Category: Christian Living

The Mission, The Purpose, The Method, The Means & The Way – Of The Church

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

 

THE MISSION – THE PURPOSE – THE METHOD – THE WAY
(WWJD? – WDJD?)

 Saying, Seeking, Saving, Showing, Sending, Shepherding

The Gospels (the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) give the perfect format and function for the Church (the Ekklesia – The Called Out Ones of God – called out of the world and into the Kingdom of God for His service. The mystical Body of Christ.)

In Brief: He is always Saying, Seeking, Saving, Showing, Sending, Shepherding. And His Church – and you as His follower who is His disciple) are always to be doing the same as He has done.

HE SAYS THE WORDS

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

HE SEEKS HIS OWN – Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Matthew 4:18, goes on to tell us that “While Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter – whose name means “Rock”) and Andrew (whose name means “Manly”) his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. Verse 19.  And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Verse 20. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Verse 21. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Verse 22. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

HE SHOWS HIS WONDERS – Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

Matthew 4:23, And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Verse 24. So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. Verse 25. And great crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

HE SENDS HIS WORKERS – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Matthew 10:7, And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Verse 8. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Verse 9. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, Verse 10. no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. Verse 11. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. Verse 12. As you enter the house, greet it. Verse 13.  And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. Verse 14. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

HE SENDS HIS WORKERS – The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16, Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Verse 17. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Verse 18. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Verse 19. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

HE SHEPHERDS HIS FLOCK – I Am the Good Shepherd

John 10:11, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Verse 12. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. Verse 13. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. Verse 14. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, Verse 15, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.

1 Peter 5:1, So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; verse 3,  not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. Verse 4. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Now, for the Church (the Ekklesia – The Called Out Ones of God – called out of the world and into the Kingdom of God for His service. The mystical Body of Christ THE MISSION – THE PURPOSE – THE METHOD – THE WAY, of “Saying, Seeking, Saving, Showing, Sending, Shepherding” as Jesus has done and has instructed His Church (you and me).

(If the image above needs to be enlarged for review please click: Our Mission, Purpose, Methods, Means & Ways).

In another article I ask the question, “Hey Church. What In The World Do You Think You Are Doing?” In other words, are you even on the Mission God The Father gave Jesus His Son and His Church, pursuing His Purpose, using His Methods and following His Ways? And now…

Chapter 1 – God the Father’s Mission for Jesus and Jesus’ Mission for All Creation – (And The Mission of His Church and of Every Believer).

The Bible presents one unified divine mission: God the Father sends His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem fallen humanity, reconcile creation to Himself, defeat sin and death, and ultimately bring all things under the righteous rule of Christ for the glory of God.

The Father’s mission for Jesus and Jesus’ mission for creation is distinct but inseparable. Jesus accomplishes the Father’s will, and through Jesus, God brings His eternal purpose for creation to completion.

  1. God the Father’s Mission for Jesus Christ – And His Mission is the Mission of The Church and for all believers.

The Father sent Jesus into the world to reveal God, save sinners, destroy the works of the devil, and accomplish His redemptive purpose for humanity and creation.

Jesus explicitly described His mission in several passages.

  1. To reveal the Father

Jesus makes the invisible God known to humanity.

“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” — John 14:9 (KJV)

See also John 1:18; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1–3.

  1. To save humanity from sin and death

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom and provide salvation through His death and resurrection.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (KJV)

See also John 3:16–17; Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.

  1. To defeat the works of the devil and the power of death

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus breaks the dominion of sin and death and brings the promise of eternal life.

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” — 1 John 3:8 (KJV)

See also Hebrews 2:14–15; Romans 6:9–10.

  1. To establish His kingdom and bring all things under His authority

The Father’s purpose extends beyond individual salvation to the universal reign of Christ and the restoration of all things according to God’s will.

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.” — Ephesians 1:10 (KJV)

See also Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28; Philippians 2:9–11.

Jesus summarized His relationship to the Father’s mission in John 6:38:

“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (KJV)

The Father’s mission, therefore, is not merely that Jesus teaches people how to live. It is that the Son accomplish the divine work of revelation, redemption, reconciliation, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.

  1. Jesus’ Mission for All Creation – And His Mission is the Mission of The Church and for all believers.

Jesus carries out the Father’s purpose, but the scope of His mission extends beyond the individual human soul. Scripture describes a purpose involving humanity, the Church, the nations, and ultimately the whole created order.

  1. To restore humanity’s relationship with God

Human beings were created in God’s image for fellowship with Him, but sin brought alienation, corruption, and death. Jesus reconciles sinners to God through His blood.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” — Colossians 1:21 (KJV)

See also Romans 5:8–11; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21.

  1. To call people from every nation into salvation and new life

Jesus commissions His followers to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples among all peoples.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” — Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

See also Matthew 24:14; Luke 24:46–47; Acts 1:8.

His saving work is not restricted to one ethnicity or nation. The Gospel is for the world, and everyone who believes in Christ may receive eternal life.

  1. To form a people who reflect God’s character

Those redeemed by Christ are called to love God and neighbor, practice righteousness, serve others, proclaim truth, and grow in Christlikeness.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” — Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

See also Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:11–16; Titus 2:11–14.

Good works do not purchase salvation; they are the intended fruit of God’s saving grace.

  1. To reconcile and ultimately renew creation

The consequences of the Fall extend to creation itself. The Bible looks forward to creation’s liberation from corruption and to the renewal of all things under Christ.

“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” — Romans 8:19 (KJV)

See also Colossians 1:19–20; Acts 3:21; Revelation 21:1–5.

This does not mean that every individual will necessarily be saved. Scripture also teaches final judgment. Rather, God’s ultimate purpose is to remove evil and establish His righteous order.

  1. How the Father’s Mission and Jesus’ Mission Fit Together – And Their Mission is the Mission of The Church and for all believers.

The relationship can be summarized as one divine purpose unfolding through several stages.

God the Father

The source of the saving purpose

Creates, loves, sends, and purposes to reconcile all things to Himself.

God the Son — Jesus Christ

The accomplisher of the Father’s mission

Reveals God, lives in perfect obedience, dies for sinners, rises from the dead, reigns, and will bring God’s purposes to completion.

The Holy Spirit

The divine agent of application and renewal

Convicts, regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, empowers, and equips God’s people.

The Redeemed People of God

The witnesses and servants of the Gospel

Proclaim Christ, make disciples, love their neighbors, and serve according to God’s Word.

The Consummation of God’s Purpose

The ultimate outcome

Evil is judged, death is defeated, creation is renewed, and Christ’s reign is fully manifested.

This is a theological synthesis, not a claim that Scripture assigns each person of the Trinity an exclusive task. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act in unity, while Scripture distinguishes their personal roles.

First Corinthians 15:24–28 describes the ultimate completion of Christ’s mediatorial reign, when every enemy is defeated and the Son delivers the kingdom to the Father. Revelation 21:1–5 describes the new heaven and new earth.

  1. What Is God’s Primary Method for Accomplishing His Mission? And His Method is the Method of The Church and for all believers.

God’s primary method is Jesus Christ Himself—His incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and reign—made known through the Gospel and applied by the Holy Spirit.

The Church participates in this mission, but it does not originate it or accomplish it by its own power.

  • The means of reconciliation: Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
  • The means of receiving salvation: God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
  • The means of proclaiming salvation: The Gospel, entrusted to Christ’s followers (Romans 10:14–17).
  • The means of transforming believers: The Holy Spirit working through the Word of God (John 17:17; Galatians 5:22–25).
  • The ultimate accomplishment: God’s sovereign work in bringing His redemptive purpose to completion (Ephesians 1:9–10; Philippians 1:6).

God’s mission is therefore not fundamentally a human project to improve the world through education, politics, morality, or religious activity. Those things may have legitimate places, but they cannot reconcile sinners to God or defeat death. The heart of the mission is God’s saving work through Jesus Christ.

  1. A concise statement of the entire mission

Here is one way to express the biblical picture in a single, unified statement:

God the Father’s Mission for Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ’s Mission for All Creation – And His Mission and Method is the Mission and Method of The Church and for all believers.

God the Father, according to His eternal purpose and love, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to reveal the nature and character of God, redeem fallen humanity from sin and death, destroy the works of the devil, reconcile sinners to Himself, and establish the reign of His kingdom.

Through His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and ultimate triumph, Jesus accomplishes the Father’s redemptive purpose. Through the Holy Spirit, God calls and transforms a people who believe in Christ, conform them to His image, and commission them to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

The ultimate purpose is to defeat evil, bring God’s saving purposes to completion, liberate creation from corruption, and establish the fullness of God’s righteous rule through Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.

In summary: The Father purposes and sends; the Son accomplishes redemption and reigns; the Holy Spirit applies and empowers; and God’s people bear witness to Christ—until God’s purposes for His redeemed people and renewed creation reach their appointed fulfillment.

  1. The foundational passage that ties it all together

If I were to select one passage as the central biblical framework for this entire subject, it would be Colossians 1:15–20.

Paul describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and sustainer of all things, the head of the Church, the firstborn from the dead, and the One through whom God reconciles all things to Himself.

That passage brings together creation, Christ’s identity, redemption, the Church, resurrection, and cosmic reconciliation.

Two other essential passages complete the picture:

  • Ephesians 1:9–10: God’s purpose to unite all things in Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:20–28: Christ’s resurrection, the defeat of every enemy, and the final completion of His reign.

Taken together, these passages show that the Gospel is more than a plan for individuals to escape judgment after death. It is God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ, rescuing sinners and bringing His purpose for creation to its appointed fulfillment.

The central distinction is this: Jesus’ mission is not merely to save people from something; it is also to save them for something—to restore them to fellowship with God, conform them to the image of His Son, incorporate them into His people, and bring them into the life of His coming kingdom.

End Chapter 1.

Next: (coming soon). Chapter 2 – God the Father’s Purpose for Jesus and Jesus’ Purpose for All Creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive-Through Salvation & Spiritual Fast Food?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Apostasy in the Church?

Drive-Through Salvation & Spiritual Fast Food

“Please, bow your heads and close your eyes and repeat this prayer after me. “Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. I do now receive him as my Lord and personal Savior. I promise to serve you to the best of my ability. Please save me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“For all who prayed this prayer, PRESTO and CONGRATULATIONS! You are NOW a child of God!! (Congregational applause) Please pick up some literature after our service. It will tell you what to do next.”

This is called, “The Sinner’s Prayer”. But, is It Biblical? And, is it enough to save a person’s soul and get them into heaven? Is the ‘sinners prayer’ biblical? I know it is by those who have very good intentions. They say that the sinner’s prayer is a prayer a person prays to God when they whether they understand that they are a sinner or not. They presumably understand they are in need of a Savior and want to go to heaven. But saying a sinner’s prayer will not accomplish anything on its own.

The Bible does not record anyone praying a standardized “sinner’s prayer” formula such as the one commonly used today. What it does record repeatedly is people recognizing their sin or need, calling upon God/Christ in faith, and receiving salvation. Here are the clearest examples:

(1). The tax collector — Luke 18:13–14. This is probably the closest biblical example to what Christians today call a sinner’s prayer. “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” Jesus then says. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.” Luke 18:14). The elements are remarkably clear:

  • He recognizes his sinful condition.
  • He does not claim righteousness.
  • He appeals to God’s mercy.
  • Jesus says he was justified.
  • This is perhaps the strongest biblical example of a brief prayer associated directly with justification.

(2). The thief on the cross — Luke 23:39–43. The repentant thief says to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responds, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43).

There is no elaborate prayer, baptism, church membership, or opportunity to perform good works. There is recognition, repentance, faith in Jesus, request, salvation. Jesus Himself gives the assurance of salvation.

(3). The publican’s cry for mercy. (Luke 18:13). This deserves special emphasis because Jesus contrasts him with the self-righteous Pharisee.

The Pharisee essentially prays, Look at how good I am. The tax collector prays, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” And Jesus says the tax collector went home justified. The contrast is essentially self-righteousness vs. repentance and dependence upon God’s mercy.

(4). The people at Pentecost. Acts 2:37–41). After Peter preaches Christ crucified and risen, the people are “pierced to the heart”. and ask, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter answers, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). About 3,000 respond. Notice that Luke doesn’t record a particular sinner’s prayer. Instead, he records hearing the gospel, then he experiences conviction, asks what to do, repents in faith, identifies with Christ, and receives salvation.

(5). Paul (also known as Saul). (Acts 9:3–18), encounters the risen Christ and asks, “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus answers, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul subsequently spends three days fasting and praying.

