Category: Christian Living

Now I Know

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In this beloved verse, God reassures His people that He has plans for their welfare, prosperity, and a hopeful future. It reminds us that God’s intentions toward us are good, and He has specific purposes and blessings in store.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse reminds us that God is actively working for the good of those who love Him and are aligned with His purpose. Even in challenging circumstances, God can turn things around and bring about His perfect plan for our lives.

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

When we delight in the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly, He aligns the desires of our hearts with His own will. As we prioritize our relationship with Him, He graciously grants us the desires that are in line with His purpose.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher and wiser than ours. This verse reminds us that sometimes we may not fully understand God’s plans in the present moment, but we can trust that His ways surpass our limited understanding and He works everything for our ultimate good.

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

When we put our trust in God, He promises to meet all our needs abundantly, drawing from His limitless resources and the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse encourages us to place our complete trust in God and acknowledge His lordship over our lives. By surrendering our own understanding and seeking His guidance, He will direct our paths and make them straight, leading us to His perfect will.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When we prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else, He takes care of our needs. He is a faithful provider, and as we align ourselves with His purposes, He grants us the blessings and provisions we require.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

This verse highlights that we are God’s masterpiece, created with a unique purpose in Christ Jesus. He has prepared good works in advance for us to accomplish, and when we walk in alignment with His plan, we experience fulfillment and impact in fulfilling His purposes.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. This verse reminds us that God’s grace is more than enough to sustain us and empower us to overcome challenges. We can trust that He equips us with the necessary strength to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

Psalm 84:11

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

This verse assures us that God is our protector and provider. As we walk blamelessly before Him, He withholds no good thing from us, showering us with His favor, honor, and blessings.

Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

God is a God of new beginnings. This verse encourages us to remain attentive to His work in our lives. Even in the most challenging situations, He can create a way where there seems to be no way, bringing forth new life and refreshing streams of His provision.

THE THINGS GOD HAS FOR YOU:

Psalm 138:8

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

In this verse, the psalmist expresses confidence in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His purpose for his life. It reminds us of God’s unending love and reassures us that He will bring to completion the work He has started in us.

Also Read: 27 Bible Verses About Bad Friends (With Commentary)

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

To experience the fullness of God’s plan, we are called to break away from worldly influences and allow our minds to be renewed according to God’s truth. As our thinking aligns with His will, we gain discernment and clarity to recognize and embrace His good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.

Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

God desires to guide and teach us in the paths we should take. This verse assures us of His personal and loving guidance, providing wisdom and counsel as we seek His will and direction.

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

We may make plans, but ultimately, God determines our steps. This verse reminds us to submit our plans and desires to God’s sovereignty, trusting that He will guide and establish our paths according to His perfect purposes.

Psalm 37:23

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”

When we find our delight in the Lord, He establishes and upholds our steps. This verse reassures us that as we seek intimacy with God, He actively leads and supports us along the path of His choosing.

Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

God invites us to call upon Him, and He promises to respond. When we seek Him in prayer and inquire of Him, He reveals hidden treasures and profound insights that surpass our understanding.

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

In this passage, Jesus encourages us to persistently seek God and ask Him for what we need. He assures us that those who earnestly seek, ask, and knock will receive answers, find what they are seeking, and have doors of opportunity opened for them.

Proverbs 10:22

“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”

God’s blessing is the source of true wealth and abundance. This verse reminds us that as we align with God’s ways and walk in obedience to Him, He blesses us with prosperity that does not require excessive toil or hardship.

Deuteronomy 28:12

“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”

When we honor God and walk in His ways, He opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out abundant blessings upon us. This verse speaks of divine favor, productivity, and sufficiency in all our endeavors.

Psalm 31:19

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”

God has an abundance of good things stored up for those who reverence Him and find their shelter in Him. This verse assures us that God delights in blessing His people openly and lavishly.

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

As we place our hope and trust in the Lord, He renews our strength. This verse describes the supernatural empowerment and endurance God grants to those who rely on Him, enabling them to soar, run, and walk without growing weary or faint.

Matthew 6:25-26

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

Jesus urges us not to worry but to trust in God’s provision. This passage emphasizes that if God takes care of His creation, such as the birds of the air, He will undoubtedly provide for our needs as well. Our value to God far surpasses that of the birds, reinforcing the assurance of His faithful care.

1 Corinthians 2:9

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

God has prepared unimaginable and glorious things for those who love Him. This verse reminds us that the blessings and rewards awaiting us in God’s eternal kingdom far exceed anything we can comprehend or envision in our present earthly lives.

Psalm 23:1

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

As our Shepherd, the Lord provides and cares for our every need. This well-known verse highlights the sufficiency and completeness we find in Him, assuring us that we lack nothing when we place our trust in His faithful guidance and provision.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This comforting verse reminds us that God is present with us in every situation. We need not fear or be discouraged because He is our God. He promises to strengthen, help, and support us with His righteous hand. His unwavering presence and assistance assure us that what God has for us is indeed for us.

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God’s care for us is deeply personal and compassionate. This verse encourages us to cast all our worries, anxieties, and burdens upon Him, knowing that He genuinely cares for us. It affirms that God is attentive to our needs and desires to bear the weight of our concerns.

Matthew 6:31-33

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Jesus instructs us not to worry about basic necessities but to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we place God first in our lives, He graciously provides for our material needs. This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our priorities with God’s purposes and trusting His faithful provision.

Matthew 6:31-33

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

God is our constant refuge and source of strength. This verse reminds us that He is ever-present and ready to assist us in times of trouble, offering solace, protection, and the inner fortitude we need to face any challenge.

MORALITY IN AMERICA – AN OXYMORON?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

HAS THE IDEA OF ‘MORALITY IN AMERICA’ BECOME AN

A Gallup Poll from June 2023 states:

54% say the state of moral values in U.S. is poor; 33% only fair.

83% think U.S. moral values are getting worse.

74% of Republicans say moral values are poor; 97% think they are worsening.

Dr. Tracy Munsil, Executive Director of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University says that our nation is facing a potential moral freefall unthinkable to earlier generations – with a majority of Americans today no longer embracing values of honesty, respect for the rule of law, the sanctity of life, and traditional sexual morality when facing moral issues.

As a result, as a nation we are radically redrawing moral boundaries. For example, those surveyed were more likely to say it is morally unacceptable to renege on repaying a small debt to a relative than to have an abortion.

Less than half said it was morally unacceptable to tell a lie to protect their personal interest or reputation, with 27% saying it was morally acceptable or that it was not a moral issue at all.

Lying, stealing, killing, murdering, sexual perversion, alcoholism, drug addiction, and increasing violence of all kinds have been on the rise for decades.

When a society loses its ability to trust its institutions, its authority figures, its government, then it will cease to function which can lead to the kinds of societal chaos and anarchy we are now witnessing.

When members of society cannot trust or depend on one another it will descend into widespread violent discord, and eventually, it will cease to exist.

There are those who claim that statistics show that things are no worse today than they have ever been in America. But statistics can be subject to several variables. In this case, there are three standards of judgment.

(#1). Some are based on situational ethical standards, which are subject to the interpretation of the individual based on their personal view of the situation or circumstances at hand. This standard is highly subjective and is never static.

EXAMPLE: It is okay to steal food if you are hungry and cannot afford to pay for it. (If you were the victim of such a theft, how would you then feel?).

EXAMPLE: It is okay to lie if you don’t think it will hurt anyone, or if you think it will protect someone from a hurtful truth. (How would you feel, however, if you were the one being lied to?).

#2).  Next are conditional ethics which are highly subjective to the desires, needs, wants and opinion of the those making the judgment. This standard is unreliable and subject to manipulation. It says “I will give you my approval if you give me what I want”.

EXAMPLE: It is okay to gossip and hurt the reputation of someone if they will not support you in a project or in your efforts; or to promote them above others who are less qualified, because they support you – even if your behavior, project or effort is questionable. A tit-for-tat ethos. (How would you feel if you were the victim of the gossip?).

(#3). Finally, a moral absolute – an absolute standard of truth. Coincidentally, the moral values and standards underpinning the foundations of the American Experiment, which sprang from a Judeo-Christian ethos, postulates a moral absolute – an absolute standard of truth. (This absolutism is stated in the second paragraph of our Declaration of Independence, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident…”).

EXAMPLE: You do the honest and the right thing simply because it is the right thing, regardless of how it benefits you – because the Bible says it is the only way. (How would you feel if someone treated you fairly at their own cost or peril?).

Now I ask, using one of the standards which are listed above, where do you stand? Please review the list below, of the TEN COMMANDMENTS which are taken from the Bible, and decide which of the three standards of ethics most closely defines your view of good morals and acceptable ethical standards. Put a check mark by your choice. Additionally, regardless of what you chose as your standard of ethics, choose a word from the two sets of what I will call motivations, from the ones in red text or the ones in blue text. Find the motivating word or the word that most closely describes how you feel about the 10 Commandments:

  1. “You shall have no other gods before me.” God desires our complete loyalty and allegiance for our own benefit, not to forget His divine providence. This command forbids placing anyone or anything above God. (New Testament References: 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5).

   Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below….”  This command forbids the use of any man-made image for the purpose of worship. No human has the ability to create a piece of artwork or construct a statue that accurately represents God. He alone is worthy of worship. (New Testament References: 1 John 5:21, Galatians 4:8, Romans 1:21-23)

  Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Don’t misuse God’s name—This command forbids mishandling, lightly using, or speaking in vain the name of God. (New Testament References: 1 Timothy 6:1, Matthew 5:33-37)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy—This commandment required the Israelites to set aside a specific day of the week to dedicate as a day of rest to the Lord—the Sabbath. (New Testament References: Hebrews 4:1-11 tells us that Jesus fulfilled this law completely. Christians find their Sabbath rest in the person of Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:16 confirms that New Covenant Believers are no longer required to adhere to Sabbath laws.)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Honor your mother and father—This command requires that parents be shown honor and respect. It’s also the only command that comes with a promise. “so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (New Testament References: Ephesians 6:1-2, Matthew 15:4-9)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

  Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Do not murder—This command forbids the premeditated killing of another human being. (New Testament References: Romans 13:9; 1 Peter 4:15)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Don’t commit adultery—This command forbids breaking the sacred marriage covenant by having sexual relations with anyone other than one’s spouse. (New Testament references: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, John 8:1-20)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Don’t steal—This command forbids taking someone else’s possessions without permission. (New Testament References: Ephesians 4:28, Luke 19:8)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Don’t give false testimony against your neighbor—This command forbids testifying falsely against someone in court, but the context also implies that lying is forbidden. New Testament References: Revelation 21:8, John 8:44)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

 

  1. Don’t covet—This command forbids harboring a desire for someone else’s possessions, pouse, or property. (New Testament References: Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:3)

 Situational – ‘It depends on the circumstances’

 Conditional – ‘It depends on what I get in return’

 Absolute – ‘There is no doubt about it’

Motivational or descriptive word from list below                                   .

For example, “I shall have no other gods (other than the Christian God)”. This implies you must believe in God. Choose a word from either list that best describes how that statement make you feel.

(These lists are from the New Testament, Galatians chapter 5)

sexual immorality,                                                             impurity,

sensuality (total irresponsibility,                                      lack of self-control),

idolatry,                                                                                 sorcery,

hostility,                                                                                strife,

jealousy,                                                                                fits of anger,

disputes,                                                                                dissensions,

factions [that promote heresies],                                      envy,

drunkenness,                                                                        riotous behavior,

OR

 

love – unselfish concern for others,                              joy,

inner peace,                                                                          patience

kindness,                                                                              goodness,

faithfulness,                                                                         gentleness,

self-control.

Two main points here are:

Point number 1.

(#1). If you lean toward ‘situational ethics’ you tend to be your own judge and jury and the judge and jury of others depending on how you view circumstances and situations.

(#2). If you lean toward ‘conditional ethics’ you tend to be self-centered. This one is hard to admit, but you know if you are. Your decisions and judgements based almost solely on how  circumstances and situations affect you first and foremost, and what will benefit you most. I.e., what you will gain or get in return.

(#3). If you lean toward an ‘absolute standard of morals’ you can tend to be a rule keeper and you could be hard on yourself and harsh toward others at times, if you do not balance justice with mercy.

Point number 2.

Knowing the motivations for your ethical standard can help you better understand others response toward you. For example, if you are constantly in personal conflicts it may be because you think others are ‘out to get you’ or that you deserve better than others, so your decisions and ethical standards are geared to that motivation.

If you want a better life for yourself and for others your motivation may be to apply kindness, self-control, patience and a modicum of love when making judgments of circumstances, situations and of others.

You might make better decisions if you know your motivations.

A FINAL WORD – A NOTE TO (SELF) and to CHRISTIANS.

It can be easier to follow and keep the letter of the law, i.e., the rules. It can much more difficult to follow and keep the spirit of the law, i.e., make your ethical decisions from a motivation of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self-control. Justice balanced by mercy. This is our calling and our responsibility.

A FINAL WORD – PERIOD.

Regarding the red text, the Bible says that if you use these standards, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is the result of God’s presence within us. “Walk habitually in the Holy Spirit, seek God and be responsive to His guidance, and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts.”

“For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the desire of the Spirit opposes the sinful nature”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  I will leave you with this video. I do this cautiously because it has political overtones and is strictly secular in its approach to morals and ethics. It is a TED talk on The moral roots of liberals and conservatives by Jonathan Haidt. But it makes some good points – although, beware of any form of seductive Hegalianism.

THESE WORKS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

What would you think, if in passing, you were to ask me, “What are you up to nowadays?”, and I were to answer, saying…

“Oh, just testifying to the Truth,

“Bringing a sword to the world and

“Turning sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers.

“I am working at fulfilling the Hebrew and Judaic law and that of their prophets, and

“Calling sinners to righteousness.  

“I am bringing fire upon the earth and to creating a lot of division.  

“I guess you might say I have been busy working at saving the world”.  

 WHICH WORKS?

It is interesting that Jesus commanded His disciples (Christians) to do the works that He has done and even greater works than these.  We are to continue in His mission, using His methods and His ways. (John 14:12, Matthew 10:1)

It can be a bit confusing, but He promised us that He will be with us, in His authority, giving us direction and even giving us the words we should use.  (Matthew 28:16-19, Luke 21:15, Luke 12:12)

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

“For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”  This, too, is our calling!

 TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

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

TO BRING A SWORD

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

 TO FULFILL THE LAW

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

TO CALL SINNERS

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

TO SAVE THE WORLD

John 12:47, If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”   In a very real sense, This, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him

TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

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

 WHAT HE REALLY MEANT, WAS…

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

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

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

CONTEXT

The year is now 2024.  A recent-past president of the United States has declared that America is no longer a Christian nation.  Postmodernism is a term used to describe this new paradigm.  Our churches are practicing a new version of the Gospel of Jesus Christ often described by a “3-line motto” which can be seen across the spectrum of churches in America:  “Gather, Grow, Give” or “Love each other, Enjoy Jesus, Share Him with others”, etc.

These mottoes are an attempt to describe the church and its ministry to the watching world or to the ‘church shopping Christian’.  But, if these mottoes or labels are supposed to describe Jesus and His Church, they fail.

Jesus’  purpose in coming to earth was not to teach a social gospel, create a ‘family life center’, to make you a better you or to shake up the existing religious institutions.  Jesus was on a specific Mission from God the Father as is reflected in the foregoing Bible verses.  Jesus confirms that He is on His Father’s mission,, in John 5:19,  “Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way.”

With this in mind, can you, in your most vivid imagination, see Jesus announcing “mother’s morning out”, “cookies and campfires for kids”, “fishing with fathers and sons”, “financial workshops”, etc?  You might say “what’s wrong with that?”.  I would respond that there is nothing wrong with these activities, but, they have nothing to do with Jesus Mission and our calling to that mission.

THE BOTTOM LINE

John 3:16 “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. 17For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.”

FACING REALITY

Everything Jesus has done is IN THE CONTEXT of what God the Father said. But, the world, both Christian and secular worlds seem to have decided that Jesus is exclusively a gentle little lamb.  But, if you make a closer inspection and take an honest look a what the Bible says, you see a different picture:  Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb.  He is both careful with His words and brutally honest.  He is both gentle and forceful.

THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE

If you came home and saw your house on fire, knowing your family was inside, what would you do?  Would you politely suggest everyone might want to step outside or would you take immediate action, sparing no effort or words to alert everyone to the immediate danger and move them to safety at any cost?

Likewise, God’s creation is perishing because of lack of knowledge of Him and Jesus is doing what is necessary to save the world.  We may not always understand His words, His methods or His ways, but it would be prudent to observe, listen, think and obey Him.

The world has long held a misconception, a distorted view of God.  We have made Him into a “kinder and gentler” image which we would prefer.

Jesus is setting that record straight in order to save the world from itself.

SO, WHAT ABOUT JESUS BEHAVIORS?

Most who have read this far, should have been shocked by the opening paragraphs of this article, but, that is EXACTLY what Jesus said and did.  These are EXACTLY the behaviors of our Savior.  Jesus’ words and behaviors are the perfect balance of love for this world coupled with rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness  This, too, is our calling!  

His words and actions must be kept in context, lest we misuse them, ourselves.  Read John 3:16 again, “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. 17For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.”

Jesus’ words and behaviors are the perfect balance of love for this world coupled with rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness.  This, too, is our calling!

WE ARE IN AN END DAYS WAR

We are locked in the eternal Spiritual struggle.  Millions upon millions of souls are at risk.  We cannot fight and win this battle using our own means, methods and ways.  It is urgent that we return to Jesus, to His methods and His ways.  It is urgent that we have the mind of Christ at all times and in all matters.  Anything less ends in defeat.

If you dispute or dismiss the idea that God’s ways may seem strict harsh or unfair, remember, God sacrificed His own Son for you.  That seems strict, harsh and unfair.

Jesus willingly gave up His own life for this Cause which also seems strict, harsh and unfair.

And, if God did not spare the natural branches (His own Jewish / Hebrew people), how will you stay secure in this Cause without following Him?  Does this also seems strict, harsh and unfair?  Perhaps.  But it is the only way!

WE MUST GET THIS RIGHT

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.  We cannot fight this war with conventional earthly method, means or way.  WE MUST GET THIS RIGHT in our minds and do this in real-time!

This is the only way, for as it is written.  This will shake the very foundations of your life, your church and the world!

  • TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
  • BRING A SWORD
  • FULFILL THE LAW
  • CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE
  • SAVE THISWORLD
  • CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
  • WHAT HE REALLY MEANT, WAS “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.  And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”  (John 14:12 ).

