https://open.spotify.com/episode/7L4YInS9owZFBfo7ESAB9d

– “Israeli Rabbi Says He’s Already Holding Meetings With Messiah” – Ryan Jones, Israel Today News, September 2022

“For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.”

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”  –  (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)

I have studied Biblical eschatology diligently and seriously for 20 years, specifically regarding the timing of the periods of the tribulation (i.e., the Seals, Trumpets and Bowls), specifically to understand the second advent of Jesus, the rapture of the Church and our required preparation and response – with nothing to gain except understanding.

It is my studied understanding and iron-clad conviction that the 1st Tribulation Seal was broken coinciding with the birth of Jesus. This is confirmed by the statement and testimonies of the Apostles Paul, Timothy and Peter, and by the words of Jesus, Himself. (see link below).

Seals two through four have been broken sequentially, occurring around A.D. 30 to A.D. 90. They have overlapped and continue to increase in intensity and severity.

The 5th Seal has only recently been broken (in the last 75 years, perhaps) and is overlapping and continuing with the previous 4 seals.

A harbinger that the 6th Seal is close to being broken is the revealing of the antichrist.

(NOTE:  The 6th Seal begins with a trumpet sounding and the appearing of Jesus in the clouds of the sky ‘for every eye to see’, the ‘gathering of the elect from the four corners of the earth’, cosmic and terrestrial cataclysms, the numbering of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel and the ‘appearing of an innumerable crowd of every tongue and tribe from earth before the throne of God’.)

For detailed information on the sequences and timing, see this LINK:  “Immediately After the Tribulation of Those Days”.

NOW, on to Excerpts From The Israel Today News:

“Israeli Rabbi Says He’s Already Holding Meetings With Messiah”

“A snapshot of Israel’s spiritual hunger, as the biggest-named rabbis are afraid to leave the country lest they miss Messiah’s coming. By Ryan Jones | September 29, 2022 | Topics: Messiah“

“A recent interview on Israeli radio featured prominent rabbis explaining that the Messiah is just about to reveal himself.

“Rabbi Yaakov Zisholtz told religious broadcaster Radio 2000 that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky (who passed away earlier this year) had told him that he (Kanievsky) was already in direct contact with the Messiah.

“To understand why religious Jews are taking this seriously, it’s important to know that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky was considered one of the two or three top rabbis of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel.

“And Rabbi Zisholtz says that Kanievsky and others of the mystical “concealed” rabbis had tasked him with informing the public of the Messiah’s imminent arrival.

“Rabbi Zisholtz began his explosive three-hour interview with a warning:

“…the process of redemption is about to start happening very quickly and at a fast pace. It is important that people remain calm and steady to act properly in the right time.

“There is a potential Messiah in every generation, and there are righteous men who know precisely who it is. This is, of course, true in this generation.

“Getting the word out now that the Messiah is closer than ever is a matter of life and death. Haven’t you heard of Gog and Magog? That is what is going to happen very soon. Right now, the situation is explosive more than you can possibly imagine. Everyone needs to know whether they are on the inside or if they are going to be left out.”

“He went on to reiterate a number of signs of which prominent rabbis have taken note and that they firmly believe to be evidence of the coming of Messiah

“Rabbi Dov Kook, as everyone knows, is a very righteous man. He is one of the greatest men of our generation…[and] ten years ago, when Israel was suffering from a horrible drought, someone asked Rabbi Kook when the Sea of Galilee will again be full.

“Rabbi Kook responded that when the Messiah arrives, the Sea of Galilee will be full. In a few weeks, the Sea of Galilee will be full for the first time since Rabbi Kook made this statement.”

“Another righteous rabbi said that according to the current situation in heaven, there will not be Israeli elections – rather, there will be a war. If the elections do take place, it’s pointless since it will end like the other elections; no government will come out of it.”

