Category: Christian Living

THE OLD CROSS and THE NEW CROSS – by A.W. Tozier

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 2 Comments

The OLD CROSS and THE NEW 

– by A.W. Tozer –

In case you might have doubted how far the Church has drifted from her holy moorings of the Gospel, please read the following by Pastor, Dr. A.W. Tozer, (1897 – 1963), an American Christian pastor, author, magazine editor, and spiritual mentor, who, for his accomplishments received honorary doctorates from Wheaton and Houghton colleges.

(This article first appeared in the Alliance Witness magazine in 1946)

ALL UNANNOUNCED AND MOSTLY UNDETECTED, there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles. It is like the old cross, but different: the likenesses are superficial; the differences, fundamental.

From this new cross has sprung a new philosophy of the Christian life, and
from that new philosophy has come a new evangelical technique, a new type of meeting and a new kind of preaching. This new evangelism employs the same language as the old, but its content is not the same and its emphasis not as before.

The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam’s proud flesh it
meant the end of the journey. It carried into effect the sentence imposed by
the law of Sinai. The new cross is not opposed to the human race; rather, it is
a friendly pal and, if understood aright, it is the source of oceans of good
clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His
life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure, only now he
takes delight in singing choruses and watching religious movies instead of
singing bawdy songs and drinking hard liquor. The accent is still on enjoyment, though the fun is now on a higher plane morally if not intellectually.

The new cross encourages a new and entirely different evangelistic approach.
The evangelist does not demand abnegation of the old life before a new life
can be received. He preaches not contrasts but similarities. He seeks to key
into public interest in showing that Christianity makes no unpleasant demands; rather, it offers the same thing the world does, only on a higher level.

Whatever the sin-mad world happens to be clamoring after at the moment is cleverly shown to be the very thing the gospel offers, only the religious product is better.

The new cross does not slay the sinner, it redirects him. It gears him into a
cleaner and jollier way of living and saves his self-respect. To the
self-assertive, it says, “Come and assert yourself for Christ.” To the egotist, it says, “Come and do your boasting in the Lord.” To the thrill seeker, it says, “Come and enjoy the thrill of Christian fellowship.” The Christian message is
slanted in the direction of the current vogue in order to make it acceptable to the public.

The philosophy behind this kind of thing may be sincere, but its sincerity
does not save it from being false. It is false because it is blind. It misses
completely the whole meaning of the cross.

The old cross is a symbol of death. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of
a human being. The man in Roman times who took up his cross and started down the road had already said goodbye to his friends. He was not coming back. He was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise, modified nothing, spared nothing; it slew all of the man, completely and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with its victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more.

The race of Adam is under a death sentence. There is no one to commute it and no escape. God cannot approve any of the fruits of sin, however innocent they may appear or beautiful to the eyes of men. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again to newness of life.

That evangelism which draws friendly parallels between the ways of God and
the ways of men are false to the bible and cruel to the souls of its hearers. The
faith of Christ does not parallel the world, it intersects it. In coming to
Christ, we do not bring our old life up onto a higher plane; we leave it at the
cross. The corn of wheat must fall into the ground and die.

We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations
agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not
imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.

God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out
of death. It always stands on the far side of the cross. Whoever would
possess it must pass under the rod. He must repudiate himself and concur in God’s just sentence against him.

What does this mean to the individual, the condemned man who would find life in Christ Jesus? How can this theology be translated into life? Simply, he
must repent and believe. He must forsake his sins and then go on to forsake
himself. Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing. Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God’s stern displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

Having done this, let him gaze with simple trust upon the risen Savior, and
from Him will come life and rebirth and cleansing and power. The cross that
ended, the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises him to a new life along with Christ.

To any who may object to this or count it merely a narrow and private view of
truth, let me say God has set His hallmark of approval upon this message from Paul’s day to the present. Whether stated in these exact words or not, this has been the content of all preaching that has brought life and power to the world through the centuries. The mystics, the reformers, the revivalists have put their emphasis here, and signs and wonders and mighty operations of the Holy Ghost gave witness to God’s approval.

Dare we, the heirs of such a legacy of power, tamper with the truth? Dare we
with our stubby pencils, erase the lines of the blueprint or alter the pattern
shown us in the Mount? May God forbid. Let us preach the old cross, and we will know the old power.

SOURCE – The Alliance Witness magazine.

End Note:

I, and some of my friends, have been personally attacked by many pastors and ‘church leaders’ over the years, for pointing out the spiritual and moral drift of the postmodern Church. The Bride of Christ is being sullied by the teaching and example of these same pastors, preachers and Bible teachers, who willingly and enthusiastically teach and encourage following a false gospel. But far worse, the Bride is being soiled by the Christians who endorse these false teachers by their own lackadaisical and errant attitudes and behaviors, which are defiantly on full public display.

The day of our Lord’s return is near – it could happen at any time. Please, let’s set our course to return to the ways of Jesus, so the watching world can see. No more compromising. No more self-serving. Let’s work out our salvation with holy fear and trembling before His Cross.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“SHIPWRECKED” – Enemies Within the Church

CHRISTIANITY and PAGANISM

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

ARE YOU PRACTICING PAGANISM, ‘UNAWARE’?

THE OUTCOMES OF PAGAN BELIEF SYSTEMS:

Christianity declared a form of terrorism.

Christians declared morally repugnant and ignorant.

‘Climate Change’ top priority – trumps personal freedoms.

Promotion of ‘transgenderism’ and exclusion of parental rights.

Self-defense prosecuted as crime.

Free speech redefined as hate – constitutional rights stripped.

The world arms for global war.

Global alliance – One World Government – Near Completion.

        

Paganism and Pagan idealism has infiltrated the Church in America. Tell me it is not so.  Where do you fit in?

From Answers in Genesis

64% of Americans agree that “God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.”

Only 52% agree that “the Bible alone is the written word of God.”

Only 58% agree that “God is the author of Scripture.”

65% agree that “everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”

44% agree that “the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.”

51% agree that “the Bible was written for each person to interpret as he or she chooses.”

Only 47% agree that “the Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches.”

59% of Americans agree that “worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid replacement for regularly attending church.”

Only 45% agree that “churches that do not preach from the Bible should not be considered a Christian church.”

Only 49% in churches agree that “sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin.”

Only 49% agree that “abortion is a sin.”

42% agree that “the Bible’s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn’t apply today.”

38% agree that “gender identity is a matter of choice.”

45% agree that “modern science discredits the claims of Christianity.”

52% agree that “by the good deeds that I do, I partly contribute to earning my place in heaven”

Only 60% agree that “Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.”

Only 52% agree that “it is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.”

Only 54% in churches agree that “only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.”

From the Pew Research Center

Survey among Christians, when asked, “Do you believe in God”. (Pew Research Center on belief in God)

Survey year Believe in God; absolutely certain Believe in God; fairly certain Believe in God; not too/not at all certain Believe in God; don’t know Do not believe in God Other/don’t know if they believe in God Sample size
2014      76%     18%       3%      1%     1%         1% 25,048

Pew Research on casual sex among professing Christians

Half of Christians say casual sex – defined in the survey as sex between consenting adults who are not in a committed romantic relationship – is sometimes or always acceptable.

  • Six-in-ten Catholics (62%) take this view, as do 56% of Protestants in the historically Black tradition, 54% of mainline Protestants and 36% of evangelical Protestants.
  • Among those who are religiously unaffiliated, meanwhile, the vast majority (84%) say casual sex is sometimes or always acceptable,
  • including roughly nine-in-ten atheists (94%) and
  • agnostics (95%) who say this.
  • The religiously unaffiliated, also known as “nones,” are those who describe themselves, religiously, as atheist, agnostic or as “nothing in particular.”

From CNS News

A study released by the Rasmussen Reports polling firm on Good Friday found that only 64% of Americans believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

From the Cultural Research Center – George Barna Research

Today, 176 million Americans claim to be Christians—69% of the population. Yet, only 6% of U.S. adults—which is 9% of those identifying as Christians—possess a biblical worldview, believing the Bible to be accurate and reliable, among other convictions.

That’s according to a new study by researcher George Barna and the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona.