Time is short.  His return is near.  It is time each of us, individually and collectively, to pick up our cross and really follow Him.  Now!  Today!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Contact me and let’s work, together!)

whitestonefellowship1@gmail.com

PS:  Just in case you were wondering.  The Bible is clear:  I am not talking about us saving ourselves.  No one can earn their way into the Kingdom of Heaven by what they say or do apart from Jesus.  Our salvation and place in heaven is secured solely by God’s Grace and through our faith in Jesus.

How we act, that is, our words and our behaviors are a reflection of our attitude.  And our attitude, our mind set, must be the same as Christ. Philippians 2:5,  exhorts us to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”.

Your attitudes and resultant words and behaviors are what will free you or will limit you.

You will overcome because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of your testimony, and that you do not love this life even when faced with death!

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD – It is not about you or me.

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD: It is not about you – or me.

I have heard preacher after preacher say that “It is not about you. It is about Jesus.” I agreed then, and I agree now…sort of, that is. (What I mean is I want to agree with Jesus and I mean to agree with Jesus, but when it comes down to sacrificing my comfort, my rights, my little space on this earth and yes, my life, I become conflicted. I find it becomes a struggle within my mind.

But the truth is that it really is not about me and my comfort, my rights or the survival of my physical body  – or yours – nor any of the things of this natural world.

And, yes, I know that the Apostle Paul warned that this kind of thing may happen when he confessed: “I do not do the things I wish to do, but I do the very things I detest. Wretched man that I am. Who will save me from this body of death?” (see Romans 7:21-25)

Of course, God cares about our earthly and physical needs. He provides what you and I will eat or what we will drink, and for our bodies, that is, as to what you will put on. But, life is more than food, and clothing. Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. (see Matthew 6:25-33)

But God’s primary purpose was not to come to feed and clothe us, He came to seek and save the lost – to buy us back from the curse of sin and death. He came to rescue us and give us a home with Him, for all eternity.

There are times that we are tempted and seduced to follow our own desires – the desires of our flesh, as the Bible calls it. We may even begin to think that it is perfectly normal to want the better things of life, possessions, some degree of wealth and status. And there are many instances that God grants these things to His dedicated followers. But this life is not about us and what we want. It is about God and what He wants for us. Anything else we might think can be a form of idolatry.

Jesus asks why we call Him Lord when we do not do what He says? Let’s be clear.  Jesus says that His own, that is His disciples, His sheep, know His voice and they follow Him. They do His bidding and not their own desires. He warns that if we continue doing things our own way for our own purposes, He will tell us to depart from Him because He does not know us!

It is not about us. It is about Him. It is about His purpose and His plan for this world and for us as His followers. And if you and I want to experience the peace, the power and the spiritual prosperity He offers, then we must forsake the things of this world and live to walk in His ways, in His Spirit.

Listen to how the Apostle Peter describes how it is about God: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Again, in Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

The answer to Paul’s question, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” is this: Thanks be to God for my deliverance through Jesus Christ our Lord, because even though I find that I serve my human nature, my worldliness, and my sinful capacity, through the law of sin with my flesh, on the other hand with I serve the law of God my mind.  And I praise God that “there is no condemnation whatsoever, (despite this seeming contradiction), for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And praise God that the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. (see Romans 8).

So, let’s set our mind on the things above. Let’s set our mind on the things of the Spirit of God. Let’s think on, dwell on, meditate on and practice whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, pure, lovely, and whatever is commendable. If there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, think about these things, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds.

So, what is the point of all of this? IT IS NOT ABOUT US. IT IS ABOUT GOD, HIS PLAN, HIS PURPOSE AND HIS WAYS. It is not about what we want. It is about what God wants for us. And if you and I want to experience the peace, the power and the spiritual prosperity He offers, then we must seek first the Kingdom of God. We must forsake the things of this world and live to walk in His ways, in His Spirit.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

BECOMING a Christian is simple – BEING a Christian is something else

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Knowing how to become a Christian is simple, but being a Christian is anything but!

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7).

Such a succinct and simple sounding statement by Jesus is in reality a profound oracle of God. It is the portal to the ‘Other Side’ – from the natural world into the realm where all things originate. It is the ‘Basileia Ouranos’, the Kingdom of Heaven.

There are times when the Words of God are easy to read yet seem to be too deep for our complete understanding. Perhaps at these times we are tempted to ask God, “why tell me this if I cannot grasp and do it?”  It takes the diligent work of study, prayer, meditation, seeking and of asking God. Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all of God’s Word is for our learning, our rebuke, correction, and for our training in righteousness so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. God’s Word is written for us to understand and to perform.

The greatest of all tragedies would be to lazily ignore or to misunderstand what Jesus is saying, and to either ignorantly miss or foolishly forfeit this great gift of God and your place in the Kingdom.

Let’s take a deeper look at John 15:7. First, Jesus is saying “If you abide in me”. Any and every synonym of the word abide could help us understand: We are to stay in Him, to remain in that state, relationship or expectancy; to continue with Him, dwell with Him, endure in Him, be present with Him, remain in Him, stand, tarry, remain in Him as our own.

This is an open secret to answered prayer and inheriting the Kingdom of God! The Bible repeatedly speaks of meditating and setting your mind on Him and His words, thinking on Him and His words, dwelling on Him and His words day and night; praying to Him without ceasing. And in each instance we are told that for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success, he God of peace Himself will sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

We must abide in Him and His words must abide in us – and He will perform His promises in and through us.

The work of knowing and obeying the word of God is no easy task. It takes time and work. (Someone once said they just could not memorize scriptures. Then they were asked about their home address, which they rattled off with ease. The questioner asked how they could do that with such ease? Excuses are cheap. You will do what you prioritize and find necessary.

This is not meant to be harsh or critical of anyone. This is to point out (to me and others) that knowing how to become a Christian is simple, but being a Christian is not something to be taken lightly – it can be difficult. And if you or I want the benefits of a true relationship with God, we must fully enter into that relationship. We must do what He says. (I.e., the door is open, but we must walk through it!)

Now, make these verses your abode (Memorize, personalize and internalize them. Hear these words from the mouth of Jesus or recite them directly to Jesus as you memorize them):

John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Verse 8. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

John 15:15, “And if we know that He hears us in whatever<mg3739, 1437=””> we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

John 14:13. “And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

John 16:23, “And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Verse 24. Until now, you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

1 John 3:22, “and whatever<mg3739, 1437=””> we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”

(The following verses have been personalized for our memorization.)

Deuteronomy 28:1, “Now it shall be, as I diligently obey<mh8085, 6963=””> the LORD my God, being careful to do all His commandments which He is commanding me today, that the LORD my God will put me high above all the nations of the earth. Verse 2. And all these blessings will come to me and reach me as I obey the LORD my God:

Verse 3. “Blessed will I be in the city, and blessed will I be in the country.

Verse 4. “Blessed will be the children of your womb, the produce of my ground, and the offspring of my animals: the newborn of my herd and the young of my flock.

Verse 5. “Blessed will be my basket and my kneading bowl.

Verse 6, “Blessed will I be when I come in, and blessed will I be when I go out.

Verse 7. “The LORD will cause my enemies who rise up against me to be defeated; they will go out against me one way and will flee at my presence seven ways.

Verse 8. The LORD will command the blessing for me in my barns and in everything that I put my hand to, and He will bless me in the land that the LORD my God is giving me.

Verse 9. The LORD will establish me as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to me, if I keep the commandments of the LORD my God and walk in His ways. Verse 10. So all the peoples of the earth will see that I am called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of me.

Verse 11. And the LORD will give me more than enough prosperity, in the children of my womb, in the offspring of my livestock, and in the produce of my ground, in the land which the LORD swore to my fathers to give me.

Verse 12. The LORD will open for me His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to my land in its season and to bless every work of my hand; and I will lend to many nations, but I will not borrow.

Verse 13. And the LORD will make me the head and not the tail, and I will only be above, and not be underneath, as I listen to the commandments of the LORD my God which He is commanding me today, to follow them carefully, verse 14, and I will not turn aside from any of the words which He is commanding me today, neither to the right nor the left, to pursue other gods to serve them.

Now, as we make Him our Abode, may the LORD bless you, and keep you; May, the LORD cause His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; May the LORD lift up His face to you, and give you peace.’

Your Brother and Friend,

 

Mike Young

BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND – What Does It Really Mean?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

What does that really mean?

New American Standard Version

Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Verse 2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Amplified Version

Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. Verse 2. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

From the Greek

Verse 1. I exhort therefore you, brothers, through the compassion of God, to present the bodies of you a sacrifice living, holy, to God well pleasing, which is (the) reasonable service of you.

Verse 2. And not be conformed to the age this, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for to prove by you, what is the will of God, good and well pleasing and perfect.

This exhortation by Paul is not ‘a magic formula’. This ‘transformation’ comes from the Greek word, metamorphóō, which is the root word of the English terms “metamorphosis” and “metamorphize.” It is an irreversible transformation, and it does not come miraculously. It comes by exercising your spiritual disciplines. For examples:

Read Ephesians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

ALSO

Read Romans 8:5, “For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Verse 6. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”

ALSO

Read Joshua 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go. Verse 8. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success. Verse 9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Dwelling on, thinking on, meditating on and memorizing scriptures is always a good thing. But strategically studying and dwelling on, thinking on, meditating on and memorizing ‘targeted scriptures’ is highly effective in renewing your mind and thus being transformed in your thinking and behaviors.