“Decades ago, Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri, one of modern Israel’s most revered sages, as well as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, both predicted that Benjamin Netanyahu would be the State of Israel’s last prime minister prior to the Messianic Age. A great many, if not most, of the ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel continue to believe that to be true.” (End excerpts).

Whether these are ‘newsworthy reports’ and whether this is a just another false Messiah or is the Antichrist is yet to be seen. But there is no doubt that the world is spiraling out of control, and the air is full of expectation for the Return of Jesus and the beginning of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

Get ready – Stay ready. The Day is at hand!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: THIS IS A FALSE MESSIAH, one of those Jesus warns about. Prophecies coming true!

Israeli Rabbi Says He’s Already Holding Meetings With Messiah

Top Rabbi: Messiah’s Name Will Soon Be Revealed

Top Rabbis: Look at the Signs, Messiah is Coming!

Christians Anoint Young Rabbi as ‘False Messiah’

 

“In Essentials Unity, In Non – Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity”

There is a phrase that has been around since the mid – sixteen hundreds that came about during a time of religious tensions, which says in effect, “In Essentials Unity, In Non – Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity”.  Most likely an attempt to reduce or eliminate conflicts within the church and between some denominations.

Jesus did not say this, however. It has been attributed to theologians such as Augustine or German Lutheran theologian of the early seventeenth century, Rupertus Meldenius.

Interesting. After all these years, the unity that exists in the ‘essentials’ is bland, at best. The ‘liberty’ in the non – essentials of the faith simply exists in your right to say what you believe and my right to disagree. Finally, the ‘charity in all things’ works best when we ignore our differences in beliefs and practices so we can just get along for a moment.

Jesus didn’t say it, and I have to say, ‘nice try, but it really isn’t working’, (nor should it in many instances).

There are some what we could call ‘non-negotiables’, I suppose. They are found in the things Jesus actually said. They are ‘non-negotiable’ only in the sense that you only need to do them if you are planning on successfully following Jesus. (Successfully in the sense that you are really a disciple of His.)

Jesus Did Say These things. In fact, Jesus says this what we should become; what we should look like and how we should be. Take a look and try to imagine what kind of person you would be (or that anyone might be), if we were described these ways:

 

Humble                                  Meek                                      Joyful

Generous                               Loving                                    Responsible

Self-Controlled                    Truthful                                 Deference to others

Creative                                 Sincere                                   Faithful

Thrifty                                   Took Initiative                      Discrete

Resourceful                           Sensitive to others               Decisive

Alert                                       Compassionate                     Wise

Bold                                        Attentive                                 Obedient

Reverent                                Virtuous                                 Determined

Tolerant                                 Just                                         Content

Forgiving                               Loyal                                      Available

Persuasive                             Patient                                   Hospitable

Gracious                                Grateful                                 Enthusiastic

Gentle                                    Punctual                                Thorough

Secure                                    Diligent                                  Enduring

Dependable                           Cautious                                Orderly

Flexible

Jesus did say these things, and scriptures tell us that Jesus both did and said so much that “if every one of them were to be written down, that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25).

You know, having written this, I am feeling both inspired and convicted. I think I might just enlarge this list and put it on my desk or mirror, assign one character trait per day to think on, meditate on and to work on. (And I thought at my age I had achieved these ‘basics’, but I can see I still have a ways to go.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  Here are the character traits in a format suitable for framing. Just click this PDF link:  HumbleMeekJoyful.pdf

Here are these same examples with scripture references – plus an additional list that follows, just for fun:

