Come, and let’s join God in what He is already doing by following Jesus.
A Bible-base guide to following Jesus and being His disciple.
This book is not meant to be an opinion of the author, but are practical steps in becoming a true disciple of Jesus, which is impossible for the natural mind. But, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible through Christ.
The Thin Red Line – And They Crossed It – Will You?
Why was it that just after the time of Jesus earthly ministry the Apostles were working many signs and wonders, but as time passed those signs and wonders have seemed to slow to a crawl, or as some say, they have stopped altogether?
I still hear testimonies of God’s miracle working power among us, but why is it not creating the amazement and awe of those earlier days?
I once had a job working in a General Motors truck and coach manufacturing plant. When I started, I was given menial tasks such as sweeping floors and picking up trash along the assembly line, as I could not be trusted with the dangers associated with the assembly line. After some time, an opening came about to work on the assembly line. I still could only be trusted with the least dangerous jobs, such as driving bolts into the engine block.
Later, when management asked me to train for a more dangerous and important job. It was working with an “engine skyhook”. This was the process of dropping a 15,000 pound bus engine, suspended by a steel cable and hooks, from an upper floor level of the plant (about 50 feet in the air) into a bus frame as it moved along the assembly line on the main floor level of the plant. I held a control box that would move the suspended engine up or down, right or left, until it was seated into the bus frame. If it is not done expertly, the engine would begin to sway then swing wildly in the air and bringing it under control was very, very difficult.
But, after extensive training and practice, management felt I would be trusted for this important and dangerous work.
#2. Cost. Again, Jesus’ early disciples were not performing any miracles or works because they did not yet understand the cost to follow Him.
Jesus was making it clear, however. As the disciples followed Him, He repeatedly explained that the cost to follow Him was complete commitment. No holding back. Jesus says, “Therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.”Luke 14:33
Now, large crowds were going along with Him, and He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who are watching it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This person began to build, and was not able to finish!’ Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to face the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Otherwise, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and requests terms of peace. So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”(Luke 14:25-33).
#3. Commitment. When I was a young Christian, I was disturbed that so many in our otherwise good and faithful church, were not being or doing the things the Bible said we should be and do. So I asked an older couple, good and kind people, leaders in our Church and longtime Christians, how I could reconcile this perceived dilemma. The wife bluntly told me, “You are taking this way too seriously”. Now, 47 years later, those word still ring in my ears.
Jesus warned about the commitment necessary when He said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Is it possible that we, as Western world Christians, have lost our savor and have become useless?
You would have to commit to take up your cross daily, in other words, make the cause of Christ your cause, His cross is now your cross. You must be willing to die for His Cause. Luke 9:23
Jesus made clear that “No one who puts his hand to the plow,in other words, undertakes the Works of Jesus,and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”Luke 9:62
Peter appealed to Jesus in saying, “Peter began to say to Him, Behold, we have left everything and have followed You.”
Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” (see Mark 10:28-31).
Finally, we can see that once the disciples were aware of the cost, were ready and trained and were able to make the commitment, Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts, no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly, I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly, I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (see Matthew 10:1-23).
Are we not ready, as Jesus said, to be ready? Are we not able, not willing to pay the cost, or are we unaware of the cost? And are we, the “called out ones” unwilling or unable to make the commitment?
Be honest with yourself. Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told His disciples to “go therefore”, He was not saying “go to church, therefore, and make disciples”. He was saying, “go out into all the world”. He was not just speaking to what we today call the “laymen” of the church. He was speaking to everyone who would dare to follow Him. He was particularly speaking to the pastors, preachers, teachers, deacons and elders in the church to go out and make disciples!
Jesus died for our sins and poured out His Blood on our behalf. The Bible also tells us that the gate is narrow and there are few who will find it. But, His Blood is the scarlet thread, the line of demarcation. It is also the trail we must follow and cross over. It satisfies the cost, the commitment and proves our readiness. It is once we step over the line drawn in His Blood that we are ready, have counted the cost and made the commitment and can be trusted with the authority. It is then that perhaps we will see the miracle working power of Jesus and the Apostles through our lives again.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame the accuser because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”(Revelation 12:10-11).
(Reaching the Lost and Making Disciples for Jesus)
Family, Individual and Youth Discipleship and Development
Objectives: Reach the lost and gather the straying sheep, build up the Body of Christ, His Church.
We are to be built up into the priesthood of believers, commissioned and sent as missionaries and ambassadors of Christ, to
(# 1), the lost, and,
(# 2), the straying sheep of God, and
(# 3), for the building up of the Body of Christ.
(In other words, we need to tell and show the lost and remind the straying sheep of God, the Gospel message in word, by our behavior and deed. Then, to make disciples, teaching and training them to also become missionaries (disciple-makers) for Christ. By this we establish the Church (Ekklesia, the called out ones) within our Church Body.
Jesus taught that “Foxes have holes and Birds of the Air have nests”. He is saying that we are to go out and make disciples. We are not to retreat to the comfort and safety of our ‘fox dens’ or our ‘feathered nests’. He never advocated a stationary and static church, i.e., a “legacy type of church”.
Everything we do should point to making individuals, families (fathers, mothers and children) integral participants in Jesus’ Mission, in our local Body.
We must change what ‘coming to church’ or ‘attend church’ means. We come to Church in order to GO OUT from the Church to reach our community and world, and that is how we are to GROW!
To accomplish this, we probably need to consider reviewing or changing our attitude and paradigm of “coming to church”.
First of all, research shows that people come to church for specific reasons. And becoming an audience or an adherent is not on the list. But, they will leave if thier initial expectations are not met.