What I mean by ‘targeted scriptures’ is scriptures and texts that speak directly to your thoughts and behaviors in life. It is useful, then, to ‘personalize’ those verses from the ‘third party’ to the ‘first person’. For example:

John 8:31 says, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

Personalized, I would recite to myself thus, “Because I believe Jesus, and Because I abide in Your word, I am Your disciple indeed.”

 Matthew 21:21 says, “And Jesus answered them, ’Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.”

 Personalized, I would recite to myself thus, “And Jesus is telling me, ’Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.”

 Therefore, “since I have faith and do not doubt, I will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if I say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.”

Personalized, I would recite Joshua 1:7, thus, “I will be strong and very courageous; I will be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses commanded; I will not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that I may achieve success wherever I go. Verse 8. This Book of the Law shall not depart from my mouth, but I shall meditate on it day and night, so that I may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then I will make my way prosperous, and then I will achieve success. Verse 9. Has God not commanded me to be strong and courageous! Not to be terrified nor dismayed? The LORD my God is with me wherever I go.”

PLEASE NOTE:  This is not a ‘name it and claim it’ methodology. And please do not be mistaken by thinking it is you who is doing these things – it is God, through you, doing His Works.  By following the teachings and methods found in scriptures, you will be transformed by the renewing (the reprogramming) of your mind, in order to prove to yourself, what is the will of God in and through your daily life!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Text Analysis (From Biblehub.com).

Go to Parallel Greek

Strong’s Greek English Morphology
3870 [e] Παρακαλῶ
Parakalō		 I exhort V-PIA-1S
3767 [e] οὖν
oun		 therefore Conj
4771 [e] ὑμᾶς,
hymas		 you, PPro-A2P
80 [e] ἀδελφοί,
adelphoi		 brothers, N-VMP
1223 [e] διὰ
dia		 through Prep
3588 [e] τῶν
tōn		 the Art-GMP
3628 [e] οἰκτιρμῶν
oiktirmōn		 compassions N-GMP
3588 [e] τοῦ
tou		 – Art-GMS
2316 [e] Θεοῦ
Theou		 of God, N-GMS
3936 [e] παραστῆσαι
parastēsai		 to present V-ANA
3588 [e] τὰ
ta		 the Art-ANP
4983 [e] σώματα
sōmata		 bodies N-ANP
4771 [e] ὑμῶν
hymōn		 of you PPro-G2P
2378 [e] θυσίαν
thysian		 a sacrifice N-AFS
2198 [e] ζῶσαν
zōsan		 living, V-PPA-AFS
40 [e] ἁγίαν
hagian		 holy, Adj-AFS
3588 [e] ««τῷ
tō		 – Art-DMS
2316 [e] Θεῷ» ⇔
Theō		 to God N-DMS
2101 [e] εὐάρεστον,
euareston		 well-pleasing, Adj-AFS
3588 [e] τὴν
tēn		 which is Art-AFS
3050 [e] λογικὴν
logikēn		 [the] reasonable Adj-AFS
2999 [e] λατρείαν
latreian		 service N-AFS
4771 [e] ὑμῶν·
hymōn		 of you. PPro-G2P

Verse 2

 

2532 [e] καὶ
kai		 And Conj
3361 [e] μὴ
mē		 not Adv
4964 [e] συσχηματίζεσθε
syschēmatizesthe		 be conformed V-PMM/P-2P
3588 [e] τῷ
tō		 to the Art-DMS
165 [e] αἰῶνι
aiōni		 age N-DMS
3778 [e] τούτῳ,
toutō		 this, DPro-DMS
235 [e] ἀλλὰ
alla		 but Conj
3339 [e] μεταμορφοῦσθε
metamorphousthe		 be transformed V-PMM/P-2P
3588 [e] τῇ
tē		 by the Art-DFS
342 [e] ἀνακαινώσει
anakainōsei		 renewing N-DFS
3588 [e] τοῦ
tou		 of the Art-GMS
3563 [e] νοός,
noos		 mind, N-GMS
1519 [e] εἰς
eis		 for Prep
3588 [e] τὸ
to		 – Art-ANS
1381 [e] δοκιμάζειν
dokimazein		 to prove V-PNA
4771 [e] ὑμᾶς
hymas		 by you, PPro-A2P
5101 [e] τί
ti		 what [is] IPro-NNS
3588 [e] τὸ
to		 the Art-NNS
2307 [e] θέλημα
thelēma		 will N-NNS
3588 [e] τοῦ
tou		 – Art-GMS
2316 [e] Θεοῦ,
Theou		 of God, N-GMS
3588 [e] τὸ
to		 – Art-NNS
18 [e] ἀγαθὸν
agathon		 good Adj-NNS
2532 [e] καὶ
kai		 and Conj
2101 [e] εὐάρεστον
euareston		 well-pleasing Adj-NNS
2532 [e] καὶ
kai		 and Conj
5046 [e] τέλειον.
teleion		 perfect. Adj-NNS

 

 

WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE – PART 2

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

The Right Order of God’s Creation

As found in Matthew Chapter 5

BLESSED ARE…

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

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

This “Sermon on the Mount” starts by telling us that we are Blessed, when we are poor in spirit.  We all have heard that this means we are “spiritually bankrupt”.

Yes, I suppose this can be one very basic and rudimentary meaning.

Being “Poor in Spirit” however, means so much more:

“Poor in spirit” in verse 3, from the Greek is ‘ptochos’ which literally means to be 1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms, 2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor; 2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches; 2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; 2c) poor, needy; 3) lacking in anything as respects to their spirit. 4) Being destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure). All of this comes from a root Greek alternate word meaning, “to be terrified”, and “as a decaying corpse”.

It should cause us to wonder, how could we possibly be considered “Blessed” if we are “poor in spirit”. But this is the Right Order as opposed to pride, wealth and self-reliance!

These verses go on to tell us we are “Blessed” if we are “mourning” loss, “hungering and thirsting”, or being “persecuted for the sake of righteousness”.  How can this be?

“Poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing.

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape, that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before.

The world tells us that we find happiness in ego, admiration, material wealth, possessions, power, status, education and lording it over others.  But the Bible tells us, “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God”. Although, few of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state.  It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help.  And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives.

Please read the following verses and take note of the process.  Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we must endure (yes, endure) in the Right Order to “inherit the Kingdom of God”.

THOSE WHO MOURN

Verse 4:  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“Mourning”.  An understandable response upon finding yourself severely pinched by poverty, reduced to begging; destitute with no influence, no position; lowly, afflicted and helpless; powerless to change your circumstances for the better; lacking in anything and terrified.

Think with me.  Have you ever endured an especially difficult time?  Perhaps, as a child, you were punished for bad behavior?  Besides receiving a scolding you may have been spanked or had privileges taken from you?  Or perhaps you endured a time of suffering and loss?  “Mourning” was the natural response.  What did you experience next?

GENTLE IN SPIRIT

Verse 5:  “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Do you remember after enduring a time of suffering or loss and “mourning” your loss, having a good cry, your emotions or spirit was quieted for a time?  You may have now had time to reflect on what has happened, and you lapse into a time of quiet, gentle appearing reflection.

HUNGER AND THIRST

Verse 6:  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Do you remember coming through a difficult time, having a good cry, either mentally or actually shedding tears, and then the ‘calm the followed the storm’ in your soul?  Do you also remember that, for some reason, with the storm of your life behind you, you were actually hungry?

It is the same in our spirit.  It is usually at this point that we begin to make life-decisions.  We’re either getting angry and defiant or we decide to do better and to “be better”.

For those being redeemed by the mercies of God, the process is to ‘hunger and thirst for right-thinking and right living’:  which is the very definition of Righteousness.

It is through this process that we gain new insights and understanding.  How apt are scriptures to remind us in the next verse that

MERCIFUL

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

The word ‘mercy’ in this verse literally means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful

We are indeed being “Sanctified”:  Being made holy and set apart for God’s use.

PURE IN HEART

Verse 8:  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Our attitudes are changing.  Showing mercy is a sign that our hearts are changing and become pure in the sight of God.  We are being transformed in what we see and in how we see.  We are beginning to see matters as God sees them.

PEACEMAKER

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

A peace will begin to settle over the heart and mind of the redeemed and sanctified Believer.  We, not only, begin to experience ‘a peace that passes understanding’ from our deepening relationship with God, but we begin to demonstrate and practice that peace of God which earns us the title “sons (and daughters) of God”.  We are being made into His image.

PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Verse 10:  “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The bible tells us, it is at this time, we inherit and possess the Kingdom of Heaven with all the rights, responsibilities, and authority of a son of God, a joint heir with Jesus.

This statement is staggering, even for the fully devoted and fully surrendered follower of Jesus.  And, it is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to begin to understand.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of royal power, kingship, dominion and rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom, God’s Kingdom.  It is of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah.  It is the Place of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.  (From Strong’s concordance, definitions and translations of the Greek and Hebrew languages)

Here is what “Entire Sanctification” Looks Like:

LIGHT

Matthew 5:14  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;”

Verse 15:  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Verse 16:  “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

These verses should leave the child of God breathless. In John 8:12  Jesus calls Himself, the Light of the World.  “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  

Dear Friends, let’s not be deceived by this world or by its schemes and distractions:

“It is not what we see with only with our eyes, but by faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”. (Hebrews 11:3).