Ananias later tells him to “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16). Saul’s conversion involved a profound encounter with Christ, repentance, faith, prayer, and subsequent baptism.

(6). Cornelius. (Acts 10). Cornelius is described as “a devout man who feared God”. (Acts 10:2). He is praying when God sends an angel to him.

Peter subsequently preaches the gospel, culminating in “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43).

The Holy Spirit then falls upon those hearing Peter’s message.
Again, there isn’t a recorded sinner’s prayer, but there is prayer, seeking God, hearing the gospel, believing Christ, receiving forgiveness, and being filled by the Spirit.

(7). The Philippian jailer. (Acts 16:25–34). After the earthquake, the jailer asks Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31). Paul and Silas then speak the word of the Lord to him and his household. The jailer subsequently responds by believing, caring for Paul and Silas, washing their wounds, and being baptized. This is one of the clearest New Testament salvation accounts. Interestingly, Paul does not tell him to pray a sinner’s prayer. He tells him to believe in Jesus.

(8). The blind man. (John 9:35–38). Jesus asks him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man responds. “Lord, I believe.” And he worships Jesus.

While this passage isn’t specifically presented as a conversion formula, it gives another very simple picture of hearing leads to believing, which leads to a confession of faith and worship.

(9). What about Romans 10:9–13? This is probably the passage most often connected with the modern “sinner’s prayer”. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). And Paul continues, saying, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13). That is extremely important. Paul connects calling upon the Lord with salvation. But notice what he doesn’t say: “If you repeat this particular prayer, you will be saved.” Rather, the prayer is an expression of genuine faith in Christ. Paul’s emphasis is to believe in your heart, confess Jesus as Lord, call upon Him, and be saved.

So, did people in the Bible pray a “sinner’s prayer”? Yes, in substance, but not as a standardized formula. The important theological point is that the prayer itself does not save the person. Christ saves the person.
Prayer is one way a person may express genuine repentance and faith in Christ.

That’s why I would distinguish between these two statements:

“I prayed the sinner’s prayer, therefore I’m saved”, versus “I turned to Christ in repentance and faith, calling upon Him for salvation.” The second statement much more closely reflects the biblical evidence. In fact, the New Testament’s emphasis is remarkably consistent:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”(Acts 16:31).

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13).

“Whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16).

So if by “sinner’s prayer” we mean a prayer in which a sinner genuinely turns to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, trusting Him for salvation, there are several biblical examples. If we mean a particular prescribed prayer that someone must repeat in order to be saved, the Bible gives no such prayer. A true sinner’s prayer only represents what a person knows, understands, and believes about their sinfulness and need for salvation.

So I ask again, is it enough to utter a scripted prayer and expect a (magical) transformation of your life and a free pass to heaven?

Perhaps this little mimicked prayer, almost like an incantation, will get a person thinking about salvation which could be a good thing. But the Bible seems to consider this as a more serious matter and addresses it a bit differently.

The Bible and Jesus say there must be a commitment to follow Jesus, His teachings and His commandments. It takes commitment, discipline and endurance. Perhaps, if you start with a simple prayer you will come to realize the commitment’s at a later time and then really have to decide if you can truly follow Him.

The facts are that neither Jesus nor His disciples ever used a “sinner’s prayer” to induce people to follow Jesus. And, neither Jesus nor His disciples minced their words on this important matter. They just gave it straight and then you either dropped what you were doing and what you had been as person, and followed Him – or not.

I ask, has Jesus changed His mind about how we are to follow Him and become a Christian since His earthly ministry? Of course not. Then, why are so many pastors and churches serving up “DRIVE-THROUGH SALVATION” & “SPIRITUAL FAST FOOD”? It is just ‘a first step’?

What does the Bible say? What does ‘righteousness based on faith’ say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:8-10).

It seems to say that “belief” precedes “confession”! To be fair, most people who say ‘the sinner’s prayer’ are sincere in this newfound “faith” to some degree, but – and hear this – aren’t they actually are putting their faith in the person leading them in that kind of prayer?  Aren’t they are trusting that the person leading them is doing it the right way? It is most likely have not put their trust and belief in Jesus at that point – they have put their faith in a person and in a prayer that is fabricated and not an act of spontaneous faith. Scary though, isn’t it? It is probable that this person has not had the time to discover the commitment and the cost of following Jesus.

I reference Romans 10 but it is not the only place scriptures explains and admonishes that faith precedes confession:

Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Why does this matter? It matters for your eternity if you have misplaced your faith. It matters for your daily experience as a believer. If your ‘salvation’ is a ‘head experience only’ (a false confession resulting in an imaginary walk with an imaginary god).

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL DAY-TO-DAY EFFECTS?

Just like what a consistent diet of super-processed fast foods can do to your health, (higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, and mental health disorders due to high salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and low fiber and nutrients. It can also raise blood pressure, cause rapid blood sugar spikes, and contribute to weight gain and poor gut health), the same can be said about a consistent spiritual diet of – spiritual fast foods”.

LOSS OF UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (THE CHURCH)

There was a day when people in church would, at some point, be convicted of sins in their lives and almost spontaneously rush to the altar in a church to confess and repent of their sins. (It was quite the sight). There was a day when, during corporate prayer in church, people would humble themselves and drop to their knees or bow at the chair where they were sitting and pray fervently and tearfully.

There was a time when people called their Church (their local Body of Christ believers) as “my Church Family”, because it was as close to family as you could get and not be related by marriage or by birth!

There was a day when you looked forward to ‘going to Church’ to be fed the Word of God, to be with your Church Family, and to feel loved, welcomed, and included.

Today, however I privately hear people in church say they feel alone in the crowd. Today people might ‘sway with the worship music’ or even jump up and down wave their hands gleefully in the air as the flashing lights and pulsating sounds of a ‘worship band’ stir emotions, fabricating an emotional high they sometimes call ‘the movement of the spirit’. But is it? Or is it the production of adrenaline to some really great religious tunes? And what is wrong with that anyway? Right? Nothing is wrong with that as long as you realize and admit what you are really experiencing.

LOSS OF THE SENSE OF PURPOSE AND CALL OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE

You see, the Bible shows and tells us that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives include the operation of spiritual gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and miracles, which serve to edify the church and demonstrate God’s power. These manifestations are intended for the common good and can be seen in acts of service, prophetic insights, and transformative experiences among believers.

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit can also be seen in acts of Service. Believers may feel compelled to serve others, reflecting God’s love and compassion. Prophetic Insights: Individuals may receive messages from God that guide or encourage others. Healing and Miracles are Instances where individuals experience physical or emotional healing attributed to divine intervention. Community Impact where the collective experience of believers coming together to worship, pray, and support one another, often resulting in spiritual growth and unity.

All works of the Holy Spirit ultimately point back to God’s majesty. As Jesus taught, the Holy Spirit will glorify Him (John 16:14). The Spirit’s gifts, miracles, and transformations of character are meant to direct hearts to the worship of the Creator, rather than to human achievement.

Manifestations of the Spirit are not meant for personal gain or attention. The Bible makes it clear that they are “given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). This includes strengthening faith, promoting unity, and equipping believers to serve and love one another more effectively.

Visible instances of God’s power can attract the attention of those outside the faith, offering an unmistakable testimony that God is living, active, and loves humankind. Acts 2:4 records how about three thousand souls were added on the day of Pentecost, partly due to the powerful witness of the Holy Spirit’s work.

These manifestations are intended for the common good, enhancing the faith of the community and showcasing God’s active presence in the world.

So, do you think I am overstating the problem?

LOSS OF IDENTITY WITH AND IN JESUS

Then think on this: George Barna Research shows that America is experiencing a significant decline in traditional church participation and institutional religious commitment. The decline cannot simply be equated with a decline in all spiritual interest, belief in Jesus, or desire for spiritual growth, but points to multiple factors rather than one single cause. Among the factors it has identified over the years are:

  • Changing generational attitudes toward organized religion;
  • Declining identification with institutional Christianity;
  • Perceptions of church involvement in politics;
  • Church scandals and failures;
  • Dissatisfaction with “church as usual”;
  • Changing concepts of church membership (often perceived as manipulative);
  • Alternative forms of Christian content and spiritual engagement;
  • Cultural secularization; and
  • People distinguishing faith in Jesus from participation in a particular congregation.

One particularly relevant finding is that Barna found 48% of self-identified Christians and 45% of practicing Christians agreeing that people they know are tired of (the twenty-first century) “church as usual.”
And Baana Research isn’t the only “Watchman on the Wall”. Pew Research, Gallup, and BibleGateway are among the many reporting this falling away from the faith of the Bible.

IT AIN’T EASY

So, what are we to do and what are we to be? For the ‘everyday Christian’, we are to become a disciple of Jesus. So, what would that mean and what would that look like? Well, let me begin by saying there is nothing easy about what I have just said and what I recommend. But a good start would be first to learn to identify and become thoroughly familiar with metaphors, parables and similes and then read the New Testament Books of Matthew and John, no matter how long you have been a Christian or how long you have been in church. And read them at their face value, being careful to identify and understand the relationships of the metaphors, parables, and similes contained in them. Then go and do exactly as Jesus has done, obeying His every teaching and command as best you can. (I can hear the M.Divs and P.H.D.s grumbling already).

BUT IT IS WORTH IT

Go with the understanding that ‘you are simply a vessel of God (i.e., His Spirit dwells within you, guiding, convicting, teaching, leading, and completing His Works) for He is the Creator, the Initiator, The One doing His Good Works through you. Recognize, to the best of your ability, that you are simply His fully devoted, completely surrendered, and submitted servant. (Like I said, nothing easy here.  But this is exactly what His first disciples did). And I will promise you this:

  1. You will make mistakes.
  2. You will be ridiculed and mocked. (Matthew 5:11)
  3. You will be gossiped about and insulted. (Matthew 5:11)
  4. People will even say evil things about you. (Matthew 5:11)
  5. You will be excluded from certain ‘churchy events’, and some religious circles will exclude you – even in your own church body.
  6. You will inherit the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
  7. You will be comforted by God, Himself. (Matthew 5:4)
  8. You will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
  9. You will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
  10. You will receive God’s mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
  11. Your heart will be made pure. (Matthew 5:8)
  12. You will be called the son or daughter of God. (Matthew 5:9)
  13. You will become a peacemaker. (Matthew 5:9)
  14. You will be blessed by God. (Matthew 5:3-11)
  15. You will be rewarded by God. (Matthew 5:12)
  16. You will have become the salt of the earth and a light that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:11)
  17. You will see things that others only wish to see.
  18. You will never be the same – to the glory of God!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

I will continue in this series relating to certain false teachings and practices accepted in the Church today that are unbiblical and good for nothing except to be tossed out to be trampled on under the feet of others.

Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian?

It is as if the Apostle Paul had us in mind when he penned 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 saying, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed. Perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.” (These are the ‘external’ tribulations of life.).

Paul’s words may be an overstatement for most of us in America, but there are many days when we, as Christians, can feel overwhelmed, disoriented and rendered helpless by the threats and forces of evil that surround us. (These are the ‘internal’ stresses of life).

I mean, it can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian as we wonder how are we to respond to radical Islamists, in our own congress, who are pulling our system of laws and constitution rights asunder?

It can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian as we wonder how to respond to people in high places of our government, in our highest institutions of education and learning and in the governing bodies of our healthcare systems refusing to identify “what a woman is” and answer correctly “ if a man can give birth”, yet holding us captive to egregious lies and deception.

It can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian when our elementary and secondary schools are falling farther and farther behind world standards in reading, writing and science because our education systems are ruled by Socialist teacher unions-and their Globalist-Marxist agenda is to sufficiently ‘dumb-down’ or children so they can be easily and effectively brainwashed into Marxist idealism.

When are courts a packed with Leftist progressive Socialists who, when violent criminals are arrested and charged with heinous crimes, release these criminal animals back into society only to steal, kill and destroy the people we love and the things we hold dear.

When foreign nationals can surreptitiously vote in our elections and elect their own, who openly defy our laws and proclaim hatred for our country, hold high offices in government, raid our treasuries, encourage assassinations through vitriolic hate speeches.

How do we defend ourselves; how do we defend our families and our nation if we, as Christians are “not to show opposition” against an evil person; but we are to turn our cheek when someone either literally slaps us or ‘slaps down our rights, our freedom of religion and our Constitutional Republican way of life”? When we are admonished to give to him-no matter their evil intent-who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. Or when we are commanded by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you? (See Matthew 5:38-44).

