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.

DENY YOURSELF

July 14, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #28

Deny Yourself

“23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.

25 “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:23–25).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Jesus says that “If anyone wishes to come after Me…

He must deny himself
Take up his cross daily, and
Follow me

WARNING: This is not a ‘seeker friendly’ request!

We have already seen that Jesus’ command to follow Him was not a simple request. It was spoken in the imperative as a command “come hither, come here, come now!” Jesus warned that once you put your hand to the plow and then looked back, you are no longer fit for service in the Kingdom of God.

Secondly, anyone wishing to follow Jesus must understand the context and vernacular of His words to mean, “Follow Me in order to be taught by me, looking over my shoulder. You will learn by watching and you will be identified with Me and you will suffer with me and because of me.” There is a price to pay for following Jesus.

Next, there is no way to follow Jesus and retain the life you once knew. Following Jesus requires a total commitment of life, resources and of your future. So, to say “you must deny yourself” actually means a total disregard one’s own interests; to deny, abnegate, and abjure your life in favor of the cause and calling of Christ.

Finally, to “take up your cross daily” means you are willing to bear the burdens Christ bore and that your term of service is indefinite and eternal.

One last reminder, which will serve those well who are wishing to come after Jesus, offered by the Apostle Paul in

Hebrews 6:4 “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (v5) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, (v6) and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance,”

Now, it is your turn:

HOW MUST YOU DO IT?

HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Heb 12:1

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 5

July 13, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

LOVE WILL GROW COLD

Another sign of THE LAST DAYS is found in Matthew24:12,13, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

We, the Church, The Body of Christ, have been moved so far from the love of Christ, that we cannot even imagine what this verse is actually saying and what it means.

The love between the Saved and the Lost seems to be practically irreconcilable in this age.

While the love between members of the Body of Christ can be cordial, it is often lukewarm at best, strained and competitive in many instances and openly hostile, abusive and predatory at it worst.

This can be seen in church business meetings, counseling sessions, pastor-congregant relationships and in hushed whispers in the hallways of churches.

We have no concept of how the early church, under great ridicule, humiliation and persecution could grow at such an astounding rate. But, it was the love of the Church for one another and compassion for the world around them which drew people, from all walks of life, to Christ.

This ‘growing cold’ is what is spoken of during the breaking of the 5th Seal of the tribulation (the BIRTH PAINS).

Jesus says, in Matthew 24:9-12

You will be killed
You will be hated because of Jesus
Many will fall away from the faith
Many will betray one another and hate one another
False prophets will arise and mislead many
People’s love will grow cold

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”

We have seen the rise and fall of Christlike love within the Church, over the centuries. But this occurrence, in concert with the great worldwide apostasy, the falling away from God and The Gospel of Jesus Christ with false teachings, we may be seeing the fulfillment of this 5th tribulation seal judgment.

WHAT ARE WE TO DO

These can be viewed a desperate times. But, in reality, the Bible has warned us ahead of time and provided us with the means to overcome the evil that is in the world and to endure, successfully, to the end!

OUR BATTLE CRY

Ephesians 8:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Verse 11. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 12. “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.

Verse 13. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

STAND FIRM

Verse 14. “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, verse 15, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; verse 16, in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17, And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Verse 18. “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”

These are historic times. A great shift in the history of the world in underway. One could even accurately say, this is a shift of cosmic proportions. It is time to prepare and to act.

It will no longer suffice to continue with “business as usual”. It is time to take up our cross and truly follow close to Him!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 4

July 13, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

EARTH SHAKING NEWS

First, it means that, over the last 2,000 plus years, the first five seals of the tribulation have been broken. This is referred to as the TIMES OF SORROWS or the BIRTH PAINS.

There are clear signs and evidence that the fifth tribulation seal is now in the process of being opened, or broken!

Secondly, it means that, according to the signs given in scriptures, that the Great Tribulation begins with the breaking or opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal. Which, incidentally, marks the beginning of Daniel’s Seventieth Week, a.k.a., the “7 Year Tribulation period” and the “Time, Times and a Half Time” (three and one half years).