Large majorities of self-identified Christians also report many beliefs “not in harmony with biblical teaching,” according to the survey. These include:

  • 72% argue that people are basically good
  • 66% say that ‘having faith’ matters more than which faith you pursue
  • 64% say that all religious faiths are of equal value
  • 58% believe that if a person is good enough, or does enough good things, they can earn their way into Heaven
  • 57% believe in karma

By contrast, the survey cohort termed as Integrated Disciples—a small subset of those claiming to be Christians—are noted as being consistent in their beliefs and integrating those convictions into their behaviors.

  • 99+% believe that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful and just Creator of the universe who still rules the universe today
  • 99+% believe that the Bible is the accurate and reliable words of God
  • 96% claim that every moral choice either honors of dishonors God

However, Barna’s survey finds that even some believers classified as part of this highly discipled cohort hold to some views that “challenge biblical principles.” Those “shocking” beliefs of Integrated Disciples include:

  • 52% argue that people are basically good
  • 39% contend that the Holy Spirit is not a real, living being but is merely a symbol of God’s power, presence, or purity
  • 33% believe in karma

“There is a remarkable level of self-deception (even among) born-again Christians,” said Barna, commenting on his recent worldview research. “It represents a huge educational challenge for those responsible for biblical worldview development.”

Many postmodern churches are teaching a type of gospel that does not conform to the Bible and, in fact, reveals many of the traits and teachings of Paganism. Likewise, a majority of people claiming the name of Christian may not be Christians at all. Many postmodern Christians don’t fully believe the Bible and practice aspects of Paganism.

Pagan comes from the Latin word paganus, which means “country dweller”; paganism can refer to polytheism, (the belief in many gods), or the worship of more than one god, such as in ancient Rome. A pagan is also considered to be one who, for the most part, has no religion and indulges in worldly delights and material possessions; someone who revels in sensual pleasures; a hedonistic or self-indulgent individual. Another, more modern term is neo-paganism, which refers to some of the contemporary forms of paganism such as Wicca, Druidry, and Gwyddon.

Modern “pagan” practices are actually similar to their ancient counterparts in that they rely heavily on hedonism—sensual gratification and self-indulgence and the pursuit of happiness and pleasure to the exclusion of everything else. In ancient times, sexual ceremonies were a major part of pagan religions. The Old Testament references these perverted religions in such passages as Deuteronomy 23:17, Amos 2:7–8, and Isaiah 57:7–8.

Though they are numerous and varied in their practices and beliefs, pagans do hold to some similar beliefs. For example:

• The physical world is a good place, one to be taken pleasure in by everyone.
• Everyone is considered to be part of this Mother Earth.
• Divinity reveals itself in every facet of the world.
• Every being, man and animal, is a derivative of the Divine. As such, all are gods and goddess.
• Most pagan religions do not have gurus or messiahs.
• Doctrine is superseded by one’s own responsibility.
• Solar and lunar cycles are significant in pagan worship.

From a Christian viewpoint, pagans are generally characterized as those who are caught up in any religious ceremony, act, or practice that is not distinctly Christian. Correspondingly, Jews and Muslims also use the term pagans to describe those outside their religion. Others define the term paganism as any religion outside of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity; whereas some argue that a pagan is anyone with no religion at all.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Furthermore, since they, (pagans), did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28).

In spite of common assumptions, most pagan worshipers claim they don’t believe in Satan. However, there’s no question that Satan is their chief source of influence and control. Though they will deny it, they deify him in their worldly and sensual practices. Paul tells us plainly how Satan works in the lives of people without God, through his power, his signs, his deceit, and his lies:

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12).

That Satan is alive and well is powerfully evidenced in these pagan practices. This was not only clear in the times of the first-century church, but also in today’s postmodern world. To the faithful believers who know the Lord, pagan worship is what it appears to be—the power and deceit of the prince of this world, Satan (1 John 5:19), who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). As such, paganism should be avoided.

CHRISTIANITY

According to Wikipedia, Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world’s largest religion, with about 2.5 billion followers. Its adherents, known as Christians, make up a majority of the population in 157 countries and territories, and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (called the Old Testament in Christianity) and chronicled in the New Testament.

According to CARM (Christian Apologetics And Research Ministry), Christianity is a religion based upon the teachings and miracles of Jesus. Jesus is the Christ. The word “Christ” means anointed one. Christ is not Jesus’ last name.  Jesus is the anointed one from God the Father who came to this world, fulfilled the Old Testament laws and prophecies, died on the cross, and rose from the dead physically.  He performed many miracles that were recorded in the Gospels by the eyewitnesses. He is divine in nature as well as human. Thus, He has two natures and is worthy of worship and prayer.

According to GotQuestions.Org,, the term Christianity seems to imply a religious system in the same way that Islam and Buddhism are religious systems. Within religious systems are core beliefs, along with codes, rules, and standards that must be mastered in order to achieve a desired end. Christianity does not fit that definition and therefore the term can be slightly misleading.

Jesus did not come into the world to start another religion. There were already plenty of religions (see Acts 17:22–23), including Judaism, which had begun as a relationship with Almighty God (Leviticus 20:12) but had deteriorated into another religious system on par with idol worship (Matthew 15:8). Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), to seek and to save the lost—those separated from God by their sin (Luke 19:10)—and to “give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:32). With that said, those who follow Christ do share some core beliefs.

Biblically speaking, Christians are those who are forgiven of their sins and who have entered a personal relationship with Almighty God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10). In order to become a Christian, a person must fully accept as part of his or her own personal worldview the following core beliefs:

• Jesus is the Son of God and is equal with God (John 1:1, 49; Luke 22:70; Mark 3:11; Philippians 2:5–11)
• Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:29)
• Jesus was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins (Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 15:2–4)
• Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:46; Mark 16:6)
• We are saved by the grace of God; that is, we cannot add to or take away from Christ’s finished work on the cross as full payment for our sin (Ephesians 2:8–9)

PAGANISM contrasted to CHRISTIANITY

  • The physical world is a good place, one to be taken pleasure in by everyone.
  • The physical world is fallen and, for now, is ruled by Satan. (1 John 5:19)
  • There is pleasure to be found in the world, but as Christians we are strangers to this world, scattered about, being distressed by various trials for the proving of our faith until Jesus returns. (1 Peter 1:1-9, Matthew 24:29-31)
  • Divinity reveals itself in every facet of the world.
  • The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun. (Psalms 19:1-4), but the Bible says we are to worship only God, and not to worship His creation (Romans 1:25).
  • Every being, man and animal, is a derivative of the Divine. As such, all are gods and goddess.
  • We are made in the image of God but with a flaw and afflicted by the curse of sin and condemned to eternal damnation. It is only by being born again by the Spirit of God by His grace and great mercy and through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, are we to be saved from destruction.
  • Some false religions and cults teach that we are ‘made in his image’ and that we become like gods. This is a twisting, a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the Bible which says ‘we will become like Him’.
  • Doctrine is superseded by one’s own responsibility.
  • There is a way that seems right to a person, but ends in death. (Proverbs 14:12)
  • Our good deeds are no better than filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
  • God will judge us by our deeds. (Romans 2:6)

Again, scriptures say, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12).

The Apostle Paul emphasizes “the whole counsel of God” as a way to affirm the completion of his duties toward the Ephesians and to remind them of the Truth, WHICH IS ALSO OURS TO AFFIRM TO THE WORLD AROUND US. Paul warns, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!” (Acts 20:29–31).

The whole counsel of God includes some things that are difficult to hear—the fact that we are dead in sin and deserving of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1–3) and the fact that we cannot save ourselves through works (Ephesians 2:8–9). The gospel is a call to repentance and faith. Believers will face persecution (John 16:33) and likely be considered foolish. But none of these things can dissuade us.

We should follow Paul’s example and also preach and live the whole counsel of God. All Scripture is inspired, and all of it is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). We must preach it and live it in its entirety and allow the Holy Spirit to use His sword as He sees fit (Ephesians 6:17). Paul did not share half-truths or only parts of the gospel; rather, he shared all of what God has revealed. We must do the same. (see GotQuestions.Org)

The Bible warns us of this ‘Deluding Influence’,“the mystery of lawlessness which is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He, (The Holy Spirit), is removed. Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not accept the love of the truth so as to be saved.  For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,  in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (2 Thesslonians 2:7-12)

In these Last Days, as the Bible says, the spirit of antichrist is present. False christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. We must hold fast to the example of sound words which we have heard and in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 

Let’s not forget to pray for one another as the Day of our Lord draws near.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE POWER OF ONE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

The Power of One.jpg

You have probably heard this story, before. But, let me repeat it for us all.