You can see why it is so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian, and it is not because we are told to act as Christ. It is because we have not been told the ‘whole story’. We have been fed a fragmented and opinionated version of what the Bible actually teaches. (And if you buy into this ‘half-narrative’, you have bought into what is essentially a falsehood. Just enough truth in this half-truth narrative of the Bible to leave you vulnerable. Vulnerable enough that the enemy is able to harm you or to destroy you! A half-truth is a lie, and this is why Ephesians 6:11 says to “Put on the full armor of God” – not some of it – but all of it – ”so you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Standing firm means that Believers are called to remain faithful rather than retreat, compromise, or yield to deception. Spiritual victory is often pictured as standing firm in the position Christ has secured through His death and resurrection. Such endurance is sustained through prayer, Scripture, faith, and continued obedience, as believers hold fast to the gospel amid pressure and temptation knowing without any doubt that by doing so that “the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And we overcome him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony, for we do not love our life even when faced with death”.

Now, please listen to Paul Harvey’s broadcast from 1965 appropriately named

and get “the rest of the story”, as he was famous for saying.

In conclusion, I will offer an answer to our opening question “Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian” by disclosing “The Dynamics of The Two Sides of Jesus Ministry, Mission, Methods and Mindset” – in other words, “W.W.J.D”?

(Jesus confronts hypocrisy, false teaching, exploitation, sin, religious corruption, injustice).

Jesus Christ was neither a passive peacemaker who avoided confrontation nor a violent revolutionary who sought to overthrow His enemies. He was the obedient Son of God who came to testify to the truth, fulfill Scripture, call sinners to repentance, proclaim the kingdom of God, confront Satan and spiritual evil, expose religious hypocrisy, challenge unjust and corrupt practices, and ultimately give His life to save sinners,

His commitment to truth was uncompromising, but His confrontation was never an excuse for hatred or personal vengeance. He could rebuke His enemies with extraordinary severity while commanding His disciples to love their enemies, pray for persecutors, forgive, and do good.

Jesus therefore demonstrated a form of courage that is simultaneously truthful, courageous, confrontational, sacrificial, compassionate, and submissive to the Father’s will.

Jesus confronted evil without becoming evil.

He confronted Satan—but did not become Satan’s instrument.

He confronted hypocrisy—but did not become hateful.

He confronted political power—but did not become a political revolutionary.

He confronted religious authorities—but did not abandon God’s Word.

He confronted sinners—but called them to salvation.

He confronted His executioners—but prayed for their forgiveness.

That is why the cross is the ultimate expression of Jesus’ “steadfast, unmovable courage.” It shows that Christian courage is not merely the willingness to fight—it is the willingness to remain faithful to truth and righteousness even when faithfulness costs everything.

Jesus’ courage is for truth, holiness, the kingdom of God, and the salvation of people, even when that put Him in direct conflict with people and institutions.

Jesus did not come merely to make people comfortable; Jesus came to reveal God’s truth and accomplish God’s redemptive purposes, regardless of whether people accepted, rejected, or opposed Him.

What you have just read (above here) is our model. You can justifiably substitute “Jesus” and “He” with your name. Where it says “I” (referring to Jesus) you can assume the role, the calling and this as your mission “in His Name”.

“Yes”, you might be thinking, “but that is Jesus and I am not Jesus. I might be able to do a few things like serving in the Church, but do the things you have listed?”. 

True enough. You are not Jesus. But just hold your horses. The Bible emphasizes that we should walk in the same way Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and follow His example (John 13:15). Additionally, we are encouraged to have the same mind as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) and to do the works that He did (John 14:12).

It will be difficult. Yes. But Jesus said we must “take up our cross” (an instrument or example of pain and suffering) and follow Him. We will most likely, at one time or another, be persecuted, reviled, hated and have all manner of evil said about us because of Him, but that is the cost. (But honestly, I have done many of these things, and it is never as bad as it sounds or as you might think.

And finally, let’s connect the dots. Are you aware that every action has a corresponding reaction or response? Some call this the “Law of Reciprocity”.  “Give and it will be given back to you, with good measure, pressed down, people will pour it into your lap until it runs over!” For good or for ill. It is also known as the “Law of Sowing and Reaping”. Galatians 6:7, states, “A man reaps what he sows.” Our actions have corresponding consequences, both positive and negative. This concept emphasizes that what we “sow” through our choices and behaviors will determine what we “reap” in life, You will and are certainly reaping what you have sown. Treat someone hatefully and they will most likely respond negatively. Show mercy to someone and they most likely will respond positively. Worry unduly and your mind and body will be physically upset and possibly suffer illnesses. Exercise and eat good foods and you will likely be healthy and feel good. Get it?

The Good News is that there is an escape. There is a way to stop this cycle or reciprocity and reaping the negatives of life. It is found in the Life and Person of Jesus. This is exactly why He came-to set us free from sin, death, guilt and shame.

So, now for the concluding question: “Do you ever get sick and tired of being sick and tired” which is another way of saying are you sick and tired of reaping negative results in your life? Are you sick and tired of feeling alone, left out, worrying all the time, feeling depressed, angry and sad? Are you  willing to consider that your actions to this point are now reaping the things you are experiencing in life? If so, you may just be on your way to healing your life. On you way to a much better life. A life of reaping a meaningful life. A life of purpose, rewards and peace. There is a Way, and His Name is Jesus. He will make a way where there seems no way.

When there seems to be no way out of past guilt and shame, turn to Jesus.

When there seems to be no way out of lack, unmet needs and loneliness, turn to Jesus.

Christ Jesus paid the price for the ultimate freedom of your soul, and when you discover that, you will be set free indeed. Trust Him. Follow Him even when it seems counter to what the world will tell you.

The same is true when you suffer under government overreach and oppression, out of rampant evil, out of sadness, loneliness, poverty, illness, or disease. Jesus is the way to your freedom. This has been proven over and over throughout the centuries.

If this is true, why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian? Because Satan is a liar and he is using rebellious people, people who love darkness and evil to tell you that “you cannot be free” and that it their job to rule over you. It is made even more difficult when you love your possession more than your freedom. It is because you up until now, you have loved darkness to hide your sins more that the Glorious Light of freedom in Christ Jesus.

So what now? Just do it. Turn away from your worldly life and possessions of things, titles, ego, selfishness, pride, anger and vengeance and turn to Him. He promises that “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much in this life, and will inherit eternal life in the next life”.

Your Brother and Friend – In this race together and to the end!

Mike Young

WHY ARE SO MANY LEAVING CHURCH (Declining Attendance)?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Why are people leaving church?

“Please don’t leave!!”

(Declining Church attendance)

Barna’s research points to multiple factors rather than one single cause.

Among the factors it has identified over the years are:

  • changing generational attitudes toward organized religion;
  • declining identification with institutional Christianity;
  • perceptions of church involvement in politics;
  • church scandals and failures;
  • dissatisfaction with “church as usual”;
  • changing concepts of church membership (often perceived as manipulative);
  • alternative forms of Christian content and spiritual engagement;
  • cultural secularization; and
  • people distinguishing faith in Jesus from participation in a particular congregation.
  • America is experiencing a significant decline in traditional church participation and institutional religious commitment, but the decline cannot simply be equated with a decline in all spiritual interest, belief in Jesus, or desire for spiritual growth.

One particularly relevant finding is that Barna found 48% of self-identified Christians and 45% of practicing Christians agreeing that people they know are tired of “church as usual.” (Rote).

And this raises a very important question for the church: If people are still interested in Jesus but increasingly disengaged from traditional church structures, what is it about contemporary churches that is failing to convert spiritual interest into committed discipleship and congregational participation?

That question actually fits very closely with the church/ministry issues —particularly what a Bible-centered, spiritually balanced church should look like in the current culture. And exploring to this for application can become a mechanical attempt at ‘doing church’.

But before looking at what a Bible-centered, spiritually balance church should look like in the current culture, let’s do a quick comparison of the practices and the employment of the methods of the early church.

First, there was nothing new about religious meetings similar to our idea of ‘going to church’. For example, Muslims perform Islamic prayers and rituals in a mosque. Buddhists practice their religion through ceremonies, meditation, prayer, and offerings in temples, meditation halls, or viharas for worship. Jews do their “church” activities in a synagogue, which is a place for Jewish prayer, study, and community services. Instead of church worship, they hold congregational prayers such as Shabbat and other ceremonies, and they keep Torah scrolls in the sanctuary. But, Jesus broke the mold when it came to ‘church.

Jesus preached in the Jewish Synagogues, on the streets, on hillsides, in the mountains, from boats and on the seashore. Christians met in homes. Christianity was an spiritually organic movement.

With the resurrection of Christ Christians became the temple of God. Christ became a “life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Therefore, He could take up residence in the believers, thus making them His Temple, His house. It is for this reason that the New Testament always reserves the word church (ekklesia) for the people of God. It never uses this word to refer to a building of any sort.” (Excerpts within quotation marks are from Frank Viola & George Barna’s book, “Pagan Christianity”, Tyndale Publishing, 2002, 2008)

“When Christianity was born, it was the only religion on the planet that had no sacred objects, no sacred persons, and no sacred spaces.

“Although surrounded by Jewish synagogues and pagan temples, the early Christians were the only religious people on earth who did not erect sacred buildings for their worship. The Christian faith was born in homes, out in courtyards, and along roadsides. For the first three centuries, the Christians did not have any special buildings!

“As one scholar put it, “The Christianity that conquered the Roman Empire was essentially a home-centered movement.”

“Meeting in homes was a conscious choice of the early Christians.” It was a coming together in a more intimate setting, a ones’ home. Very little could be hidden in such an environment. Christians, out of necessity, lived the model of Jesus.

THE DRIFT BEGINS – 391 A.D.

The Church was barely out of its infancy when the religious spirit of innovation appeared, in the late second and third centuries, and a shift occurred thanks in large part to Augustine of Hippo (later, sainted by the Catholic church), began his work of making the Christian Movement ‘legitimate’ by government and Catholic standards.

“Interestingly, he named his church buildings after saints — just as the pagans named their temples after gods. Constantine built his first church buildings upon the cemeteries where the Christians held meals for the dead saints. (I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL AN ACT LIKE THAT?)

“Constantine brought peace for all Christians.'” Under his reign, the Christian faith had become legitimate. In fact, it had risen to a status greater than Judaism and paganism. “For these reasons, the Christians saw Constantine’s rise to emperor as an act of God. Here was God’s instrument who had come to their rescue. “Christianity and Roman culture were now melded together.” (Again I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THAT?)

“The Christian building demonstrates that the church, whether she wanted it or not, had entered into a close alliance with pagan culture.’ As Will Durant, author of The Story of Civilization (a sweeping, eleven-volume work on world history that earned him a Pulitzer Prize), put it, “Pagan isles remained in the spreading Christian sea.”

“This was a tragic shift from the primitive simplicity that the church of Jesus Christ first knew. The first-century Christians were opposed to the world’s systems and avoided any contact with paganism. This all changed during the fourth century, when the church emerged as a public institution in the world and began to “absorb and Christianize pagan religious ideas and practices.

“As one historian put it, “Church buildings took the place of temples; church endowments replaced temple lands and funds.”

“Under Constantine, tax-exempt status was granted for all church property.

“Consequently, the story of the church building is the sad saga of Christianity borrowing from heathen culture and radically transforming the face of our faith.

“To put it bluntly, the church buildings of the Constantinian and post-Constantinian era essentially became holy shrines. The Christians embraced the concept of the physical temple. They imbibed the pagan idea that there exists a special place where God dwells in a special way. And that place is made “with hands.”‘ (Once again, I ask, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL AN ACT LIKE THAT?)

“As with other pagan customs that were absorbed into the Christian faith (such as the liturgy, the sermon, clerical vestments, and hierarchical leadership structure), third- and fourth-century Christians incorrectly attributed the origin of the church building to the Old Testament. But this was misguided thinking.”

“Most Americans are struggling to clarify their identity. They tend to see themselves as unique individuals, Americans, members of their family, occupational professionals, consumers, and then as followers of Christ — in that order of priority.

“In the minds and hearts of most Americans — even those whose beliefs classify them as “born-again Christians”— their identity as a follower of Christ pales in importance in comparison to the other roles they embrace. (WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THAT MINDSET?)

“Oddly, most of the born again Christians consider themselves to be servants of God and to have been transformed by their faith in Christ.

“Clearly, there are some missing connections in this self-evaluation. Perhaps the confusion is due to the enormous number of inter-actions and responsibilities that people take on each day.