Again, This period of time, which begins with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, will reach the mid-point at the 6th Trumpet of judgment and will conclude after the 7th Tribulation Bowl is poured out.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT

It is important because, if you, as a Christian, think that you will be raptured off this planet and into heaven before the End of Days and before the “BIRTH PAINS” of the early tribulation period begins, you are holding on to a false hope.

You are now experiencing the breaking first five tribulation seals known as the “BIRTH PAINS”, and Jesus clearly says that you must “endure to the end ” in the face of these disasters, calamities, famines, earthquakes and wars.

I believe our theologians, once again, have miscalculated the timing and urgency of this prophecy based on denominational bias and have left us pre-tribulation adherents vulnerable.

It is important because, Jesus is very clear about what we are to be doing in preparation for these horrendous events. And, very few are even aware of this assignment and fewer yet are doing them.

It is important because the context with which we see the uses and meanings of these words and the timing of these events affect our attitudes and our motivation for GETTING and STAYING READY for His return.

It is important that we see and understand what Jesus is TEACHING corresponds with the unfolding of the Tribulation period as recorded in Revelation. It will give us clear instruction, not only of what is coming, but HOW TO PREPARE for these days.

WHY DOES IT MATTER

Why does it matter “when” the tribulation starts or “when” Christians are to be raptured into the heavens?

It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of True Christianity, and only a True Believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His return

It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun, and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger

It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness, and it is our job and calling, as Christians, to tell them. It is our responsibility to “sound the Shofar“.

The Bible warns that in THESE LAST DAYS, “lawlessness is increased”. Never, in our history, have we seen such a striking call for the abolition of “Law and Order”, the permissiveness of anarchy and lawlessness. We are, indeed, in a time when “Good is called evil and evil is called good”.

Go here for the final part – “People’s Love will Grow Cold” – Part 5

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 3

July 13, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

THEN THE END WILL COME

Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Verse 15. “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),

Verse 16. “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

Verse 17. “Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.

Verse 18. “Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.

Verse 19, “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

Verse 20. “But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.

FOR THEN, A GREAT TRIBULATION

Verse 21. “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.

Verse 22 “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Verse 23. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.

Verse 24. “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Verse 25. “Behold, I have told you in advance.

Verse 26. “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.

Verse 27. “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

THESE LAST DAYS

Hebrews 1:1-2, says, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

THE LAST DAYS

Acts 2:17 ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;

THESE LAST TIMES

1 Peter 1:18 “…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, (v19) but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (v20) For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you (v21) who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

These words by Jesus, the Apostles Paul and Peter were spoken (and written) in the 1st century, AD. So, it is easy to see, by these scriptural references, that The Last Days began in the 1st Century AD – and this is earth-shaking news.

Go here for EARTH-SHAKING NEWS – Part 4

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 2

July 13, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

IT IS TO KNOW

“THE LAST DAYS“ – Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYS or the LAST TIMES.

The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean

“an age” or
“last in a series of places” and
“last in a temporal succession of time”.

It is important to know that these LAST DAYS are not a sudden cessation of time. Instead, they are an age or an era leading to and END OF TIME and ultimately to the end of the heavens and the earth.

It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can go on for an indeterminate time
It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can overlap with other tribulation seal judgments
It is important to know that the intensity of God’s judgments increase in intensity and ferocity.
- The initial tribulation seals 1 through 5 are referred to as “BIRTH PAINS” or the “tribulation” (small “t’ with the absence of the adjective “great”)
- Seals 6 and following are referred to as the “GREAT Tribulation” and “A time of Great Tribulation such as the world has never seen and will never see again”.

What The New Testament Says About

THE END OF THE AGE

Matthew 24:3 As He (Jesus) was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

NOT YET THE END

4 “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

MERELY THE BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS

7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

ENDURE TO THE END

9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

10 “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

11 “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.