A man was walking along a beach, upon which thousands of starfish had been washed during a storm. He came to one of the stranded starfish, picked it up, and tossed it back into the ocean.

 

People watched him with an inquisitive amusement, as he continued to toss starfish back into the ocean.

A person, who had been watching, approached him and said, “Why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. Besides, what difference does it make?”

The man reached down and picked up another starfish and looked into the eyes of this person and, as he tossed the starfish into the ocean, said, “I know I cannot save them all. But it makes a difference – to this ONE.”

The person thought about what the man had said an done. Inspired, this person joined in rescuing starfish, tossing a few back into the sea.

Perseverance against great odds and against the criticism of others is the very hallmark of a faith based life. Refusing to accept failure. Understanding that by the Indwelling Spirit of God, we hold the power to change a life, a mind, or a circumstance in our hands, today — right now — is a powerful insight and motivator. Faith based living, acting on faith when circumstances seem to say otherwise, has the power to inspire others to act, and sometimes in numbers significant enough to make a major or impact on our chaotic, lost and dying world.

Faith based living, also known as “Walking in the Spirit of God”, is a powerful force for change in the world, even if it is for just one. It is never too late to start.

We hear about the strength of the Thrice Braided Cord: “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 This is a necessary, useful and powerful Truth from the Bible.

But, let’s not forget the Power of One.

Matthew 11:2, “Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” Verse 4. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: Verse 5, the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. Verse 6. “And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”

It only takes ONE.

PETER WALKS ON THE WATER

Matthew 14:22-33 tells us of a time when Jesus walked across the lake to the disciples, who were crying out in fear because they were in a boat caught in a storm.

“Jesus, as He approached the boat, called out to His disciples and said, ““Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” Jesus said.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

“Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You, of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

ONLY ONE

Only one of Jesus’ disciples got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Only One.

The lessons we can learn from this event are numerous. But, we must remember Peter’s obedience to the Voice of his Master, his faith in Jesus and even in what appears to be an ultimate failure, innumerable people, over the last two thousand years have been inspired and influenced to do the same, all because of that ONE disciple.

MOSES MEETS WITH GOD

Moses, one man, hunted, scorned and exiled to the back side of a remote mountain, heard the Voice of God and reluctantly obeyed. And, because of his obedience, the Hebrew children were set free, the seeds of Israel were sown, and the world was changed forever. All because of ONE man.

Exodus3:13, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” Verse 14. God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Verse 15. God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’”

ONLY ONE

Exodus 23:1, “Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. Verse 2. Moses alone shall come near to the Lord, but the others shall not come near, and the people shall not come up with him.”

THE CROWDS FOLLOW JESUS

Jesus fame spread, and everywhere He went, large crowds followed Him. (Crowds Around Jesus)

But as the enemies of Christ grew in number and resistance to the Message of Jesus intensified, the crowds left. Then there were only a few.

John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48“I am the bread of life. 49“Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. Verse 50.“This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 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 52. “Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” 53So 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 56. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. Verse 57. “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. Verse 58. “This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”

Verse 60.” Therefore, many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?”

Verse 66. “As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. Verse 67. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Verse 68. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. Verse 69. “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

THE ONE

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

Are you ONE of the chosen? It is easy to tell if you are ONE of the chosen.

Are you following Jesus for salvation? For healing? For safety? For provisions and protection? In other words, are you following Jesus, what you can get from Him?

Or, are you following Jesus to partake in His Life and His Death? Are you doing what He has done? Are you doing what He has sent you to do?

Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Please note, Jesus did not call the apostles. Jesus called His disciples.

ARE YOU ONE?

Let’s BE ONE and let’s DO His bidding. Let’s turn this world BACK upside down in Jesus Name! Please. Join us as part of the THRICE BRAIDED CORD and BE THE ONE to rescue just ONE.

Your Brother and Friend, always,

Mike and Betty on the Beach.jpg

Mike Young

SOMETHING TO BE PROUD ABOUT

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

“I have read the entire Bible seven times”, he proudly stated.

“So, what have you learned?”, I asked.

“A lot”, he said.

“Like what?”, I asked.

He proceeded to tell me several things he learned about the Bible and ABOUT people in the Bible. He learned things ABOUT God, ABOUT salvation, ABOUT Jesus, ABOUT sin, ABOUT heaven, ABOUT hell, ABOUT the Old Testament feasts, ABOUT the tribulation, ABOUT the rapture ABOUT the synoptic Gospels, etc.”

“Sounds great!”, I said. “What are you doing with all you have learned ABOUT all these things?”, I pried.

He squinted his eyes and squeaked, “Huh?”

“Let me cut through all the theology and exegesis and history and socio-political-religious education and ask which “works” Jesus said we should be doing are you actually doing or have you already done?”

He sighed deeply and whispered, “What are you talking about? What are you driving at? You make no sense to me. Before I became a Christian, I sinned a lot. I was lost. I was very unhappy. I got saved, and now I am a Christian, I go to church, I teach Sunday school, I serve God in my own way, and I am going to heaven. My life is much better. I invite people to church and have even told someone about Jesus this year. Why are you asking me these things and what are you looking for?”

(note to self: count the “I’s”, “My’s” and “Me’s” in his response.)

“Nothing really. I hear from you about you, but I am Just curious as to which of Jesus’ works you are doing? You see, Jesus said we were to GO and DO certain things. He said we would DO HIS WORKS and even greater works than those, because He was going to the Father. I think that all you have said is great, and those are great things. But, the bottom line, or at least I thought the bottom line, was following Jesus and doing what He has told us to do. That’s all.”

I could tell I had irritated my friend, and it seemed that he was slightly exasperated with me.

I think most of us, as professing Christians, do a lot of good things, and a lot of those good things are “I-centered”. We do things in order to ‘get His blessings’.  We also do a lot of the things our church leaders or pastors tell us to do because we haven’t been doing, and apparently won’t do the things Jesus said we should do. We can make excuses for our lack of Works, and we make excuses because there are no good reasons.

Forgive me for saying so, but “our good works” are just not good enough. It is not about us. It is all about Jesus and what He has done (and continues to do). We are to be and do likewise.

There are a lot of discussions about these “Works”. Here are three very good resources, ranging the religious spectrum of thought. Any-and-all of them can be helpful. But the point is they all point to Jesus and His Works that we are to be found doing when He comes back to take us home.

World challenge.org – Doing the works of Jesus, David Wilkerson.

Desiring God.org – Doing the works of Jesus and greater works, John Piper.

Knowing-jesus.com – Christ’s Work

My favorite is found in John 6:29, “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (You have to let this one sink in, deep.)

You see, it is Jesus Who does these works. Let me say it again: It is Jesus, alone, who does these greater works.

Jesus has ascended to the Father, and He does His works through His yielded and obedient servants: you and me. It is so, because He said so. It is by this that His Works are multiplied, enlarged and magnified, bringing Him glory. He alone is due all credit and all glory.

Please read Jesus’ Words on this matter in John chapter 6.

It’s all about Jesus. It is about having Jesus as the object of our faith, and if that faith is the size of a mustard seed…

Go and ‘do these greater works’ by yielding to Him as His servants, allowing Him to work these greater works through you – as He Wills and as He pleases.

(Nothing will ever be the same!)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Comments?

QUIZ TIME – Test Your Knowledge

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

QUESTION #1:

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion”, is a recipe for what ?

ANSWER:                                      .

If you said confusion, chaos and division, you are probably right.

QUESTION #2:

Who said, “A house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand”?

ANSWER:                                    .

If you said Abraham Lincoln, you were almost right. Lincoln repeated this phrase in 1858, but Jesus first said it in or around A.D. 25. (It is recorded in Luke 11:17, Mark 3:25 and Matthew 12.25.)

QUESTION #3: 

“HOW DOES ONE OBTAIN WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE and PROSPERITY”?

ANSWER:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .

Psalms 110:10

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

The reverent fear of the LORD is the beginning, the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the LORD; His praise endures forever.

 Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The reverent fear of the LORD that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge its starting point and its essence;

But arrogant fools despise skillful and godly wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

 Proverbs 9:10

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

 The reverent fear of the LORD that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom its starting point and its essence.

