Devotional, Devotion, Prophecy, Bible Study, Bible discussion, End of Days, End Times, Enter Ministry, Underground Church, Church, Fellowship, Tribulation, Salvation, Ordained, Love, Heaven, Miracles
Author: Michael Young, Sr.
I am a practicing Christian, a disciple of Jesus, a husband of over 50 years, a father and a grandfather, a business man, a veteran and a friend to all who will have me.
I have served or am serving, at various times, as an Evangelist, a Pulpit fill pastor, an Associate Pastor of Evangelism and as Senior Pastor of a church plant. My passion is for practicing and teaching the Bible, building small groups, reaching the lost with the message of the Gospel of Jesus, recovering the straying Sheep of God and the gathering together the Called of God, in neighborhoods, business settings and in churches by equipping other Christians.
I have authored a few small books and I have a background in professional business management, finance and investments.
I am glad to meet you, even if it is virtually. Write me at any time and let's become friends.
“Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?
“And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’?
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Matthew 19:3–6).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
So, what is the question? Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him. So, they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?”
Before we get to Jesus’ answer, let’s take a quick look at the real motive.
The Greek for “testing” is “periazo”, which means to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments, to try or test one’s faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin, to solicit to sin. This is the epitome of evil. Tempting Jesus, the Son of God, God Incarnate, to sin.
So, the question posed by the Pharisees was asked under guise of divorce, but, the intent was to maliciously TEST (periazo) the Son of God in order to tempt Him to sin.
This is the same word used when was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (periazo) of the devil. (Matthew 4:1) The devil tempted (periazo) Jesus as a man on three levels: Bread for the body, the Well being in the soul and the ego of the spirit of man. Jesus rejected the temptation as a testimony and a teaching. He testified to the sufficiency of God His Father.
This is Christ’s example for all Christians:
‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’”
‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”
The Pharisees and the devil were consorts in many ways. In this case, they were complicit in an ultimate evil, that is, the temptation of the Son of God to sin.
Now, just for you information, here is a quick review of the Jewish views on divorce:
The rabbis of the Talmud considered marriage a holy contract, and the dissolution of marriage an unholy act. They quote the prophet Malachi, “. . .the Lord has been witness between you and your wife of your youth against whom you have dealt treachorously, though she is your companion, the wife of your covenant” (2:14). Jewish Oral Law added in Sanhedrin (22a), “Even [G-d] shares tears when anyone divorces his wife.” https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/divorce-in-judaism
Aaron Moss, in ‘The Jewish View of Divorce’ says, “When a couple gets married in a Jewish wedding ceremony, their souls become one. It is like a spiritual operation that takes separate beings and fuses them into a new whole. The Jewish divorce ceremony is the reverse of this. It is a spiritual amputation, severing one part of the united soul from the other, creating two separate beings. Divorce, like an amputation, is a tragedy, but sometimes it’s the right thing to do. Our attitude to divorce parallels our attitude to the amputation of a limb in several ways… https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/387647/jewish/Jewish-View-of-Divorce.htm
But, what is God’s view on divorce?
Matthew 19:4 “And He (Jesus) answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, ANDTHE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” 7They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?” 8He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
How about you? What is your view of divorce?
Have your ever asked the question, “Is divorce OK”? Are you thinking about getting a divorce? Are you are tempting the Son of God with these intentions?
Divorce is a complicated and serious matter. It will affect you and those around you on all levels:
You body is affected,
your soul and mind are affected and
your spirit is injured.
Divorce is sin in the eyes of God. And, sin is to miss the mark of God’s plan of a purposeful, meaningful life and life with peace (Romans 8:6).
Life can be tough enough without causing deliberate damage to yourself and to others. Finding the way to a life full of purpose and peace be difficult. So, call on God and let Him light your path and follow Him in all your ways.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Now, it is your turn:
HOW MUST YOU DO IT?
HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PS: Have you been divorced? I was divorced before becoming a Christian. I know the pain and the regret. But, remember that God is merciful and quick to forgive those who have been divorced and turn away from sin and ask Him for forgiveness.
I did that and thankfully, I was remarried to the same woman, right after we both came to Christ. We have been married 53 years, now.
A woman once asked my wife “How have you managed to stay (re)married for all these years?” My wife responded with, “Just never get a divorce!”
It sounds simple, but it is not. It take commitment, some hard work and sacrifice. And, it is worth it.
NOTE: THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. Check back often!
I am presenting a Play, a Drama, I will call “The Great Tribulation”. Imagine with me that you are seated in a grand theater. Your seat is front row, center, on the edge of the universe, in heaven, looking down at the stage, planet earth.
The following is an actual detailed description and a panorama of coming events taken directly from the New Testament Book of The Revelation, using New American Standard Bible version.
When I make comments, they will be in green italics, to explain the symbolism and other relevant information. My remarks will be brief. For fuller commentary I recommend ENDURING WORD COMMENTARY.
NOTE: This presentation is actual BIBLE PROPHECY taken directly from the Bible. The scriptures quoted are indisputable. I will not add to nor will I take away from the words found in Scriptures, the N.A.S.B. version.
I will make references to historical events, current events and future events and I will code them in purple italics – whether you agree with my references are up to you, the reader.
INTRODUCTION TO “THE PLAYERS”
The Woman, Israel
William Blake (British, 1757 – 1827), The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun, c. 1805, pen and gray ink with watercolor over graphite, Rosenwald Collection 1943.3.8999
Revelation 12:1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars;
2and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.