12 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

THEN THE END WILL COME

14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Therefore…

Go here for The Great Tribulation – Part 3

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 1

July 13, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

2 Timothy 3:1 “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. Verse 2, For men will be

lovers of self,
lovers of money,
boastful, arrogant, revilers,
disobedient to parents, ungrateful,
unholy, unloving, irreconcilable,
malicious gossips, without self-control,
brutal, haters of good,
treacherous, reckless,
conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;

Avoid such men as these.”

You don’t have to look very hard or very far to see that these verses from 2 Timothy describe much of society today. But, it is nothing new. Since these verses were written in the first century AD, these problems of character and behavior existed then as well as now.

Sadly, many of the people “in church” can be described this very way. But, again, this was written to the people in the church in the first century AD, so again, the problem has been ongoing.

People who hold these view and demonstrate these character qualities always have reasons for their behavior, and they truly don’t see a problem, so they rarely see the need to correct their thinking or behavior. This is why we see Jesus and the Apostles teaching on these matters – to correct people’s thinking, attitudes and behaviors.

More to the point, however, this is a description of “THE LAST DAYS”, and it has been ongoing since around AD 1. Jesus and His disciples taught that “THE LAST DAYS” were underway in as early as AD 1.

Now, disturbingly, in 2020, even some of our medical professionals are advocating for a more progressive or liberal and accepting view of these behaviors.

THE LAST DAYS

Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYS or the LAST TIMES.

The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean

“an age” or
“last in a series of places” and
“last in a temporal succession of time”.

Go to “WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?” here PART -2

SAVING THE WORLD?

July 12, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

This image is the image of Theosophic occultism. It is part of the occultist stream of Western esotericism, it draws both upon older European philosophies like Neoplatonism and upon Asian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and is being quietly practiced in many ‘mainline protestant and Wesleyan-Nazarene churches.

“As politicians and parliaments struggle with the economic catastrophe brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, central banks have reached for the playbook of the 2008 global financial crisis. They are pumping liquidity into the banking system and trying to prop up key asset markets with large-scale purchases. This is helping to staunch the panic, but the shock is a global one — and it needs a global response.

“For the second time this century, the world is facing an acute shortage of dollar funding. This is a big problem: An enormous amount of global financial activity depends on the use of the dollar. If we are to contain the fallout from the crisis, America’s central bank must act as a lender of last resort not just to America’s financial system but also to the entire world’s.

“The good news is that the Federal Reserve is taking its responsibility seriously: It is funneling dollars to central banks around the world. But is the Fed fighting the last war?” (end of excerpt)

Main points of this article:

America’s central bank must act as a lender of last resort not just to America’s financial system but also to the entire world’s financial systems.
And it needs a Global response.
The governments and politicians are pumping liquidity into the banking system and trying to prop up key asset markets with large-scale purchases.
This is helping to staunch the panic, but the shock is a Global one.
The Federal Reserve is taking its responsibility seriously: It is funneling dollars to banks around the world.
“But, is the Fed fighting the last war?”

This is the specter of a Socialist Globalist power grab. A Globalist lunge for their dream of a long-awaited One World Government – their “Utopia”.

Proponents of Globalism believe in a global citizenship; that is, the problems of humanity can be resolved with ‘Democratic’ Globalism. ‘Democratic’ Globalism purports that all people matter, no matter where they live, and that universal freedom and human rights can be fostered for all mankind. World citizens believe in ‘civic globalism, and that by thinking globally and acting locally, they can effect positive change across all barriers.

It is the same ideology of Communism. In fact, the Communist manifesto claims that Socialism is just a necessary step to Communism and then must be done away with.

It is the same ideology which murdered over 110,286,000 people worldwide since 1900.

Socialists and communists say Globalism is the key to worldwide prosperity. But, the truth is that Globalists say it is a key to worldwide prosperity, but they know it is the key to controlling people under the dictatorial rule of godless communism.