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

 Psalms 1:1-3

Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Blessed, fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God is the man or woman who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, following their advice and example, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit down to rest in the seat of scoffers and ridiculers. But their delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law, His precepts and teachings, he or she habitually meditates day and night.

And they will be like a tree firmly planted and fed by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever they do, they prosper and come to maturity.

It is funny (as in odd) that people in the year 2030, whether they are five years old or 90 years old or anywhere in between, seem to have ‘a better idea’ than anyone else about ‘how to live life’. Their opinion is usually based on how they feel about something because of their past experience.  The reason they formed their particular opinion was probably because their experience was unpleasant or downright destructive, so they thought up another way. (Wow. Now that’s based on serious research and study! What could possibly go wrong?)

This also probably means that the circumstances or the people these creative folks encountered (or both) were probably living their lives based in their own flawed opinions also, and harmful results surely ensued.

Why is it that people will not follow tried and true teachings and examples on how to live a peaceful, wise and informed life rather than making up new ones?

The Bible’s extensive teaching on these matters reach back over 4,000 years. The results and the proof of Biblical teaching’s success can be traced even in secular history. Still, men and women, throughout the ages, form and follow their own opinions, based on their individual appetites, greed and selfish desires choose to ignore centuries of wisdom and success, and do it their own way. The result? Wars, pain, suffering, ignorance, poverty, hate, greed, avarice, chaos, immorality, disease and death.

Does this mean that if you come to God through faith in Jesus Christ, all your problems will disappear and all your desire and wishes will be fulfilled? NO, it does not.

Does this mean you will be ‘lucky’ or ‘luckier’ in life. NO, it does not.

Life is fraught with dangers, toils and troubles for everyone. But, it is the one who is guided by and held by the mighty hand of the Creator who will endure these trials and will not fall. He or she will not only survive, they will thrive. (See the example of Job in the Old Testament, or the nation of Israel to this very day).

Psalms 34:17

When the righteous cry [for help], the Lord hears
And rescues them from all their distress and troubles.

18 
The Lord is near to the heartbroken
And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin).

19 
Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.

So, if by chance, you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, try this for, let’s see, how about for the rest of your life and find out for yourself!

“Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the LORD your God (reaching back over 6,000 years), being careful to do all of His commandments which I am commanding you today (reaching back over 4,000 years), the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the LORD your God…

(Black italicized inserts are my own comment).

Follow me as I follow the Bible and the voice of The Lord, and let’s live a little (or a lot)!

Your Brother and friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:

“All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the LORD your God.  “You will be blessed …””

Please bookmark this page for the next teaching episode.

BAKED IN THE SQUAT

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Zig Ziglar’s old classic, “See You at the Top” has a great story about Zig visiting his grandmother. He says that his grandmother baked beautiful, delicious, fluffy biscuits.

Well, one day young Zig went over there and the biscuits were hard, short and squat. His grandmother took one look and said something that Zig never forgot, “Well, look there. Those biscuits forgot to rise and got baked in a squat! They squatted down to get ready to rise, then took too long and forgot to rise.”

That is what happens to so many of us! We forget or fail to rise to our full potential and somewhere along the line we get baked in a squat, unable to rise any further.

You see, Granny Ziglar had left out the baking powder, an essential ingredient for the biscuits to reach their full potential. That is what optimism and encouragement is to you. That is what wise advice is to you. In the same book, Ziglar also says that:

“Too many people are SNIOP… Susceptible to the Negative Influence of Other People.”

We listen to the people who say ‘it can’t be done’ or that it is too hard or makes me too uncomfortable. We listen to those negative people and remove the positive hopes and dreams that could buoy us to rise to great heights!

 

 

 

Many of us, as we move through the stages of life, from childhood to adulthood, learn, grow and work hard to obtain things, achieve success and retire comfortably. But when it comes to spiritual matters, we just try to ‘fit in’.  We go to church (or not), ‘try to be a nice person’ (or not), give some money to our church because we can’t or won’t serve or ‘go on mission’ (or not) and we mind our own business (or not).

The Bible has something to say about spiritual maturity and rising to our full potential in Christ. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:11-14).

Again, in Hebrews 10:32-39, God says, “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.

For, “Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

It’s never too late to rise out of your comfort zone, come out of your complacency, and join God in what He is doing. Go on the greatest adventure of your life, join and follow Christ as He goes about, ‘teaching in the synagogues and churches, homes and hospitals, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. They brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and He heals them. And great crowds will follow Him (see Matthew 4:23-25).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: I have been a life-long sinner, saved by God’s grace. I remind myself, sometimes, of the images used by evolutionists (although I don’t subscribe or believe in evolutionist theories):

I have been dumb-as-a-monkey, stubborn as an ape, ignorant as a caveman, clumsy, dangerous and stupid as a neanderthal.

My weight varied between 185 and 195 pounds. I was grossly over-weight and stressed out.  My blood pressure was being controlled by two different medications. Then, at the end of 2012, I had a two-episode stroke.

I was lying on a gurney, in an emergency room stroke center. My vision was fading, my ability to speak was going away, and a nurse leans over me and asks, “Are you a praying man?”.  I nodded, yes. She said, “Now would be a good time to start praying”. Then I heard the neurologist on duty shout, “hurry up with the clot-buster meds! We are losing this guy!”

I spent four and a half days in intensive care. I survived, and on the fifth day I got out of my bed, walked (clumsily) down the hospital corridor and returned to my room to announce that I was going home.

The doctors protested, but allowed me to leave. I refused the wheelchair and walked (slow and somewhat unsteady) to the car. My wife had pulled to the exit and watch anxiously as I plodded toward her. (Still stubborn as an ape ).

I recovered completely over time, and the doctors called it ‘miraculous’. It was miraculous. I knew then that God had done His Work with me. (Even the scarring in my eye from a blot clot had healed over time, although my ophthalmologist said, ‘that just should not be possible!’)

A follow-up visit and another M.R.I. showed I had suffered, not one, but two-stroke events. There are two ‘dead spot’ injuries on my brain. The attending physician whistled and said something like, “Wow! Two of them. Pretty amazing. How are you feeling?”

I was put on blood thinners and cholesterol medication, a modified diet and cautioned to avoid stress. The medication I was taking was creating a poor quality of life for me. I had to stop the use of cholesterol drugs after two and a half years because of the severe side effects.

Then in early 2015 God led my wife to discover a book titled “Prescription for Life” by Dr. Richard Furman. In short, he prescribes eliminating foods that harm your system over time and to follow an effective exercise regimen. Dr. Furman also warns that once you have damaged your body and system, it is hard to recover. So, my wife and I began the Prescription for Life.

In my first four months, I lost between fifteen and twenty pounds. My blood pressure levels dropped dramatically, and my cholesterol level fell to healthy levels.

I am off all cholesterol medications (except the once-a-day blood thinner) with the blessing of my physician (as long as I stay faithful in my healthy eating, exercising and living regimens.)

God has brought me out of that darkness and into His marvelous Light. It is too bad that it takes suffering difficulties to realize how richly God has blessed us and the good He wants for us. Hopefully, that realization will move us toward maturity in Christ.

It’s working for me. It was the wake-up call I needed, I guess. I can still be a mess, but not in God’s sight. I am doing my best to serve Him and honor Him, daily. I pray that those who read this will skip the ‘trauma training sessions’ and just go on with the business of following and joining Jesus in what He is already doing!

I pray for blessings of health and spiritual prosperity for you!! Find and really follow Him!

STAND FIRM

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Are Christians allowing themselves to be led by sheep instead of being led by     The Lion of Judah?