The “woman” represents Israel. According to Joseph’s dream (Genesis 37:9-11), the sun represented Jacob, the moon represented Joseph’s mother Rachel, and the eleven stars were the sons of Israel which bowed down to Joseph. In this sign with twelve stars, Joseph is now among the other tribes of Israel.
The Child is Jesus. The pain described refers to the travail of Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth (under Roman occupation and oppression).
The Red Dragon, Satan
3Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.
A red dragon “symbolically suggests” an actual person will come to power on earth, with fierce power and a murderous nature. This is a picture of the complete evil with hideous strength.”
The revived Roman Empire is in view, here. The seven heads and ten horns refer to the original ten kingdoms of which three were subdued by the little horn of Daniel 7:8, who is to be identified with the world ruler of the great tribulation who reigns over the revived Roman Empire.”
Seven diadems on his heads: This dragon (person and political power) had great power (seven heads and ten horns) and claimed royal authority (seven diadems). The crowns represent his presumptive claims of royal authority against the true King.
His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven: Many believe this describes one-third of the angelic host in league with Satan (his angels of Revelation 12:9). This army of angelic beings in league with Satan makes up the world of demonic spirits.
Matthew 18:18 says, “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”
Remembering that “what is seen comes from what is unseen”, this represents a dramatic shift, a diminishing of Godly influences “in the heavens” by one third in the heavens and this shift is manifest on earth. Evil is to be increased exponentially, on earth.
To devour her Child as soon as it was born: The attempt to devour her Child was initially fulfilled by Herod’s attempts to kill Jesus as a child (Matthew 2:16-18). It was also fulfilled throughout Jesus’ life as Satan attacked Him (John 8:58-59 and Mark 4:35-41).
The Male Child, Christ
Revelation 12:5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
A male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He rules the world with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9 and Revelation 19:15) refers to the triumphant return of Jesus. By stating the starting point and ending point of Jesus’ earthly work, John alluded to all that stood in between.
After a conflict with the Prince of this world (Satan and his evil accomplices), who came and tried Him, but found nothing in Him, the Son of the woman (Jesus the Christ) was taken up to heaven and sat on the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20). Words can hardly be plainer than these.
“She would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days” is a reference to a three and one-half year period connects these events with the final seven years of the Daniel 9 prophecy. Since Revelation 12:5 describes the ascension of Jesus, and Revelation 12:6 describes yet-to-occur events in the 70th week of Daniel, between these two verses lies hundreds of years sometimes known as the “Age of Grace” (our current period).
The Angel, Michael
Revelation12:7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon.
Around the mid-point of the great tribulation, God will turn the tide against Satan – first in heaven, then on earth. A battle is taking place that will deny Satan access to heaven.
ACT – I
Revelation12:7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon The dragon and his angels waged war, 8and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
Satan’s angels were cast out with him: This indicates that demonic spirits are indeed fallen angels, those who joined with Satan in His rebellion against God. These are “his angels.” These angels are also the same as the “third of the stars of heaven his tail swept away and threw them to the earth”, described in Revelation 12:4.
This even is occurring at just before the sounding of the 7th Trumpet Judgment which marks the end of the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation Period, also known as Mid-Tribulation.
11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”
They overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb represents Jesus’ Blood shed at His crucifixion. Jesus died and was raised again to life, defeating the cruse of sin and the devil for all times and for all who believe in and follow Him.
They overcame him because of the Word of their testimony represents our confession as explained by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:8 “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, 9that 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; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
God had allowed one-third of the Angels to rebel and now Satan and these rebellious demon-angels are cast down from heaven. The have lost their authority and have seen their power and influence subdued. Their time is short before God casts them to their destruction in the bottomless pit and the lake of eternal fire.
13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
The dragon (Satan), having been thrown down to earth, knowing his defeat is at hand, in a rage persecutes the woman, which is Israel. (This period of persecution has lasted for 2 centuries). But, the woman will fly to “the wilderness” where she will be nourished for “a time and times and a half a time” which is a reference to the first 3 1/2 years of the 7 Year Period of the Tribulation known as Daniel’s seventieth week. This first 3 1/2 years begins with the Breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal and will last until the Blowing of the 6th Tribulation Trumpet.
“The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood“.
The word “flood” is used 28 times in the Bible. It is used eleven times in the Book of Genesis and refers to God’s Judgment on the world for sin by the Great Flood.
*God is using Satan’s “flood” as a means to cleanse, purify and restore His Church in preparation for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb and the Rapture of His Church. (see Daniel 12)
The Flood is used in reference to God’s Judgments, once in Daniel, twice in Matthew, once in Luke and once in Revelation. These references are related to the End of Days in some way.
*These references link Past Events of God’s Judgments with the Present Day and the Present Day with Future Judgments.
Revelation 13:1 And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. 2And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. 3I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; 4they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” 5There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
7It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.
ACT – III
The Beast from the Earth Revelation 13:11Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. 12He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 13He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. 14And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 15And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.
ACT – IV
The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion (see Revelation 7:4 )
Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. 3And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 4These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.
ACT – V
Vision of the Angel with the Gospel
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; 7and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”
8And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”
ACT – VI
Doom for Worshipers of the Beast
Revelation 14:9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”
ACT – VII
The Reapers
Revelation 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 18Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.”