“The task before the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)”, said its first Director-General Julian Huxley in 1946, is “the emergence of a single world culture by transferring full sovereignty from separate nations to a world organization.”

The “new world order” will be a socialist, authoritarian global government and court with “global rule of law” and a “one-world economy,” according to the Commission for Global Governance.

(from U.N.E.S.C.O.’s Globalist Agenda)

The recommendations of the Commission on Global Governance, if implemented, will bring all the people of the world into a global neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy, under the direct authority of a minute handful of appointed individuals, and policed by thousands of individuals, paid by accredited NGOs, certified to support a belief system which contains ideas that are foreign to the American experience, and ignores other values and ideas that are precious to the American experience.

All of this thanks to a manipulated worldwide pandemic.

So, what can we, who recognize the threat posed by this ‘pandemic inspired power grab’, do to protect ourselves and preserve our way of life?

Read about what we can do and what we must do in response: Globalism-and-the-tower-of-babel. And please, take this seriously and literally.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Also, two new articles – URGENT reads:

The ONE WORLD CHURCH

AGENDA 21

More URGENT items related to this matter:

A call to arms

A holy remnant is born

The Christian Betrayal of Jesus in 2019

Has the Great Apostasy Begun?

FRACTURED

Servant / Steward

Hireling and Gleaners

AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS

July 10, 2020October 24, 2021 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

But this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

“AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,”

THE NARRATIVE

Acts 2:5-21 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? “ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.”

But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
            ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
            AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
            AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
            AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;

EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN,
I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT
And they shall prophesy.

      ‘AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE
            AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,
            BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.

      ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS
            AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,
            BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’

THE CLUES

1. When was the book of Act written? (click this link for The answer).

2. What is the context of Peter’s assertions? (click this link for The answer).

3. What is meant by THE LAST DAYS? (click this link for The answer).

4. Who was Joel? (click this link for The answer).

5. Where else in the Bible can we find these images of “BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD” and what do they mean? (click this link for The answer).

THE CLUES & THE CONCLUSION

(Click this link for the answers).

And It Shall Be in The Last Days We are living in those days, as testified to by scriptures. Our response is to pray, stay steady, be ready and fear not! The LORD our GOD is with us, wherever we go, and He will give us the words to speak at the right time!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CROWDS

July 9, 2020February 7, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A MESSAGE ABOUT CROWDS

There are 16,435 sermons on the subject of CROWDS at sermoncentral. One message struck a chord with me. The speaker described crowds, to include gangs. He spoke of why and how crowds form, the intentions of crowds, the makeup of crowds, the psychology of crowds, the effect of crowds and the different types of crowds.

Toward the end of the message, the speaker remarked, “And Christianity is one of the largest CROWDS in the world. In fact, it is almost like a “GANG”.

You see, “GANG members” have their own titles, their own logos and symbols they wear. They have their own music style, their way of dressing and acting. And, sometimes, GANG members can be intimidating, just like Christians.

“But, Christians have even more. They have their own buildings, artwork, radio and televisions and broadcast stations and satellite networks. They have their own banking systems, clothing lines, banks and religious centers.”

The Bible mentions the word CROWD or CROWDS, in relation to Jesus, 137 times in the New Testament.

After I read these passages, I wondered. “HAVE I BECOME A GANG MEMBER? Or part of the CROWD?”

After you read this letter, I’ll ask you, also, “Have you become a gang member? Or part of a crowd?

Watch carefully as the Crowds in the Bible, who followed Jesus around, go from

Inquisitive to
Amazement and
Adoration, and then become
Angry – every time. Every time.

THE THING ABOUT CROWDS

I am giving just a few examples here, how crowds acted and reacted to Jesus following the pattern of Inquisitive to Amazement & Adoration, to and then Angry. (You can read all the verses about the CROWDS which followed Jesus at this link https://www.whitestone2014.com/crowds ):

INSQUISITIVE

Matthew 4:23, “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. (v24) The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Verse 25. Large CROWDS followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

AMAZEMENT

Matthew 7:28, “When Jesus had finished these words, the CROWDS were amazed at His teaching;

Matthew 8:1, “When Jesus came down from the mountain, large CROWDS followed Him.