“Maybe it has to do with the disjointed, topical teaching that most of us receive from our churches. It may even be attributable to the lure of competing perspectives and images bombarding us from the ever-present media.

Whatever the reason for the drift from the Jesus model, it seems that people in general and Christians specifically are just tired of the ever-expanding institutional, 501-c-3, tax-exempt, nationalistic, politically oriented, culturally influenced, entertainment and leisure centered church. Most of us are looking for relief. Relief from sin, sickness, worry, doubt, anger, conflicts, poverties, guilt, shame, loneliness, suffering personal loss, rejection and all that this world inflicts upon us. A spiritual connection to and with God that transcends the systems, methods and ways of this world. A spiritual connection that is tangible and transformative – into the likeness and means of Jesus. A spiritual connection that visible in the life of a believer; One that overcomes this world’s troubles in fact and in the mind and heart of a believer. We want to belong. We want to be loved. We want to truly experience a love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, patience, and self-control that the world does not and cannot offer.

So, please dear Christians, dear pastors, dear church leaders, dear churches, stop it. Stop saying one thing and doing another. It can no longer be “we 4 and no more” attitude and practice, (a mindset where a group believes they often exclude others outside their formed circle. This attitude creates division and a lack of love among different Christian denominations or groups.).

There. Now I have said it! Let’s move on to what a “Spiritually Balanced Church in This Culture Might Look Like”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

You Might Be Becoming A Muslim, If…

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

YOU also MIGHT BE A MUSLIM IF…

(This paper has been inspired by a Sunday School lesson taught by Pastor Brent Whitefield at Covenant Naples Church, Naples, Florida on August 23, 2026. Some of this article is excerpted with permission. The original text with audio can be heard at You Might Be A Muslim If”, by Pastor Brent Whitefield.)

Do you rem3mber Jeff Foxworthy? His joke line was “You might be a redneck if you…”Well, let’s use that format to say, “You might be a Muslimif…

If you believe that by just of chanting, some ‘magical’ words makes you once and for all right with God. (Have you ever done anything like that?) Like, “repeating this little sinner’s prayer with me so you can be saved?” That’s what Muslims believe.

If you believe that participating in some ritual, whether it be baptism, whether it be communion, that is something that saves you, then you might be a Muslim. After all you may have been taught that is the sum of your duty to God – to participate in this or that ritual and you are made right with God.

If you believe that God can be paid off with a mandatory offering of some kind, that you’re paying your obligation to God, or that through fasting you’re depriving yourself of something and therefore getting in good with God and helping to guarantee your salvation, then If you might be a Muslim because that’s not a Christian view but it is  a Muslim view.

If you believe that going to a particular place, whether it be a church building where you light a candle, or whether it’s going to visit Jerusalem or Rome, that you can get closer to God by being in a particular place, then you might be a Muslim because that’s not a Christian view, it’s a Muslim view.

We, as Christians, know that the only way to the Father – the only way to be saved – is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Romans 10 says that “if you confess with your mouth, what you believe in your heart, that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved”. It is not anything you do.

Not many people who call themselves Christians, if any, are essentially Muslim. Even if they agree with all these things listed, they still don’t call themselves Muslim. But those are essentially the religious practices that they have unwittingly adopted.

This is where we should step back and realize that the Christian gospel is to be counter-cultural, so different, so unlike any man-made religion. We must repent (deny and turn away from all our evil ways, selfish way, wicked ways, worldly hedonistic ways, and all the man-inspired philosophies of this world) and follow (take up the mindset, the attitudes, the teachings and beliefs, the mannerisms, behaviors and actions) of Jesus. Otherwise, maybe you are making up your own religion. And if that is what you are doing, wouldn’t that be good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell? That seems reasonable, right?. But that is not what the Bible teaches? The Bible teaches that no one is good – no, not even one person. All of us have sinned and are worthy of both a physical and a spiritual death followed by eternal damnation. And since that is the case, God sent His Son – Who was and is perfect and sinless – to die on behalf of those who would receive Him as Lord and Savior. Thereby paying the penalty that is due for all sinners.

God’s grace (His free, unmerited and “un-earnable” Gift of salvation) set us free from the penalty and the power of sin. He sets us free from eternal death and damnation. He set us free from all our guilt and shame. We are made new creature in Him and in His sight. The gospel is revolutionary in that regard.

Islam, on the other hand, bears all of the fingerprints of a man-made religion. Muslims will say that they are against idolatry. In fact, they’ll hold this up as their complaint against Christianity and every religion. But, you can’t blame them. If a Muslim goes and visits any number of Christian churches they’re will find them chocked full of idols of Mary and religious artifacts of one kind or another that we venerate or worship. You can hardly blame them for coming to the conclusion that Christianity is idolatrous, and we should take notice, shouldn’t we?

We, as Christians, have been commanded to put away idols and embrace Christ. Yet, have we purged the idols from our heart? I would suggest to you that we live in a constant battle against idolatry all the time. Our attempts to confine God to a particular space or time, don’t we? We attempt to manipulate him through our religious observances and through our going here and going there. We try to manipulate God, but he won’t be manipulated. But all such attempts, you see, are idolatry.

Just saying or reading these things is almost confusing isn’t it? It is so ingrained in our lifestyles we hardly even notice what we have done and what we have become.

Christianity is  supposed to be countercultural, or so goes the argument. But is it? Muslims on the other hand are committed to being countercultural. Islam is their culture and their religion.

Christians cannot say that American culture or Western culture is synonymous with Christianity with serious criticisms. And it’s not even true. So we are warned to be very careful about what we tie to Christianity. We have to be careful to make the distinction that Christianity is counterculture. Christianity should not be considered nationalistic. It should always be considered as a prophetic voice being spoken into a corrupt and dying culture. It’s not there to help buttress the culture. It is a transformative prophetic voice being spoken into a culture.

Islam, on the other hand, has always spread by conquest and by immigration. It is not a transformative prophecy. It is a theocracy. There’s very little in the way of free will conversion. In the very beginning, Muslims just took over places like Medina. They came in as immigrants and ended up establishing Islam at the governing entity. And it is from the same playbook as is happening today. I would like to briefly mention the political aspect of Islam because it has implications for the theological aspects. You can see a predictable pattern for Muslim takeover of areas, and it’s quite ‘fascinating’ if I may use that word. Reason might say that once Muslims immigrate to a given area, they might need to reach fifty-one percent of the population to gain political control. But that is never the case. Once they attain to  about five percent of the population, Muslims begin to demand exceptions, carve-outs, acknowledgement of their culture in various demonstrable ways within the culture. At five percent, they ask for off for their prayers or time off for their fasting.

Once they achieve around ten percent of the population, they begin to aggressively exercise their influence, especially if they’re stepping into a religious or moral vacuum. They begin to ask for concessions like a child bringing a halal meal to school. At ten percent, it becomes more of a demand for this, or they begin to get vocal.

Then at twenty percent they begin to demand halal meals in the schools as an option. Soon, they demand it be only halal food in our schools.

At twenty percent, they demand that nobody in their neighborhood can eat during Ramadan, whether Christian, Jew, Hindu, or otherwise. Why is this the case? Why don’t they need to get fifty percent to get these concessions?

They have come to know that at the twenty percent threshold they can throw their political weight around. They don’t need to wait until they are fifty percent of the population. The have discovered that all they need is to have more of a Muslim population than the number of non-Muslims who are willing to push back. And in most populations, that’s never more than twenty percent of people who are willing to fight back. And the percentages have gone lower and lower over time.

In medieval Europe, they would have pushed back. In modern Europe, they don’t push back anymore. So Muslims maybe need less than twenty percent to begin to get their way. Areas in which there are broken disrupted or families are most vulnerable to Islamic immigration. Area where single parenthood is the norm rather than the exception; places where mothers are in charge and not fathers; places that have become de facto matriarchies.

So urban centers in America, much of Northern Europe can be described this way, so the single parent matriarchies are no match for the two parent patriarchal Islamic family organization. And so they are easily overrun and overtaken.

A glaring example of this are the Muslim gangs of rapists in central England have raped thousands of women and this was largely kept a secret. One might ask, “Where were the fathers?” There were mostly single parent families, and no fathers. The fathers absent, incarcerated or drunk. Fathers who were so steeped in the rhetoric about Islamophobia they were afraid to say anything. (Imagine their daughters being raped and they’re afraid to say anything for fear of being perceived as a racist). So thousands and thousands of women helplessly preyed upon, nobody there to protect them. There are many of these places in Europe and now we are seeing this repeated in places in America. They have been rendered almost helpless to the onslaught of a very aggressive Islamic invasion. There aren’t the men there to stick up for their families and their women and there is no male leadership to stave off this onslaught. It’s become a matriarchy by default because even where there are men they behave like weak women. Their virtues are feminine rather than masculine. And so, once again, they’re no match for confident Islam moving into the area and beginning to make demands.

What’s interesting is when you see what has happened politically, and this has been very clever, there’s a doctrine within Islam called taqiyya, which means deception. And it’s even in the Quran itself. And it’s permitted for a Muslim to deploy deception in service of the greater good or for “Islam”.  This is an imitation of Allah himself, who is a deceiver. So you can’t count on Allah to tell the truth. He may lie about the service or the greater spread of the faith. So Muslims are allowed to also lie and deceive in the spread of the faith.

One of the ways this plays itself out in America is that Muslim candidates for office always present themselves as liberals on social matters. They’re always pro-LGBTQ, they’re pro-abortion, they’re pro all of the slate of these things, which are very much against Islamic values. This is part of their program of deception. They know they cannot get into the conservative parties in America so they have gone into the liberal parties to make an impact. And once we get into the liberal parties they change things up. They to “flip the script” once they have power and show what they are really all about – Sharia law and domination. This is happening and the numbers are large. For example, a city like Luton in England which is now around sixty percent Muslim. They were voted into office by their sheer numbers and voted in by white English liberals, including the homosexual lobby and such. Now they “flip the script” and have said, we’re not having any gay bars or anything like that in Luton anymore in the name of Islam. They say that this is now an Islamic city, so we make the rules now, and these rules are not the liberal platform that they came to power on or were invited in on. So this is an exercise of their plan of deception?

Islam spreads, at five percent we want consideration, at ten percent we want equality, at twenty percent we want supremacy. And they’ve been able to actually make that work because they’ve had people who are not willing to stand in their way.

One of the problems that we see in the political realm is that we’re highly influenced by the media’s reporting on these matters. And one thing that’s invariably true in the Western world, in America and in Western Europe, is that there’s almost nobody left in the media who takes religion seriously. Therefore, Islam underestimated, and there’s almost nobody in the main media, BBC, your NBC, Figaro newspaper, USA Today, etcetera, who is a Christian believer, so they don’t take Islam’s religious motivation seriously. The media consider the dangers and the powerful and threatening dynamics of Marxism, but they don’t consider Islam and Muslims as a threat. Yet they are committed to imposing their diabolical theocratic religious values on everyone. The media foolishly thinks this is for economic demands or that it is a social issue. But Islam and Muslims make no secret that their goal is to transform and control the world under Islamic law.

I want you to see that our nation is in danger of becoming Muslim as we see happening in Western Europe.  The answer is not political, it is not military and it is not social. The answer is a religious revival in our land. where Christians recommit themselves to Jesus Christ, and recommit themselves to be a bold witness for Christ. It’s about proclaiming fearlessly the gospel of Jesus Christ and living our lives in light of that gospel. That’s the only way forward. And that’s the only way that we actually not only save our country, but bless the nations as well.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

THE INDICTMENT – NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOWING JESUS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE INDICTMENT – NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOWING JESUS

There are many people who claim the moniker of Christian but do not do the things commanded, taught and modeled by Jesus. They have their reasons and excuses. I have heard them and challenged them. They still insist they are followers of Jesus, and that they are ‘in the process’. They say their intentions are right but they are just not there yet. Hmmmmm.

There is an old saying: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. This saying can mean several things to different people. For example, some people say the road to hell is paved with good intentions to mean that people often intend to do good things but in fact do not, often because they are lazy or weak. ‘She said the road to hell was paved with good intentions, that she really had decided to hand write six dozen personal letters, but she just didn’t have the time’. Or perhaps, The phrase “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” conveys that good intentions alone can lead to negative outcomes if not executed properly. It emphasizes that simply wanting to do good is insufficient; one must take appropriate actions to achieve positive results.

But this phrase is never more true nor can it have more glorious or tragic outcomes than when it is applied in a spiritual or Biblical context.