Revelation14:19 So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.
ACT VIII
A Scene of Heaven
1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.
2And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.
3And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!
4“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”
5After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, 6and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. 7Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
INTERMISSION
PLEASE, BE AWARE
The Mark of the Beast is given just before the Sealing of the 144,000 saints of God from Israel.
This most likely will occur during the “interlude” between the 6th & 7th Seals and the Rapture.
We are very near the 6th seal, now, 7/30/2020.
During this time chaos will reign in the world and the need for a savior will be great. The antichrist will make a peace treaty the world seeks after. But, assuming the anti-Christ and the Beast are the same, he will suffer and mortal wound to his head, then he will recover. Then, people will turn to this Beast and worship and will receive his mark on their forehead or on their hand will be doomed to suffer in hell forever.
WE MUST BE PREPARED
Now is the time to prepare, if you have not already. Preparation begins in your heart and in your mind. No matter if you call yourself a Christian or not, call on the Name of the Lord and you will be SAVED: Made safe, made healthy, made whole, given your purpose in life, saved from the coming wrath, made a child or God and a freind and brother of Jesus, given an eternal home with God.
“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
“Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21–22).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Jesus is using a teaching technique of overstatement or exaggeration, familiar characteristic in Semitic speech and teaching. It is a means of emphasis.
For example, Luke 14:26, Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.”
Another example is found in Matthew 19:24 when Jesus says, “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
These exaggerations are meant to sound preposterous! They say, in essence, there is ONLY THIS WAY. Forget finding another way!
When Peter came to Jesus and asked “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”, Jesus’ answer is that CHRISTIANS ALWAYS FORGIVE and, THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF TIMES!
Finally, what is the truth or motivation behind ENDLESS FORGIVENESS?
“Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? – Eternal Security
Once again, we must “zoom out” and look at the context of this verse.
It all began when “Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”
And then Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
Then Jesus said to them all, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”
This another profound teaching of Jesus which is largely misunderstood or is so difficult to accept that it is disregarded as literal. But, listen to the key words here: BEWARE, BE ON GUARD. This is given as a warning with urgency.
This teaching has more to do with Eternal Security than with accumulating and hoarding wealth.
And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.
And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’
“Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’
This is the consequence Jesus warned about. Imagine, God calling you or me a fool! But, God said to the man, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you.” And the man will be left with nothing, for Eternity!
You see, this man did not prepare. He did not have a ‘money belt of unfailing treasure in heaven’. He had not made himself ‘rich’ toward God.
v 21 “So it is with the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
v30 “For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts an unfailing treasure in heaven, which do not wear out, where no thief can come near nor can the moth destroy.
Then Jesus utters one of the most profound remark of all times, revealing the secret of His teaching. The oracle is laid bare:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The complete meaning is that a “treasure” from the Greek word is “thesauros” from which we get the English word, “thesaurus”. Which is to gain a more completed understanding and to lay aside for our use. In this case it is to gain a more complete
understanding that being ‘rich toward God’ is what is eternally important and to store that up in abundance.
The “heart” is the center and seat of spiritual life, the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors.
“It is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Romans 10:10
Now, it is your turn:
HOW MUST YOU DO IT?
HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?
Although these are urgent days, fear not! He Who is in you is Greater than he who is in this world. Yet, we must learn to “accurately handle the Word of God” in order to Overcome and Endure to the end!
I have received some feedback on my recent Word Press and Website posts and a recent video testimony I made. Most of this feedback is encouraging and in agreement. Some of this feedback, however, has suggested I may be too focused on the End Times and that perhaps I am fearful of what is going on in our world.
Please, friends, let me be clear:
1. I am not afraid of what is going on in our Country or around the world. I am confident. I am trying to awaken my friends to realities we face and The Remedy for all that is going on in our world.
2. I do not feel I am unnecessarily focused on the “End Times”. The subject matter on my Postings and Articles covers a wide array of subjects, but, Eschatology is at the heart of my Web and Blog sites, and it has been that way for over 10 years now. I BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS AND I BELIEVE WHAT I AM SAYING.
3. Chaos is gripping our Nation and the nations of the world” creating a climate of fear and uncertainty for political reasons and it is being in a well organized effort by powerful people on the political Left, the media and other world governments. Here are just a few of the False Flags:
Panic from a ‘pandemic’ is sweeping the globe and even the best medical minds do not agree on the level of severity or about the necessary steps needed to combat it or if the extreme steps we are taking are even necessary, UNDER THE FALSE FRONT, THE GUISE OF CERTAIN DEATH IF THIS ISN’T CONTAINED when actually it is a method to weaken our unity as a nation and to impose restrictions leading to an overthrow of our citizenry.
Riots by self proclaimed Marxists (BLM, Antifa) are erupting across our nations. A deliberate attempt to overthrow our government and our way of life UNDER THE FALSE FRONT, THE GUISE OF PROTESTS ABOUT RACISM when actually it is a power grab by Socialists and Communists.
The political climate in America has divided our citizens and families and has created whispers of a civil war UNDER THE FALSE FRONT, THE GUISE OF FREEDOM FROM GOVERNMENT when it is actually a political grab at authoritarianism.
Guns sales are breaking all records because of the fear being propagated by the media and the LEFTISTS in America. People are arming themselves because law and order are breaking down. This invites authoritarianism and an excuse for violence.