Matthew 9:8, “But when the CROWDS saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Matthew 14:19, “Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the CROWDS, verse 20, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.

Verse 21. “There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.

ADORATION

Matthew 21:9, “The CROWDS going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!”

ANGRY

John 6:24 So when the CROWD saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.

Verse 51. “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

Verse 53. “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.

Verse 54. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Verse 55. “For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.

Verse 66. ” As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.

Matthew 26:55, “At that time Jesus said to the CROWDS, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me.

Matthew 27:20, “But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

What has been your pattern while following Jesus, so far?

Were you, initially, INQUISITIVE?
Have you come to be AMAZED by Him?
Do you ADORE Him?

BEWARE: The next step in this pattern is ANGER. It doesn’t flare up all-at-once. It is gradual and progressive. As long as you think you are getting what you expected, you are full of wonder and amazement, showing adoration for God.

But then, perhaps the music at church, has become less than what you expect, and you become annoyed. Maybe the sermons aren’t ‘feeding you’ just right, so you have become dissatisfied. Maybe the sermons are too ‘hard’ or about Bible subjects you don’t like, such as sin or hell, and they bother you so you miss a Sunday here and there. And maybe, on one of those missed Sundays, nobody from the church called to see about you, and you feel neglected or ignored, so you get angry. Yep. ANGER sets in and the patter is complete.

Now, you should ask yourself, are you following Jesus as His disciple? Or, are you just following Him around – as part of the CROWD?

This is what can happen when you become part of the CHURCH CROWD.

Jesus did not call us to be THE CROWD. He called us to BE THE CHURCH and to BE HIS DISCIPLES who go and make other disciples.

We are NOT to be part of the church gang, following after the conferences, the church programs and becoming just a weekly attendee of the religious services (aka, worship services).

Hebrews 6:4–8, “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen ^c away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end, it will be burned.”

The Day of the Lord is near. Let’s get ready and stay ready for His return.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

REJOICE IN PERSECUTION

July 7, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #3

Rejoice in persecution

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

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

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

First, let me define these words so we can get a clearer understanding.

We are told to Rejoice: to rejoice, be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, thrive.

We are told we will be Persecuted: dioko = to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away in a hostile manner; to harass, trouble, molest one.

The word “persecuted” comes from the world “Diakonos” which translates DEACON, which is a servant of God, a minister.

Why and how do you rejoice when being harassed or terrorized? You cannot and you should not unless something unusual, something exceptional is happening.

What we discover is that Jesus is teaching about your “Sanctification” and He is saying that you will be purged, refined and been restored, when you follow Him and are fully surrendered to God and His Will.

Persecution is a necessary and inevitable step. You are walking in the step of Jesus, in His likeness, doing His Will and His Works.

Experience God’s Will

HOW MUST YOU DO IT? ____________________________

HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT? ________________________

Your reward in heaven is great. Great, indeed.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

FOLLOW ME

July 6, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #2

- - - Follow Me

“And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

“Follow Me”, is an imperative statement, a command (not a request). It conveys a sense of urgency, as saying “Now!”. Finally, the idea is to draw near, as looking over Jesus’ shoulder, watching, learning, preparing to imitate Him. You are to be seen with Him and identified as having been with Him.

A disciple of Jesus – A Christian – is identified as having been with Jesus.

He called Peter and Andrew and said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Peter and Andrew understood this was an invitation to a close, personal and lasting relationship. This was not a casual encounter. This is the Call of God for all to follow Him, and a being yoked with Him is the perfect illustration to describe this new relationship with Jesus.

YOU ARE THE CALLED OF JESUS CHRIST

Being yoked with Jesus is freedom from what binds you, what ails you, what plagues you. Know that Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. His yoke is a yoke of freedom!