In order to establish my point most clearly, I would need first to review all the teachings and examples of Jesus as they are recorded in the Bible. But since that would simply take too much space and time here, I will begin with just a few of the most relevant, glaring and succinct examples.

WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST – THE CHURCH

Let me say that going to church can be a very good thing, but just going to church is just not enough.

One would think that within the Church they would find the teachings and examples of Christ on full display: love for another, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Everyone thinking more highly of others than of themselves. An attitude of ‘turning the other cheek’. Rejoicing when rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community in our relationships. This call encourages believers to actively participate in the emotional experiences of others, fostering a deeper connection within the Christian community. If this were the case, we could all learn and be influenced to be more like Jesus. But by comparison, this is usually only found in small pockets of people who attend church, and who over time have become close knit. Sort of like the saying, “we four and no more” groupies. Sadly, churches can be and many times are someplace you can go and be alone in a crowd; A place where the pastor does not know your name and the ‘staff’ huddles together while you are left outside their circle. The only thing left is to ask, ‘what is wrong with this picture’?

OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

Jesus taught and modeled attitudes and behaviors. And finally, He gave the Greatest Command and the Great Commission. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love others as yourself”. Then “Go, and make disciple of all the nations, teaching them all that I have commanded, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

This was not a command for a select few. It was for all of His disciples for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

(And as a means to clarify, the Spiritual Gifts are also given to us as a means of witnessing Christ Jesus to others. And not everyone has the same Spiritual Gift.)

Some as Prophecy – the ability to receive and communicate messages from God.

Some, Healing – the supernatural grace to restore health and perform miracles.

Others Teaching – the skill to explain and apply biblical truths effectively.

Leadership – the ability to guide and motivate others within the Church. Discernment- the gift of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, especially in  spiritual matters.

Faith – a strong confidence in God’s promises and power.

Evangelism – the ability to share the Gospel effectively.

Administration – the skill to organize and manage church activities and resources.

Exhortation – the gift of encouraging and uplifting others.

Giving – the ability to share resources generously.

Mercy – a compassionate response to those in need.

Hospitality – the gift of welcoming and serving others.

And we all have the ability, along the way, to tell others about the Person of Jesus.

The Bible reminds us that “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”.

If you will take a close look at the early disciples and the early church, you will perhaps begin to see how they ‘turned the world upside down’ and even during times of great persecution, the church continued to grow exponentially.

AS THE CHURCH

So what now? Its seems that there was a time in America that the Church was influential for Christ and effective in its witness. But there is no going back. We have forgotten what is past. So we must go forward. And good intentions are just not good enough. We must really follow Him. But how?

HOW DO I – HOW CAN I?

The admonition in the Bible, repeatedly, first is to set your mind on the things above. Meditate on them; think on them; dwell on them, so you are being transformed to the image of Christ by the renewing of your mind. And by being reminded daily you will better be able to imitate Christ as you go.

FINALLY

If you want to go on the greatest and most meaningful adventure of your life – follow Jesus. Really follow Him.

If you want to see your church grow – be like Jesus inside your church building.

If you want to experience the joy and satisfaction of actually and successfully following Jesus, realize that He dwells within you. Let Him live. Let Him live through you, moment by moment!

Please, dear friend, let’s get this done.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Going to church in and of itself does not make you a Christian. The Church is the Sanctuary where you can find some rest from the worries and troubles of the world. Use it that way!

The Church is a headquarters for strategic discipleship preparation. The world is your training ground.

The Church is where your spiritual family and friends congregate. Enjoy and spread that joy.

The Church is the Body of Christ in action. Be One.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

Additional Reading:

How To Be Sure You Are Really Following Jesus

You Must Deny Yourself

The Bright Red Line We All Must Cross

Normal Ain’t Comin’ Back – But Jesus Is

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

I saw a man wearing a t-shirt that said “Normal Ain’t Comin’ Back – But Jesus Is”. I was, at first, amused. Then I began to think,

“What is Normal, anyway?”

I am pretty sure, considering the apparent age of the man wearing the shirt, he may have been referring to the “Christian Age” of America. Several leading political figures and even some leading religious figures in the U.S. have suggested that America was a “Christian nation”, but that is no longer the case.

According to several surveys about 65% of Americans consider themselves as Christian but 19% of those are Catholics. Even with that, only about 44% of 65% pray frequently and only around one-third attend church at least once per month.

The Bible warns that a time is coming, and by all appearances may have already arrived, when “people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power”. (See Second Timothy 3:2-5). This will include many of those inside the Church as First Timothy 4:1-3 says “The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods”. That just is jot normal!

Although many of these traits are have always been evident, the prevalent view in America’s past, has been decidedly Christian. (We have practiced Christian holidays, our language, literature and poetry had been heavily influenced by the Bible. We even printed “In God We Trust”, on our paper money.) Now-a-days you may still see traces of that past and can find those who claim to hang onto those beliefs and practices, but unless you experienced that past, you really can’t see how far America has moved from her Christian roots. Many calling themselves Christian, are holding onto a form of godliness, but in all reality, are denying its power.

So, what does this lead us to? The second half of the phrase: “But Jesus Is (Coming Back)”. You can find this several places in scriptures, but I will refer to:

Matthew 24:29-31, “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

And,

Revelation 19:11-16, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

And what does this mean to you and to me, that is those calling themselves Christians?

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

The odds are 1 to 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 is 1 to 10 to the 157th power.

These are the odds against – yes, AGAINST – Jesus Christ having fulfilled just 48 of the over 450 prophecies written about Him.

In order to give you some perspective, electrons are very small objects. They’re smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES 10 to the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long.  19 MILLION YEARS!

Read that again, please.  Why is that significant?

It is significant because it gives us evidence that the Bible is true and correct when it says that Christ Jesus came to earth and is the Savior of the world.

It gives YOU evidence, if you choose to pay attention, that your life can be eternal with the only LIFE source which gives eternal Peace, Safety, Security, Joy and fulfillment the universe has ever known or ever will know.

Just think about it: It is a scientific and a mathematical impossibility that HAS COME TO PASS! No odds can defy the REALITY of Jesus Christ

(Warning: The following may be considered as offensive to “nominal Christians”.)

NEED TO KNOW

Let’s keep this simple and accurate. Jesus says, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Again, Jesus says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

He instructed “Repent (turn away from your current way of thinking and living and think and act like Jesus), for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand. Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men, women, boys and girls.”

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Then, to sum up, to some He will say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

But to others He will say, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

DO YOU GET IT, YET?

Going to Church may be a good thing, but it will not save you.

Doing good deeds is a good thing, but it will not save you.

Tithing or giving offerings is a good thing, but it will not save you.

THIS IS “THE IT”

Believe on the Lord Jesus as the Christ in your heart which will result in righteousness, and with your mouth confess that God raised Him from the dead which results in your salvation. Repent of you worldly ways, follow Him in thought, speech and conduct, endure to the end, and you will be saved.

So, if you GO TO CHURCH – Good for you.

If you tithe or give offerings – Good for you.

If you do good things – Good for you.

If you are following Jesus (i.e., doing what He has said to do, thinking as He says to think, doing the things He has done as He has done them – Better. for you’

But if you are actually doing what He has done, thinking as He thinks, going where He has gone, and obeying His commands – BEST for you!

IN CONCLUSION

There are many current-day theologians, pastors and preachers who say that some of the things Jesus did and said have ceased. They say these things have ceased because we no longer see them and-or they ceased because we no longer need them with the establishment of the Church. Or perhaps they have said this because of the confusion and abuse of the ‘works of Jesus’ have created in the post-modern church. But the Bible does not say this and never even infers any the things Jesus said and demonstrated would cease. Men saying such things are manmade excuses. I honestly don’t have a better answer except to say that when the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast a demon out of a young boy, they many have been thinking ‘these things have ceased’?  But Jesus answered them saying, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’

“Ask, and you shall receive. Seek and you shall fine. Knock and the door shall be opened to you.” Now that is what Jesus calls normal!

“If My words are in you and you abide in Me, ask what you will and it shall be granted to you.”

Remembering that all ‘these things’ are in the context of and for the purpose of accomplishing the purpose, plan and mission of Christ Jesus!

His return is near. It is time to DO HIS NORMAL. Let’s get this thing done – in Jesus Name.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

DANGEROUS CHRISTIANITY – HANDLE WITH CARE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

DANGEROUS CHRISTIANITY – HANDLE WITH CARE

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

The pastor of a Southern Baptist mega-church in Fort Meyers, Florida, which we attended 15 years ago, pastor Dr. Richard Powell, announced that the next Sunday’s sermon would be titled “Dangerous Christianity”.

The title of this upcoming sermon created a stir of excitement in the congregation. I felt a positive anticipation rising in me. DANGEROUS CHRISTIANITY was exactly what I needed. It was exactly what I wanted to dish out to the devil: DANGER FROM GOD!

The next Sunday came, and we sat in our comfortable theater-style cushioned seats, eagerly waiting to hear about “Dangerous Christianity“.

“Beware, Devil”, I thought, “we are going to be a threat to you and yours from now on!”

The pastor started by saying,

“It is Dangerous to take the Bible literally. Believing that everything in the Gospel is meant for your benefit can be DANGEROUS to your faith.”

I listened, and I thought, “Did I just hear what I think I heard?”

He repeated his opening statement.

Curious and a bit concerned, I listened to his “religious lecture”, but I didn’t hear too much after the introduction.

I kept thinking, over and over, that this “man of God” just said that the Bible presented a danger to the Believer’s faith, if he or she takes it literally.

Grammar, figures of speech, parts of speech, literary style, usage of nouns, pronouns, and verbs all aside, about all I remember about this “religious lecture” was the opening statement.

I understand metaphors, similes, idioms and hyperbole, and the Bible uses these figures of speech in various places to communicate an idea, a thought or a message.

But, the Bible is GOD BREATHED and is meant for every man, woman, boy and girl to understand. And the Bible indicates what is meant to be literal and what is not literal.

So, I decided to see if there was such a thing as “Dangerous Christianity” in the Bible, and here is what I found:

Genesis 22:17 “Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies.”

1. Christians are a danger to possess the gate of our enemies!

Psalms 125:1-2 (A Song of Ascents). Those who trust in the LORD Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.

2. Christians are a danger to anyone or anything that would try to separate us from God.

Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

3. Christians are a danger to weapons formed to be used against us and our accusers will be condemned!!

John 10:28-29, and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

4. Christians are a danger to death or any kind of separation from our Father’s Hand.

Romans 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5. Christians are a danger to tribulation, or

  • distress, or
  • persecution, or
  • famine, or
  • nakedness, or
  • peril, or sword or
  • death,

because we are more than conquers through Christ!!

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

6. Christians are a danger to upheaval or turmoil.

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

7. Christians are a danger to the evil of this world because we pray in Jesus’ Name and

  • Jesus possesses the keys to the kingdom of heaven and
  • Jesus binds evil,
  • Jesus binds death,
  • Jesus binds poverty,
  • Jesus binds sickness,
  • Jesus binds doubt,
  • Jesus binds fear,
  • Jesus binds hopelessness and the like.

Ephesians 6:10-13, 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.

8. Christians are a danger to schemes of the devil.

Mark 16:17 “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;

9. Christians are a danger to demons.

Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.”

11. Christians are a danger to sickness, death, disease and evil!!

Now, that is what I call DANGEROUS CHRISTIANITY.

Let’s exercise our gifts of the Spirit, the rights as brothers of Jesus, joint-heirs of the Son, and as sons of God and remember that it is The Spirit doing His Work through us! Let’s let the power of God and His love, kindness, patience, gentleness, self-control, goodness, and faithfulness flow through us.

Let’s speak the Logos of God. Let’s speak the “Rhema of God”. Let’s walk in the Spirit of God and carry His Word before us.

Let’s live a Dangerous Christianity and bring glory to our God.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS – Can you think of other ways we can be Dangerous Christians for the Glory of God and a credit to His Kingdom?

PPS – We left that church.

DANGEROUS CHRISTIANITY – THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Dangerous Christianity – part 1

I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Too many Christians are suffering physically, emotionally, personally. They suffer from ignorance of the Truth of Life contained in Biblical scriptures or a tragic misunderstanding of those scriptures.

Too many of our religious teachers and leaders are saying the right words but setting another example. And, sadly, the Child of God is following that error of example and suffering.

Betty and I were on a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands to celebrate the beginning of our 50th year of our marriage.