“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”. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15)

THIS IS THE RIGHT ORDER OF GOD’S CREATION!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Click here for part 1: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE)

BE THE WATCHMAN – The Signs of Christ’s Return

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

BE A WATCHMAN

The Signs of Christ’s Return

We completed the last chapter, “WARNINGS ABOUT THE RISING PHARISAICAL SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, HIRELINGS & THE 8 WOES”, with the words from Matthew chapter 23 which are both an indictment of the Pharisees of Jesus day and a warning of the coming Apostasy as prophesied in the Bible. An Apostasy which is now spreading and intensifying and is evident in many, if not most, so-called mainline churches.

There are still many good and well-intentioned Churches, pastors and disciples of Jesus working diligently to follow Jesus and to do the Works He has prepared ahead of time. But, even among these faithful, there are the temptations and distractions of the Pharisaical spirit which have crept into their hearts and minds, leading them astray.

The easiest thing and yet the most difficult thing you can do is to…

  1. Be the salt and light of the Gospel of Christ where you are. Make your closest associations with likeminded Christ following believers. But do not hide. Make His influence felt through your life and behavior, wherever you go.
  1. Try to find a Church (a local Body of Christ) who are not staining themselves with the things of the world (see Galatians 5:19-21).
  1. Seek to become “the living stones, being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.( 1 Peter 2:5).

Remember that you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Next, Jesus gives us an account of the Last Days and The End of the Age from two distinct perspectives. We need to look at a Biblical comparison and correlation of The Seals of the Tribulation as seen in the book of Matthew and correlated with the book of The Revelation (1). so we can know the sequence of these events that may be prepared and ready at all times. (2). It is also important so that we will not be taken by surprise or frightened and lose focus and composure; (3). It is also a remember that we are to inform and warn others of the present and coming judgements. To Wit:

  • Matthew 24:1-5 tells us, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
  • Revelation 1:1, says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place…”

These words were written sometime around A.D. 90. Over 1,900 years have passed since this prophecy was written, and according to the God-breathed and Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. The first ‘contradiction’, if that is possible, is if these were ‘to soon take place’, why haven’t they? But that is the wrong question to ask.

  • The right question to ask is, “Is this is more rock-solid evidence that the breaking of the first tribulation seals began at the birth of Christ and ‘the things which must soon take place’  began to appear around the time John the Apostle wrote his Apokalupsis?”.
  • Later, Jesus and these same disciples testified that these present and coming prophetic judgments and events had already begun in or around A.D. 30, calling them “events of These Last Days”: 
  • Hebrews 1:2, “but in these last days He (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
  • Hebrews 9:26, “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
  • Acts 2:14-17, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.

  • 2 Timothy 3:1,“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.‘
  • 1 Peter 1:20-21, “ He (Jesus) was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
  • 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (Spoken in or around A.D. 30).
  • 2 Peter 3:3, “Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
  • 1 John 2:18, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have (already) come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.“
  • 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.”

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

It is important because we must be mentally, physically and spiritually of and ready for the things that are upon us so we do not faint or fall away.

It is important because the context, the uses and meanings of these various words which refer to Tribulation affect our attitudes and our motivation for GETTING and STAYING READY for His return. They also affect our view of the timing of the coming Tribulation and the Great Tribulation.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

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

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

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

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

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

It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness.

It matters because as Christians, our faith, our convictions and our behavior
Are speaking louder than our words if these things are coming to pass – we need to be getting ready.

Correlation of the Seals from equating Matthew to Revelation:

(Jesus, in the book of Matthew gives a present view looking to the future – Jesus, in The book of The Revelation gives a panorama of a continuous past, present and future.)

After reading the following, please ask and answer, WHAT IS GOING ON in:

  • Matthew 24:1 –5, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them. “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.
  • Revelation 6:1-2, “Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” I looked, and behold…”

Seal 1 – Matthew 24:6-7 – also in Revelation 6:1 – 6:3 – WARS & RUMORS OF WAR, RIDER ON WHITE HORSE.

 

WHAT IS GOING ON in the First Seal in Matthew 24?

Matthew 24:6. “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

  • “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars -Matthew 24:6”
    • (future tense – spoken in A.D. 30).
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the First Seal in Matthew 24?

Matthew 24:7-8, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

  • “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against – Matthew 24:7”
    • (future tense – spoken in A.D. 30) .
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur have been are increasing in intensity to this day).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the First Seal in Revelation 6?

Revelation 6:1–2, Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

  • “A white horse rider went out conquering and to conquer – Revelation 6:2”
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D.)
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).

-The Completion of the First Tribulation Seal –

Seal 2 & 3: Matthew 24:7-8 – also in Revelation 6:5 – FAMINES & EARTHQUAKES & A RED HORSE.

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Second and Third Seals in Matthew 24?

Matthew 24:7-8, “…and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

  • and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
  • “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
    • (This is the beginning – in or around A.D. 30,and they have been continuing to occur and are increasing in intensity to this day).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Second and Third Seals in Revelation 6?

Revelation 6:3-4. “When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

  • “A red horse went out to take peace from the earth and people would kill one another – Revelation 6:4”
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing in intensity to this day).
  • People would kill one another.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing intensity to this day).

 -The Completion of the Second & Third Tribulation Seals –

Seal 4: Matthew 24:9 – also in Revelation 6:7 – PERSECUTION, DISEASE, FAMINE, DEATH.

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Fourth Seal in Matthew 24?

Matthew 24:9, “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

  • “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Fourth Seal in Revelation 6?

Revelation 6:7-8, “When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

  • An ashen horse of death.
  • Death by sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts.
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity and will culminate with over one-fourth of earth’s inhabitants killed).

– The Completion of the Fourth Tribulation Seal –

 

Seal 5: Matthew 24:10-15 – also in Revelation 6:9 – APOSTASY, FALSE PROPHETS, HATRED, LAWLESSNESS, ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, GREAT EARTHQUAKES, MARTYRS, DEATH.

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Fifth Seal in Matthew 24?

Matthew 24:10-15, “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Therefore, when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place – let the reader understand. (this is the last of the prophecies to come).

  • Many will fall away and hate one another (the great Apostasy).
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
  • False prophets will arise and mislead many..
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
  • The Abomination of Desolation (<-link).
    • (A past event foreshadowing the future event which marks the last of the prophecies and the coming End).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Fifth Seal in Revelation 6?

Revelation 6:9-11, “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.”

  • Persecutions, martyrs and death of the saints of God.
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity until the end).

 – The Completion of the Fifth Tribulation Seal –

Seal 6: Matthew 24:29-31 – also in Revelation 6:12 – COSMIC CATACLYSMS after the tribulation of the previous days, TERROR, SUN DARKENED, MOON WILL NOT SHINE, STARS WILL FALL, HEAVENS SHAKEN, SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN, SON COMING ON THE CLOUDS, GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, GATHERING OF THE ELECT, RAPTURE.

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Matthew 24?

“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.

  • “But immediately after the tribulation of those days
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
  • THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
    • (A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Revelation 6?

Revelation 6:12-17, “I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

  • There was a great earthquake.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • The sun became black

    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • The moon became like blood.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • The stars fell from the sky.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • The sky was split apart like a scroll.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • Him who sits on the throne.
    • (Present historical tense; is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (It has always been this, from the past to the present).
  • Hide us from The Wrath of the Lamb.
    • (Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
    • (has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
  • The Great Day of Wrath has come.
    • Notice this is in the Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
    • (has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing in intensity).(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).

An Interlude between the 6th Tribulation Seal and the 7th Tribulation Seal. (the last of the prophecies yet to come)

 

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Revelation 7?

  • Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

 WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Revelation 7?

The 144,000 Sealed

  • Revelation 7:4-5 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
  • from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6 from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7 from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.

A Multitude from the Tribulation – The Rapture

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Revelation 7?

Who is the ‘great multitude’

  • Revelation 7:9-16, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10and they cry out with a loud voice,

 WHAT IS GOING ON in the Sixth Seal in Revelation 7?

Where is this great multitude?

  • saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
  • saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Where did this great multitude come from?

  • “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”
  • “I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
    • See Revelation 22.
    • All of these final events have culminated with the elect of God having been raptured before the Throne of God and in their eternal home, God’s Eternal Tabernacle.

– The Completion of the Sixth Tribulation Seal –

Seal 7: Revelation – SILENCE IN HEAVEN for half an hour, SEVEN ANGELS and SEVEN TRUMPETS, PEALS OF THUNDER, SOUNDS AND FLASHES OF LIGHTENING AND AN EARTHQUAKE.

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Seventh Seal in Matthew 24?

Silence. (Jesus will continue in Matthew with instruction of recognizing the times and days, preparing for these Last Days and the Blessings and Consequences for not preparing ahead of time – preparing NOW!

  • The scene now moves to the heavens (see Revelation chapter 8).

WHAT IS GOING ON in the Seventh Seal in Revelation 8?

  • Revelation 8:1-2, “When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
    • A lull in the cosmic and terrestrial storms.
    • 7 angels standing BEFORE GOD and 7 trumpets are given to them. (These are the 7 trumpets of judgement).
  •  Revelation 8:3-5, “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

 – The Completion of the Seventh Tribulation Seal –

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: Jesus’ Instructions and warnings about getting ready, being ready and staying ready for His return.