When people see you, are they amazed, and recognize you as having been with Jesus?

Now, it is your turn:

HOW MUST YOU DO IT? _________________________________

HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT? ______________________________

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

https://www.whitestone2020.com/the-real-gospel-of-christ

https://www.whitestone2020.com/yes-you-have-to-follow-him-for-real

REPENT

July 6, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson# 1

Repent

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The greatest pronouncement and call to readiness for all Christians: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The hour has arrived. Final preparations are being made. Ready yourself for the Heaven’s final assault upon the earth. Satan is to be defeated and you and I are part of God’s invading force.

This is not a metaphor. It is not hyperbole. It is the literal call from God through His Son, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repent, in the Biblical sense, literally means, “To change one’s mind; to change one’s mind for the better” and it comes from a two root words which mean, “Hereafter, have this understanding or perception”.

Repenting is the act of changing your mind which means your mindset, your values, and your worldview is changed. Some would say you then live by new standards. But it is much greater than just living by new standards.

A person of sound mind cannot simultaneously think one thing and do another, repentance results in a complete change of mind and direction of one’s life.

Another way of saying this is, “As a man or woman thinks, so are they”.

BOTH A COMMAND AND A PROPHETIC WORD

Interestingly, Jesus, the Son of God, in fact God Himself, said these very words which is recorded in Matthew 4:17. Remembering, this is both a Command and a prophetic Word from God.

Jesus said this is what we are to do – Repent – in order to become His disciple and to follow Him, and, this is what will happen is we repent.

The disciples echoed and repeated these very words as they continued to do the Works of God, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”.

Jesus says for each of us to Repent as an act of our will and that Repentance will allow the Holy Spirit to come into our bodies, our minds and regenerate our spirits. We will become One with Him.

Our fleshly desires begin to fade and our new desires emanate from the Holy Spirit of God. It is not us producing Spiritual Fruit, it is from The Holy Spirit and it should pour out of us, liberally.

We begin to desire the Things of God. We are made new, and we can now walk with certainty, with purpose and power in our New Life.

MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Once we repent, our new desires move us to a new way of living, new actions, which are the direct manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Repentance means it is no long you or I who live, but it is Christ, literally, living in us.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”

If you are living in the sin of doubt or fear, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

If you are living under the oppression of poverty, sickness, lack or want, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Rise up. Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, and healing of every kind of disease and every kind of sickness, help all who are ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; heal them all. Matthew 4:24

Go and tell others this exceedingly Good News, telling them to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

HOW MUST YOU DO IT? _____________________________________

HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT? _____________________________________

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED – EVERY ONE OF YOU

July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

The preacher gently places a cloth over the mouth and nose of the young man and states these words, “You are buried with Christ” as he lowers the young man, back into the baptismal pool, “And you are raised to new life with Christ”.

The observers applaud.

The preacher then hugs the young man, ushers him out of the pool and exits, himself.

Many, if not most Christian churches consider baptism as “an outward sign of an inward decision”. A reenactment. A ritual. A sacrament (a religious ceremony or ritual).

However, The Apostle Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Please read the verse again – and think: Peter said to them,

• “Repent, and each of you be baptized
• in the name of Jesus Christ
• for the forgiveness of your sins;
• and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ, is for

• the forgiveness of your sins, and for
• the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism in the Name of Jesus, in obedience to Jesus and for the Cause of Jesus, is an act of obedience resulting in a supernatural event.

1. Baptism is a Covenant with God.

Baptism is a contract, a compact, a treaty and a pact.

Baptism is an accord, a deal, a settlement, a concordat and protocol.

It is an agreement, an arrangement, an understanding, a pledge, a promise, a bond, an indenture, a guarantee, a warrant, an undertaking.

Baptism is a commitment between you and God; between your body, mind and spirit with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

2. Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ is a natural reenactment of supreme importance, with deep significance.

