisy.

Number 3: Religious wars

Number 4: Judgmentalism.

Number 5: Issues around money

Number 6: Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ community.

Number 7: Hell and condemnation.

Number 8: The problem of suffering.

Number 9: Outdated gender roles.

Number 10: The Bible.

(Click here for the entire article)

CHRISTIANITY.com:

1. Religious Hypocrisy

2. Gospel Inoculation

(Click here for the entire article)

HUFF POST:

Number 1. Religion Causes You to Condemn Yourself

Number 2. Religion Causes You to Judge Others and Live a Life of Comparison

Number 3. Religion Makes You Feel Like God Owes You

Number 4. Religion Causes You to Live a Double Life

Number 5. Religion Focuses on the How Instead of the Who

(Click here for the entire article)

PEW RESEARCH CENTER – Why America’s ‘nones’ left religion behind:

(click here for entire article)

Are you getting the idea? Whether these reasons right or wrong in your opinion – and I disagree with many of them as egocentric – it does not change how others are thinking and feeling.

But, I do I think I understand a little about why an increasing number of people don’t like Christians and Christianity, the foregoing reasons not withheld.  I think the #1 reason is that we Christians aren’t “Christian” at all.

• We like the idea of being saved from hell and to heaven.
• We like the ‘promises’ made in the Bible.
• We like the moniker of “Christian”.
• But, most of us have tried to skip from ‘stage 1’ of becoming a Christian to the ‘gimme stage’.

There are several stages of acceptance, commitment, growth, maturation, and engagement that must take place if we are to call ourselves, ‘fully devoted followers of Christ’, let alone calling ourselves simply as Christian.

I will make note just FOUR probable steps or stages of becoming Christian, by comparing it to preparation to a rocket launch to the heavens.

Stage one – being saved and becoming a Christian, according to the Bible, is actually the hardest to accomplish, despite what the evangelist or preacher would tell you. They often say, it’s easy. “Just repeat this little prayer”, and bingo! You are saved and can now be a Christian. Come to church, give your money and act right! Woo Hoo! I call this “DRIVE-THROUGH SALVATION” & “SPIRITUAL FAST FOOD”?

But that is not what Jesus says, and it is not what the Bible says. Jesus and the Bible says that you must:

1. Acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, recognizing His sacrifice on your behalf, His power, authority, and majesty as God, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (For, it is with the heart a person believes in Christ as Savior which results in your justification, that is, you being made righteous — being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God; and with the mouth acknowledge and confess openly that this is now your belief by faith, which results in and confirming your salvation.) (see Romans 10:9-13)
2. Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to follow Me as My disciple, he must deny himself, that is, set aside selfish interests, and take up his cross daily by expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come, and follow Me, believe Me, and conform to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me. (see Luke 9:23).
3. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And the disciples were even more astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to Jesus, “Behold, we have left everything and have followed You.”  Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” (see Mark 10:25-31).

Stage 2 of becoming a Christian is no easier than step 1, but you may be better prepared having completed the first step.

Now, buckle up. We are going to Stage 2…

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: STAGE 2 OF LAUNCH – Becoming a Fully Developed Christian.

(Additional and related series, “Tested By The Spirit in The Wilderness”)

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WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE ‘BEFORE THEIR TIME’?

Seat belts can prevent or reduce injury in case of an automobile mishap or a car accident.

Wearing your seatbelt as a front-seat passenger can limit your chances of moderate to fatal injury by 50% and of dying by 45%. (NHTSA).

• Wearing your seatbelt in a light truck limits your risk of critical injury by 60%. (AAA).
• Nationally, most (90.1%) of Americans use seat belts. (CDC).
• On average, 47% of people who die in car accidents weren’t wearing their seatbelts. (IIHS).
• 15,000 lives are saved every year by wearing a seat belt. (NHTSA).

The evidence is in, and still about 10% of drivers do not always wear a seat belt. WHY, you may wonder? Poor judgment, ignorance of the law, ignorance of the statistics, stubborn, lazy, defiant, or a combination. Therefore, about 5% of all drivers are killed in motor vehicle accidents just because they were not wearing a seat beat.