1. Repent  –  Matthew 4:17 Humility
2. Follow Me – Matthew 4:19 Meekness
3. Rejoice – Matthew 5:12 Joyfulness
4. Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:16 Generosity
5. Honor God’s Law – Matthew 5:17 – 18 Love
6. Be Reconciled – Matthew 5:24 – 25 Responsibility
7. Do Not Commit Adultery – Matthew 5:29 – 30 Self – Control
8. Keep Your Word – Matthew 5:37 Truthfulness
9. Go the Second Mile – Matthew 5:38 – 42 Deference
10. Love Your Enemies – Matthew 5:44 Creativity
11. Be Perfect – Matthew 5:48 Sincerity
12. Practice Secret Disciplines – Matthew 6:1 – 18 Faith
13. Lay Up Treasures – Matthew 6:19 – 21 Thriftiness
14. Seek God’s Kingdom – Matthew 6:33 Initiative
15. Judge Not – Matthew 7:1 Discernment
16. Do Not Cast Pearls – Matthew 7:6 Discretion
17. Ask, Seek, and Knock – Matthew 7:7 – 8 Resourcefulness
18. Do Unto Others – Matthew 7:12 Sensitivity
19. Choose the Narrow Way – Matthew 7:13 – 14 Decisiveness
20. Beware of False Prophets – Matthew 7:15 Alertness
21. Pray For Laborers – Matthew 9:38 Compassion
22. Be Wise as Serpents – Matthew 10:16 Wisdom
23. Fear Not – Matthew 10:26 Boldness
24. Hear God’s Voice – Matthew 11:15 Attentiveness
25. Take My Yoke – Matthew 11:29 Obedience
26. Honor Your Parents – Matthew 15:4 Honor/Reverence
27. Beware of Leaven – Matthew 16:6 Virtue
28. Deny Yourself – Luke 9:23 Determination
29. Despise Not Little Ones – Matthew 18:10 Tolerance
30. Go To Offenders – Matthew 18:15 Justice
31. Beware of Covetousness – Luke 12:15 Contentment
32. Forgive Offenders – Matthew 18:21 – 22 Forgiveness
33. Honor Marriage – Matthew 19:6 Loyalty
34. Be a Servant – Matthew 20:26 – 28 Availability
35. Be a House of Prayer – Matthew 21:13 Persuasiveness
36. Ask in Faith – Matthew 21:21 – 22 Patience
37. Bring in the Poor – Luke 14:12 – 14 Hospitality
38. Render to Caesar – Matthew 22:19 – 21 Gratefulness
39. Love the Lord – Matthew 22:37 – 38 Enthusiasm
40. Love Your Neighbor – Matthew 22:39 Gentleness
41. Await My Return – Matthew 24:42 – 44 Punctuality
42. Take, Eat, and Drink – Matthew 26:26 – 27 Thoroughness
43. Be Born Again – John 3:7 Security
44. Keep My Commandments – John 14:15 Diligence
45. Watch and Pray – Matthew 26:41 Endurance
46. Feed My Sheep – John 21:15 – 16 Dependability
47. Baptize My Disciples – Matthew 28:19 Cautiousness
48. Receive God’s Power – Luke 24:49 Orderliness
49. Make Disciples – Matthew 28:20 Flexibility

Here is another list with more detail:

1. “Forgive”

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.” (Mark 11:25 – 26)

2. “Repent”

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:8

3. “Remain in Me and I will remain in you”

When you repent and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit actually lives in you, and you in Him. Here Jesus uses a grape vine to compare our relationship with Him. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

4. “Let your light shine before men”

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ” In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14 – 16)

5. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary”

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” (Matt 5:25)

6. “Get rid of whatever causes you to sin”

“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”(Matt 5:29 – 30)

7. “Do Not Swear at All”

“But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matt 5:34 – 37)

8. “Do Not Resist an Evil Person”

(Turning the other cheek.)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matt 5:38 – 39)

9. “Giving More than is Demanded”

“And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matt 5:40 – 42)

10. “Love Your Enemies”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matt 5:43 – 45)

11. “Give to Please God, Not to be Seen”

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matt 6:1)

12. “Pray Privately, Not to be Seen of Men”

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matt 6:5 – 7)

13. “This, then, is how you should pray”

“This, then, is how you should pray: ” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:9 – 15)

14. “Fast Without Fanfare”

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matt 6:16)

15. “Do not Store up Treasures on Earth”

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:19 – 21)