Someplace along the way, over the last two thousand years, it seems that many of the people calling themselves Christians, have come to assume that Jesus was either some kind of a ‘progressive left-wing ideologue’ or a pacifist and have modeled their lives as such. Let’s be crystal clear: Both assumptions are wrong. Dead wrong! (If you are thinking, “I don’t believe either one of those attributes about Jesus”, then, please take this little test, just to make certain:

PART 1.
The Bible CONTAINS the Word of God. We can subjectively pick and choose what parts of the Bible are true.  YES    . NO    .
Jesus Christ was a GOOD MAN, probably the BEST MAN that has ever lived, but He was not necessarily God.   YES    . NO     .
The birth of Jesus Christ was NATURAL and not SUPERNATURAL.   YES    .  NO    .
God is the FATHER OF ALL MEN and not just Christians.  YES    .  NO    .
Man is the product of EVOLUTION  YES    .  NO    .
Man is the unfortunate VICTIM of heredity and environment, but through self-culture and self effort, he can save himself.  YES    .  NO    .
There are MANY ROADS that lead to Heaven  YES    .  NO    .
ALL PEOPLE WILL EVENTUALLY BE SAVED   YES    .  NO    .
PART 2.
A loving God would never condemn anyone to hell. YES    .  NO    .
The judgment and wrath of God was Old Testament. YES    .  NO    .
It is OK to have “MANY FAITHS” and “many faith expressions”  YES    .  NO   .
It is OK to UNITE all churches and all faiths to believe in God.  YES    . NO    .
THE GOSPEL is equal to Social action  YES    .  NO    .
It is OK to meet a person’s PHYSICAL NEEDS (food, clothing, medicine, etc.) without giving the Gospel message. YES    .  NO    .
Concerning the RESURRECTION: Jesus did not literally come back from the dead, it was “The influence and example of Jesus that lives on” YES    .  NO  .
THE PROPHETIC TEACHING of the second coming of Christ is all allegory. YES    .  NO    .
Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, but, He is not God. YES    . NO    .

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO MORE THAN ONE QUESTION, PLEASE GO TO THESE LINKS. READ, PRAY AND THINK.

Christianity and socialism

Christianity and communism

 Bible hub.com

The examples being set by many post-modern preachers and pastors is appalling. Their agenda and practice ranges from CEO-types, dictators and control-freaks, to showmen, and the timid pacifist. (Finding an authentic ‘Fully devoted follower of Jesus styled pastor’ is a tough assignment. But, they are out there, and I strongly suggest you keep looking until you find one. And, for your own sake, don’t put anything ahead of finding a Church and pastor who models and follows the One and Only, Jesus.)

You may be asking, “So, what does the REAL JESUS look like?” It would take more time and space than I can afford at this time to describe all of the characteristics and traits of Jesus, found in the Bible. But, referring to Him as ‘The Lion of Judah’ will get started in the right direction. You can do that in your spare time. I want to focus on just one trait: The dependability and resolve of Jesus.

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

 1. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

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

 2. TO BRING A SWORD

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

  3. TO FULFILL THE LAW

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

 4. TO CALL SINNERS

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

 5. TO SAVE THE WORLD

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

 6. TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

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

 “WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”

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

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

Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said.  We need to get over it and get on with it.

 Jesus’ time on earth was spent fulfilling the purpose, and will of His Father (Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:39). Jesus was on a singular mission (John 6 :38) and nothing would stand in the way of accomplishing that mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

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

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

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

Strong’s Concordance: STAND FIRM (histémi): to make to stand, to stand

Definition: to make to stand, to stand

Usage: make to stand; set up and establish, to appoint; stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast.

Continue safe and sound, stand unharmed: Acts 26:22.

Stand ready or prepared: Ephesians 6:14.

Be of a steadfast mind; 1 Corinthians 10:12.

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

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

Jesus’ demonstration of steadfast, unmovable courage:

CONFRONTING THE STORM

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

CONFRONTING DEMONS

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

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

 BEFORE PILATE

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

BEFORE THE SANHEDREN

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

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

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

Jesus did not draw back.  He proceeded boldly to the Cross and secured our salvation!

Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons:

TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. This, too, is our calling!

TO BRING A SWORD. This, too, is our calling!

 TO FULFILL THE LAW. This, too, is our calling!

TO CALL SINNERS. This, too, is our calling!

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

TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH. This, too, is our calling!

Don’t be led or misled by the sheep. Follow the Lion of Judah!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

LOVE – HATE – WOKE – LOVE – HATE – WOKE – LOVE – HATE – WOKE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

I had a friend who was, well, it’s hard to describe what she was. She was a lot of things from my perspective. First and foremost, she was a friend. My family loved her. We love her husband and all of her children as a second, (or third), family. But there were many who did not understand her and did not care to understand and, frankly, did not like her.

She was a Christian who hung tenaciously to Christian values.  She loved God, trusted God, and willingly and fearlessly told others about the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. But like the Apostle Paul, as recorded in Romans 7:14-25, this lady could also say:

 “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am nonspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

“So, I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ, our Lord!”

She was horribly conflicted, even tormented by her occasional aberrant behavior.

What I am about to say is not meant to be harsh or critical, but is my experience with this lady, and it was endearing, but it could also be dangerous at times.

She was a quick learner, a talent at almost everything she attempted, yet she could be profoundly socially awkward and tended to make very bad life decisions when it came to handling personal relationships.

She could be fiercely loyal and extremely disloyal at the same time to the same person.

She could be very generous to those in need and withhold from anyone she perceived as unworthy.

She could be gentle and full of joy one minute and insanely angry and out-of-control the next minute.

She demanded honesty, truth, fair treatment and justice from others, but she could be patently dishonest and dangerously untrustworthy when her end would justify her means. It was almost, at times, as if she felt she was due what she was never paid, and she would collect that debt by taking it as an emotional toll on others.

Her private cry was, “If people could just understand where I have come from, what I’ve been put through, how I have been treated, then perhaps others could understand why I am the way I am, and I could be forgiven, justified, and they could like me”.

I think what she was saying is that if people could see the trials and injustices she had suffered while growing up, people would possibly see WHY she feels like she feels and acts how she acts. Then perhaps they could see past her failings and perhaps even come to accept her as she is – and maybe, even like her ‘as she is’.

Later in her life, she was so obsessed with making herself better understood and better known and perhaps as a means of ‘confession’ that she wrote a book. Maybe this was a way to ‘confess her sins’ and to find some kind of forgiveness and perhaps even a sliver of affirmation of her life.

This synopsis by Professor Valery Legasov is associated with this book:  We live in a broken world: broken families, homes, marriages, hearts, and relationships. We’re broken, and we stay broken because of one thing, we refuse to speak the truth about ourselves. We are apt to believe the lies we tell ourselves to defend our position, attitude, and actions. The more we are pressed, the more likely we are to double down. We harden our hearts to our own hurt, which extrapolates out and affects every area of our lives. The life you have is the life you built by the lies or the truth you live by. “Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth. Sooner or later that debt is paid.”

THIS LADY’S JOURNEY, at least for me, DESCRIBES THE VERY ESSENCE OF the term “WOKE”; not in racial terms, but in terms of social justice and human in very real and very personal terms. What separated her from the consequences of the WOKE movement is God’s grace and her faith in Jesus Christ.

What is WOKE?

Merriam-Webster added the word to its dictionary in 2017, defining it as, “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” The Oxford Dictionary adopted it the same year, defining it as “originally: well-informed, up-to-date. Now chiefly: alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice.”

“Woke is a slang term that is easing into the mainstream from some varieties of a dialect called African American Vernacular English (sometimes called AAVE),” according to Merriam-Webster. “In AAVE, awake is often rendered as woke, as in, ‘I was sleeping, but now I’m woke.’”

WOKE, in my studied opinion is, besides being very bad grammar, a spreading twisted narcissistic pathology.  It says, that ‘I had a hard time growing up’.  Most likely you were treated unfairly, perhaps abused in some fashion, and/or denigrated, marginalized, criticized, demonized and cast aside. You felt unloved and mistreated, and you probably were, to some degree, great or small.

Now you are AWAKE to the facts of your hardships and the injustices you suffered, and you are going to get even. You are going to get what you are owed – whatever you decide that might be.

You are going to make others pay. It doesn’t matter that maybe only a few people are responsible for your mistreatment. It doesn’t matter that it was a very long time ago and that most of ‘those people’ are now dead. In your WOKE state of mind, EVERYONE has to pay, now that you are WOKE.

This is what is being passed off as Critical Race Theory, the movement for Reparations for Black Americans. This narcissistic pathology has seeped, or has been force-fed, into the thinking of many everyday Americans. Worse yet, our school children are being indoctrinated, they are having their minds poisoned, by this HATE THOUGHT, and it is in part thanks to the efforts of co-conspirators, the National Teachers Association and Union.

Americans who are just doing their best to be good people by being honest, fair, just, hardworking, kind, generous and faithful are being both unfairly punished and indoctrinated with this Marxists Hate Doctrine by the enemies of our educational systems and of our government.