The POLITICAL LEFT in America has declared open war on our constitution, our churches, our systems of government, our legal systems and our law enforcement establishments, our legacies and our history UNDER THE FALSE FRONT, THE GUISE OF combating racism, sexual identity and preference, freedom from longstanding standards of morality.
What, for the last 200+ years has been the standard of decency and morality, has been turned upside down by the LEFT in America and we are, as a nation, are awash in debauchery and perversion and it has been codified into law.
4. The Bible describes a coming series of events, each of which when considered alone means little, but when considering that all the events would come to bear at the same time in a confluence or concurrence, should at least raise a few questions if not sounding an alarm.
These type events are also described in the Bible, among other places, specifically in Matthew chapter 24 and Revelation chapters 6 and 7. These verses describe a world in chaos and God’s coming judgment on the world.
5. I want to say that God has not given me a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind. Therefore, I am not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. In fact. I am asking that you join with me in spreading the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity!
I need my friends and neighbors in my life. I am concerned as you are about our Country and our welfare. But, thinking things will soon be ‘back to normal’ will not prepare us for what is upon us and for what is coming.
Our hope is in God and in His Son. Know and doing what God has put in place is our escape and our remedy.
We can engage, overcome and defeat these troubles at the source by taking a resolute stand to heartfelt prayer, with the teachings of the Bible as our standard and following Jesus by His example in all we think and do.
The word “flood” is used about 28 times in the Bible. It is used eleven times in the Book of Genesis and refers to God’s Judgment on the world for sin by the Great Flood.
It is used either in general terms or symbolically, twice in Job, five times in Psalms, once in Proverbs, Isaiah and Nahum, once in Luke.
It is used in reference to God’s Judgments, once in Daniel, twice in Matthew, once in Luke once in 2 Peter and once in Revelation. All of these references are related to the End of Days in some way, except for 2 Peter.
But I want to focus on the mention of a flood in conjunction with God’s Judgment and the “End of Days” as mentioned, in Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation 12.
These references link Past events of God’s Judgments with the Present Day and the Present Day with future Judgments.
Why does this matter? Jesus tells us it is important that we know and stay ready for what is coming and may already be upon us:
The FLOOD is a prophetic mystery, mentioned 4 times in scriptures. Here are the 4 sections of Scripture and the “Mystery of The Flood”revealed!
Genesis 6:5.-7 , “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.
Genesis 6:17 , “Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish.
All mysteries have clues. So I present “clues”, which are also links for you to click on for answers.
“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.
Verse 25. “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even intimes of distress.
Verse 26. “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will comewith a flood;even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.
Verse 27. “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”
“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.”
Verse 38. “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
Verse 39. and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Verse 40. “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 41. “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 42. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Verse 43. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
Verse 44. “For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
Verse 45. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Verse 46. “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
Verse 14. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Verse 15. ” And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
Verse 16. ” And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the floodwhich the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Verse 17. ” And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
All four sections of scriptures are speaking of the same thing. The key word “FLOOD”
When God repeats Himself it usually means He is communicating something very important to His people. Please study these messages as your instruction to GET READY & STAY READY and to be prepared for that day!
Hebrews 1:1 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, (v2) in these last dayshas spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
God has spoken this message at least four times and in at least four different ways.
This, therefore, is how we are to prepare and to conduct ourselves until “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”
The first evidence that God has a plan for the course of cosmic history, referring to humans, planet earth and ultimately, the entire cosmos, is found in the Bible in the Book of Genesis.
The first evidence of the timing and sequence of events for the destruction and recreation of the earth is found in the Bible in the Book of Daniel. There are other prophecies and clues, but, this is the clearest.
The first and clearest record of details of the coming Tribulation or End of Days is found in the Bible in the book of Matthew and the Book of The Revelation, although important and relevant clues are also found in the Books of Matthew, Acts and Hebrews.
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW?
Beware: Denominationalism has clouded the issues of
Creation, sin and the fall of man,
The judgment of wickedness and the destruction of humankind and the cleansing of the earth,
the prophesied Messiah and His arrival and redemptive work,
the Last Days, the tribulation and
the Great Tribulation,
the End of the Age and destruction of the planet and the cosmos,
the creation of new heavens and a new earth,
Considering that there are over there are over 200 different known denominations in America and over 33,000 denominations worldwide, you will find widely differing opinions, arguments and even some hostilities between denominations on the matters of the Bible, especially concerning the End Times.
So, to clear some denominational clutter, let’s take the Bible at face value where applicable.
I want us to focus on God’s “eschatological clock”, and discuss ‘Where we are now”, then ‘How we got here’, ‘What is coming next’, and what we are to do:
I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and
because of the testimony which they had maintained;
and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
Verse 11. And there was given to each of them a white robe; and
they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.
NOTE:The description in Matthew is “AN EARTHLY PERSPECTIVE” and the description in The Revelation is “A HEAVENLY or SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE”.
This tells us that the Tribulation and death is not our end. When our earthly life ends our heavenly life begins. We live on. God’s plan is eternal and so are we who belong to Him.
We are part of God’s plan. We are active players, and our enduring participation assures our place with Him in the Kingdom of God.
2. HOW WE GOT HERE
I will only go back to the time of Jesus at this point. (Later, in a follow-up article, I will go back to the Book of Genesis.)