Here are the top 10 reasons given by Americans who attend religious services at least once a month, according to Pew. Survey. (For you information, respondents were allowed to give more than one reason.) The percentage refers to people who said this was a “very important” reason for their decision:
To become closer to God. (81%)
So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
To become a better person. (68%)
For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
They find the sermons valuable. (59%)
To be part of a faith community. (57%)
To continue their family’s religious traditions. (37%)
They feel a necessary obligation to go. (31%)
To meet new people or socialize. (19%)
Because the pastor knows my name. (added by author.)
People need to come to church to meet Jesus; to learn about Him, to come to know Him personally and intimately by the Word of God, and by our living example; they need to learn how to follow Him – which is both taught and caught, and learn to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Then, they and we, together, GO and live out our relationship with Him let that be our witness! Go and order to Grow!
We need to understand the demographics and discover ways to become more visible and find UNIQUE ways to serve the community – and that boils down to being like Jesus and doing what He did and taught.
GO OUT with activities: Churches tend to hold ‘events’ in order to attract people to Church. So, we invite people to Chruch on a holiday or a speical occasion, maybe once very few months, hoping we will attract some to come back. But unless there is something to keep them coming back, (about 25% will come back a second time if everything goes just right), it’s a one-and-done matter.
It is God who draws people and saves them. We are simply His Hands, Feet and Voice. We go in His Name. But,
#1. We need “Meet them where they live”. We take the Church to them. It can no longer be “Come Grow With Us”. It has to be “Let’s GO and Grow in Christ Together”. Find ways to keep them coming back, every week.
Many church growth programs actually pander to the community, so they attract those ‘already saved’ who are shopping churches. That is, I believe, why baptisms are so low. We aren’t reaching a lost world, we are reaching a saved and straying world!
We can continue to do what is working. PLUS here are some EXAMPLES of IDEAS to go OUT and build:
(1). Build a youth soccer program – A uniquely Christian approach – teach and coach joy, to be peacemakers, kind, good, patient, gentle, self-controlled, yet, proficient, competitive, hardworking, reaching for excellence. Imagine the (Concealed Name) Baptist Church Family Youth Soccer Program!
(Just FYI, I have had experience and qualifications as national youth license, 15 + years experience.
Area Demographics known. Here is an examples of another church doing these very things: Shepherds.Org.
(1.a). Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America! Kids love it, Dads and Moms love it and if you try it, you will love it too! It is a perfect FAMILY activity! Build a uniquely Christian approach to this sport and influence our area for Christ!
This is a kid and family magnet. Imagine, the (Concealed Name) Baptist Church Family Pickleball Club!!
(And by the way, I have been a pickleball club director and I am currently rated as an advanced player and coach)
(1b.) Bible Quzzing is another exciting and fun ways to get our kids and teens into memorizing the Bible. This is an exciting activity with a purpose! would be greatly surprized how fun this is and how much the kids love it!
Imagine the (Concealed Name) Baptist Church Quiz Team!! (And by the way, my wife has been a Quizzing coach and organizer when our kids were adolecents and teens).
(1c). Offering public neighborhood and citywide conferences on subjects such as
“Is The End Of The World A Possibiliy?” (Eschatology – End Times),
“Is Peace Possible in this crazy world – And How About Me and My Family?”,
“How Can I Kknow That God Really Exists – And How Does That Change Things for Me?”
Future planning: There is a plethora of other means and a multitude of ideas, but the main thing is that we build continuity into our Family, Teen and Children’s ministry. Something parents and kids will come back for, week after week, and not just a seasonal or occasional ‘one-and-done’ activity which repeats quarterly or annually.
ALL OF THESE THINGS, AND MORE, TO INFLUENCE AND REACH YOUR HOME AREA AND BEYOND FOR CHRIST!
(2) We must intentionally ADOPT our visitors and new members as “being part of our family”, from day ONE.
(a). Greeting our visitors and getting to know our new members in ways that make them feel at home, can be intimidating for our MEMBERS. So, perhaps we should hold classes and teach, help and train our MEMBERS the “HOW TO techniques and methods” on greeting, creating conversations and making our visitors feel at home and part of our Church Family. (Improve our ‘meet and greet the people around you’ only to go back to ‘sitting in our own little groups, staring forward and listening to the sermon after our greetings.)
(3). Coming to church AS A VISITOR can be uncomfortable, and even intimidating for most people. We must remember that our visitors are just that: visiting us. And we only get ONE CHANCE at making a FIRST IMPRESSION, and that it is a 25-70 deal at best. So, we must turn that around and make it about them. We need to let them know how important they are to us and to Jesus. We need to make them feel as if they are at home, and it is as if we are the visitors in their house! We have to change the paradigm.
(4). Perhaps we could form Parent-children mentoring (discipleship) sessions early in the visitation process or “new member’s class” process. For example: we begin meeting in special orientation sessions as a way to help them integrate.
(4a). Design short discussion games with parents and kids.
(4b). Separate into parent groups and youth groups. Teach from selected scriptures. Then, discuss achievements and needed improvement in behaviors, activities, family environments, etc., in light of selected scriptures.
Form and Technique: What is meant is that we must build the next generation by TRULY making disciples. I.e., “we must decrease in our influence so Jesus can increase through us and the others among us”. It means that we must teach, train, encourage and send; THEN we must begin to replace ourselves with THE NEXT GENERATION – on purpose!
We will be building a Family Ministry to young families and youth as part of the main Body here at (Concealed Name) Baptist Church, yet separate from the routine – think of it as a Missionary Church Plant WITHIN OUR OWN BODY!
Our focus must be on Jesus’ mission, calling, plan, methods and ways. We should minimize our own creativity. We must constantly be on mission, teaching, instructing, training and inspiring fathers, mothers and children to become mature as living examples, teaching, and training in righteousness, so that they, as servants of God are thoroughly equipped for every good work through the Spiritual Gifts God has granted each one for the building up of the Body: (also see Pastor Vern Collins, UMC Boone).