Baptism is Contract in Blood which ignites a series of supernatural events culminating in God the Holy Spirit enveloping and inhabiting the believer. One means little without the other.

3. Baptism both signifies and seals your covenant with God.

You covenant that you willingly die to your old life, as with Christ on the cross of crucifixion. Your old life and your old ways are buried in His empty tomb, as you are being plunged into the waters of baptism.

Then, as you rise up out of the waters of baptism, you are born again, to walk in a new life of freedom, forgiveness and servant-hood to Jesus and His Cause.

You agree to follow and serve God the rest of your life, now, and, into eternity.

Your Friend and Brother,

Mike Young

PS: Have you “sealed the deal”? Have you been baptized – with the Prophetic Words of the Apostle Peter in mind?

Every Word and command of the Bible leads us to Jesus. The results should be miraculous and spectacular. You should never be the same again.

If you are mixing the thinking of this world and trying to follow Jesus, IT JUST WON’T WORK PROPERLY. You just cannot mix salt water into your drinking supply and get fresh water. IT JUST WON’T WORK.

FOLLOW HIM, COMPLETELY. IT WORKS.

BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN

July 3, 2020October 23, 2024 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #27

Beware of Leaven

“And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Before the Holy Spirit came upon them, Jesus’ disciples were severely lacking in wisdom and understanding.

How often do we read the scriptures and understand so little? Even trained ‘preachers’ will give a message on the Gospel and misinform their listeners because they lack understanding and cannot obtain wisdom. And, why are we Christians lacking the abilities to see the context of God’s Word, to have wisdom and unable to obtain understanding?

Here is the full context of our verse today: Matthew16:5 “And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread.

6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.”

8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread?

9 “Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up?

10 “Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up?

11 “How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

This Teaching begins with the words, “And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread.“

Then, Jesus remarks, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

It is often the method of Jesus to address a person or people by way of their own lives, in the context of their situation or by their own understanding.

These men were thinking about BREAD and Jesus addresses them at their point of NEED!

However, because their minds were fixed on a “temporary need”, they missed what Jesus was Teaching them. He would not only remind them that He addresses their immediate and temporary needs, but their Eternal Needs as well.

Another similar example is when Peter asks Jesus, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” Jesus’ answer was “So that we do not offend the tax collectors, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”

Peter was a fisherman, so Jesus uses the context of Peter’s life to meet his need.

Jesus meets all of our needs. It is important that we not become so obsessed with what we want, how we want it and when we want it, that we miss God’s provision for our life.

James says it well when he reminds us,

“You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Now, it is your turn:

HOW MUST YOU DO IT?

HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?

Let’s pray and ask for understanding and wisdom and God, Who gives generously without finding fault, will give to you. James 1:5

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

whitestonefellowship@earthlink.net

ARE WE BEING “SETUP”? – HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

July 1, 2020November 30, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 2 Comments

(You can listen to this audio podcast while you read along, and, you can pause the audio to follow any links, then resume the audio when you are ready.)

WHERE ARE WE ON GOD’S TIMETABLE & HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND

We are faced with calamitous world circumstances and an uncertain future. We have watched the collapse of the Soviet Union, a rise is radical Islamic Fundamentalism, a realignment of national alliances, global political power shifts, a dramatic rise in worldwide terrorism, and a reemergence of Socialist-communism and Marxism, among other national and global concerns.

There are wars and rumors of wars, nations are rising against nations, new diseases, worldwide pandemics, social unrest and anarchy, and in various places there are famines and earthquakes. Perversity and evil are on the rise.

The Bible says all these things are merely the beginning of the “birth pangs” but it is not yet the end. (Matthew chapter 24).

AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

John 8:31, tells us, “Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

UN-APPLIED KNOWLEDGE IS JUST IDLE INFORMATION

Knowing the Truth is not enough, according to Jesus. He says, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” If you continue in or DO His words.” (John 8:32 )

James also says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22.

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?

Please follow me over the next weeks and let’s see what the Bible really says about how we are to prepare and how we should respond, using Jesus as our model.