The period of the breaking or opening of the first FIVE Tribulation Seals, which began between AD 1 and AD 69 is also referred to as THE BEGINNING OFSORROWSor theLAST DAYS.
This period became evident in or around A.D. 1
(1) Jesus calls this period the LAST DAYS or the END OF THE AGE inMatthew 24:3-8
(2) The Apostle Peter calls this period the LAST DAYS in Acts 2:16-17
(3) The Apostle Paul calls this period THESE LAST DAYS in Hebrews 1:1-2
(4) The Apostle Matthew records the advent of John the Baptist and through this reminds us THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS and illustrates this in Matthew 3:1-12
(5) The Apostle Peter again reminds us THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS in 2 Peter
The Bible tells about the END OF DAYS and the Tribulation. It is important to know that the Tribulation period actually is called by three prominent, although variant names:
(1) The Beginning of Sorrows, Birth Pangs, The End of The Age or the Last Days
(2) The Tribulation also known as The End of Days
(3) The GREAT Tribulation also known as the ‘Wrath of God’ or the ‘Wrath of the Lamb’.
When people read the Bible about eschatology, that is the matters about the End Times and the Tribulation period (the books of Matthew chapter 24 and the book of The Revelation), most tend to read it as one would read a ‘story’ or a novel. Most assume it is written in chronological order, a sequence of events, one event beginning as the previous event is ending. THIS IS NOT CORRECT.
When a Tribulation Seal is broken, an event or a series of events occur and will last for certain periods of time. Most events will continue until the “Consummation of the Age”.
In other words, once a Tribulation event begins, it may continue for days, weeks, months, years or decades. Then, as a second or third event occurs, events may overlap and occur simultaneously.
We see that the first 5 Seals have been opened are overlapping and are in progress. This began around AD 1. Here is the progression of the breaking of Tribulation Seals until the current time:
the 2nd Tribulation Seal – Wars and Rumors of War. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
the 3rd Tribulation Seal – Famine. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
the 4th Tribulation Seal – Death. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
The 6th Tribulation Seal – Cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun.(The Opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal is yet to come. It is The BEGINNING OF the 7 years of “THE GREAT TRIBULATION” period, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord or the Wrath of the Lamb.)
Sealing of the 144,000
The Rapture
Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God
NOTE: The breaking of the 6th Tribulation Scroll Seal will be the start of the seven years of the GREAT TRIBULATION, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, or The Wrath of the Lamb and as Daniel’s Seventieth Week.
We are now standing at the precipice of a cosmic cataclysm which will shake and reshape the planet, disrupt the stars in heaven and cause many to die from cosmic, meteorological, geological disturbances and from fright. This event is known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week, which begins with the breaking (or opening) of the 6th Scroll Seal of the Tribulation.
THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THE EXACT DAY NOR THE HOUR this will occur, but we know the season, and we are told that we must be ready according to scriptures or perish!
Our response will reveal our position in Christ, or in other words, whether you and I are truly saved.
We are part of God’s plan. We are active players, and our enduring participation assures our place with Him in the Kingdom of God.
Tribulation and death is not our end. When our earthly life ends our heavenly life begins. We live on. God’s plan is eternal and so are we who belong to Him.
If we are obedient, do what He has said and endure to the end, we will rule with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12)
1. Die to self. Surrender your life and purpose to Christ Jesus.
2. Follow Him in complete obedience.
3. Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that He commanded you.
4. Do what He says and you will overcome.
5. Endure to the end and you will be saved.
Dearly Beloved:
If you attend church regularly, pray, do good deeds, tithe your income, live a good life, are a good person, there is no assurance you are saved or will spend eternity in heaven.
The Word of God says we are saved by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus and what He has done for us. It is not of anything we have done ourselves.
However, Jesus also says that we are to do what He has commanded, or we are not His disciples.
I am watching a movie on TV. The name of it isn’t important. It is a satire or a parody of the war in Afghanistan and, then president Obama, and his deliberate mockery of America’s military, his misuse of our national resources, his disrespect and demoralization of our military and its leadership. Again, it was a parody of real events and real people.
In one scene, the commander of the forces in Afghanistan, an army general, is giving a ‘pep talk’ to a company of marines on the front lines. This general has been instructed by the white house representatives that the military is there to clean up the mess Obama has made, wind the war down, under the guise of “nation building” and to install a democratic style of government.
During his speech, the general says that “we cannot help these people if we are killing them. It ain’t humanly possible.” And, he says, “they cannot trust us if we keep killing them. So, we need to stop killing them so we can help them.”
He noticed this group of marines were not responding with the enthusiasm as he had hoped for, so he solicits remarks from them. One marine responded with something like, “this is all bull, sir!”
The general look surprised and growled, “What do you mean by that, marine!?”
The marine said, “You are telling us we are here to help these people?”
The general says, “That is right, marine.”
“And we are not supposed to kill any of them?”
“You’re getting it, marine.”
“But, I am a marine sir. I am in a war. I kill people, sir”, the marine continued.
The general responded with, “Not any more, marine.”
“No respect sir, but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy? How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me? How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me, sir? I am a marine and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself. I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir. I am confused ,sir!”, the marine pleaded.
“Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused, son”, the general replies.
THEN IT STRUCK ME
We are not to kill them either. We are supposed to help them and build the Kingdom, even when they are trying to kill us!