Lead them to Christ; disciple them in His Name, His calling, His mission, His purpose and His ways;
Lead them to become fully involved, inspired, excited, devoted followers of Jesus, and
Teach them to become disciple makers,
Executing Jesus’ mission, His plan, using His method for His purpose.
Then, send them. They, then, ARE the Church. “It is no longer ‘we four, and no more’”.
Encourage and assist them in building His Church (not ‘our church’), and sending His church out (not ‘our church’). WE MUST DECREASE SO HE, JESUS, CAN INCREASE.
We begin with those in our Church whom God has gifted to be disciple-makers. God has alredy Gifted and Equipped them. These will become our Church Planters (Family and Youth Ministry planters) within our Church. This will be and EXTENSION of our Body, new and separate, but fitted together with the Body.
God will provide the gifts and talents necessary, not only for our Church Planters but also for these new believers to – FROM DAY ONE – to become capable of leading the way forward!
God will provide the gifts and talents necessary, not only for our Church Planters but also for these new believers to – FROM DAY ONE – to become capable of leading the way forward! Please take a look at this list of Spiritual Gifts and the linked test below this list.
I am providing an example here, of how new believers become “fitted together with the Body” when establishing a Young Families and Youth Ministry by Planting a church within a Church. (see Boone UMC – Vern Collins link below). My son and his family were living in Boone, NC. Their pastor was a man named Vern Collins. I met him at my son and daughter-in-law’s house during a soccer related cookout. (My son and family were moving). Instead of leaving after the cookout, Vern stayed and helped them pack their moving van. Vern lives with and in Jesus’ Church body. They are his extended family. I visited their church after they moved and got to know Vern Collins just a little better. The Boone United Methodist church needed to attract and establish (grow) a youth group.
They started by building a group within the Church and ended up planting a new church INSIDE the existing Church and eventually they GREW TOGETHER and ‘co-mingled’. They are still doing that to this day! (Please view the LINK at the bottom of this page).:
We say that we are ambassadors for Christ which is just another way to say that we are missionaries for Christ. We are on mission, planting churches – first within our own Church Body, then OUTSIDE our walls in the future!
We say we are missionaries and ambassadors for Christ. So, let’s be that!
(And as an addition to my resume and experience: I have had decades experience working with youth, both in the church and outside the church).
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young (Pastor/Teacher/Evangelist/Church Planter).
Statistics show that we, the Church, are losing attendance, losing members, losing credibility, and we are losing the next generation to the world’s ways and beliefs. Some are dropping out from boredom, some from disappointment, others dont’ see the relevance. They are being influenced and trained by liberal and pagan social media outlets.
We have to engage them in Biblically sound and exciting ways. It has to be exciting, relevant, active, life challenging and life changing. It has to be the Gosple as Jesus taught it. People, families and kids want to be involved and not just an idle audience.
God is calling, and if we are willing, this is going to happen. We will be that “light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden”.
Your pastor, brother and friend,
Mike Young
PS:
I would not be coming here to perpetuate a Legacy Church. I am called to do the will of God by following Jesus
By proclaiming and teaching His Message, His Methods and His Ways;
To execute His Plan by adopting and following his Purpose, Using His Methods.
I have no doubt in my mind that God is calling me, has commissioned and sent me to bring His Good News to the humble and afflicted;
That He has is sending me to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted, and to release the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual captive from their confinement, condemnation and bondage and to set those prisoners free by the will and power of the Gospel of Jesus.
I am here to proclaim the favor of the LORD is to come upon this Church.
I am here to comfort all who mourn, to give them a new hope instead of living in the ashes of the past; I am bringing oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.
You would become known as oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
We will rebuild the ruins of the postmodern Church, and we will raise up and restore the former ways of Christ Jesus.
We will renew the ruined sanctuary of God, and the memory of the glories our God to this generation and this in this day.
Henceforth, people you haven’t known up until now, will come and will give to you freely, and they will become your laborers in God’s Work here.
You shall be called the priests of the LORD in this place; people will speak of you as the ministers of God.
You will enjoy a new health and new wealth.
Instead of our former embarrassments or shame we will share in a double portion of God’s Spiritual Blessings; And instead of past humiliation we will shout for joy over this new portion from God.
Everlasting joy will be ours – for those who will trust and follow God in all of His plans, purposes, methods and way.
Let’s please, ask ourselves: Are we doing WHAT Jesus told us to do and to be? HOW is it that we are doing WHAT Jesus told us to do and to be? WHEN are we doing WHAT Jesus told us to do and to be?
Let’s start with Church. Why do you go to Church?
What are you learning in Church, and WHAT are you doing with what you have learned?
Jesus has told us WHO we are to be, HOW we are to be. He completed His earthly ministry by telling us WHAT to do. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.“
So, please ask yourself, how exactly are you fulfilling the Great Commission? Jesus specifically told His disciples, then and now, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
When is the Church – you and me – going to do exactly what Jesus has taught and demonstrated for us to do – the way He demonstrated it?
What am I saying? Please, read and consider these MAIN THINGS Jesus demonstrated and taught:
(4). Jesus sent “The Saved” to reach the lost and to tell and teach the Good News of Jesus, and to tell the lost how to be saved.
(5). Jesus sent “The already Saved” to show “The Newly Saved” how to think like Jesus and to think by our example.
(5a). Jesus sent “The already Saved” to show “The Newly Saved” how to think like Jesus and to think by their example.
(6). Jesus sent “The already Saved” to show “The Newly Saved” to imitate Christ. (imitate Jesus).
(7). Jesus warns “The already Saved”, The “Newly Saved” and others of the coming Judgment. (Matthew 24 – Matthew 25).