Do you find that (#1) sad, or (#2) stupid, (#3) unnecessary, or (#4) that they had it coming?

(Still, this writer believes they are entitled to their choices and beliefs until and unless it endangers others.)

The sign says, “DANDER – RISK OF DEATH FROM FALLING – Do not climb or cross this fence – do not go past this point.”

Still, in 2019 three people fell within weeks of each other. Two involved losing their footing while taking photos and one from wandering to close to the edge and slipping to her death.

Park personnel, signage, literature, brochures warn of the dangers. Still, since the 1800s, about 250 people have died in the Grand Canyon from falling off ledges.

WHY, you may wonder? Poor judgment, ignorance or stupidity, stubbornness, defiant, adrenaline junkies taking unnecessary risks.

Do you find that (#1) sad, or (#2) stupid, (#3) unnecessary, or (#4) that they had it coming?

(As sad as it seems, this writer still believes people are entitled to their choices and beliefs, until and unless it endangers others.)

The same things might be said, to one degree or another, about alcoholism, drug addiction, poor dietary habits, poor health maintenance and more. WHY, you may wonder, do we kill ourselves before old age, in so many ways?  Is it always poor judgment, ignorance or stupidity, stubbornness, taking unnecessary risks, thrill seeking, habits we form, addictions that trap us? I think the reasons are as various as the people who fall prey to an accidental or an unfortunate death.

I really wish that we, people, would make better decisions by being wise and careful, but that is not how humanity works. It is, well, crazy for the most part. We live then we die. How, when and why are the only remaining questions.

Two last things though.

My wife is wise and pragmatic, and she believes that no one dies before their time is up. But when they do die, it was their time, no matter how, when or why they died.

Secondly, and notwithstanding the wisdom of my wife’s belief on this matter, there is a way to perhaps mitigate or reduce the chance of an early and unnecessary demise – or at least an unnecessarily serious and lasting physical or emotional injury.

The Bible tells about the great benefits of knowing God, having faith in Jesus Christ, and the benefits of becoming a Christian and conforming your life to the standards and practices taught therein. It is like a shield against unnecessary trouble and a mighty spiritual strength to withstand those troubles that might beset you. It has been correctly said that the Bible and Christianity is not a set of rules which limit a person, but it is truth, a guidance which will set you free. It is not a barrier to keep you in, but a fence to give you protection.

For this and many other reasons, the Bible has been and continues to be the bestselling book of all times. It is impossible to know exactly how many copies have been printed in the roughly 1500 years since its contents were standardized, but research conducted by the British and Foreign Bible Society in 2021 suggests that the total number probably lies between 5 and 7 billion copies.

I could further my claim by referencing any of the thousands of theologians, pastors or Bible teachers who expertly teach that the Bible has done more to divert people from foolish and reckless behavior that leads to tragic deaths and widespread misery.

Instead, allow me to take an unconventional turn and introduce you to Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, author, psychologist, online educator, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto.

He has written three books, Maps of Meaning, an academic work, presenting a new scientifically-grounded theory of religious and political belief, and the bestselling 12 Rules for Life, and Beyond Order, which have sold more than seven million copies.

Dr. Jordan has long extolled the benefits of the Bible and Christianity on western civilization, although he had not become a professing Christian until around 2017.

Still, despite the centuries and mountains of empirical evidence of lives changed for the better and the stability and strength imbued to entire nations which have, at some level, professed and practiced the teaching of the Bible, in 2021 only about 140 million adults,  (42%), in the United States claimed to be practicing protestant Christians. Even with this many professing Christians, many do not practice the teachings and doctrines of this faith, exposing themselves to the dangers of errant thinking and dangerously risky behaviors.

If the Bible and Christianity truly leads to a more balanced, a safer, richer and a more protected way of life, WHY then, you may wonder, don’t more people seek the safety of becoming a Christian and practicing Christianity?

Is it poor judgment, misconception, ignorance, stubbornness, defiance, lack of belief or doubt, a need to fulfill the desires of passion and taking risks?

Do you find that (#1) sad, or (#2) confusing, (#3) unnecessary, or (#4) that they had it coming?

(As sad as it seems, this writer still believes people are entitled to their choices and beliefs, until and unless it endangers others.)