Each morning of our cruise held something different, interesting and exciting, if you watched for it. This particular morning, we walked the ship’s deck for exercise, then, Betty headed to the physical fitness salon and I headed one of the various hot tubs on deck.

I had just eased myself into a hot bubbling tub of relaxation when a large man and his wife appeared at the edge of the hot tub.

He greeted me with a cheery “Hello”, as he crowded himself into the spa. His voice was deep and resonate, like that of a TV announcer. His wife appeared a bit shy and just nodded her greeting.

We began to chat and exchange pleasantries. I discovered he and his wife were approximately my age. They were licensed clinical social workers and retired Southern Baptist missionaries to Argentina. He had also acted as a pastor for a short time. I privately thought “that explains his ‘preacher sounding voice’; deep, resonate and measured with cadence”.

I asked more about his time as a missionary but he was vague on the subject, except to say they ‘were only there four years’. He suggested that he was disappointed that they had been largely ineffective.

Then he surprised me by saying, “I believe Jesus may come back soon and the Church isn’t ready”. When I asked why he believed this, he said “I tried being a Southern Baptist but I can’t do that any longer.

“Funny”, I thought, “how he makes a statement, then follows it up with an seemingly unrelated comment”.

I also tried the Assemblies of God”. Then he sort of rambled on about traditions and practices of various denominations.

Then he said “I used to be a conservative Christian” and stopped talking.

(There he goes again?????)

His thinking seemed random, but, his comment somehow caused me to recall a small historic mission in Lahaina on Maui, which we had visited the day before. It is known as the Master’s Reading Room. I asked if they had visited this mission during our stop on Maui, Hawaii. He said they had visited it and in his best baritone voice, he gave me a quick history lesson. He concluded his lecture, which sounded very much like a sermon, by recounting how, before the missionaries arrived in Lahaina, the sailors who came to this port would maraud this small town and “have their way with the local women”. But, when the missionaries arrived they ‘put a real kink in the sailor’s behavior’.

“A real kink in that behavior”, I wondered. What an interesting choice of words. “So was that a “good kink”, or a “bad kink” I asked.

“Good, I suppose”, my new friend replied. “It lasted for a long time”.

I couldn’t help myself at this point. “I have another question”, I posed to this man, “but before I ask it, I wonder if you could put any bias aside and consider what I am asking from an objective point of view.”

He said he would try.

“OK, then, here is the question: Why is it, in this post modern world, are we Christians unable or unwilling to, as you put it, “PUT A KINK” in the bad behavior that is engulfing our society?

Why have we become, as you put it, largely ineffective?”

He looked surprised but quickly answered with a question “Because we, as the Church, have become afraid of offending anyone, and have bought into the methods and ways of this world?”

I probed him further. “Perhaps that is a result of a deeper problem? But not the cause? Isn’t that just an excuse or an explanation for a lack of faith? So, I ask you again, what do you think is the cause?”

This question clearly made my friend uncomfortable and, for the first time in our half hour together, left him speechless.

So I continued. “I’ll tell you what I think is the cause for so many Christians being unwilling or unable to preach the Gospel Message of Christ – which by its very nature ‘puts a kink in sinful behavior’:

WE DON’T BELIEVE IT!”

“Oh, I don’t know about that” he blurted.

“Really?” I continued. “As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you should know that everything one does is based on what he or she believes to be right for them. A person’s actions and behaviors are based on their core set of beliefs.

“You eat what you eat because of your preferences, which are a reflection of your core beliefs. You wear what you wear, live where you live, say what you say all for the same reason.

“Likewise, you cannot effectively DO what Christ commanded if you do not fully believe it – that is, unless you are a deliberate fraud and a liar. I don’t believe that is the case with you. So, you must find a way out your dilemma.

“Dilemma?”, he queried.

“Yes, dilemma”, I countered. Your dilemma is that your say you believe IN Jesus and that you believe IN the Bible, but you aren’t DOING what they say. So, you either don’t believe what they say or you don’t understand.

“So, you change the meaning of God’s Word to something more palatable. You spin God’s Word to have a contemporary meaning. Something with which you agree from your own point of view.

“You aren’t actually doing what Jesus says to do, are you?”

“Well, I’ve tried to follow Him”, my friend replied. “But the Bible is open to many interpretations, you know.”

“Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said. His voluntary death on the Cross proved that.

“His Words are the plain Truth. Written in a language every one of His Own can understand.

“Let me give you an example. Our instructions from Him are to

  • Go, and
  • Preach The Gospel,
  • Teach the Gospel,
  • Make disciples,
  • Baptize,
  • Lay hands on the sick,
  • Feed the hungry,
  • clothe the naked,
  • tend to the widow and the orphans.

“So, I ask you, when was the last time you even laid hands on a sick person?

“When was the last time you, personally, led someone to Christ?

“When was the last time you preached the same Gospel Jesus preached?”

“Could this be why you are frustrated and growing cold. You are not DOING what Jesus said to do!”

My friend protested with the strangest of remarks. “I used to be a conservative Christian but now I am a liberal. And I don’t agree with how the bible in being taught. Two big examples are on abortion and homosexuality. You conservatives are too strict in your interpretation on these subjects for the 21st century.”

“Perhaps you are disappointed and ineffective because you are believing and teaching your own version of what Jesus said”, I finished.

“I see what you are saying”, my friend replied, “but, there are so many social issues. After all, my wife and I are trained licensed clinical social workers, too.”

“I see I may not have changed your mind. But, the fact remains and you have admitted that you are frustrated, your ministry is largely ineffective and that you have lost your enthusiasm for the things of God.

“You are right. His Return is near and you seem to be worried about the church? But, how about YOUR readiness and how about your wife’s readiness? Are you ready to face Him and explain why you ‘did it your way’?

“I encourage you to actually follow Him – starting today – by doing what He said to do. And see if your First Love doesn’t return.”

I could see that our conversation was over. My friend thanked me and said he had been in the hot tub long enough and made his exit.

I am pretty sure the hot tub wasn’t the only thing he had enough of!

This true life encounter reminded me that we can find all kinds of reasons and make all kinds of excuses for not following the simple Teachings of Jesus. We can find many reasons on which to blame our ineffectiveness.

We can deny that the present-day church is far from the example Jesus gave us. But, we have drifted far from our moorings. And you cannot deny that…

  • Much of The Church is being turned into a corporate entity, voluntarily shackled to, licensed by and muted by our government.
  • The Church is increasingly being LEAD by men and women and their bias, worldly methods and humanistic ideals.
  • The Church increasingly is being driven by contemporary methods, for contemporary purposes and causes.
  • The Church is no longer a threat. It is being rendered largely ineffective. It is becoming an artifact of antiquity.

Don’t agree?

Read the Bible for yourself. Read the accounts of Jesus’ teaching and ministry. Read about His methods, His purposes, His results. Read how He told us to continue in His Works; then compare.

He did not call many of the ‘hirelings’ who inhabit our pulpits today.

He called His People to DO His Work. His is still calling.

You can hear His call to us, through the Apostle, Peter. A Call to ALL OF US. Follow Him and DO HIS WORKS. From:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:

You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION,

so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

This is the time, folks.

No excuses. Do not tarry. He is calling!

LET’S DO IT NOW!

Let’s Remain in His Grip!

Your Brother and friend,

Mike Young

(NEXT: coming soon – Dangerous Christianity – part 2)

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK – It’s not what you think

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK – It Is Not What You Think It Might Be

 

“But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.”

Matthew 5:39 (NASB). These are the words and teachings of Jesus.

How does it make sense to let a person “slap you silly”. Showing restraint and non-aggression is one thing, but inviting a person to beat you to death by putting up no defense, negates show love for an enemy – especially if you are beaten to death.

In order to better understand this teaching, let’s be clear from the start. Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24. (NASB).

Again, when sending out His first disciples, Jesus said, “These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6. (NASB).

And since this was the case, we need to understand that Jesus would often speak in a way, using metaphors, similes, and colloquial phrases in a context familiar to the Jews. And this is one of those times.

So, let’s take a close look at Matthew 5:39.

(1) The act of slapping someone on the right cheek in the cultural context of Jesus’ time was considered a severe insult, often delivered with the back of the hand. This was not just a physical attack but a challenge to one’s honor and dignity. The right cheek is specifically mentioned, suggesting a backhanded slap from a right-handed person, which was more insulting than a direct slap. This reflects the cultural importance of honor and shame in the ancient Near East. Jesus’ instruction here is not about physical violence, but about responding to personal insults and affronts.

Jesus is obviously calling for a radical response of non-resistance, which aligns with His teachings on love and forgiveness. This principle is echoed in Romans 12:17-21, where Paul advises believers to overcome evil with good.

Turning the other cheek is a metaphor for non-retaliation and the willingness to endure further insult rather than seek revenge. This action symbolizes the rejection of the cycle of violence and retaliation. It reflects the character of Jesus Himself, who, when reviled, did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23). This teaching is a call to embody the kingdom values of humility, patience, and love, even towards one’s enemies.

It challenges believers to trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands, aligning with the broader biblical theme of leaving vengeance to God (Deuteronomy 32:35). (Reference – BibleHub.com).

Which brings us to the final point: Faith and Trust.

  1. It is possible to correctly and effectively obey this command of Jesus only if you understand, believe and trust that God will not only protect you, but exact His vengeance on the perpetrator. (This is why Jesus say to pray for your enemies – their fate in the Hand of our Living God as an enemy who is offending one of God’s own children, is worse than death.
  2. It is possible to correctly and effectively obey this command of Jesus only if you recognize God’s sovereignty in and over your life. I.e., nothing happens to you that God has not allowed. (Jesus told Pontius Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me at all, if it had not been given to you from above; for this reason the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:11, NASB).
  3. There is a purpose and God has a plan in all things concerning you. But if you interrupt His plan with a plan of your own, you have become an obstacle. (For example, Jesus 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 purposes, but men’s.” (Matthew 16:23 NASB).
  4. This does not mean that we are to become “doormats” to evil. We are to become “doormen” to the Kingdom of God. Our strength comes through our stubborn obedience to Jesus commands and teaching. (“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm (“be, immovable, stubbornly planted”). Stand firm therefore”.
  5. Throughout Jesus’ radical and revolutionary counter-cultural teachings, Jesus is saying at least these two things: (1). Resist not evil, i.e., do not become entangled in evil. It can affect you in ways that will draw you into its darkness. Stand firm in the Light of God and on His Word. But do resist the devil as you draw near to God, and the devil will flee from you. (2). We do not have time for the frivolity of fighting evil with our flesh. It is a waste of time, which we do not have. Jesus is coming soon, and the fields are ripe to harvest. We have much work to accomplish. Move past these “temporary and light afflictions”, as the Apostle Paul called them, which are “producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

It takes great trust and faith to follow this command of Jesus. But once we grasp the ‘bigger picture’ and understand that we have been invited and called to participate in God’s Plan for all humanity, we should be honored and humbled. This is a foreshadowing of what is to come:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

“And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:1-8)

“I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life”. (Rev 21:22-27)

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying”. (Revelation 22:14-15).

Let’s pray for one another as the day draws near!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Submission and Women as pastors – It isn’t what you think – an addendum.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

Submission and Women as pastors – It isn’t what you think – an addendum.

(This is an addendum to the original article “About Submission and Women Pastors”)

I have recently been challenged by someone suggesting that “since the Bible cites women who prophesied in the Bible, and since prophecy can be defined as both ‘forth telling’ and as ‘foretelling’, and since ‘forth telling’ is the same as preaching, the women can be pastors.”

Wow! Wow, wow, wow. Okay. Since A equals B and B equals C and C equals D, there really is no A because it is really a D; or a B or a C?

Seriously, let’s begin by being reminded that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and thereby has established the New Covenant in His Blood. For one (big) example, there is no longer any need for repeated animal sacrifices to atone for sin. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was and is the final sacrifice for atonement (made “at one”, reconciled) with God.

Next, the Apostle Paul explains that the law (the Torah, also known as the “Halakha” which translates as “the path that one walks”, also referred to as the “Mitzvot”, “Mishna” and the “Talmud”, was codified into what we call the Old Testament around 400 to 200 B.C.). Paul was clear when He said, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

This is important to remember when it comes to properly interpreting, reading and understanding Scriptures. We are to consider Scriptures in their original text and context, with the Old Testament as background and the New Testament as its fulfillment.

(Another example is found in Matthew 5: 21-26, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I (Jesus) say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Truly, I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up every last cent.”