(7a). Jesus warns “The already Saved” and “The Newly Saved” to get ready and to stay ready, by doing what He teaches and commands in preparation for the coming judgment and rapture. (Matthew 24 – Matthew 25).
(7b). Jesus sent “The already Saved” to show “The Newly Saved” to get ready and to stay ready, by doing what He teaches and commands in preparation for the coming judgment and rapture. (Matthew 28:16-20).
These are the Main Things of His Great Commission. Anything and everything else Jesus has done or will do before the Judgment comes, He will do through us – “The Saved”. He has prepared these works ahead of time, that we might walk in them (see Ephesians 2:10).
And, HOW are we to accomplish these Main Things? (You might say or think, “I’m not a missionary, a preacher or an evangelist. So I can’t do all these main things”. But I would say, “Oh, but you are a missionary, a preacher and an evangelist – of sorts”. God has gifted you with Spiritual Gifts, so that you can effectively participate in the Great Commission, and you must.
Here is a list of the Gifts which God gives His Body, i.e., “The Saved”, equipping them to be able to do the Main Things that Jesus taught and demonstrated.
You see, it would seem that we have come to think that these Spiritual Gifts are exclusively self-serving. But they are not. “God gave some the Gift as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,fortheequippingofthesaintsfor the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ”.
In addition to the Gifts of the Spirit, we receive and exhibit theFruitoftheSpirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (see Galatians 5:22-23).
These are the things that say,“we are a pleasing fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing“. (see 2 Corinthians 2:15). These are the things that lift the Name of Jesus in and through our lives.
(See if you can find which gift or gifts He has given to you – and, please remember, they are His gifts given to you for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry and for His use of building up the Body of Christ, The Church. You are among “the called” and “the sent”.)
Prophecy Word of wisdom Apostle Apostle
Serving Word of knowledge Prophet Prophet
Teaching Faith Teacher Evangelist
Exhortation Gifts of healing Miracles Pastor
Giving Miracles Kinds of healing Teacher
Overseer Prophecy Helps
Mercy Distinguishing spirits Administration
Tongues Tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Again, please remember, these supernatural graces are given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit with the purpose of building up the Body of Christ which is The Church and are needed to fulfill the mission of the Church. Spiritual Gifts enable Christians to serve the Lord and His Church. (They are not for our personal entertainment, no matter how beneficial we think our own ideas for these gifts might be.)
These are the Main Things. But it seems that most of the Church of the 21st century, are making other things their main things.
So, WHAT, WHY, HOW, and WHEN are we to do these Main Things?
Jesus did tell us that “of the many that are called, few are chosen”. And that the seeds of the Gospel are spread far and wide, but some fall on rocky soil and spring up, but the sun comes out and they wither away. Some fall on thorns and the thorns choke them out. But some fall on rich good soil, and they yield a crop, some a hundred some sixty and some thirty-fold.
A good example of this is to consider that great crowds followed Jesus, some out of curiosity, some out of desperation. But when the responsibility to follow Him became difficult, the crowds disappeared and the numbers diminished.
When Jesus crossed the sea, only His disciples were with Him, and they saw Him walking on the turbulent waters at night. The disciples were terrified and clung to the boat. But Peter left the safety of the boat to follow Jesus. He was the only one.
So, as the crowds of curiosity seekers begin to go away, you be ONE OF THE FEW; you be the GOOD SOIL; You be the ONE TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT. Go, and follow Him.
God has made a way for those who are willing to GO. Hence,
Many are called.
The lost will hear His Voice
The lost receive the Word and are saved.
The lost become devoted followers of Jesus.
The few will Go and Make Disciples, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that Jesus has commanded – Just like the 11 disciples followed Jesus and many more have followed them until someone told you about Jesus. Now it is your turn, to Go, to show, and to tell others.
Let’s pray for one another as we witness to the world around us through the Spiritual Gifts and the Spiritual Fruit He has put within each of us.
Have you heard that “God has a plan for your life”? The implication, often, is that God has a tailor-made plan just for you and you alone. It is as if God has planned His entire creation around your time on this earth. Wow. Unfortunately, not only is this kind of thinking incredibly myopic and shortsighted, it is misinformed and will inevitably lead you down the wrong path. A dead end.
Now, I can almost hear many people say, “but Jeremiah 29:11-13 says that God has a plan for your life”. As an example, I hear many Christians, preachers, pastors and theologians included, suggest that God’s plan for your life and that it can be found in scriptures like, Jeremiah 29:11-13. To wit: ”For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29 verses 11 through 13 are widely read, widely quoted and very popular verses. I know many people ‘claim’ these verses as a promise from God to bless their life with a future and a hope. But this is just one example of how people will misunderstand God’s Plan by using a egocentric view of life. I.e., it’s all about ‘me’.
However, if you look at the context of these verses, you can see how many folks sadly take these verses out of context. Read what comes just before and after these verses.
Jeremiah 29:8, “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream.
Verse 9. ‘For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.
Verse 10. “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
Verse 11. ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Verse 12. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Verse 13. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Verse 14. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’
Jeremiah chapter 29 is an historical account of the Israelites in exile, as punishment from God for their disobedience. The prophet Jeremiah confronts the false prophet, Hananiah, who had boldly proclaimed that God was going to free Israel from Babylon in two years.
So, if you don’t know this historical account, and most people don’t, are you certain you want God to ‘bless’ you with punishment and exile in order to bring you back to Himself?
However, God does have a plan. The Bible tells us that God has a plan. In fact, the Bible shows us His Master Plan, and you can see and learn about His plan if you are willing to take the time to study and search. And, I will suggest that God’s plan is much bigger than you or me. His plan is about the entire human race, the earth, the sun, the stars and the entire cosmos. And, His Plan is revealed in the first words in the book of Genesis and continues through the last words in Revelation.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You and I are included in His plan, and we are destined to navigate His plan. But we cannot do that correctly or effectively unless WE KNOW THE WAY AND THE PURPOSE of His Plan.