THE RISING PHARISAICAL SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

WARNINGS ABOUT THE RISING PHARISAICAL SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, HIRELINGS & THE 8 WOES

THE WARNING SIGNS OF WOE

(An Expression of Grief or Denunciation)

It is interesting to me, that in this postmodern age of religious humanism, those infected with the Pharisaical spirit and the Hirelings who do their dirty work, will attack the Biblical Church by calling it names such as “Legalist”, “Fundamentalist” or “Pharisees”, which meant to be derogatory, but is in fact façade, a mask or a diversion to cover their true identity: The workers of the antichrist, possessed by the spirit of the antichrist, “which you heard is coming, and even now, is already in the world”. (1 John 4:3)

Jesus spoke directly to this matter in…

Matthew 23:1-3, “Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying:

“The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them.”

Jesus led by example. At the risk of overemphasizing this statement: Jesus is our Lord, Teacher, Leader, Master and King. He taught by example and He led by example. He did everything He expected of His disciples.

Does the pastor of your Church, and the elders, the deacons or other ‘church leaders’ DO what they tell (or expect) you to DO? Do they witness Jesus to others, lead others to Jesus? Do they greet those coming in the doors? Do they spend time with ‘the flock’? Do they Invite others or bring others to Church? In other words, do they lead by example? Or do they just wait for you to do these things so they can ‘finish the job’ and take the credit? (Roles and responsibilities within the Church are about Spiritual Gifts, and not a façade invented to avoid following Jesus’ example.)

Matthew 23:4-5, “And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”

Do you not hear it all the time: “Give sacrificially; Give until it hurts; Bring your friends”. Then they stand in the pulpit, in their classrooms at their positions, trumpeting their accomplishments. We may not see phylacteries and tassels, but these same ‘officials’ substitute identifying garments and garbs to project ‘the look’ of authority and self-importance..

Matthew 23:6-10, “And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.”

This is easy enough to figure out. If your pastor and ‘church leaders’ cluster together at the ‘head table’ or gather at the same table together, excluding ‘you and the others’ to watch and listen to them, then Matthew 23:6-10 applies to your church. Advice? Find a Church.

But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.

This one is too easy. There is a reason ‘the clergy’ does this – using titles reserved for God – and it is never good.

Words are powerful. And these words (Rabbi, Teacher, Father, Leader), create perceptions, ideas, and religious ideologies. This is where the ‘form of words wrongly creates the false image of religious function’. The deliberate misuse of these words when relating to the Church has led many astray, and has deformed the image of the Church of  Jesus.

Matthew 23:11-12, “But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Who sets up and cleans up? Who leads in prayer? Who tends to the needs of the ‘sheep’? When within this paradigm do the ‘sheep’ visibly become THE CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that they may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light? Or is the spotlight always on the hirelings and the credit given to the professionals?

Eight Woes – The Indictment

(Try to read these WOES at face value as you are able and whenever possible relate them to the Church in this age – especially to your Church. However, since some of these statements are from a time and an era with which we are unfamiliar, I am providing a commentary page for your convenience. Enduring Word Commentary.)

Matthew 23:13-14, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter it yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

The word ‘hypocrite’ here, is a Greek word meaning ‘an actor or a pretender’. These are the men (or women) who put on a good act of being holy and righteous but do not follow Jesus. You can know them by their fruit if you are willing. These are the ones always putting on and leading the ‘show’, but never doing the things Jesus has done. Their destination and fate is “depart from Me, I do not know you”. Do not follow these men or you will find the same end.

Matthew 23:15, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Matthew 23:16-22 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering that is on it is obligated.’ You blind men, which is more important, the offering or the altar that sanctifies the offering? Therefore, the one who swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. And the one who swears by the sanctuary, swears both by the sanctuary and by Him who dwells in it. And the one who swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it.

These verses have to do with the complex system the Pharisees invented for the making oaths in order to circumvent the plain prohibition of making oaths sound grave and authoritative by swearing on the temple (sanctuary) or the altar. However, it is also reminiscent of the inordinate and unrighteous value placed on ‘church properties’ over the value of the Church (Body).

Sadly, I have seen members of churches who are not willing to ‘fall into line’ and obey the pastor’s or ‘church leadership’ wishes when it comes to building larger buildings or expanding facilities, sacrificed on these same ‘altars’. They are marginalized and eventually driven away.

Matthew 23:23-24, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

Matthew23:25-26, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.

The ‘outside of the cup’; that which is visible to the audience. The illusion you want to display. Pastor salaries which put the Church and the members of the Body under financial stress or wasteful spending. Salaries that are twice, three times or more that what is reasonable – pastor’s being paid millions, “getting a percentage of the take” of the fleecing of the sheep! (And these ‘pastors’ justify their theft by their own greatness).

Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 23:29-36, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So, you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?

“Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you will fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

These words from Matthew chapter 23 is both an indictment of the Pharisees of Jesus day and a warning of the coming Apostasy as prophesied in the Bible. This Apostasy is spreading and intensifying and is evident in many, if not most, so-called mainline churches.

There are still many good and well-intentioned Churches, pastors and disciples of Jesus working diligently to follow Jesus and to do the Works He has prepared ahead of time. But, even among these faithful, there are the temptations and distractions of the Pharisaical spirit which have crept into their hearts and minds, leading them astray.

So, what should our response be? In two simple words: Follow Jesus.

In a few more words: This will most likely be, both, the easiest thing and yet the most difficult thing you can do. But you CAN DO it.

  1. Be the salt and light of the Gospel of Christ where you are. Make your closest associations with likeminded Christ following believers. But do not hide. Make His influence felt through your life and behavior, wherever you go.
  1. Try to find a Church (a local Body of Christ) who are not staining themselves with the things of the world (see Galatians 5:19-21).
  1. Seek to become “the living stones, being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.( 1 Peter 2:5).

Remember that you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Please, dear friends, let’s take this as if our lives depend on it, because our lives and many other lives do depend on this.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  BE WATCHMEN – Signs of Christ’s Return.

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TAMING THE JESUS REVOLUTION

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 3 Comments

THE TAMING OF THE JESUS REVOLUTION

“IN PLAIN SIGHT”

I call this chapter, “IN PLAIN SIGHT”,  because the problems facing the 21st century postmodern Church are hiding in plain sight. The evidence of the illness in the Church is there for all to see – but we are blinded by our own desires. We either cannot see the root cause of the spreading malaise and the apostasy engulfing the Church or we choose to ignore the symptoms and a diagnosis because of our expediencies.

We ended the previous chapter, saying, “The height of this Jesus Movement was from 1968 through approximately 1976. The beneficial effects lingered and spread for decades afterward. There have been attempts to copy or replicate this so-called JESUS REVOLUTION, but they have been just imitations, using the form and hoping for the function. But sadly, as is usually the case, the religious bureaucrats and the religiously politically astute arrived and have ‘organized the movement to death’.

What has remained, however, is what has always been in the heart of every man, woman, boy and girl from birth: A God-shaped vacuum. That is, a need to love and to be loved just as we are. A need to belong and to have a sense of purpose and usefulness. A Cause bigger than oneself that give hope and makes an eternal difference. A means to escape the mental prisons of fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, sickness, disease, hate, loathing and the like. A way to a peace that brings joy. A way not only to receive these things, but to give these things in return.

When someone says the Church needs to be more relevant to the society around it, remind them that the Church has always been irrelevant to the world’s ways, is counter-cultural to the world’s ways and is relevant only to God and His Ways of life, peace, joy, holiness and righteousness.

When someone says we must return to the ways of the early Church, remind them that we do not need to return to the ways of the early Church – we need TO TURN to the ways of Jesus and we will BE THE CHURCH.”

Before I continue this message, I want to be clear that I love the Church that Jesus built. I very much like the Church I attend and the staff at that Church. The Church and staff I attend, in my opinion, are doing all they can possibly do to follow, obey and implement the commands of Jesus and the Bible. I will venture to say that the Church I attend, and of which I am a ‘member’, if put on a scale of effectiveness and obedience to God’s Word, would rank in some regards, near the Churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna (from the Book of The Revelation).

Contained within the wording of the preceding paragraph, however, lies the problem. Phrases such as “Attending Church”, or “at the Church”. The Church of Jesus, the Bride of Christ, cannot be ‘attended’, ‘gone to’, ‘visited’, or given a physical street address. The Church is the Body of Christ. And the sooner we get back to the idea that The Church is an Ecclesia (Ekklesia – “Ek” = ‘out of or out from’ + “Kaleo” = ‘called or summoned’ = “The Called Out Ones”, the sooner we can function as Jesus intended.

What follows is not a complaint about the Church nor is it a judgment or a condemnation of the Church. I pray this will be heard and received as a wakeup call to the Church.

It is up to you, however, to read what is presented, study the scriptures presented and to compare the “Church you attend”, your idea of Church, to the “Ekklesia” of Christ – and, I pray, make any necessary adjustments.

INHERITING THE ‘EDIFICE COMPLEX’

“THE CHURCH BUILDING” vs BUILDING THE CHURCH

(The following paragraph within quotation marks denotes  (Excerpts taken from Frank Viola & George Barna’s book, “Pagan Christianity”, Tyndale Publishing, 2002, 2008).

“The idea, that the Christians in the apostolic age, erected special houses of worship is out of the question.

“The Savior of the world was born in a stable, ascended to heaven from a mountain. His apostles and their successors down to the third century, preached in the streets, the markets, on mountains, in ships, sepulchers, eaves, and deserts, and in the homes of their converts.