16. “Do not Worry about Your Needs”

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt 6:25 – 26)

17. “Do not Worry about Tomorrow”

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt 6:34)

18. “Place God First”

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt 6:33)

19. “Do not Judge”

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matt 7:1 – 2)

20. “Guard what is Sacred”

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matt 7:6)

21. “Ask, Seek, and Knock”

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7)

22. “Care for Those in Distress”

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matt 25:34 – 36)

23. “Enter Through the Narrow Gate”

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt 7:13 – 14)

24. “Watch out for false prophets”

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matt 7:15)

25. “Exercise Spiritual Power”

“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matt 10:1)

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt 10:8)

26. “Do not Despise Childlike Believers”

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matt 18:10) Commandments of Jesus

27. “Do not Exalt Yourself”

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt 23:8 – 12)

28. “Settle Disputes Between Believers in this Manner…”

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”(Matt 18:15 – 17)

29. “Do not Oppose Other Christian Groups”

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:38 – 40)

30. “Have Complete Faith in God”

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:22 – 24)

31. “Do as the Good Samaritan Did”

“The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
(In reference to the “Good Samaritan”)
(Luke 10:30 – 35)

32. “Love One Another”

(This commandment of Jesus summarizes all the others.)

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

33. “Do this in Remembrance of Me”

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19 – 20)

34. “You Should also Wash One Another’s Feet”

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

35. “Be Merciful”

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

36. “Go and Make Disciples of All Nations, Baptizing Them”

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:19 – 20)

37. “Obey What I Command”

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)

38. “You Must be Ready”

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3C4UKcNPpqljTQjO2uASwb

But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15

Is this a ‘God Thing’ that happened? I was browsing the internet looking at local churches and I came across one named “Rock Church”. Great sounding name, I thought. So, I looked at the website and gathered a few details. I wondered if I should visit this small storefront startup church. In fact, I felt oddly attracted to the idea. But, I couldn’t come up with a good reason, so I said a short prayer for the pastor and the church and moved on. A couple of weeks later, I was shopping for a weed killer in a Lowe’s store and struck up a conversation with another shopper. This fellow was in the same department and look like he had been working in the yard, also. “So, which of these is a good weed killer for this area?”, I asked. “I don’t really know”, he replied. “I was hoping you could tell me”. “Well, this one says it kills fifty or so kinds of weeds and won’t kill the grass”, I smiled, “But, who knows? Are you from here?”, I asked. “Yes”, was his simply reply. But he didn’t have the North Carolina Mountain drawl, so I took a chance and pressed him. “So, which church do you pastor”, I guessed at this, and I really don’t know why I would ask such a silly question. His eyes widened, and his jaw went slack, “Do I know you?”, he blurted. “No”, I grinned, “I just felt impressed to ask. So, you ARE a pastor?” I laughed. “Yes, I am”, He announced. He gave me his name, stuck out his hand and told me his church is a new church named The Rock Church. Now my jaw went slack. “The storefront?”, I asked? “That’s the one”, he replied. I told him I had visited the Church website and was interested in his church. He told me a little about himself and how he became the pastor, then he invited me to his church. “Great and thank you”, I said. But remembering I couldn’t come up with a good reason to visit this church, I decided to ask him a question. “First, I have just one question for you”. “Go ahead”, he smiled. “Why?”, I asked. “Why, what?”, he replied. “Why should I visit your church?”, I said, again. He looked perplexed. “Huh?”, he stammered. “Well, because I invited you and would like to have you as a guest”, he replied. “Thank you”, I said, “But, why? Why should I visit your church. I have a church, and I am not a church hopper. So, I am wondering if I should visit and why?” This fellow was stumped. “Well, it’s up to you. We would like to have you visit, but, it’s up to you”. I told him I would stay in touch via his church’s email and went our ways. “Well, that was a lost opportunity”, I thought. But it puzzled me why I was feeling this way and why I was having these thoughts. ONE YEAR LATER Betty (my wife) and I were walking through a local park the 4th of July evening. We walked through a pavilion area and I noticed a sign that said “Rock Church Picnic here”. I approached a group of older men sitting in lawn chairs and asked if this was The Rock Church from the storefront. One man answered with a broad smile, “It sure is. How are you?” I answer that I was fine and that I had met the pastor of this church a year ago and asked if he was here? The man pointed him out and proudly stated that he was the pastor’s father. I greeted the pastor, and we had a friendly exchange. The pastor asked me why I had not contacted him? I answered that I had emailed him through the church email address. We shook hands and went our ways. The pastor’s father approached me and invited me to come to their church sometime. I related my exchange with his son the year earlier about an invitation and said, “So, I would like to respectfully ask you the same question, why should I visit? Any special reason you would invite me?” The man look surprised and said, “Well, no. I am just trying to be polite and invite you to our church.” I thanked him and turned to leave when the man said, “Wait a minute. Why would you ask me that?” “Because I was wondering if it was you asking me or if it was God, or if you had a special reason”, I replied. We both smiled and my wife and I left. As we were leaving, though, I think I saw here roll her eyes. “So, do you think I was out-of-bounds with that question?”, I asked. She just smiled and told me that if I didn’t want to go I should just say so, or I could have told them I already had a church. “Yes, I suppose I came off a bit weird or rude?” I asked. She rolled her eyes again. “Well, I’ll tell you. I sort of wanted to go to that church at one time. Seemed like the Holy Spirit was prompting me. But, I also felt like the Lord was telling me to ask that question. It gave them a chance to tell me about the reason for the Hope they have. “You see, I don’t need another church. I have one. What I need and want is Hope and a Promise from God. And I wondered if that was the reason they meet as a church – perhaps they had found that Hope and A Promise from God and want others to share in that with them. “Or are they just meeting? I am retired now, and believe me, I am plenty tired of meetings.”