Once again, from an egocentric perspective, His Plan may seem like a maze to us. His plan is full of opportunities and obstacles. You must constantly be asking yourself which path to take to reach the goal? And this becomes increasingly impossible unless you know His Ultimate Goal. And, because God has designed this maze for your life, you are simply the sojourner, trying to find your way.
Jesus knows the way. In fact, Jesus is the way! He can and will lead you to safety. But you must follow Him.
This entire matter could be compared to the age old philosophical question, “why am I here, and what is the purpose of my life?” Well, if you are willing, we can answer that question:
You are here because God put you here, or more accurately, God created a man and a woman, (Adam and Eve), who, over time, put you here. That is the “how” of why you are here.
You are here because God put you here to test you. Yes, to test you, (see 1st Peter 1:3-7), and for those who ‘endure to the end’ of this testing, they will be ‘saved’, (see Matthew 24:13). That is the ‘why’ of why you are here.
God is testing you to prove you. Yes, to prove you. God’s intention is that you be saved and transformed into the image of Christ Jesus. (See Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18).
For us, this is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
This will lead to the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way. My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place.
In order to know God’s plan for your life – and the entirety of the cosmos, you must know the entire plan. Knowing is just the beginning, because once you know The Plan then you will know that you have to choose to join HIM in what HE is doing or go your own way. Okay?
So, let’s look at exactly what is God’s Plan for everyone and everything? What is His purpose? Let me put it as succinctly and briefly as possible:
God Created – and said “It is good” and “very good”. (see Genesis 1)
(Humankind rebelled, but it was no surprise to the omniscient God. See Genesis 3).
God will Destroy that which is not perfected. (see Matthew 24-25)
God will Create a new Heaven and a New Earth for all those whom He perfected, to live in perfection with Him. (see Revelation 21).
If you will come to understand this, then all your successes and failures, all the pleasantries and the tragedies, all the good and all of the bad things of life, even death and eternity, will begin to make perfect sense.
Notice that I do not say it will be easy. It will not and is not easy. It is hard. But, if you look hard enough, you can come to see the purpose in every circumstance, the pleasant and the unpleasant, the good and the bad. You will see the outcome as the proving of your faith, even if you have to wait years after these events that come upon you to see the results (see 1st Peter 1:3-7).
I will present, first, a very brief and a very simple overview of a biblical time line to help you understand. I will begin with the Creation of the heavens and the earth, and take you on a journey through time, until the destruction, and the creation of a New Heaven and a new earth. We will see the complete Plan of God, as found in the Bible. (And, don’t worry. It will be an abbreviated history of how God has created the world, dealt with the people He created, and why the world has gone the way it has gone and how it will conclude.)
One last note. This is not designed to please everyone, and it will not fit every different denominational doctrine. Instead, this is meant to
Inform you, to
Inspire you, and to
Ignite you to move toward the One Living God and to join Him in what He is doing!
I hope that my Christian friends, and others who read this, don’t find it objectionable solely because I have omitted certain events. However, it is my intention to inform and inspire, NOT overwhelm the reader with volumes of information.
PERFECTION – In the beginning, God created.
He began with the imperfect and created the Masterpiece, first in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for a millennium until it became His Perfection.
This is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
This is an introductory study and an explanation on the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way. My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place.
This will take you on a journey into the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way, and it will reveal His PURPOSE.
My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place. God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He purposed; from
The Creation, through
The Garden of Eden, and
The Fall of Man to,
The Great Flood,
The Tower of Babel,
The Exodus from Egypt,
The possessing of The Promised Land,
The Destruction of the First Temple, and
The Jewish Captivity in Babylon,
The birth of Jesus,
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus,
The Destruction of the Second Temple,
Our steady march through time has been exactly as Bible prophecy has foretold. We have entered an era leading to the destruction and, eventually, a rebirth of the heavens and the earth.
The world has entered the final epoch of time, known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The of Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation Period”, which was marked by the birth of Jesus. There are reportedly visible and observable signs and ancient writings to help you, if you believe in such things. However, most people either don’t recognize the signs or writings or don’t believe. Even among those who believe these prophecies are coming to pass and see the signs, few know what they are seeing, where they are leading or what to do in response.
Daniel 12:1, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distresssuch as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life,but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”
Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?”Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time. Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.Verse 12. Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
And there will be a time of such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, (These words are repeated by Jesus in Matthew 24:21), and,
everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse
Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven,
and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream.Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,
“How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that
(a) it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so, I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.
Verse 10.Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.
Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12.
(a) Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
Not surprisingly, the main interest in this subject continues to be in the sensationalism of the matter; and sadly, both fictional and religious writers are profiteering and capitalizing on the subject financially. All-the-while, assuming these things are true, they are grossly ignoring the urgency and the catastrophic ramifications which are being played out.
This subject is classified as “Eschatology”, which is the study of final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. The word comes from the Greek word, éschatos, meaning “last” and ‘logy’ meaning “the study of”. Most of the major religious denominations which teach this doctrine believe it will come on the world suddenly, with an increasing intensity and will last for just seven years. This view is a myopic view of the Bible’s history time line, but a careful study of the Bible tells a much different version of these events.
A study of the ‘long view’ of the Bible on this subject, will show that the End of This Age was planned before creation. God, indeed “has a plan for your life” as He has had a plan for the entire world, but it is not the “Sunday school version” you heard about. This is real, dangerous, exciting and both deadly and life-giving.