The New Testament (the New Covenant) is built upon the Old Testament (the Law and the Old Covenants), and the New Covenant has fulfilled the Law. That Law is now written upon our hearts and minds (see Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 10:16), and we have the Holy Spirit as our guide.

This should lead us to consider some misconceptions held by some who would co-mingle or syncretize the old and the new Covenants. Remembering that Jesus warned,“neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Some say it is okay for a woman to hold the office of pastor and to preach in a general assembly of believers, over both men and women. They say the Old Testament says that women prophesied, and since prophesying is a form of preaching, they can be pastors. I am not certain how a person could or even would link those two thoughts, but let me be clear. Number one, the role of a prophet or prophesying has absolutely no direct tie or effect upon the role of a pastor. A pastor might prophesy, whether preaching or foretelling, and a prophet might preach, but the roles are distinctively separate.

FACTS:

  1. Nowhere in the Old Testament do we find a woman as a pastor (although she may have been a teacher. Some say men in leadership was just a cultural norm, and that custom has changed in the modern world. That  allegation is never mentioned in scriptures. What is mentioned is that God (and His Word) are the same yesterday, today and forever.
  2. As mentioned above, we live under the New Covenant.
    1. The Apostle Paul and the New Testament teaches that The Spiritual Gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are offices but only the office / gift of pastor is restricted to men.
    2. Jesus and the Apostle Paul taught on differences between the role and office of prophet and gift of prophecy.
    3. The word Pastor is a term derived from a Greek word for “shepherd”, and is reserved for the male in the Bible – a role for men. Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion. A shepherd (i.e., a pastor), is the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Figuratively, a pastor is someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).  (Strong’s Concordance). Pastor:   This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”.  Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.

The term “poimén” primarily refers to a shepherd, one who tends, leads, and cares for a flock of sheep. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it describes those who care for sheep, while metaphorically, it refers to leaders or pastors who guide and nurture a community of believers, akin to a shepherd with his flock.

The image of a shepherd was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious consciousness of the Israelites, often symbolizing leadership, provision, and protection. This imagery is prevalent throughout the Bible, where God is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, and leaders are often called to emulate this role.

(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.

​During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)

d. In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11).  The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something from God’s Word that God brings to your mind”. Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).

e. Preaching is a role of an Apostle, Apostle: The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”.  It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land.  Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel , andthey were all men. No woman has even been assigned as an Apostle in the Bible. And although the OFFICE of Apostle is closed, the gift of bringing the message of the Gospel is still active.

f. Preaching is a role of an Evangelist. Evangelist:   An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.

g. Preaching is a role of a Teacher:  Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.

Finally, the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:33- 38, speaks to the matter of women speaking in Churches. “As in all the churches of the saints, verse 34, the women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. Verse 35. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Verse 36. Or was it from you that the word of God first went out? Or has it come to you only?“

“Verse 37. If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. Verse 38. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

This is a matter of authority-covering, protection and authority over God’s Church. There are so many roles and only one is absolutely, by scriptural authority, reserved for men – that of the office of Pastor, his roles, duties and responsibilities.

If someone knowingly links or lumps these offices together, it is both a misrepresentation of scriptures and a claim that the Word of God in incomplete and is malleable, open to personal interpretation. (However, 2 Peter 1:20 clearly mandates, But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation.)

Next, this is also using the method of Eisegesis to make a personal interpretation of scriptures, an interpretation of a text, especially a biblical text, by reading one’s own ideas or biases into it, rather than drawing out its original meaning. This approach is often subjective and can distort the intended message of the text. And although eisegesis itself is not classified as a heresy, it can lead to heretical interpretations of Scripture by imposing personal biases rather than drawing out the text’s original meaning. This practice is often criticized in theological discussions for distorting the intended message of the Bible.

When a church or a pastor decides to do these things, he (and she?) are operating “in the flesh” and outside the boundaries of clearly defined Scriptural mandates. And there really is no need nor a good reason to add one’s opinion to scriptures to achieve a personal result or to suit a personal view – and besides, there would be consequences in the Body.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Click here for the Link to the original article)

GOD SO LOVES THE WORLD…really?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16.

This is probably one of the best known verses from the Bible. In fact, I would dare to say that it has become rote in many people’s minds, and that is a shame. No. That is tragic. This verse is, without any doubt, the most significant prophetic and spiritual oracles from God. It is, as they say, ‘a game changer’ for all of humanity. So, let’s get a few things straight.

John 3:16 can be read and understood on several levels. First, on a personal level. Most people see this as saying that God loves “ME” so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son in order to somehow, in some mysterious and incomprehensible way, negate all my sins. Why is this? Because God says that the penalty of sin is death. If you see this in a natural way, it’s silly because we all die physically, but He is talking about a spiritual death. Even then, the Bible goes on to say that spiritual death is really a separation from God (and heaven) and an eternal punishment in “the lake of fire”, also known as Hell. But wait. God knew ahead of time, as did Jesus, that He (Jesus) would not remain dead. He rose from the dead. So, what kind of sacrifice, what kind of “gift”, (i.e., the “gift of salvation), is offered and then reversed? If you see this in the natural, in the “ME” sort of way, it makes no sense – that is, unless you just want to live in the fog of mystery. (I believe this is why so many people begin to doubt their salvation at some point and why so many others “fall away from the faith”).

It could also be understood on an emotional level. Stirring the emotions of people is one of the most powerful tools of preachers to get someone to “confess Jesus” in a little “sinner’s prayer” and “accept Jesus” into their heart. This also makes little-to-no-sense Biblically speaking. But, it does add a member to the roles of the church and gets the tithing machine going. Not to be too critical here, because this has seen success for those who hang in there long enough to “really get saved”. The problem here is that we “accept” Jesus? Just that though that we give the God of all creation “permission” to inhabit us is ludicrous. Contrary to what the ‘little sinner’s prayer’ says, the Bible says, to be saved we must believe in Him, which encompasses forsaking our current life, our own way of living, thinking and behaving and conform to the ways and teachings of Jesus. We must “die to self”, sellout to the Gospel and to Jesus and become His disciple, friend and servant.

How does “accepting Jesus” and allowing Him into hour heart square with the Bible when it says that “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize].” This is saying that the one who truly finds God will, spiritually speaking, “pursue the kingdom with determination and zeal, overcoming obstacles and opposition. This aligns with the idea of spiritual warfare, where believers must be proactive in their faith. Theologically, it underscores the cost of discipleship and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12. (see BibleHub.com)

And my most favorite (to dislike) is that this verse can be understood on a philosophical level. This is for the poetic mind. The one with an imagination. The dreamer.

Much like the lyrics from Midnight Cowboy:

 

 

Everybody’s talking at me
I don’t hear a word they’re saying
Only the echoes of my mind

People stopping, staring
I can’t see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes

I’m going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes

Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone

Wah, wah wah-wah wah
Wah-wah wah-wah, wah wah-wah
Wahhh

(This is how some poetic dreamers visualize being saved. So sad).

Or even the lyrics from the song The Joker:

People talk about me, baby
Say I’m doin’ you wrong, doin’ you wrong
Well, don’t you worry, baby, don’t worry
‘Cause I’m right here, right here, right here, right here at home

‘Cause I’m a picker, I’m a grinner
I’m a lover and I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker, I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I sure don’t want to hurt no one

I’m a picker, I’m a grinner
I’m a lover and I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker, I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I get my loving on the run

Whoo-ooh, ooh-ooh
Whoo-ooh, ooh-ooh

(This is how some poetic dreamers visualize being saved. So dumb. So sad. So dead.).

The philosophical approach to the Gospel and to salvation and to John 3:16 is a sure fire miss. And “missing the mark” (which is the actual definition of sinning) is deadly.

John 3:16, ”For God (the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent maker and Creator of the worlds, the cosmos and over every living thing), so loved the world (kosmos) that He gave (didomi – of one’s own accord to give one something, to his advantage; to bestow, give as a gift that is never taken back), His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life”.

This verse must be read and understood as the prophetic Word of God. It is the very breath of God, the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. It is all about God and about Jesus, and yes, men and women must actively and aggressively storm the gates of heaven, so-to-speak, in order to obtain it. In other words, do all you must do and all that you can do so God will do only what He can do so that you will not perish, but have eternal life.

 Isaiah 55:8-13 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth </mh3588,>

And making it produce and sprout,

And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire, 

And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

“For you will go out with joy

And be led in peace;

The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you,

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

“Instead of the thorn bush, the juniper will come up,

And instead of the stinging nettle, the myrtle will come up;

And it will be a memorial to the LORD,

An everlasting sign which will not be eliminated.”

God is not our “buddy”. He is an awesome God and greatly to be feared (Psalm 89:7). We must approach Him in reverence and awe. Yet He is a merciful, loving God and He loves us with an indescribable, unfathomable, unending love. So much so that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  Jesus is our Friend and Brother. And He is much more than that – so very much more.

He is The…

  1. Almighty One –“…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.
  2.  Alpha and Omega – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:13.
  3.  Advocate – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1.
  4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith –“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
  5.  Authority –“Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew. 28:18.
  6.  Bread of Life –“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35.
  7.  Beloved Son of God – “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.
  8.  Bridegroom –“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15.
  9.  Chief Cornerstone –“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Psalm 118:22..
  10. Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  11. Faithful and True – “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Revelation19:11.
  12. Good Shepherd –“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11.
  13. Great High Priest – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14.
  14. Head of the Church – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22.
  15. Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30.
  16. I Am – “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58.
  17. Immanuel –“…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14.
  18. Indescribable Gift – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
  19. Judge – “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42.
  20. King of Kings – “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14.
  21. Lamb of God – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.
  22. Light of the World – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
  23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah – “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5.
  24. Lord of All – “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11.
  25. Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5.
  26. Messiah – “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41.
  27. Mighty One –“Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16.
  28. One Who Sets Free – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36
  29. Our Hope –“…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1.
  30. Peace – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14.
  31. Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4.
  32. Redeemer – “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25.
  33. Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians. 15:3-4.
  34. Rock – “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4.
  35. Sacrifice for Our Sins –“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.
  36. Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.
  37. Son of Man –“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10.
  38. Son of the Most High – “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32.
  39. Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” Col. 1:16-17.
  40. Resurrection and the Life –“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25.
  41. The Door – “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9.
  42. The Way –“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
  43. The Word –“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1.
  44. True Vine – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1.
  45. Truth –“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32.
  46. Victorious One – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21.
  47. – 50. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

A DISCIPLE’S GUIDE – A Daily Guide For Discipleship

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

This small book is a Disciple’s Devotional Guide. Become a disciple of Jesus and become His disciple-maker.  Learn what it means to ‘really follow Him’.AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – A Daily Guide to Discipleship (PDF)

Come, and let’s join God in what He is already doing by following Jesus.

A Bible-base guide to following Jesus and being His disciple.

This book is not meant to be an opinion of the author, but are practical steps in becoming a true disciple of Jesus, which is impossible for the natural mind.  But, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible through Christ.

Welcome to the adventure of your life!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES (digital book format)

CLAIMING THE PROMISES OF GOD?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

“CLAIMING THE PROMISES OF GOD?”

Charles Stanley, R.C. Sproul, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Bill Johnson, etc., just a few of the  pastors from the wide spectrum of the religious landscape known for teaching on “claiming the promises of God”.

Generally, claiming the promises of God means believing and taking hold of the assurances He has made in Scripture, which can provide comfort and guidance in life. It involves understanding the context of these promises and recognizing that they are often conditional or specific to certain individuals or groups.

Claiming the promises of God means recognizing and accepting the assurances He has made in Scripture. These promises can provide comfort, guidance, and hope in various aspects of life.

Types of Promises:

Conditional Promises: These require certain actions or behaviors from us. For example, God’s promise to bless those who obey His commands.

Unconditional Promises: These are given without any conditions. An example is God’s promise of salvation to all who believe in Jesus.

Interestingly however, the Bible never uses the word or communicates the idea of an individual believer “claiming” the promises of God. Never.

So, what’s the deal?

Please read this excerpt from BibleHub.com on “claiming God’s promises”:

The concept of claiming God’s promises is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing the believer’s trust in the faithfulness and reliability of God’s Word. Throughout the Bible, God makes numerous promises to His people, offering guidance, provision, protection, and eternal life. These promises are seen as assurances that believers can rely on, grounded in the character and sovereignty of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with promises from God, each reflecting His nature and His covenant relationship with humanity. In Genesis 12:2-3, God promises Abraham that He will make him a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him. This promise is foundational, setting the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

In the New Testament, the promises of God are fulfilled and expanded through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 1:20 , Paul writes, “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, our ‘Amen’ is spoken to the glory of God.” This verse underscores the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, and through Him, believers can confidently claim these promises.