“Thousands of costly churches and chapels have since been built and are constantly being built in all parts of the world to the honor of the crucified Redeemer – who in the days of his humiliation had no place of his own to rest his head!” — PHILIP SCHAFF, NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICAN CHURCH HISTORIAN AND THEOLOGIAN

“MANY CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIANS have a love affair with brick and mortar. The edifice complex is so ingrained in our thinking that if a group of believers begins to meet together, their first thoughts are toward securing a building. For how can a group of Christians rightfully claim to be a church without a building? (Or, so the thinking goes.)

The “church” building is so connected with the idea of church that we unconsciously equate the two. Just listen to the vocabulary of the average Christian today:

“Wow, honey, did you see that beautiful church we just passed?”

“My goodness! That is the largest church I have ever seen! I wonder what the electric costs to keep it going?”

“Our church is too small. I’m developing claustrophobia. We need to extend the balcony.” “The church is chilly today; I am freezing in here!”

“We have gone to church every Sunday this past year except for the Sunday when Aunt Mildred dropped the microwave oven on her toe.”

“Or how about the vocabulary of the average pastor:

“Isn’t it wonderful to be in the house of God today?”

“We must show reverence when we come into the sanctuary of the Lord.”

“Or how about the mother who tells her happy child (in subdued tones), “Wipe that smile off your face; you’re in church now! We behave ourselves in the house of God!”

“To put it bluntly, none of these thoughts have anything to do with New Testament Christianity. Rather, they reflect the thinking of other religions—primarily Judaism and paganism.

FROM HOUSE CHURCHES TO HOLY CATHEDRALS

“The early Christians believed that Jesus is the very presence of God. They believed that the body of Christ, the church, constitutes a temple. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He made some radically negative statements about the Jewish Temple.’

“The one that angered many Jews most was His announcement that if the Temple was destroyed, He would build a new one in three days! (See John 2:19-21.)

“Though Jesus was referring to the Temple that existed in the architectural sense, He was really speaking of His body. Jesus said that after this temple was destroyed, He would raise it up in three days.

“He was referring to the real temple—the church—which He raised up in Himself on the third day (Ephesians 2:6).

“Since Christ has risen, we Christians have become the temple of God.

“At His resurrection, 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 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.”

“Then, in the late second and third centuries a shift occurred”

“Christians not only had adopted sacred spaces; they also had created sacred objects. (They would soon develop a sacred priesthood.) It might seem they had forgotten Moses and the golden calf.

“In all of this, the second and third century Christians began to assimilate the magical mind-set that characterized existent pagan thinking.

“These factors made the Christian terrain ready for the man who would be responsible for creating church buildings. In AD 327, Constantine began erecting the first church buildings throughout the Roman Empire, some at public expense.’ In so doing, he followed the path of the pagans in constructing temples to honor God.

“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.

“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.”

“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.”‘

“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.

“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.

“The bottom line is really quite simple: You are a priest of God, a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a member of His glorious body. Through your declaration of allegiance to Jesus and your stated desire to live with Him forever, you have a responsibility to be a functioning priest, minister, and member of the Body .

“The organized church has moved down a winding path over the past two thousand years. The only way to get it back on track is for each of us to begin prayerfully exploring the original plan that God had for His people, and then to be willing to respond faithfully to that plan.

“In this way, the Revolution that has begun to take root in our day will spread far and wide. And God will get what He has always been after.” (End of excerpts from Frank Viola & George Barna’s book, “Pagan Christianity”, Tyndale Publishing, 2002, 2008)

I humbly offer this assessment after eleven years of prayer, study, seeking God, asking for His Wisdom to know and follow His Call. I sincerely and prayerfully urge you to do the same.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  WARNINGS ABOUT THE RISING PHARISAICAL SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, HIRELINGS & THE 8 WOES

PREVIOUS:  A JESUS REVOLUTION?

A Jesus Revolution?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

I have recently watched the movie ”The Jesus Revolution”.  It is rare for me, now-a-days, to be moved to tears of any kind by a movie, television production, a book, play or show.

The JESUS REVOLUTION is a 2023 American Christian drama film directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle. Based on the autobiographical book of the same name co-written by Greg Laurie, the film follows Laurie, Christian hippie Lonnie Frisbee, and pastor Chuck Smith as they take part in the Jesus movement in California during the late 1960s.

This is the story of one young hippie’s quest in the 1970s for belonging and liberation that leads not only to peace, love, and rock and roll, but that sets into motion a new counterculture crusade – a Jesus Movement – making a change in the course of American religious history.

Inspired by a true movement, JESUS REVOLUTION tells the story of a young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Inadvertently, Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith lead to a JESUS REVOLUTION that turns one counterculture movement into a revival that changes the world.

This movie, in my estimation, faithfully depicts the moment in time it sets out to capture – and may remind many viewers of their own path to religious conversion.

The questions that remain are “how could this have happened”? What were the prevalent political, social and spiritual circumstances that gave birth to such a widespread phenomenon? What was the condition of the heart and minds, the longings, in so many young people, all at this particular time, that the Message of Jesus would become their lifeboat?

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – ACCEPTANCE – A FUTURE AND A HOPE – A REJECTION OF THE STATUS QUO that had brought fear, doubt, abandonment and competition for acceptance.

The height of this Jesus Movement was from 1968 through approximately 1976. The beneficial effects lingered and spread for decades afterward. There have been attempts to copy or replicate this so-called JESUS REVOLUTION, but they have been just imitations, using the form and hoping for the function. But sadly, as is usually the case, the religious bureaucrats and the religiously politically astute arrived and have ‘organized the movement to death’.

What has remained, however, is what has always been in the heart of every man, woman, boy and girl from birth: A God-shaped vacuum. That is, a need to love and to be loved just as we are. A need to belong and to have a sense of purpose and usefulness. A Cause bigger than oneself that give hope and makes an eternal difference. A means to escape the mental prisons of fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, sickness, disease, hate, loathing and the like. A way to a peace that brings joy. A way not only to receive these things, but to give these things in return.

So it was in 1968, God put a series of events into action that made a difference. The Message was Jesus and the promise was all these things we long for, and millions responded.

(Please note: The movie also depicts the failures, even in the lives of these God-led men and women. Even in our most sincere pursuits of, and service to God, we are subject to sin and failures.

But just like when Jesus sent His first eleven disciples to go and make disciples of the world, teaching them to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you”, some were doubtful. Some would fail from time to time.

Knowing this, Jesus sent them anyway – all of them – reminding them and us, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As The CHURCH goes – So goes America

In this vein, it is no mistake nor is it a coincidence that the first three chapters of Revelation describe the state of the Church in and around 95 A.D. in both real time and as a prophetic predictor. In other words, although each of these Churches were real and active Christian Churches, they are also a characterization or profile of seven characteristics of Churches to be found in these Last Days.

In their sincere pursuit and service to God, some of these Churches would succeed, some would have failures, but God used them anyway – all of them.

A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH in the 21st CENTURY

Here is an excerpt on the Seven Churches in Revelation and what they stand for, as presented by Got Questions Org:

The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Though they were literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose of the letters was to communicate with the literal churches and meet their needs. The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instruct them in God’s truth.

A possible third purpose is to use the seven churches to foreshadow seven different periods in the history of the Church. The problem with this view is that each of the seven churches describes issues that could fit the Church in any time in its history. So, although there may be some truth to the seven churches representing seven eras, there is far too much speculation in this regard. Our focus should be on what message God is giving us through the seven churches.

The seven churches are as follows:

(1) Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) – the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).

(2) Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) – the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).

(3) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) – the church that needed to repent (2:16).

(4) Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) – the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).

(5) Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) – the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).

(6) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) – the church that had endured patiently (3:10).

(7) Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) – the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

 I would like to have characterized these Churches by ascribing each with a more contemporary moniker:

The Don Juan Church – The Church at Ephesus

Revelation 2:4, But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

 

 

 

 

The Suffering Church – The Church at Smyrna

Revelation 2:10, Do not fear what you are about to suffer.

 

The Kramer Stumbling Church – The Church at Pergamum

Revelation 2:14, But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.

 

 The Kardashian Church – The Church at Thyatira

 Revelation 2:20, But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols

 

 

The Baked in the Squat Church – The Church at Sardis.

Revelation 3:1, “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.”

 

The Open Door Church – The Church at Philadelphia

Revelation 3:8, ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name.

 

The Don Quixote Church – The Church at Laodicea

 Revelation 3:15, ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

 

 

There are many church leaders today who are attempting to either re-create the early church experience or to adapt the Church to be more relevant to the 21st Century postmodern world.

This is nothing new. In 313 AD, the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which accepted Christianity. He completely altered the relationship between the church and the imperial government, thereby beginning a process that eventually made Christianity the official religion of the empire. During the process of making Christianity the official religion of Rome, Constantine refashioned and church according to an acceptable form and function followed, evolved and some 1,700 years later the church in entering a terrible time of apostasy (2023).

It would seem these church leaders (pastors, preachers, Bible teachers, theologians, etc.) are utilizing the principle of “Form Follows Function” – and both the effort to re-create the church and to adapt the church are failing.

The problems with re-creating the early church stem from the fact that the early church’s form was the result of factors pressing the Church into its form – for survival, which resulted in growth.

The problem with the theory of “Form Follows Function” which states that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose, is it is to be applied to architecture and industrial design – not the Church which Jesus is building. Jesus’ Church “is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation, but through His Blood.”