You see, I was once lost, without God. My life had spiraled out of control.

I had no job and a poor education. My wife and I split up. We had no children. My side of my family was worse off than me.

I had no hope.

But, God found me and bought me back from destruction.

He forgave my sins. He gave me a new start. He restored my marriage.

He restored my health. He gave me knowledge and wisdom. He blessed us with children.

He gave me a career and money. He gave me Hope. He gave me to Jesus, and gave Jesus to me.

So, if you ever ask, I will tell you that JESUS IS MY HOPE AND MY FUTURE

How about you? Do you think I was out of line? Do you have a reason for your hope? Your Brother and Friend, Mike Young

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”

Hebrews 6:19

Do you have a story or a Reason for your hope? Share it below… Your Brother and Friend, Mike Young  

JUST SHOW ME

One of the mottos for the state of Missouri is “Show Me”.  There are various stories related to how “Show Me” came about. One such legend claims that the phrase ‘’Show-me’’ originated from Leadville, Colorado. In Leadville, the slogan was used as a phrase of reproach and ridicule. During the mid-1980s, there was a miner’s strike in Leadville, Colorado. Therefore, miners were imported from Missouri to replace the striking miners, and since they were not familiar with the mining techniques, they needed frequent instructions. The bosses of the mines started saying these are miners from Missouri and you will have to show them the mining techniques. The phrase has gained a different meaning, and currently, it refers to the non-credulous, conservative, and strong character of the people of Missouri.

One central idea is the people from Missouri have a natural healthy skepticism, so they want proof before they believe some things.

One popular commercial used the phrase, “Well, if it is on the internet, it has to be true” to express sarcasm. I believe, in this day and age of deception, we all could use a bit of healthy skepticism.

Discovering what is true and legitimate has never been more difficult. For example, there is a philosophy going around which says you can have your ‘own truth’. This used to be derisively named “situational ethics”, i.e., everyone for themselves. What a recipe for turmoil and chaos.