Faith and Obedience

Claiming God’s promises requires faith and obedience. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Faith Chapter,” highlights the importance of faith in receiving God’s promises. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Obedience is also crucial in the process of claiming God’s promises. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Verses 1-2 declare, “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God.”

Prayer and Confession

Prayer is a vital practice in claiming God’s promises. Believers are encouraged to pray with confidence, bringing God’s promises before Him. In Philippians 4:6-7 , Paul exhorts believers, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Confession, or speaking God’s promises aloud, is another practice embraced by many believers. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” By confessing God’s promises, believers align their words with God’s truth, reinforcing their faith and trust in His Word.

Examples of God’s Promises

1. Provision: Philippians 4:19 assures believers, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

2. Peace: Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.”

3. Strength: Isaiah 40:31 declares, “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”

4. Eternal Life: John 3:16 offers the promise of eternal life, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Challenges and Misunderstandings

While claiming God’s promises is a source of hope and encouragement, it is not without challenges. Misinterpretations can arise when promises are taken out of context or when believers expect immediate fulfillment without considering God’s timing and will. It is essential to study Scripture diligently, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand the context and application of God’s promises.

In summary, claiming God’s promises involves a dynamic relationship with God, characterized by faith, obedience, prayer, and confession. Believers are called to trust in the faithfulness of God, who is unchanging and true to His Word.

The problem that arises most often from claiming promises is that most Christians will pick and choose which promises the will claim and fail to recognize that just saying it or claiming it will not make it so – not even in the least. Then, when the ‘promise claimer’ doesn’t get what they wanted or claimed, often doubt creeps in and faith falters. Perhaps they assume God isn’t listening or it just doesn’t work, so they just forget it and move on? But they don’t just move on. They carry the doubt of failure with them. It affects their walk with God thereafter.

So where do we go from here?

God’s promises are real. They are found in His Word and in His Covenants. The Greek noun for covenant, “diathéké”, traces the unifying thread of God’s saving plan from Genesis to Revelation. It portrays a binding arrangement initiated by God, ratified by blood, confirmed by divine oath, and designed to secure the relationship between the Creator and His people.

Each biblical occurrence deepens the portrait of a God who commits Himself irrevocably to mercy and holiness, culminating in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But – and please hear me here – they are not ‘standalone’ Covenantal Promises. They are part of the entire Word of God. You cannot pick and choose in God’s Word. His Word is all inclusive. His Promises and His Commandments. His offerings and His Requirements. The Blessings and the Warnings.

God has made clear in His Word, even if you haven’t read all of it, that we will face good times and rough times in life. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. It is through these times that God’s Promises sustain us. It is during trials, failures, sickness, loss and the like that ALL THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD, for those of us who love God and are called according to His purpose.

In order to achieve this end, which your sanctification which prepares you to be able to receive the Promises of God, comes only through being consecrated by God, which result in practical holiness of life. It embraces both the decisive setting you apart for God’s own use, that occurs at conversion and the ongoing transformation that conforms believers to the image of Christ.

Biblical consecration refers to the act of setting a person apart for sacred use or service to God. It signifies a commitment to holiness and devotion, often involving specific rituals or ceremonies to dedicate them to divine purposes. But it is not something we can do on our own or of ourself.

And please listen – the work of sanctification is not a simple process nor is it always a pleasant experience. It can be difficult, even painful and bewildering at times. But, as Daniel 12:10 states, through this process, “Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined.” The old ‘you’ will have to die a thousand deaths so you can be transformed – born again – made into a new creature, in His image.

One of the first examples of this process can be found in Matthew 4 :1-11. when Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted or tested and prooved. Jesus, of course, would pass the test, but it was done as example for all who would believe in and follow Him. Everyone who would follow Jesus, will be subjected to this same testing, tempting and proving. It is part of the entire process of God’s work of sanctifying and consecrating the believer and transforming them to the image of Christ. A radical transformation, a remaking of a person into a new creature – it is indeed being born again!

Read this one example of the process of sanctification from Matthew ch. 5:

Verse 1, Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Verse 2. And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

Verse 3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (“Poor in spirit”, ptóchos from the Greek, from the base word, ptosso, meaning to crouch; a beggar, as cringing, a pauper. Without any material, financial, social, mental, emotional resources for help; without hope.)

Verse 4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Comfort from God is the promise of God. It need not be claimed, as one would consider ‘staking a claim’. Just know it and believe. And if saying it to oneself is helpful, then by all means say it. If saying it to oneself is to be considered as “claiming the promise” then so be it.)

Verse 5. “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. (This is both the result of being made “poor in spirit” and the promise of God that follows. It is a prophetic command that need not be “claimed”. It is a gift of God).

Verse 6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. (Once again, both the result of being made “poor in spirit” and the promise of God that follows.)

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

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

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

Verse 10. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (the word ‘persecuted’ comes from two complementary currents, an energetic pursuit or a hunting down and hostile persecution.)

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Verse 12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Once again, both the result of being made “poor in spirit” and the promise of God that follows.)

Furthermore, Romans 10:17 tells us – Promises us – that faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God. So, if repeating the promises of God to yourself builds your faith that His promises are true and meant for you, then by all means repeat them, meditate on them, pray them, say them aloud. And if this, to you, is “claiming the promises of God”, then yes, claim them in this way!

But once again, just remember that receiving the Promises of God is not what we ‘do’. It is what God has already done as He prepares us to receive His promises by His sanctifying work.

Matthew 5:13-16 tells us – Promises us – “For you are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.

“You are made the light of the world. A city set on a hill and you cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light – the promises God has granted you – must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Now, let’s walk in His Promises,

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The COVENANTS of God – What are they? What do they mean to me?

(Also see 100 promises of God to you, the believer).

THE FLESH AND BLOOD OF JESUS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THE FLESH AND BLOOD OF JESUS

(It’s not what you learned in Sunday School)

In John 6:53–58, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this Bread will live forever.” Upon hearing these words, many of Jesus’ followers said, “This is a hard teaching” (verse 60), and many of them actually stopped following Him that day (verse 66).

When Jesus said we must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood” (John 6:53), He spoke, as He often did, in parabolic terms. We must receive Him by faith (John 1:12). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). We understand that we need physical food and drink; Jesus wants us to understand that we also need spiritual food and drink—and that is what His sacrifice provides. (see https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-eat-flesh-drink-blood.html).

Oh, Yeah? Is it that simple? Eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood Is little more than “receiving Him by faith”?

Well Jesus was more graphic and a lot more precise:

John 6:55, For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Verse 56. Whoever feeds on 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 whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. Verse 58. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

Leviticus 17:11 says, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” But drinking blood was strictly forbidden in Jewish law (Leviticus 17:10-14), making this statement particularly shocking to the Jew. It signifies the new covenant in Jesus’ blood, which is essential for eternal life. This anticipates the sacrificial death of Christ and the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of sins.

Additionally, we are told that Jesus is the Word of God. So, metaphorically speaking, eating His flesh is tantamount to getting your spiritual nourishment from The Word of God.

Well, with all that said, I would ask “who accomplished this – metaphorically, of course – that is, eating Jesus’ Flesh and drinking His Blood? Could we at least say that Jesus’ Apostles came as close as anyone? I think that is a safe statement. Could you agree? If so, then is the litmus test of “Eating Jesus’ Flesh and Drinking His Blood”?

HAVING LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER

John 13:34-35, “ I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

 FAITH & OBEDIENCE

John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”

THE WORLD WILL HATE YOU

John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, [a]you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”

GREATER WORKS

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.”

BECOMING POOR & DESTITUTE IN SPIRIT

Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

BEING GENTLE

Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.”

HUNGER & THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”

BEING MERCIFUL

Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

BEING PURE IN HEART

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

BEING A PEACEMAKER

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

SUFFERING PERSECUTION AS A CHRISTIAN

Matthew 5:10-11, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”

These are not the things we typically strive for but the Bible consistently tells us these are the sufferings and rewards of one who follows Jesus as His disciple – i.e., “eats His Flesh and drinks His Blood”.

Read these synopses of the Apostles:

Matthew was the disciple who had been a tax collector before he met Christ. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew after the Ascension. He likely spent a great deal of time writing to and teaching the Jews in Judea before he went abroad to do missionary work for the Gospel. He was martyred, some say stabbed to death for His faith in Jesus, in Ethiopia in 68 AD.

Simon Peter was one of the first Apostles to be arrested, and the first to preach a sermon after the day of Pentecost. He would be called by God to affirm the acceptance of gentiles into the church, as well as lifting the food restrictions in the age of grace. He was considered a leader of the early church in Jerusalem, and wrote two letters that were inspired by the Holy Spirit as part of Scripture. At some point that is not recorded in the Bible, scholars believe he was brought to Rome, where he was crucified upside down.

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, is believed to have gone as a missionary to parts of the Greek colonies on the northern sides of the Black Sea near modern day Crimea, as well as other areas of Greece. Church history holds he was martyred by crucifixion in Patras in 60AD. Tradition holds he was on the cross for three days.

James son of Zebedee and his brother John were cousins of Jesus. The Bible records, “About that time King Herod violently attacked some who belonged to the church, and he executed James, John’s brother, with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2). Tradition holds he was the first of the Apostles to be martyred.

John son of Zebedee wrote five books of the Bible, the Gospel of John, the epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation during the years after the Ascension. He also took responsibility for Mary, the mother of Jesus during this time. At some point he was arrested, and according to tradition, boiled in oil but did not die. He was exiled to Patmos where he received the visions that inspired Revelation. After several years in exile, tradition says he spent his last years in Ephesus, dying between 98 and 100AD.

Philip is believed to have taken the Gospel to Gaul, or modern day France, as well as Turkey, specifically the city of Hierapolis. Scholars believe he was both crucified and stoned to death.

James Son of Alphaeus is held to have gone to Syria to support transplanted Jews there, but that he mostly helped run the church in Jerusalem. Church tradition holds he was arrested by Ananias and told to deny Christ; he was taken to the top of the temple, where he boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, but he was then pushed off the temple and stoned. He is said to have died from a blow to the head.

Bartholomew aka Nathanael may have gone to India, as there are two records that indicate this, though most of them are from the 4th century. Stronger tradition holds that he went to Armenia, partnering with Thaddaeus. In Azerbaijan, Christians believe he brought the Gospel there as well. Tradition says he was flayed and then crucified in 71 AD.

Thaddaeus is believed to have partnered with Bartholomew for many of his missionary travels, so he may have gone to India and Turkey. He may have gone to Armenia as well. Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom in 65 AD in Syria, in the city of Beirut.

Simon the Zealot is believed to have left Jerusalem and gone to Africa, traveling the northern empires like Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania. Some even think he may have gone to Spain and even Britain and then Persia. Tradition holds he was martyred in the Middle East by being crucified upside down then sawed in half around 74 AD.

Thomas may have doubted the stories of the resurrected Jesus, but after he saw Jesus, he became zealous. Scholars believe Thomas went the farthest of the apostles, and there are multiple records that he went as far as India. While there are varied accounts of his death, it is generally agreed that he was speared to death by Hindu priests in 70 AD. The city of Mylapore has a place they believe is his tomb.

Matthias is believed to have mostly stayed in Jerusalem, helping the members of the persecuted church and edifying the saints. He may have gone north, and some traditions hold that he went north of the Black Sea. It is generally held he died in Jerusalem, though there are differing accounts of how he died. He may have been stoned, crucified, or beheaded. 

Paul would go on to have three missionary journeys across the Mediterranean, suffering much for the cause of Christ as the primary missionary to the gentiles. His life is recorded in the Book of Acts and across the multiple letters he wrote that became a part of the New Testament. He was imprisoned in Rome, and some believe he was executed under Emperor Nero in 66 AD by beheading.

While the fates of the apostles are somewhat shrouded by lack of documentation and two thousand years of separation, their devotion to the Lord should be inspiring, and a reminder that these men proudly and bravely bore the marks of “eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His Blood”.

And we must remember that persecution of believers is still a common trait among true followers of Jesus, all across the world, and ask ourselves, “Am I fitting in as a follower of Jesus”?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: It seems to me that something has happened since the days of the Apotsles, so that have now have a really toned down and tamed version the written word. I mean, read it for yourself. This wasn’t meant to be some little sinner’s prayer when they initially wrote about it!!