The Bible tells us that ‘there is nothing new under the sun’. People and things have always been as there are now. There may be new and better technologies that allow us to destroy ourselves and others more efficiently, but we are all simply prone to poor judgment – or as the Bible puts it, “we all sin and fall short of the glory of God”. (Romans 3:23).

Please don’t misunderstand, Christianity doesn’t make you impervious to dangers, harm and death. Even with the most ardent safeguards, Christians will encounter difficult and treacherous times in their lives, including death. Still, the Bible promises, “that even though there will be many tribulations for the righteous, God will rescue them”. (see Psalms 34:17-18). It is the mind and soul that is set on God (see Romans 8:6), trusting His promises, will find the strength and peace while enduring trials.

What is to follow, for those who believe, is an eternal home with God, in “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth will have passed away, and there will no longer be any sea. This is God’s dwelling place among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”.

God will say “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death.” (see Revelation 21:1-8).

Please dear friend. Don’t take the poorest of risks.  If you want adventure. If you need adrenaline, if you want risk that leads to life, choose God through faith in Jesus. Do it now!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE DAY GOD GAVE UP ON THE WORLD – 2 THINGS WE CAN LEARN

The title of this piece, at first glance, should catch even the coldest unbeliever’s attention. But for a believer, this title should create not just curiosity but some ire. And for the newest believer, I hope it would create some alarm.

What would you say was God’s thought toward the world if I mention the Great Flood of Noah’s day? Did God give up on the world, then?

Here is the first thing we can learn, and here is what the Bible says:

Genesis 6:5-7, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So, the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them.”

God decided to destroy every living thing. So, I ask again, had God given up on the world? Was God giving up on you and me?

The answer is no. God had not given up on the world. This was to be God’s Great Reset.

Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

The floodwaters would destroy every living thing on the earth. But God would spare all those on the ark, including two of each kind of animal.

For 40 days the ‘fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky’, flooded the entire earth. Then, after 277 more days, the waters receded and the earth was dried.

Then God told Noah and his family to “bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every crawling thing that crawls on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.”

God never gives up on us, and God had not given up on the world. God had purged, cleansed and refined the world for a new beginning.

Interestingly, the Book of Daniel tells us another time is coming when God will destroy the heavens and the earth and all living things. Curiously, He uses language reminiscent of Noah’s day. But He will accomplish His Purposes by another method.

Daniel 12:10-13, says, “Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

2 Peter 3:10-13, confirms that, “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.”

“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.”

God will, once again, destroy all living things, because the wickedness of mankind will have become great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. And once again, those who have hidden themselves in Christ Jesus will have God’s favor and will be spared.

God never gives up on us, and God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where we, who have found favor, will dwell with Him for eternity. God will purge, cleanse and refine the world for a new beginning.

The second important thing we learn is that God never gives up on us, and we should never give up on one another.

Jesus has told us to do all the things He has commanded us. Again, He tells us to do the works He has done and great works than those.

But the one thing Jesus has commanded us, which is paramount, is “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” (see John 13:34-35).

We, like Jesus, are to never give up on one another. From whatever position or from whatever location, you are never to give up on one another.

We are taught that we are to go even to this extreme: “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.” (see John 15:13).

In closing, let me ask you what if in your time of need, you pray to God, and He would say, “I would like to help you or rescue you, but I am really, really busy. I have my own life to live, and I have other responsibilities. Besides, you have become hard to deal with. I will think about you, but you need to get yourself straight before I can get involved. I don’t want to be an enabler! You know? And besides, I didn’t sign up for this.”

Just reading such a thing should strike terror and extreme sadness into the heart of any believer. Of course, God would never say that. God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never give up on you. (I am sure He will not needlessly coddle you or pander to us, but He will never give up on us, even if it requires that God will purge, cleanse and refine us for our new beginning.)

So, why would we sometimes think we can receive merciful and great things from God, but that we could withhold them from others? We should not and cannot! We must never give up, on one another, either.

If we call ourselves by His Name and depend on His promises, we must do what He says and do as He does.

Please, please dear friends, bothers and sisters in the Lord, let’s pray for one another and live our lives in service and humble obedience to Him.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young