Who are these people? Oddly enough, they can be traced and found to be an odd mixture of practicing racists, pseudo-intellectuals (with accompanying high-sounding degrees), practicing Marxists, Black Lives Matter acting as their militant arm and members of the Democrat party in America. (Most sources are biased, but, Wikipedia on CRT gives some Leftist insight. An article in The Atlantic also offers some insights.

I offer this short and abbreviated series for more detail and a more complete understanding:  “Critical Race Theory – The Threat, Exposed and Simplified”. (Please. This link is a‘must read’ in order to complete this reasoning and explanation of what is happening to our country, government, our schools and churches AND WHAT YOU AND I CAN DO ABOUT IT.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  I want to be VERY CLEAR that I do not condemn or criticize those who are snared by the insidious evil of Satan. Being honest about where we are, what afflicts us, is the first step to a long recovery and being made whole as God intended.

So, we are not too quick to judge and condemn, read what afflicts us all in these Last Days:

Matthew 24:4, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Verse 5. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. Verse 6. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. Verse 7. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Verse 8. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

Verse 12. “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.”

NOW FAITH

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

(You can listen to this study by audio, and you can pause the audio to follow page links, then resume when you are ready. Please note that I use page links in lieu of references or footnotes for important details of this teaching.)

ABRAHAM, BY FAITH – Episode 3

Has a coddled and pampered postmodern Church has produced generations of coddled, pampered, spoiled and rebellious people. The time has come, and is now, that they do not tolerate sound doctrine; always wanting to have their ears tickled, they accumulate teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Are we that generation who calls evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitutes bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Are we that generation who is wise in our own eyes and clever in our own sight!

Who are heroes in drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing intoxicating drink, who declare the wicked innocent for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!

As a tongue of fire consumes stubble, and dry grass collapses in the flame, so our root will become like rot, and our blossom blow away like dust; for we have rejected the Law of the LORD of armies, and discarded the word of the Holy One of Israel.

For this reason the anger of the LORD is burning against His people, and He has stretched out His hand against us and will strike us. The mountain will quake, and our corpses will lay like refuse in the middle of the streets.

Despite all this, His anger is not, yet all spent, but His hand is still stretched out. (See the prophetic Word of Isaiah, chapter 5)

Now is the time that we return to Him and live not by our selfish and self-centered faith, but, according to the faith shown to us by our fathers of long ago:

Hebrews 11 is our source material, paraphrased and personalized:

Verse 1.  “It must be now that we return to the faith that is the certainty of things expected, the proof of things not yet seen. Verse  2 Now, we must return to the faith that the people of old obtained a good testimony.

Verse 3. “Now, we must return to the faith that causes us to understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible.

Verse 4. “Now, we must return to the faith that Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.

Verse 5. “Now, we must return to the faith by which Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for before he was taken up, he was attested to have been pleasing to God.

Verse 6. “We must know that without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

Verse 7. “Now, we must return to the faith that, Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Verse 8. “Now, we must return to the faith that Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9. The faith by which he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; Verse 10. for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Verse 11. “Now, we must return to the faith that Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Verse 12. Therefore, even from one man, and one who was as good as dead at that, there were born descendants who were just as the stars of heaven in number, and as the innumerable grains of sand along the seashore.

Verse 13. “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Verse 14. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. Verse 15. And indeed, if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. Verse 16. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Verse 17. “The faith by which Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and the one who had received the promises was offering up his only son; Verse 18. it was he to whom it was said, “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE NAMED.” Verse 19. He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

Verse 20. “The faith by which Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.

Verse 21. “The faith by which  Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

Verse 22. “The faith by which Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

Verse 23. “The faith by which Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

Verse 24. “The faith by which Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Verse 25, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, Verse 26, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. Verse 27. The faith by which he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen. Verse 28. The faith by which, he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. Verse 29. The faith by which they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

Verse 30. “The faith by which the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. Verse 31. The faith by which the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

Verse 32. “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, Verse 33, The faith by which they conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, Verse 34, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Verse 35. The faith by which women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; Verse 36, the faith by which others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. Verse 37. The faith by which they were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tested, they were put to death with the sword; The faith by which they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented Verse 38, (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground.

Verse 39. “And all these, having gained approval, a good testimony through their faith, did not receive what was promised, Verse 40, because God had provided something better for those who would follow, so that along with them, we will be made perfect through Christ.”‘

What more is to be said? The “Day of the Lord” is at hand. Be ready!

Thus says the Lord. Amen and Amen!

The following chapters in this series are Biblical teaching on the exercising of your faith and the outcomes. This is not just for reading, but, for you and me to learn to exercise our faith and to see these outcomes in our own lives.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Go to the Next Episode, SAVING FAITH AND THE DEMONIAC

A REEMERGING ANCIENT PANDEMIC

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Also, available on Google Podcast and on Apple Podcast

THE OLDEST PANDEMIC IS HERE, AGAIN

THE OLDEST PANDEMIC HAD KILLED HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS, and was thought to be eradicated, but, it has reemerged and t is already in your homes, in your government, in your schools, in your health care systems and in your hospitals. It is in your churches and in your food production. The media knows it and is strangely silent.

Prowling, encircling its prey and waiting to pounce, this virus is the decades old, Socialist-Marxism.  It is here and it is entrenched. The Democrat party in America, in full cooperation with the United Nations many tentacles of Marxism, are in full attack mode, pushing to complete the destruction of America’s way of life, her legacy and America as a freedom loving democratic republic, by the year 2030. Transforming our once great nation into a servant of the new One World Government – The United Nations.

ALERT TO CHRISTIANS: THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST you have been warned about. It is here, and it is cloaked in Socialism, Communism and all its variants, such as Leninism and Marxism. It is time to prepare for the final assault.

The media is strangely quiet about this deadly re-emergent Communist pandemic. Unimpeded, it is spreading like a wildfire throughout our Federal, State and local governments. Its formal name is the Agenda 21 and is under the direction of the U.N., and an organization known as the I.C.L.E.I., an unconstitutional and subversive organization is the implementation of this worldwide coup.

This deadly virus was introduced into the United States by way of a treasonous  executive order, by, then president, Bill Clinton. Later, it was endorsed and promoted by President George H. Bush.

The President’s Council on Sustainable Development submitted its report, “Sustainable America: A New Consensus”, to the President in early 1996. In the absence of a multi-sectoral consensus on how to achieve sustainable development in the United States, the President’s Council on Sustainable Development was conceived to formulate recommendations for the implementation of Agenda 21.

In the United States, over 528 American cities are members of “Local Governments for Sustainability” or “I.C.L.E.I.”, is an international Marxist and Socialist leaning sustainability organization, that helps to implement the Agenda 21 and Local Agenda 21 concepts across the world. The United States has nearly half of the I.C.L.E.I.’s global membership of 1,200 cities promoting sustainable development at a local level.

Here is the latest:

The Democrat sponsored “Build back better Bill” is democrats down payment on socialism.

Additional news media resources: THE BUILD BACK BETTER BILL IS WHAT?

This is not just another doom-and-gloom message. We have exhausted the time necessary for debating, compromising and voting in another fraudulent election. This is a WAKE-UP call and a CALL TO ACTION.

  1. Pray for wisdom. Watch for opportunities.
  2. Become Bible literate about God’s economies.
  3. Promote the Gospel, both, by how you live and be word of mouth.
  4. Become an activist. Reach out to others and to the government and explain why we must reject the new Liberalism, Socialism and Marxism.
  5. Be confident that God will complete what He has started. Stay calm, be direct.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Resources:

Globalism and The Tower of Babel

Christianity and Socialism?

A New World Order?

A One World Church?

Socialist-Marxism takeover and the United Nations

The United Nations Marxist Agenda-21 is here!

 

 

SEPARATED FROM GOD?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

(You can listen to this on audio and pause the audio to follow page links, then, you can resume the audio, when you are ready.  Please note that I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references for important study details).

sin-separates.gif

Does SIN separate you from God?

Have you ever heard that sin can separate you from God? I have often heard this phrase, that my ‘sins’ separate me from God, and that sin even hinders or negates my prayers or that God won’t even hear me.

Those who say that sin separates us from God, usually quote verses like Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”

Or, New Testament verses like Galatians 5:4, “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

Then, when I commit a sin, this phrase comes to my mind, I begin to worry and doubt and fear that I have created a separation between me and my Eternal Hope.