It has taken many millenniums for this travail to unfold, and we may still have many years to go. But I suppose that when you are dealing with an Eternal God who has no beginning and no end, time is not a factor. God can take all the ‘time’ He wants to execute His plan. Please come with me and let’s continue to explore God’s Plan for you and me and the entire cosmos.
WHERE ARE WE IN GOD’S TIMELINE?
The time is near. Could it possibly be that we are already in the Last Days? If so, when did they begin?
Let’s take a look at what Jesus and His first disciples had to say about the Last Days, the End of Days, the End of the Age
Matthew 24:4-31, Jesus describes a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. 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 Matthew 24:3-4),
(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).
(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).
These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun betweenthe time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.
Acts 2:14-17, the Apostle Peter says, “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 daysit shall be…’(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
1 Corinthians 10:11, the Apostle Paul says, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
2 Timothy 3:1, Timothy says, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
1 John 2:18, the Apostle John says, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).
If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95. What do you think now?
These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at or around the time of the birth of Christ; and these mark the first 5 tribulation Seals being broken. They have been ongoing, overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation).
WHAT DOS THIS MEAN TO US?
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THE CONCLUSION OF THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN IN A MOMENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SECOND-CHANCES. THE TIME IS UPON US.
The word “flood” is used about 28 times in the Bible. It is used eleven times in the Book of Genesis and refers to God’s Judgment on the world for sin by way of the Great Flood.
The word “flood” is used either in general terms or symbolically, twice in Job, five times in Psalms, once in Proverbs, Isaiah and Nahum, once in Luke.
It is used in reference to God’s Judgments, once in Daniel, twice in Matthew, once in Luke once in 2 Peter and once in Revelation. All of these references are related to the End of Days in some way, except for 2 Peter.
The Bible mentions a flood in conjunction with God’s Judgment and the “End of Days” as mentioned, in Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation 12.
Let’s focus on the narrative of a flood in Matthew 24:37 which speaks specifically about the “Flood”, comparing what is past and what coming.
The flood in Matthew 24:37 is a direct reference to the Great Flood of Noah’s day, which “took them all away” who were not safe in the Ark.
Matthew uses the same wording and warnings as found in the Genesis Flood account:
Matthew 24:39, tells us, “And, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so, will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Verse 40. “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 41. “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 42. “Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Verse 43. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
Verse 44. “For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
Verse 45. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Verse 46. “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”
In Noah’s day, although Noah warned them, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away.
So, it will be with the coming of “The Son of Man, which is Jesus. But now we understand the warnings and will have no excuse. Still, if you do not heed the warnings, you will be taken away.
The warning is, “those who are not ready will be left”. They will be left. No excuses and no second chances, not even during the Tribulation.
“Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes:
Be on the alert; he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into
Be the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time.
This is to be our response. Get Ready and Stay Ready!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ON THE ALERT AND TO BE READY?
Repent of your sin and fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sin. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). The Lord knows who are His, and He will leave none of them behind (John 10:14).
Be found living your life as Jesus has modeled and taught. This is only possible if you are guided by the Holy Spirit, Who empowers you with His gifts, Guidance and the Fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Be found telling about and demonstrating the Good News of Jesus; making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to do all that Jesus has commanded.
I realize this is just a synopsis of all that the Bible teaches. But it is a starting point. Now it is up to you and to me to continue to pray and study about God’s Plan and our part in His Plan.
Let me conclude by saying that everything that occurs in these Last Days is part of God’s Plan. You don’t really have to fully understand each and every event or occurrence and how they fit into this Plan. You just have to know, by faith, that God is sovereign and that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher that our ways. His word which goes out of His mouth will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish exactly what He has planned. It will succeed in the Purpose for which He has sent it. Therefore, your and I can go out with joy and be led in peace. This is what God says, “Guard justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come and My righteousness is to be revealed. Blessed is a man or woman who does this, and who takes hold of it; Who keeps from profaning the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil. I will give you an everlasting name which will not be eliminated.”
Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”
That is an odd thing to say to someone who wants to follow you, isn’t it? What does Jesus mean?
A scribe in the Bible, was a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; added to the Mosaic law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion.
Scribes were trained and enrolled in the Sanhedrin political and judicial council headed by the high priest (in his role as civil ruler); in the Talmud it is described as primarily a religious legislative body headed by sages, though with certain political and judicial functions. (notes from the Online Bible edition)
So, Jesus tells this Scribe, this judge and sage, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
Foxes retreat to the safety of their lair. They live and remain in their holes, venturing out only to gather food and water, then they scurry back to the safety of the hole. Their focus is on their safety and their hole in the ground.
Same for the birds. They have the nest they build to lay eggs and raise their young. A safe place. They, too, venture out for food, but their focus is on the safety of a nest.
BUILDING HIS CHURCH
Jesus, however, is on mission. He knows that He is the permanent sacrifice for the reconciliation of all people to God. He is doing the work of His Father. Time is short.
He is telling this scribe and His disciples that He has neither the time nor the intention of settling into a “hole in the ground” or building “a nest” into which they can settle down and feel safe.
He has no time for building programs, no time for social programs, no time for endless debate over the ‘cummin and dill’ of the Torah or the endless list of man’s constructs designed to explain and contain the Holy Scriptures. No time for holes in the ground or nests.
Jesus is saying that He is the foundation of His Church, and He is on the move, building His Church. He is the foundation for Temple of the Holy Spirit in the hearts, minds and souls of people.
His Church is Spiritually alive, organic and naturally fluid and on the move; It cannot be contained by a program or an institution. It is powerful, transformative, life changing, world altering and cannot be taught in a school on religion.
If you come to know Jesus, you will know His Church, and it is not to be found in a building, a hole in the ground or a nest.
THE CHURCH WAS A MOVEMENT
In AD 1 The Church of Jesus Christ, The Body of Christ, had no buildings, little money and no wealth. The Church was a Movement.