The main problem with building the church modeled after external influences is that the Church is the Body of Jesus, and we are to have the “mind of Christ” and to be filled by the Spirit of God. The Church can never be RE-modeled. It is already modeled, made and complete – once and for all times.

The Bible instructs and warns that “a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one.  For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

WARNING: Those who would re-create or attempt to adapt or fashion the Church into an image of the world are “a natural person who does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him”.

 

Here is the  JESUS Model for Ministry.  An outline and Model for Ministry is Jesus as compared to the counterfeit: Follow Him, follow His ways. (denoted by BLUE text).

 

(I).  Repent

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

(1).  Here is the World’s Postmodern Model for Ministry: (denoted by GREEN text).

You will rarely or never see the a sign in front of the Church or hear the words which say “repent.

Instead you’ll see and hear, “Come, Grow, Go. (Attend church, make a “profession of faith”, join church membership, learn about our church denominational ways, tithe, serve in some function around the church organization.

(II). GO – Make Disciples – Follow Him

  • Matthew 4:19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

(II). GO – The unspoken but implied message in the Postmodern churches is “do it our way or GO AWAY”.

  • We (the postmodern Church) Do it our way and GO into a new members class. Learn to “witness” from a script or in a classroom; go on a “mission trip”; go to church; go to Sunday school.

III. Teach, Preach, proclaim the Gospel, lay hands on the sick

  • Matthew 4:23, Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,
  • and healing every kind of disease
  • and every kind of sickness among the people.

(III).  The postmodern way is to talk, talk talk. Talk about it in classrooms and small groups and then we send the paid professionals to do the Work.

IV. Learn and teach – BE BEREAN – STUDY TO BE APPROVED – WHAT & WHY.

Jesus teaches His disciples 5:31 through Matthew 9:38

  • Disciples and the World
  • Regarding Personal Relationships
  • Giving to the Poor and Prayer
  • Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth (Mammon)
  • The Cure for Anxiety
  • Prayer and the Golden Rule
  • The Narrow and Wide Gates
  • The Two Foundations
  • Jesus Cleanses a Leper; The Centurion’s Faith
  • Examples Peter’s Mother-in-law and Many Others Healed
  • Discipleship Tested
  • Jesus Casts Out Demons
  • A Paralytic Healed
  • The Calling
  • The Question about Fasting
  • Miracles of Healing

(IV).  The Postmodern Churches talk about these things, in brief and largely explain most of them away as outdated or ended with the Apostle – or hand them off.

(a). Matthew 10:1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

(a). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

(b) Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them:

“Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

(b). The Postmodern Church, (we), reason that since God sent Paul and other to the Gentiles, and that we are now grafted into the ‘Olive Tree’, and Jesus has since sent us to all the world, we are doing our small this part of the Whole. Command.

(c) Matthew 10:7“, And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

(c). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

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

(d). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

(e) Freely you received, freely give.

(e) A few of us (the postmodern Church) might be doing some of this – in part…

(f) Matthew 10:9“Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.

(f). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

(g) Matthew 10:11“And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.

(g). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

(h) Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves;

(h). (the postmodern Church) largely avoid this.

(i) Matthew 10:24“ A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.

(i). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort. Ministry has become very competitive. Each one striving to outdo the other.

(j) Matthew 10:26“ Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

(j). We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort…

(k) Matthew 10:32“ Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Verse 33. “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

(k). We (the postmodern Church) largely ignore speaking these words in order to be relevant to the world’s systems…

(l) Matthew 10:34“ Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

These words are ignored and are never spoken aloud. We (the postmodern Church) do nothing of the sort.

(m) Matthew 10:38“ And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Verse 39. “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

(m.) We (the postmodern Church) act, largely, as scribes and Pharisees. Some, but not many will follow this instructional warning.

(n) Matthew 10:40“ He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

We (the postmodern Church) do not teach these sort of things. (Let’s not be like the postmodern church. Let;s BE the Church that Jesus built).

SO, PLEASE NOTE:

When someone says the Church needs to be more relevant to the society around it, remind them that the Church has always been irrelevant to the world’s ways, is counter-cultural to the world’s ways and is relevant only to God and His Ways of life, peace, joy, holiness and righteousness.

When someone says we must return to the ways of the early Church, remind them that we do not need to return to the ways of the early Church – we need TO TURN to the ways of Jesus and we will BE THE CHURCH.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Don’t be like the procrastinating Church at Sardis.

(<–click the biscuits)

 

NEXT –  JESUS WARNS ABOUT THE RISING PHARISAICAL SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST & HIRELINGS – THE 8 WOES.

 

WIVES SUBMIT: It Is Not What You Think

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

Come, Let us Reason

greek-spear.jpeg

“TIP OF THE SPEAR”

What does that phrase mean to you?

The “Urban Dictionary” puts it this way: “An American idiom commonly used in military operations to mean the first soldiers to go into a war zone. In common usage, it means the first to venture into a new endeavor. A trailblazer.”

The Bible uses a similar term to describe relationships between Christians in general and between husbands and wives in particular. The word is “Hupotasso“.

You will never find that word spelled, as such, in your Bible, though. It is the Greek word ‘hupotasso’ used for “Submit to” or “be subject to”.

The King James uses the word “submit” but, it reads this way in the New American Standard version of the Bible:

Ephesians 5:21, “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Verse 22. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Verse 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Verse 24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

The word “Hupotasso” literally means:

1) to arrange under, to subordinate;

2) to subject, put in subjection

3) to subject one’s self, obey

4) to submit to one’s control

5) to yield to one’s admonition or advice

6) to obey, be subject.

HUPO – arrange under; TASSO – mutually agree upon

The intention of “submission or subjection” is found in the CONTEXT of the words in this chapter of Ephesians, which encourages us to be wise and moral, kind and pure, gentle and forgiving.

The context is also found in the meaning of the words in these verses.

Specifically, “Hupotasso” comes from a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”.
These troop formations were called a Phalanx. The Phalanx was the formation, usually in triangular form, in which The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order.

Hoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation in order to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths.

The hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields.

Those at the front were, what we would call today, THE TIP OF THE SPEAR or the POINT MAN. They presented the first defense against the enemy and were the first to engage the enemy and the first to take casualties.

The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy. Making frontal assaults against it very difficult.

It also allowed a higher proportion of the soldiers to be actively engaged in combat at a given time, rather than just those in the front rank.

This word, “Hupotasso”, in non-military use, is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

The Bible gives this as an example for husbands and wives to cooperate and to successfully navigate life and in waging wars against ‘their common enemy’, Satan.

The wife is fully engaged in the marriage relationship, but, God says the husband is to be the Tip of the Spear in order to protect and preserve and, if necessary, the first to fall.

Interestingly, Ephesians 5:22, “be subject to your own” uses the word “idios” which means, uniquely one’s own, peculiar to the individual. It is “stronger than the simple possessive pronoun (‘own’). This emphatic adjective means ‘private, personal’ “.

God gives each husband a wife, designed by God, Himself, to fulfill a role specifically for that husband. God gives the wife gifts, talents, abilities and a calling uniquely designed to serve God and to compliment and to complete the husband.

This is why the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself”.

It is also why God says “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord”.

Neither, the husband nor the wife, can be made complete as persons when finding refuge, protection and provision. But as a God given ability, you can mature and sustain one another, until you understand this Spiritual principal and follow it.

Marriage has mutual strength through commitment and cooperation with one another under God’s Steady Hand.

Please take this to heart, dear ones. This message is so important.

The world and the Devil are deceiving the family in to thinking ‘what works for you is OK”. It is NOT OK. God’s design, His plan and His Word is what gives life, and life more abundant. Stop following the world and REASON through God’s Word. Understand it and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: A great article and some excellent resources for marriage at Focus on the Family – Marriage, preparing for marriage – marriage means leaving home and cleaving to each other.

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

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 2 Comments

The OLD CROSS and THE NEW 

– by A.W. Tozer –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE – The Alliance Witness magazine.

End Note:

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

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“SHIPWRECKED” – Enemies Within the Church

CHRISTIANITY and PAGANISM

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

ARE YOU PRACTICING PAGANISM, ‘UNAWARE’?

THE OUTCOMES OF PAGAN BELIEF SYSTEMS:

Christianity declared a form of terrorism.

Christians declared morally repugnant and ignorant.

‘Climate Change’ top priority – trumps personal freedoms.

Promotion of ‘transgenderism’ and exclusion of parental rights.

Self-defense prosecuted as crime.

Free speech redefined as hate – constitutional rights stripped.

The world arms for global war.

Global alliance – One World Government – Near Completion.

        

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

From Answers in Genesis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Pew Research Center

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

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

Pew Research on casual sex among professing Christians

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

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

From CNS News

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

From the Cultural Research Center – George Barna Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHRISTIANITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGANISM contrasted to CHRISTIANITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE POWER OF ONE

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

The Power of One.jpg

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It only takes ONE.

PETER WALKS ON THE WATER

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

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

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

“Come,” Jesus said.

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

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

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

ONLY ONE

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

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

MOSES MEETS WITH GOD

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

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

ONLY ONE

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

THE CROWDS FOLLOW JESUS

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

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

John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48“I am the bread of life. 49“Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. Verse 50.“This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. Verse 51. “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

Verse 52. “Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” 53So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. Verse 54. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. Verse 55. “For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. Verse 56. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. Verse 57. “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. Verse 58. “This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”

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

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

THE ONE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARE YOU ONE?

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

Your Brother and Friend, always,

Mike and Betty on the Beach.jpg

Mike Young