I try to “not sin”, then I sin, anyway. And, the cycle of worry and doubt and fear starts over again.

I have met Christians who have serious challenges with alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual addiction, kleptomania, homosexuality, and other habits of thought, behavioral habits or addictions, and most will either say “the harder I try, the worse it gets” or “I am better, but…” or, they find themselves having to live in the torment. I had found myself in this dilemma, once in my life.

Then there are the few who say they have been delivered from this torment and have been set completely free. How do they do that?

I have read all the well-intended commentaries and the so-called Bible scholars on this matter, and you get answers that differ depending on denominational views.

WHAT A QUANDARY.

The Apostle Paul gives us a word of hope in Romans, chapter 7, speaking about the conflict of the two natures that dwell within us.

Romans 7:14-25, tells us,

“For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 

For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.  But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.

For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind I am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh, the law of sin.”

THERE IS DELIVERANCE FROM THIS BONDAGE

Romans 8:1-6, tells us,

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of [c]sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For, those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For, the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,”

NOW THERE IS THE NEW COVENANT

The Good News is that Jesus died, ONCE, for all who would believe.

Sin may cause us to separate ourselves from God, but sin will never separate God from those of us who believe.

Romans 8:31-39, says,

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

You see, our ‘natural response’ to sin is to withdraw and try to HIDE FROM GOD, due to shame, guilt, worry, doubt and fear.

We can see this played out in the Garden of Eden, in Genesis 3:8

“They (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”

Sin does not separate God from us. God will seek us out. We are the ones who will seek separation.

Sin is a method of Satan to impose guilt, shame, fear and doubt into our minds in order to compel us to withdraw from God and from God’s protection over our lives.

God never withdraws from His own, thanks to Jesus our Christ. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Romans 8 tells us that, “there is now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, those who walk in the Spirit of God. And that the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace!”

SO, WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO THIS QUANDARY?

James 4:7 (Think on this, understand this, take it seriously, and do it)

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

YES!! Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

1 John 1:9 tells us that

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

And, on a final note, as helpful as some recovery programs are, this is not a “Two-Step” program for recovering addicts or habitual offenders.

James 4:7, is ALL ONE STEP:  Submit yourself to God AND resist the devil and the devil will flee from you WHILE you are drawing near to God.

In other words, MOVE YOUR FOCUS AWAY FROM THE TROUBLE AND ONTO GOD.  YOU DO YOUR PART, WHILE, GOD IS DOING HIS PART

Again, let’s remember, Romans 8:6, says, “The mind set on The Spirit is life and peace.”  Life and Peace, Indeed!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF MAN (AND WOMAN)

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

(You can listen to the podcast audio while you read along, then, pause the audio while you follow the page links.  When you are ready, resume the audio. Please note: I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references for detail, credits and expanded teaching on a subject)

WHAT GOD REQUIRES

Micah 6:6-8.

With what shall I come to the LORD
            And bow myself before the God on high?
            Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,
            With yearling calves?

     Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams,
            In ten thousand rivers of oil?
            Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts,
            The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

      He has told you, O man, what is good;
            And what does the LORD require of you
            But to do justice, to love kindness,
            And to walk humbly with your God?

“For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” – Isaiah 61:8

JUSTICE: noun:

  1. The quality of being just; fairness.
  2. The principle of moral rightness; decency.
  3. Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness.(The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.)

“Justice is behavior or treatment that is based on what is right and fair. Just behavior acts according to what is right. Just treatment of another person means to treat them in a manner that is fair. 

“How do we determine what is right and fair? Secular scholars have debated this for thousands of years. Does a society or culture decide their own standard? When groups or individuals with different standards are in conflict, how do we know what is just?

“The Bible measures right and wrong by God’s standard. God created the world and owns and rules it, (Psalm 89:11), so what He calls just is the definition of justice. He never changes, (Hebrews. 13:8), so the standard He set at the foundation of the world is unchanged and will remain unchangeable.

“Scripture is clear that a person’s dignity and worth is not based on their ethnicity or nationality or gender or background or wealth or position or abilities or contribution, (Acts 10:34-35, Leviticus 19:33-34, Galatians 3:28, Romans 3:10-24, James 2:5-9, Ephesians 6:9, Leviticus 19:14, 1 Corinthians 12:4-26). Every person has equal inherent value because we were all created by God and bear His image (Genesis 1:27). People should therefore receive equal treatment, unless they are different in a way that matters in the question at hand.” (Crosswalk.org 3/1/2021)

A close ‘first cousin’ of Justice has to be Ethics.

  1. The science of right conduct and character; the science which treats of the nature and grounds of moral obligation and of the rules which ought to determine conduct in accordance with this obligation; the doctrine of man’s duty in respect to himself and the rights of others.
  2. The whole of the moral sciences; natural jurisprudence.
  3. A particular system of principles and rules concerning moral obligations and regard for the rights of others, whether true or false; rules of practice in respect to a single class of human actions and duties: as, social ethics; medical ethics.(The Century Dictionary.)

Then came “Situational Ethics”.  I can remember when I first heard the term “Situational Ethics”, a system of ethics by which acts are judged within their contexts instead of by categorical principles. Situational ethics holds that right and wrong are determined by context and by a desired outcome in any unique situation.

Situational ethics is different from moral relativism in that moral relativism holds that there is no right and wrong whereas situational ethics holds the situation determines right and wrong, i.e., the person decides what is right or wrong, depending on their own situation or circumstance.  Therefore, the standard for ‘right or wrong’ varies from person to person. This is undependable and inevitably creates chaos and conflict.

What ‘situational ethic’ and personal justice boils down to, throughout history, is perspective. In order to keep this simple, let me say that in the context of situational ethics and personal justice, each individual can choose how they view and apply Justice and Ethics. This is how we get so many differing worldviews and conflicting types of government. This is why we have had ‘wars and rumors of wars’ since man has roamed the earth.

Three of the most influential types of worldviews have been the Judeo-Christian ethos, Greek Reason and Logic, and Marxism and the ensuing variants of each.

The Judeo-Christian ethics, emanates from a Divine Source with a system of justice of fixed standards of right and wrong which employ reason and logic, reward and punishment. This view holds that God is supreme and mankind is made in that image; life is precious and must be cultivated for good.

The Greeks embraced reason and logic, but, with a permanent fixed standard of right and wrong base on their system of justice which they believed emanated from a deity, but, justice comes from a person’s ability to use reason and logic.  The Greek held that the individual as important, but served the importance of the state.

Marxism and it’s variants of Leninism, Communism and Socialism, reject any notion of Divinity.  It’s reason and logic has only one conclusion which is the abolition of God or anything that is not according to the philosophy that “the state is supreme”.  Their standards of justice change with situations and circumstances, but always hold that the state and the few elite leaders of the state are supreme.  Violence, deceit, terror, deprivation and death all are legitimate means to maintain control in governing.

The most successful and, arguably, the most enduring are the principles which come from the Judeo-Christian tradition.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

Micah 6:8 tells us to, “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God”.  This is The Trinity of Justice. Seeing these three attributes, these qualities, lived out, uniformly, is rare and awe-inspiring. This is perfect justice, and, it is the justice we, as Christians, are called to live and exercise in our lives. It is the proper balance of judgement and mercy, for correction and training in righteousness.

We are now living in the Last Days, as foretold and described in Scriptures. We are told to engage the enemy and stand firm in our faith and practice. “Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God” is foundational in our warfare and in our walk with God.

Next, is this video link by:  The Bible Project on the subject of Justice:

I will use this video by Ben Shapiro on Western Civilization and justice, to make this point. Please watch it and think.

Whether considering justice in legal terms, institutional justice, social justice, personal justice or Devine justice, the only system of justice which has brought equity, fairness, balance, dependability, trust and peaceful order, has come from the God of the Bible. It is only when mankind perverts and misuses God’s perfect system of justice, do things go bad for everyone – very bad, indeed.

Let’s draw near to “the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob“, and He will draw near to us.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

JUSTICE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

(You can listen to the podcast audio while you read along, then, pause the audio while you follow the page links.  When you are ready, resume the audio. Please note: I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references for detail, credits and expanded teaching on a subject)

“For I, the LORD, love justice;

I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” – Isaiah 61:8

JUSTICE: noun:

  1. The quality of being just; fairness.
  2. The principle of moral rightness; decency.
  3. Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness.(The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.)