Listen to the Apostle Paul as he wages his earthly war for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
2 Corinthians 11:23
(I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Although I am a Christian, and, reflecting back on the movie, I am compelled to say, “No respect sir, but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy? That we are here to build their country and help them become prosperous? How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me? How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me, sir? I am a marine and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself. I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir. I am confused ,sir!”
To which the marine is told “Then you are just going to have to get yourself un-confused, son.”
The Apostle Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:24
“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
And, again, the Apostle Paul says, in Colossians 4:5
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
I have to ask, “How am I supposed to do that, sir, when they are defying our laws, burning our cities down, destroying our businesses, killing our people, attacking our way of life? How am I supposed to do that when one out of three or five or ten of them want to kill me? I am confused sir!”
To which the Apostles Peter and Paul and our Lord Jesus seem to be saying, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself un-confused, son!”
I am thinking that if we stay busy doing what Jesus called us to be doing, we will have our attention diverted away from the temporal to the things that really matter.
Our war is not a war of flesh and blood and our weapons are not weapons of this world. But our
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, we are to take up the full armor of God, so that we will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
We are, therefore, to be on the alert, for we do not know which day The Lord is coming.
But we can be sure of this, that if we had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, we would be on the alert and we will allow our households to be broken into.
This is the reason we must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when we do not think He will.
So then, who is the faithful and sensible follower of Jesus, whom Jesus has put in charge of His household to give them their “food” at the proper time?
Blessed is that disciple, that Christian, whom Jesus finds so doing when He comes.
Nothing else really matters. So, we must just get un-confused and get on with His Business!
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.
“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.
“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Jesus is teaching His disciples Kingdom Truths and up until this point, each teaching is to be applied to oneself. This principal, however, is to be applied to someone else, specifically, a brother or sister in the faith.
The Greatest Responsibility
At first, it sounds as if the believer is to simply make a judgment about someone else’s behavior and correct them. There are few things farther from the truth. This teaching bears the greatest weight and responsibility for the believer.
Before this teaching, Jesus has warned His disciples
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1–3)
The Apostle Paul instructs, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
This matter must be approached prayerfully, soberly and thoughtfully. A great deal of self-inspection and humility should precede before you act. But, once the decision is made, it is to be done carefully with gentleness but resolutely.
Given time, if the brother or sister does not respond in humility and repentance, then you should go back to them with two more witnesses so the facts can be confirmed.
The goal is restoration and reconciliation – not separation
Remembering that Jesus came to serve and not to be served and He died a horrible death to pay for our sins. So, this matter must be approached in love.
James instructs, “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
However, if all attempts to bring the offender back into fellowship fails, and if the transgressor “continues in his or her sins and stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Titus 3:10-11
And, “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”1 Timothy 5:20
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
WARNING TO PASTORS AND ‘CHURCH LEADERS’: Too many churches and pastors use this teaching, this serious matter, as a means to keep ‘parishioners’ or ‘congregants’ in line with the goals, practices and traditions of the local church organization. THIS IS MISAPPLIED and is manipulation and can be spiritual abuse.
You are tasked with feeding HIS sheep, not managing your flock. You have no sheep of your own.
Our Lord is long-suffering not willing that any should perish. Do not drive people away for your own reasons. You will be held accountable.
Sometimes a disagreement is best settled by mutual agreement to separate in peace, if that is possible.
Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to, “Go and sin no more”.
Is that even possible?
This question reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s lament, (heavily paraphrased here) from Romans 7:14-24
I know that the spiritual laws are spiritual in nature; but I am unspiritual. I am like a slave who has been sold to an owner by the name of “Sin”.
Even though I know I am a slave to “Sin”, I still don’t understand why I act like I do. I want to do good, I do not do good, but instead I am doing sinful things I hate.
I realize that it is not the “real me” acting this way, and that it is actually my owner, “Sin”, acting this way. But, it is “Sin” who is living within me.
I know that good does not dwell within me. What is within me is a sinful nature.
I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
You see, I am not doing good even though I want to do good. I keep on doing evil, and I do not want to do evil. So, when I do the things I do not want to do, I realize that it is “Sin” living in me who is doing these evil things through me.
So, I find this principal at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right here, within me, causing all this trouble.
I delight in God’s law in my innermost being; but I see this principal at work within me, waging war with my mind and making me a prisoner of sin.
Sin is working within me, waging war against my desire to do good. I am wretched and tormented! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE?
If this is true with Paul, I have to ask, “Is it even possible to, sin no more as Jesus said?”
We have already discussed how continual sin interrupts our walk with God and robs us of ability to complete our God Given mission and calling effectively – and even negates our ability to submit to God and see Him work through us.
Well, the Bible says it is possible to “Sin no more”, and I need to know how. Let’s solve this awful mystery:
1 John 1:8 tells us that “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” and, v10 says “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”
But, 1 John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.“
The Apostle Paul says to us in Romans 6:1 “Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness?
2-3 Of course not! Should we keep on sinning when we don’t have to? For sin’s power over us was broken when we became Christians and were baptized to become a part of Jesus Christ; through his death the power of your sinful nature was shattered. 4 Your old sin-loving nature was buried with him by baptism when he died; and when God the Father, with glorious power, brought him back to life again, you were given his wonderful new life to enjoy.