One of our historically most trusted documents, the Bible, has come under attack over the last 100 years. Detractors spend an inordinate amount of time trying to discredit the Bible, either by deception and lies, taking specific scriptures out of context and creating their endless arguments or using their opinions based on sources other than THE SOURCE, the Bible. But the Bible has stood the test of time and accuracy, when taken in context.

There is now an attack being mounted from inside the church, and it is having a deleterious effect. The old techniques are the same, but, the ‘enemy’ has infiltrated the church. I call them the ‘enemy’ for good reason. They deny the Gospel. They deny the Bible. They have gained the moniker of pastors, theologians, church leaders, deacons and elders, strictly by way of attending various religious schools, colleges, seminaries for the education. But they teach and preach a strange ‘new gospel’, and the results are tragic and are growing worse.

Sadly and strangely, churches are responding by demanding higher and higher education degrees from those who would pastor their organizations, not realizing what they are getting are many times ‘religious humanists’ who teach in the spirit of antichrist. (I know how this sounds, but please beware).

Now, many in our churches remain true to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, are saying, “Show Me!” Show me where you find that in the Bible. When a preacher or a Bible teacher says “I believe this means ‘this or that’” they are being called to account by those demanding to be shown the exact words in the Bible.

Then, there are a few pastors, teachers and theologians who hold themselves to the highest Biblical and doctrinal standards and subject themselves to the oversight of other capable pastors, Bible teachers, theologians, deacons, elders of the church and fully devoted followers of Jesus.

One strong example of this is Pastor Trent Casto, Senior Pastor, Covenant Naples Church, Naples, Florida.

A sermon he delivered on a recent Sunday, “Strong Foundations in Times of Uncertainty”, is an example of the highest standards of correct teaching. (Video posted below).

His message comes from Deuteronomy 31:1-29. This message, these verses, are to be considered “An Eternal Prophetic Truth”. The principals and truths in this passage have remained true and in effect since God Breathed them through Moses, and will continue to be true and at work.

There are four “Strong Foundations” found in these verses which give us Truth, Sanctuary, Help, Guidance and Character in these times of uncertainty.

There are both warning and instructions in these scriptures. They are still true and are being playing out in the waning days of the United States of America. BEWARE.

God warns that His anger will be kindled against His people in the day that the people living in the land He has appointed and consecrated when they ‘whore after foreign gods and forsake Him and break His covenant that He made with them and their fathers.

 Then, His anger will be kindled against them in that day, and He will forsake them and hide His Face from them, and they will be devoured.

And, many evils and troubles will come upon them, so that they will say in that day, ‘Have not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us?”

And says, “I will surely hide my face in that day because of all the evil that they have done, because they have turned to other gods.;” (Deuteronomy 31:16-18).

GOD’S STRONG FOUNDATIONSREBELLION TOWARD GOD

There are four basic parts to what happened to the Israelites, which are not prophetic proclamations for anyone in any land who have been established and ordained by God and then turned away from Him.

1. (Moses died). Also, our National Spiritual Leadership is passing away.
2. (The Israelites were unfaithful to God). The people of the America, including and specifically Christians, have become spiritually unfaithful and are chasing after idols.
3. God will become and is becoming angry and will forsake us and allow America to be devoured by our enemies.
4. In the midst of our misery, we will ask, “Have not these things come upon us because God is not among us?”

We also find the Truth, Sanctuary, Help, Guidance and Character in these times of uncertainty in God’s Strong Foundations:

1. God’s Presence.
2. God’s Appointed Leaders.
3. God’s Word.
4. God’s Unchanging Character.

We are living in treacherous times. Dangers lurk everywhere. But there is safety. There is Truth, Sanctuary, Help, Guidance and Character in these times of uncertainty.  You and I must choose to live and stand on God’s Strong Foundations:, we must become part of the prophesied “Remnant of God”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

 

“See that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray”.

The Gospel Truth. Which one is it?