“Justice is behavior or treatment that is based on what is right and fair. Just behavior acts according to what is right. Just treatment of another person means to treat them in a manner that is fair. 

“How do we determine what is right and fair? Secular scholars have debated this for thousands of years. Does a society or culture decide their own standard? When groups or individuals with different standards are in conflict, how do we know what is just?

“The Bible measures right and wrong by God’s standard. God created the world and owns and rules it, (Psalm 89:11), so what He calls just is the definition of justice. He never changes, (Hebrews. 13:8), so the standard He set at the foundation of the world is unchanged and will remain unchangeable.

“Scripture is clear that a person’s dignity and worth is not based on their ethnicity or nationality or gender or background or wealth or position or abilities or contribution, (Acts 10:34-35, Leviticus 19:33-34, Galatians 3:28, Romans 3:10-24, James 2:5-9, Ephesians 6:9, Leviticus 19:14, 1 Corinthians 12:4-26). Every person has equal inherent value because we were all created by God and bear His image (Genesis 1:27). People should therefore receive equal treatment, unless they are different in a way that matters in the question at hand.” (Crosswalk.org 3/1/2021)

A close ‘first cousin’ of Justice has to be Ethics.

  1. The science of right conduct and character; the science which treats of the nature and grounds of moral obligation and of the rules which ought to determine conduct in accordance with this obligation; the doctrine of man’s duty in respect to himself and the rights of others.
  2. The whole of the moral sciences; natural jurisprudence.
  3. A particular system of principles and rules concerning moral obligations and regard for the rights of others, whether true or false; rules of practice in respect to a single class of human actions and duties: as, social ethics; medical ethics.(The Century Dictionary.)

Then came “Situational Ethics”.  I can remember when I first heard the term “Situational Ethics”, a system of ethics by which acts are judged within their contexts instead of by categorical principles. Situational ethics holds that right and wrong are determined by context and by a desired outcome in any unique situation.

Situational ethics is different from moral relativism in that moral relativism holds that there is no right and wrong whereas situational ethics holds the situation determines right and wrong, i.e., the person decides what is right or wrong, depending on their own situation or circumstance.  Therefore, the standard for ‘right or wrong’ varies from person to person. This is undependable and inevitably creates chaos and conflict.

What ‘situational ethic’ and personal justice boils down to, throughout history, is perspective. In order to keep this simple, let me say that in the context of situational ethics and personal justice, each individual can choose how they view and apply Justice and Ethics. This is how we get so many differing worldviews and conflicting types of government. This is why we have had ‘wars and rumors of wars’ since man has roamed the earth.

Three of the most influential types of worldviews have been the Judeo-Christian ethos, Greek Reason and Logic, and Marxism and the ensuing variants of each.

The Judeo-Christian ethics, emanates from a Divine Source with a system of justice of fixed standards of right and wrong which employ reason and logic, reward and punishment. This view holds that God is supreme and mankind is made in that image; life is precious and must be cultivated for good.

The Greeks embraced reason and logic, but, with a permanent fixed standard of right and wrong base on their system of justice which they believed emanated from a deity, but, justice comes from a person’s ability to use reason and logic.  The Greek held that the individual as important, but served the importance of the state.

Marxism and it’s variants of Leninism, Communism and Socialism, reject any notion of Divinity.  It’s reason and logic has only one conclusion which is the abolition of God or anything that is not according to the philosophy that “the state is supreme”.  Their standards of justice change with situations and circumstances, but always hold that the state and the few elite leaders of the state are supreme.  Violence, deceit, terror, deprivation and death all are legitimate means to maintain control in governing.

The most successful and, arguably, the most enduring are the principles which come from the Judeo-Christian tradition.

I will use this video by Ben Shapiro on Western Civilization and justice, to make this point. Please watch it and think.

Next, is this video link by:  The Bible Project on the subject of Justice:

Whether considering justice in legal terms, institutional justice, social justice, personal justice or Devine justice, the only system of justice which has brought equity, fairness, balance, dependability, trust and peaceful order, has come from the God of the Bible. It is only when mankind perverts and misuses God’s perfect system of justice, do things go bad for everyone – very bad, indeed.

Let’s draw near to “the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob“, and He will draw near to us.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THINK – Part 2 – Repent and live

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

THINK!  MINDS & THOUGHTS.

*Think, and the God of peace will be with you.

**Think, and you will have abundant life and peace and prosperity.

***Think, and God will reveal His Truths to you.

****Think, and God will give you understanding in everything.

*****Think, and you will be as you are.

In our last article, we discussed psychology and the soul.  This time, let’s take a brief look at what the Bible says about the mind and thoughts.

*Philippians 4:8, says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

**Romans 8:5 tells us, “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Verse 6.  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on and peace.”

***Philippians 3:15 , says, “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”

****2 Timothy 2:7  tells us to, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

*****Proverbs 23:7, says, “… For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.”

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT?

First, no person, with a sound mind, can think one thing and do another.  You cannot say “today I pray to have success”, or “today I will pray to have friends”, or “today I will serve God”, then act in a contrary manner and expect to receive what you desire nor to achieve what you claim.

Secondly, and most importantly, Matthew 4:17, says, “Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  This is the greatest pronouncement and call to readiness for all Christians:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This is one of the greatest pronouncements and calls to readiness for all Christians:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repent, in the Biblical sense, literally means,

“To change one’s mind; – reversing how you think – to change one’s mind for the better” and it comes from 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.

Again I say, 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”.

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.”

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 longer you, or I who lives, 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 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, and let us all, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Let’s stop thinking as the world thinks and see things from a heavenly perspective (Colossians 3:2), let’s have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and begin to really live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous article:  “THINK – Part 1 -Psychology in the Bible? – The Soul”

Next article: “THINK – Part 3 – Where are you Going?”

THINK – Part 1 – PSYCHOLOGY IN THE BIBLE?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

 

Matthew 22:37 says, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’”

 Also found in Deuteronomy 6:5  says, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

 These words are both a command and a prophecy from God, to the Israelites, then, and to us, now, so we can “live in the land which God has promised”.

The ‘land’ promised to the Jewish people is described in Joshua 1:1-9 and is actual real estate.  It is a foreshadowing of the eternal “Land” of the Kingdom of God.  (see metaphors such as found in Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us how we are to “love the Lord our God”.  These verses describe the entire person:  mind, body and soul.  We are to love God with our entire being and all of our essence in order to obtain His promises.

Let’s focus on the soul.

SOUL:  From the Greek, “psuché”, meaning, breath, the soul (the phonetic spelling is psoo-khay’).  It is defined as the vital breath or breath of life, (b) the human soul, (c) the soul as the seat of affections and will, (d) the self, (e) a human person, an individual, the mind, will and emotions..

‘Psuche’, (the soul), is the root of the English words “psyche,” “psychology”; the soul (psyche); a person’s distinct identity (unique person-hood), i.e. individual personality.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT?

It is to make the point that the Bible speaks volumes about human psychology and is the leading and foremost authority on the matter. Scientists and psychologist are just catching up with the Bible on these matters, but, they still have a way to go. Most psychologists view the Bible as largely mythical or anthropomorphic, and they read it through the biased and ofttimes arrogant lens of scientism.

The main point is, however, is that Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us HOW we are to “love the Lord our God”.  These verses describe the entire person:  mind, body and soul.  We are to love God with our entire being and all of our essence – in order to obtain His promises.

Deuteronomy 28:28,  “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Verse 2.  All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:

Verse 3.  “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

Verse 4.  “Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.

Verse 5.  “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Verse 6.  “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

Verse 7. “The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.

Verse 8.  The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.

Verse 9.  The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.

Verse 10.  So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will be afraid of you.

Verse 11.  The Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the [l]offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.

Verse 12.  The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Verse 13.  The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

Verse 14.  And do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Finally, and to be sure, all the promises of God are already ours through the finished redemptive work of Jesus.  But, just like the Israelites wandering in the desert of forty years, though God provided them manna to eat and sandals to wear, the children of God still had to pick up the manna and put on the sandals which would never wear out.

The promises of God are here, but, we must appropriate them by believing and obeying God and taking the promises as our own.  Let’s live the Kingdom, now!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Next Article:  “THINK – The Mind and Thoughts”)