Many times we see a circumstance from our own personal mindset or worldview. This can cause us to misread or misinterpret what is really going on, how to understand what we are actually seeing and how we should respond.

We, as Christians,

must know what the Bible really says
in the context of how it was said,
why it was said and
we must know how to apply it.

And Jesus is the only place we can find The Truth of these matters.

One example I’ll give is about a pastor and friend of mine liked to say, “Remember to be kind and gentle like Jesus”. And, yes, that is right. But keeping Jesus’ behavior and words in context of the situations He found Himself, you will find that there were times when Jesus would respond to evil and say things you may not have expected. For example,

Did Jesus really,,,

Call people hypocrites?!
Say His Father will put your enemies under your feet?
Tell religious people they do not understand the power of God?
Hit people with whips of cords!?
Call people “Satan” and Stumbling Blocks!?
Refer to people as perverts?
Tell people not to call their Priest, “Father”?
Tell Jews not to call their teachers, “Rabbi”?
Tell people not to call those who serve in the church, “Leaders”?

THE SET UP

Jesus was constantly being “set up” by the Pharisees, the Sadducees and scribes of His day. Let me review a few of these instances and see how Jesus responded.

1. The “Set up”

Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. 16And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. 17“Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”

Jesus responds

Matthew 22:18 says, “But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites.”

The result

Mathew 22:22 says, “And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.”

ARE WE BEING “SET UP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

2. The “Set up”

Matthew 22:23, says, “On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, verse 24. Asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.’ verse 25. “Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; verse26. So also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. Verse 27. “Last of all, the woman died. Verse 28. “In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.”

Jesus responds

Verse 29. “But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

The Result

Verse 33. “When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

Verse 34. “But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together.”

ARE WE BEING “SETUP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

3. The “Set up”

Matthew 22:41 tells us, “Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: verse 42. “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.”

Jesus responds

Verse 43. “He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, verse 44. ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET”’? Verse 45. “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?”

The result

Verse 46. “No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.”

((Jesus, God incarnate, Lord and Master, sets the example for all to follow, including the Pastors, Preachers, Teachers, Rabbis, Priests and Evangelists))

ARE WE BEING “SET UP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

4. The “Set up”

John 2:13 tells us, “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Verse 14. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.“

Jesus responds

Verse 15. “And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; verse 16. and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.”

The result

Verse 17. “His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.”

ARE WE BEING “SET UP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

5. The “Set up”

Matthew 16:21 says, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Verse 22. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”

Jesus responds

Verse 23. “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

The Result

Verse24. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”

ARE WE BEING “SET UP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

6. The “Set up”

Matthew 17:15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Verse 16. “I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.”

Jesus responds

Verse 17. “And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.”

The result

Verse 18. “And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.

Verse 19. “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” Verse 20. And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith.”

ARE WE BEING “SET UP” IN OUR DAY AND TIME?

7. Jesus recaps

Matthew 23:1-12 says, “Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

THE EIGHT WOES to the Pharisees and Scribes and those like them

The point here is (at least) THREE-fold.

1. The religious leaders of Jesus day were following the traditions of men and not the Commands and Teaching of God. Are we doing the same?

2. It appears we are being “Set up”, also, and the consequences can be as dire as they were for Jesus. Certainly, our mission is the same. We need a LEADER, and TEACHER to tell and show us how to navigate this “SET UP” which is underway, and His Name is Jesus.

3. Jesus knew what was people were planning and He responded accordingly. We do not always know what is coming, so we must rely on Jesus, and He has always been teaching us HOW TO GET READY, HOW TO RESPOND and HOW TO STAY READY for what is coming.

Let’s take a look at a Biblical Summary of

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THIS TIME OF TRIBULATION?

More teachings on this matter:

“WHAT IT MEADS TO GET READY”

“READY FOR HIS COMING”

IS THE WORLD SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL? A Summary view of what is coming from the Book of Daniel.