Did you know that there are over 200 different known denominations in America? There are over 51,000 Christian and around 33,000 other religious denominations world-wide, And there are almost as many ‘theologies’? Here are a few of the major and better known Theologies in America:

Reformed Theology

Pentecostal Theology (Pentecostalism)

Methodist Theology (Methodism)

Wesleyan–Arminian theology

Charismatic Theology

Catholicism

Lutheran Theology

Presbyterian Theology (Reformed)

Episcopalian Theology

Anglican Theology

The differences between some denominational beliefs and theologies are minor. But, many more have major differences.

Some are even considered as Sects of Christianity, or worse yet, as Cults. Some of these fringe groups are the

• • • Jehovah’s Witnesses,

    • Mormons,

    • the Emergent church,

    • the Unitarian Universalist and

    • Liberation theology.

Within these types of Christianity, there are also thousands of subgroups, and subtypes of theologies, types of doctrines and belief systems.

But, there is only ONE Bible and ONE Jesus.

Since there are so many, how do you decide which one(s) will lead us to Jesus Christ as savior and lead us to heaven?

Here’s the Gospel Truth

1. The word gospel means “good news,” so the gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of His (Jesus’) coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe (Colossians 1:14; Romans 10:9).

2. Since the first man’s sin, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12). Because everyone breaks God’s perfect law by committing sin, everyone is guilty (Romans 3:23).

3. The punishment for the crime of sin is physical death (Romans 6:23)

4. Then an eternity spent in a place of punishment (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:46). This eternal separation from God is also called the “second death” (Revelation 20:14–15).

5. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, pardons the guilty sentence of sin and condemnation by God. Because of His love for the world, God has made a way for man to be forgiven of their sins (John 3:16).

6. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the sins of mankind on Himself through death on a cross (1 Peter 2:24).

7. God ensured that all who will believe in the name of Jesus will be forgiven (Acts 10:43).

8. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of all who believe (Romans 4:25).

Here’s the Gospel Truth

1 Peter 1:3 “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. In order for us to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, and is reserved in heaven for you,

• Verse 5. We 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 is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8and 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.”

The Gospel of Jesus, Christianity, is ALL ABOUT JESUS ALONE, and what JESUS HAS DONE for us.

• • • It’s not about Spiritual Gifts, although there are Spiritual Gifts, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

    • It’s not about miracles, although there are miracles, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

    • It’s not about what you can become, although you are made into a new creature, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

    • It’s not about your church or denomination, although you become the Church, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

    • It’s not about the rapture, , although there will be a rapture, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

    • It’s not about going to heaven, although Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven in our Father’s House, it’s about Jesus, first and foremost!

THE GOSPEL IS ALL ABOUT JESUS, WHO DIED FOR OUR SINS, WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD AND REIGNS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER.

Everything else, The

• • • Prophecies

    • Words of wisdom

    • Gifts of Serving

    • Words of knowledge

    • Teaching

    • Faith

    • Exhortation

    • Gifts of healing

    • Miracles

    • Gifts of Giving

    • Gifts of Mercy

    • Gifts of Distinguishing between spirits

    • Gift of Administration

    • Gift of Tongues & The Interpretation of tongues,

come from What JESUS has done. It’s all about Who JESUS is, What JESUS continues to do and Where JESUS is seated – in Heaven at the Right Hand of the Father.

And, all of this is only part of what is to come. All the gifts and offices are just a part of the Glory, that is to come.

And when the Perfect comes, when Jesus comes, the gifts of will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. (see 1 Corinthians 13:8-9)

Desire the benefits of your salvation now, and desire Gifts of God now, and use them for the building up of His Body.

But seek first the Kingdom, first, and set your eyes on Him, alone.

And, in case you were wondering if you fix your mind on prophecies, words of wisdom, gifts of serving, words of knowledge, teaching, acts of faith, exhortations, gifts of healing, miracles, gifts of giving, gifts of mercy, gifts of distinguishing between spirits, the gift of administration, gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues, in the end, you will find disappointment. When crisis comes, when troubles, trials and tribulations come, you will find yourself trapped in a blind alley, alone with your gifts.