Jesus said to make disciples; collect no money except to make your journey.
However, the penalty for becoming a Christian was often death.
Still, the Church grew exponentially.
THE CHURCH BECAME A PHILOSOPHY
A.D. 49 – The Church expanded into Greece. The Church became a philosophy to many. The Church grew and size and influence.
THE CHURCH BECAME AN INSTITUTION
A.D. 313 – The Church expanded into Rome and it gained recognition. It grew in power and popularity. It obtained wealth, buildings, property and influence. It became an institution.
THE CHURCH BECAME A CULTURE
A.D. 380 – The Church expanded into Europe. It was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It grew in wealth, stature, power and influence. It had become a culture.
THE CHURCH BECAME A BUSINESS
A.D. 1607 – The Church reaches America.
A.D. 1681 – The Church became corporate. It had became a business and incorporated. It became regulated by the government.
The Corporate Church grew. It needed money to support growth and expansion, which meant the Corporate Church needed more people.
A.D. – 1777 The state of Virginia granted tax exemption to houses of worship.
A.D. – 1894 The corporate church was granted tax exemptions by the Federal Government.
A.D. 1954 . The Federal Government regulated what a church could and could not say in order to retain tax-exempt status.
The church continued to grow, and in order to attract more people the Corporate Church lowered its membership and doctrinal standards. More people became ‘members’ and gave more money to support more growth.
The Church corporation is complete with leaders, boards and membership and a business model.
Local churches compete against one another for members (customers). The church is selling itself in “three line slogans”.
The Church members now have choices and have become religious consumers. Church people can shop around for the religious brand and standards that best suits them. (2 Timothy 3)
The Leadership (pastors and preachers) have become CEOs, disciples have become church leaders, growing their 501(c)(3) business models.
Record numbers of pastors quitting because of stress, burnout or are being fired by their congregations (some stats say 1500 – 1700 leave “the ministry” each month).
Church debt in America soars; church foreclosures soar.
A.D. 1968 – The church ordains homosexuals as clergy.
A.D. 1972 -The United church of Christ ordains homosexual clergy
A.D. 2010 – The Lutheran church ordains homosexual clergy
A.D. 2012 – The Presbyterian church USA, ordains homosexual clergy
We, The Church, The Body of Christ, You and I, must return to Jesus’ Way. We must be doing those Works that Jesus does and the way He does them.
Jesus faced the same circumstances during His earthly ministry. But He and His disciples stood out from the crowd. They were counter-cultural. They were reviled, mocked, spit upon, and persecuted. And they changed the world and glorified God!
The postmodern church’s way of inventing new ways of ‘doing church’ in order to connect to the culture is failure! We are not of this world – stop acting like it. Act like Jesus.
I wonder. What would happen if the Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (James’ brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Jude, and Simon (the Zealot) were somehow able to visit our world and go into our current-day churches?
I wonder what they would think, say and do?
Think about it.
I wonderwhat would happen if we took the Words of Jesus, that is, His teachings, His admonitions, His warnings, His deeds and works, and His miracles seriously enough to actually believe sufficiently to actually DO what He has told us to DO – and to keep doing those things?
Think about it.
I also wonder what would happen to this world if we believed and acted as the Apostles did?
It has been over two thousand years since Jesus and The Apostles walked the earth, and there is no doubt about the impact they had on this world. And even with our greatest concerns and sacrificial efforts to preserve that Message and practice, the Gospel we teach, live and practice today seems to pale into a ghostly reminder in comparison to the Gospel taught, lived and demonstrated by Jesus, the Apostles and the early Christians. Please, just read your Bible and see it.
I have tried, at various times and in various periods of my life, without making a big fuss, to do and practice the teachings of Jesus. I admit it did this partially out of obedience to His Word and partially out of curiosity. I want to be obedient to Him, but I also wanted to see if these things (witnessing Jesus and the Gospel, disciple making, miracles, etc.) could still occur – and not just occur, but occur like it did with the Apostles and with the early church.
Here is some of what I think I have discovered after thirty some years of trying.
Witnessing to people about Jesus and the Gospel can be nerve wracking and confusing at first. But with practice and given time, it becomes easier and you can grow bolder.
Most Christians nowadays, including Pastors, theologians, elders and deacons in the church, don’t witness. Most won’t even try.
I know that a few people got saved after I told them about Jesus and about the Gospel Message – at least I knew of a few. So, I know it can happen, even for the least of us.
I still wonder why so many decide to follow Jesus’ when His Words to potential believers are so blunt. He leaves no doubt about the responsibilities, the cost, and the contract one will be making with God if they decide to become a Christian and follow Him.
He is equally clear about the consequence for entering into a contract with God, that is, making a commitment of discipleship, then turning back or falling away.
But, now I know. I know what God has in store for those of us who have been faithful and obedient. Click on the banner “NOW I KNOW” and you can know, too:
So, now I have almost stopped wondering – except to say, I wonder why I waited so long to become His child – an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven and Joint-heirs with Jesus.
And, if you don’t know Him and haven’t received His monumental gift of unconditional love, salvation for your soul, forgiveness of all your sins, a new start to live – one full of hope, meaning and purpose – I WONDER what you are waiting for? Call on Him now. Give yourself to Him and live!
“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 36and 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. 13And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If 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!
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!
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 8:31says, “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 21:21says, “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 willbe transformedby 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!
While listening to a sermon from James 1:9-11, I realized that the backdrop of James’ words could be framed by what we have been seeing since creation and throughout history – which is intensifying once again in these Last Days – what I will call “THE GREAT SPIRITUAL INVERSION”. If you look close enough, you can see this “INVERSION” described and illustrated in the book of New Testament book of James. God gives the correct order of creation, for example, as seen in:
(James 1:9-11, New American Standard Bible)
“Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
“But the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also, the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.”