5 For you have become a part of him, and so you died with him, so to speak, when he died;[a] and now you share his new life and shall rise as he did. 6 Your old evil desires were nailed to the cross with him; that part of you that loves to sin was crushed and fatally wounded, so that your sin-loving body is no longer under sin’s control, no longer needs to be a slave to sin; “
If this is so, why do I still have the urges to sin?
IT TAKES TIME
Look at it this way. Suppose your doctor says that you need to lose weight or you will suffer deteriorating health, eventually even death. And, let’s say he tells you that you need to lose thirty pounds to be healthy. The doctor will give you guidance, encouragement, assistance, and the hope of the promise of good health.
(The weight is SIN. The doctor is JESUS. The diet is your SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE. The loss of 30 pounds is your desire or GOAL of being weight (sin) free)
So, you begin.
After one month you have lost 5 pounds. Are you healthy yet? NO you are not. But, you are HEALTHIER. And, you are moving toward your goal.
After three months you have lost 15 pounds. Are you healthy yet? NO you are not. But, you are even HEALTHIER. And, you are moving closer to your goal.
After four month you have gained 5 pounds back. You have slipped. Are you healthy yet? NO you are not. But, you are still HEALTHIER than when you started. You need to admit your fault, and get moving toward your goal again.
After ten months you have lost 30 pounds! Are you healthy yet? YES you are. But, you know that this will now be a lifetime of weight (sin) management.
There may be times you ‘slip back’. You must call your doctor. You know he will not condemn you or criticize you. He is there to help you.
So, you call your doctor and admit your faults, knowing that it is your work to do, but your doctor is committed and able to get help you get cleaned up and back on the road of good health!
If you will stay with it and don’t look back at the pleasures of poor eating habits, you will make it! One day you will realize you are much healthier and much more satisfied.
So it is with our walk with God. Like the old hymn says, if we stay with Him and continue or walk with Him, one day we will realize that “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”!
We will look around and see what God has done and is doing in and through our lives and say, “Yes, indeed, our God is a mighty God!” Praise to our God.
STAY WITH IT AND STAY WITH HIM!
THIS WILL HAPPEN. THESE THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD!
Until then, GO AND SIN NO MORE, remembering that He Who is in you has overcome the world!
It seems to me that most everyone who claims to be a Christian (and I say most everyone to leave me some wiggle room) falls far short of what Jesus modeled.
And most of us seem to fall far short of what He said we should be able to do in His Name.
In this day and age and with our world spinning wildly out of control, this could be the most important thing you could read and do.
NOT AND EXCUSE
I hear all the excuses we make. But, no one is willing to explain what seem to be the obvious.
I know the Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Romans 8:23), but, this is not meant to be an excuse for our failure to see His works in our lives. It is a word of correction and instruction, not to be used an excuse.
Despite the fact that we all have sinned and fall short, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” John 14:12
(And by the way, “greater” (mega) in this case does not mean just ‘greater in number’ but it means greater in value, in size, in compass, in stature, in scale, in strength, etc.)
Here is an example. (Matthew 28:16) “… the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
SOME WERE DOUBTFUL, even after all the had seen and experience with the living Lord Jesus. They were doubtful! BUT JESUS SENT THEM TO DO HIS WORKS, ANYWAY.
Their doubt was not to be used an excuse and falling short of the glory of God is not to be used as an excuse, either.
We are to GO “and be confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
I do not intend to take these verses out of context (Eisegesis) in order to make a point, however, these two verses are not contradictory, they are complimentary.
Verse thirteen of John chapter 14, then gives us the “How” this is possible: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Jesus does the works, through the believer and submitted follower.
In other words, this is saying that the person who believes in Jesus, and is yielded to Him will experience the works of Jesus in and through their life – and even greater works because Jesus is now at the right Hand of the Father, and it is He who will do those works through His yielded disciples.
So, what if the Bible is not so much about “what we can or should do” as it is about what to avoid – and that is sin!
The obstacle that negates or defeats our purpose in Christ
Sin, it would appear, is the obstacle that negates or defeats our purpose in Christ. So I ask you, are His works blatantly missing in your life?
The Bible does say that sin separates us from God. And, that if we regard iniquity in our hearts that God cannot hear our prayers.
What if, to speak in similes, we, as jars of clay, are so full of rubbish, that the works of God cannot enter in order to pass through us? Or, perhaps our spiritual communication with God is interrupted and unintelligible because of the ‘static of sin’ in our lives?
In order to further this point, I am curious why most of the people are going to the altars in our church just to ask for things, Good things perhaps, like healings, family needs, financial needs, etc., but it seems that very, very few, go to the altar to mourn, confess and repent of their sins.
Could this be the problem of spiritual impotence, which we are not addressing?
I have even heard a senior pastor teach, many times regarding sin, “God loves you so much, that He cannot love you any less. He understands your frailty and overlooks your sins thanks to Jesus.” I have to say in response, “Are you kidding me?”
For many people, admitting they are sinful is a tough thing. They feel they are admitting that they are just bad people, when they don’t believe they are essentially bad. They say, “I may do some bad things occasionally, but I am basically a good person.”
In dealing with sin and a woman caught in adultery, Jesus said to her (and to all of us by extension) “Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11
God is merciful and forgiving, but, the command is to “Go, and sin no more”. Sin obstructs our connection to God.
Paul also weighed in on this matter when he taught, “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:34
Being good or bad isn’t the point. Sin, is the point.
Sin causes us to “miss the mark” of God’s provision.