It is Jesus Who is the Giver of Gifts, so set your mind, heart and eyes on Jesus alone. Only Jesus satisfies. Only Jesus saves.

That’s the GOSPEL TRUTH – Selah.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

  1.  “Former billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of cryptocurrency exchange company FTX, funneled millions of dollars to Democratic campaigns, becoming one of the party’s largest donors, second only to George Soros. 

“Bankman-Fried donated nearly $38 million during the midterm cycle, according to Federal Election Commission data. His company also reportedly set up a website, Aid for Ukraine, to raise funds for Ukrainians amid the ongoing war against Russia. The initiative was powered by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, FTX and Ukrainian-web company Everstake.

“Cryptocurrency donations were sent to the National Bank of Ukraine. The 30-year-old crypto financier wrote on Twitter in early March he was “excited and humbled to be working with the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance and others to support crypto donations to Ukraine.”  – FOX NEWS, Published November 15, 2022 11:13am EST   2.  “Last week, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a liquidity crisis at the company, and Bankman-Fried is estimated to have lost roughly $16 billion in a week.

“Sam Bankman-Fried, the now-bankrupt founder of crypto exchange FTX, is a prolific donor of Democratic candidates and liberal causes, and infused at least $38 million into left-wing groups during the 2022 election cycle.

“Bankman-Fried was the second-largest contributor to Democratic-affiliated political action committees (PACs) and organizations, behind only liberal financial magnate George Soros, who donated nearly $127 million during the midterm cycle, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. However, the collapse of FTX this week has called into question Bankman-Fried’s finances.

“A full-fledged liquidity crisis forced FTX to file for bankruptcy on Friday, and Bankman-Fried’s wealth, which was estimated to be $15.6 billion earlier this week, has sharply plummeted, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The index currently estimates Bankman-Fried has no material wealth.”  FOX NEWS, Published November 11, 2022 1:26pm EST

Pastor Steve Cioccolanti gives a Biblical update on FTX and its CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, how their Collapse ties into the greatest financial fraud and political corruption of our lifetime.

Scriptures are clear, “In this world, you will have tribulation”, but we can find peace in these last days, in Jesus (John 16:33) As good as this report is, it still fails to answer one key question lacks one key ingredient for Christians:

 

HOW AM I TO RESPOND IN THESE LAST DAYS? Resist and Grid up of War.

Do not stand idly by, staring heavenward. Not is the time to pray, read, study, think, prepare and act!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

13 Articles on HOW I SHOULD RESPOND IN THESE LAST DAYS.

***IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Whitestone Fellowship, Whitestone2020.com and Michael J. Young, Sr., do not endorse political parties on this site. We do, however, endorse policies which align with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Bible. If a political party happens to endorse or policy, a plank of a platform or a program which aligns with the teachings, doctrines and practices of the Bible, we consider that to be coincidental, and we cooperate in those cases as a co-belligerent only.

(A CO-BELIGERENT is someone who may not have any sufficient basis for taking the right position, but takes the right positions on a single issue.  I can join with this person without any danger as long as I realize that he is not an ALLY, that we are cooperating only on a single issue.

1.  So when it comes to issues of the common good, such as proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ending abortions, preserving religious freedom, healing racial divisions, or relieving poverty, we can be CO-BELLIGERENTS and cooperate with people or organizations who do not share our Christian convictions.  But we must not be drawn into becoming full ALLIES and careful not to disclose detail about our organizations, personnel or our ongoing methods, lest our CO-BELLIGERENTS would use these against us on other issues.

2.  Secondarily, but just as important, we are defined by our associations.  This can hamper the effectiveness of our mission going forward.

3.  Finally, we can be INFLUENCED by close relationships and continuing associations.  Should this happen, be certain you are at risk of losing your “Savor and Light“, and if that happens you are rendered impotent.)