Sin causes us to “miss the mark” of God’s presence.
Sin causes us to “miss the mark” of God’s works in and through our mortal bodies.
So. Do you want to change your walk with God into a “Power Walk”? Do you want to see the Works of God in and through your life?
Let’s all Clean our jar of clay. Let’s all clear our spiritual airwaves of the ‘static of sin’.
Please hear these thoughts about prayer, from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest,
“A child of God never prays to be made aware of the fact that God answers prayer, because he is so restfully certain that God always answers prayer.” August 21, 2018,
”We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.” August 14, 2014
“To say that “prayer changes things” is not as close to the truth as saying, “Prayer changes me and then I change things.” August 14, 2014
I have heard it taught, by most Bible teachers in the reformed evangelical church, almost as a doctrine, that God answers prayers 3 ways:
“Yes”
“No”
“Later”
I wondered. So, I studied and searched – for many months. I found this:
God answers prayers.
Period.
For those who would say that God says ‘wait’, actually, there is no direct Biblical reference or evidence of God making you wait. Some may point to Sarah and Abraham and say that God made Sarah wait. But the time that elapsed from God’s Promise to the time it was fulfilled, shows only that God delivers on His Promises.
Time is relevant only to our frames of reference. For God, time is eternal. God Answers Prayer! Period!
The same goes for “no” answer.
I like to study the Bible, so I can know what the Bible says and so I can obey and apply the Truths and principles of the Bible to my life. However, I consider myself a simple minded person, so too many conflicting ideas about anything tends to confuse me to inaction. So, I have to keep this simple.
Here are 7 things the Bible says about praying. And these verses will answer all the ‘objections’ to
GOD ANSWERS PRAYER.
PERIOD.
1. God says we are to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
2. God says, ” You do not have because you do not ask. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (and the word “pleasures” means lusts or selfish pleasures. It is the Greek word is ‘hedone’ from which we get our English word ‘hedonism’ which is unaccountable pleasure and usually not virtuous).
3. God says, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, God will not hear (my prayers).” Psalms 66:18
4. God says, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”
5. God says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
6. God says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” John 15:7
7. God says, “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. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:21-22
Could this be any clearer?
I have listed SEVEN TRUTHS about prayer. I could take these 7 Truths about prayer and turn the into seven chapters for a book. I don’t think I will try to write a book about this because when I read books with many caveats and multilayered methods to pray it’s almost like learning to hit a golf ball the first time. (Head down, eye on the ball, left arm straight, wrist locked, elbow in tight, shift your weight, strike the ball first then the turf, turn your belt buckle toward the target, rotate shoulders, extend your arms for follow through – then pick your self up off the ground because you missed the ball completely and fell over. In fact, you have missed the point completely, lost in the details, so, you quit.)
For the person reading this who would like to see their prayer life manifest God Sized results, then please, let’s re-read these Truths and begin to apply them, together.
1.God says we are to
Be anxious for nothing,
but in every situation, by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.”Philippians 4:6
What would it look like to pray without anxiety, in every situation? (Think on this!)
How do you pray and ask with THANKSGIVING? (Think on this!)
Take the time and self discipline to cleanse ourselves. Remembering that we are approaching a Holy God through Christ Jesus. Galatians 5:19-21 gives a good place to start: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 1:9ff tells us to confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
4. God says we are to
Have confidence in Him, so that, anything we ask according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask,
we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”
Consider carefully the word ABIDE. This is the only way.
7. God says we are to “…
7. God says, we are to “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. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Then, and only then, we may ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for you.
We must remember that these 7 Truths of prayers are not ‘individual Truths’. These 7 Truths are connected to one another; they are interrelated. Each must be observed as each is dependent upon the others.
And the motives or our prayers must be that Our Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and prove to be My disciples.
And this is the power of the Gospel: The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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.
WOW, huh?
One last story: We were attending a new members class at a Church we were considering joining. The pastor of this church was teaching this class. This particular module of the class was about prayer and spiritual gifts. At the conclusion of this class the pastor emphatically (and sarcastically) said, “So, if you have the gift of prayer that raises people from the dead or heals people, you don’t need to join our church. You should just go to the local hospital and empty it out!”
We moved on in search of another church. Friends, I am not a Christian because of what I can get or what I can do.
I am a Christian because I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I need forgiveness of my sins and because I love and need Jesus. After this, I discovered there is much more to this Christian life and the walk with God than I could have ever imagined. Let’s do it all!!
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Read some other passages to get the context about how God considers the “little ones”:
Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Matthew 18:14 “So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.”
Matthew 18:3 and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Mark 9:37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”
Children are most precious in God’s sight. And to despise on of these little ones, to condemn, disdain, or think little or nothing of them, will incur the wrath of God.
Jesus tells us that angels in heaven are continually reporting about the welfare of these to the Father in heaven. They are always on His Mind.
They are to be loved, nurtured, trained and brought up in the admonition of the Lord.
So it is that abuse, neglect or ill treatment of these little ones, of any kind, is an abomination to God. Abortion is particular stench to God and offenders can fully expect the wrath of God to fall upon them.
Now, it is your turn:
HOW MUST YOU DO IT?
HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
A PERSONAL NOTE: So it is with the travesty of abortion the United States. Anyone who stands by and does nothing is complicit in this atrocity before God.
Please hear these thoughts about prayer, from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest,