“Let the brother [or sister] in humble circumstances glory in his high position [as a born-again believer, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God];
(James 1:9-11, Amplified Bible version)
“And the rich man is to glory in being humbled [by trials revealing human frailty, knowing true riches are found in the grace of God], for like the flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away; so too will the rich man, in the midst of his pursuits, fade away.”
There are two world systems which have emerged as a result of this INVERSION. All things began with God’s Initial Plan of Creation, and as sin entered the world, two “alternate plans” emerged which are competing for the hearts and minds of all humankind. This ‘competition’, as it is rightly called, can be, and often is, violent and deadly. These systems which have emerged from God’s Created Order are
CAPITALISM, which is derived from GOD’S CREATED ORDER and COMMUNISM, SOCIALISM AND MARXISM, a perverse derivative taken from God’s Created Order.
NOTE: From the Communist Manifesto:“Socialism is the first necessary step from Capitalism to Communism. Once Communism is established, Socialism is done away with, discarded”.
The Socialist and Communist manifestos clearly state that Christianity is the bane of their systems and objectives and must be eliminated and eradicated at any and all costs.
Christianity calls for the conversion of all other systems to a belief in and a voluntary adherence to the ways, means and purposes of God.
Satan’s “SPIRITUAL INVERSION”. is the devil’s attempt ”to deceive the nations to call evil good, and good evil; who substitutes darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitutes bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter”, (see Isaiah 5:20 in all English translations). Satan’s “SPIRITUAL INVERSION” is in full attack mode and is on full display, in these Last Days, which are the days in which we now live as evidenced by:
Now, also read and hear the words pointing to the INVERSION:
“For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. “On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking[godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened.Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles.
“Therefore, God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
“For this reason, God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural [a function contrary to nature], and in the same way also the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing.
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.” (Romans 1:18-32, from the Amplified Bible version)
Abandonment of Faith
“But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.”(1 Timothy 4:1-4, from the Amplified Bible version)
Difficult Times Will Come
“But understand this, that in [these] Last Days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come, [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate morally weak and spiritually-dwarfed women weighed down by [the burden of their] sins, easily swayed by various impulses, always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7, from the Amplified Bible version.)
There have been previous ‘outbreaks’ or attempts through schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Remembering that our struggle is not against flesh and blood contending only with physical opponents, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly supernatural places.
It would appear that Satan is succeeding in coalescing the nations of the world around his plan of “spiritual INVERSION”. But it is only a little more time before God settles the score and puts all things in His Right order, and then “the devil who has deceived the nations will be thrown into the lake of fire and burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (see Revelation 20:10).
James is explaining in fine detail and is defending, in practical terms, the immutable superiority of God’s Created Order and the Only Reality.
“I have read the entire Bible seven times”, he proudly stated.
“So, what have you learned?”, I asked.
“A lot”, he said.
“Like what?”, I asked.
He proceeded to tell me several things he learned about the Bible and ABOUT people in the Bible. He learned things ABOUT God, ABOUT salvation, ABOUT Jesus, ABOUT sin, ABOUT heaven, ABOUT hell, ABOUT the Old Testament feasts, ABOUT the tribulation, ABOUT the rapture ABOUT the synoptic Gospels, etc.”
“Sounds great!”, I said. “What are you doing with all you have learned ABOUT all these things?”, I pried.
He squinted his eyes and squeaked, “Huh?”
“Let me cut through all the theology and exegesis and history and socio-political-religious education and ask which “works” Jesus said we should be doing are you actually doing or have you already done?”
He sighed deeply and whispered, “What are you talking about? What are you driving at? You make no sense to me. Before I became a Christian, I sinned a lot. I was lost. I was very unhappy. I got saved, and now I am a Christian, I go to church, I teach Sunday school, I serve God in my own way, and I am going to heaven. My life is much better. I invite people to church and have even told someone about Jesus this year. Why are you asking me these things and what are you looking for?”
(note to self: count the “I’s”, “My’s” and “Me’s” in his response.)
“Nothing really. I hear from you about you, but I am Just curious as to which of Jesus’ works you are doing? You see, Jesus said we were to GO and DO certain things. He said we would DO HIS WORKS and even greater works than those, because He was going to the Father. I think that all you have said is great, and those are great things. But, the bottom line, or at least I thought the bottom line, was following Jesus and doing what He has told us to do. That’s all.”
I could tell I had irritated my friend, and it seemed that he was slightly exasperated with me.
I think most of us, as professing Christians, do a lot of good things, and a lot of those good things are “I-centered”. We do things in order to ‘get His blessings’. We also do a lot of the things our church leaders or pastors tell us to do because we haven’t been doing, and apparently won’t do the things Jesus said we should do. We can make excuses for our lack of Works, and we make excuses because there are no good reasons.
Forgive me for saying so, but “our good works” are just not good enough. It is not about us. It is all about Jesus and what He has done (and continues to do). We are to be and do likewise.
There are a lot of discussions about these “Works”. Here are three very good resources, ranging the religious spectrum of thought. Any-and-all of them can be helpful. But the point is they all point to Jesus and His Works that we are to be found doing when He comes back to take us home.
My favorite is found in John 6:29,“Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (You have to let this one sink in, deep.)
You see, it is Jesus Who does these works. Let me say it again: It is Jesus, alone, who does these greater works.
Jesus has ascended to the Father, and He does His works through His yielded and obedient servants: you and me. It is so, because He said so. It is by this that His Works are multiplied, enlarged and magnified, bringing Him glory. He alone is due all credit and all glory.
Please read Jesus’ Words on this matter inJohn chapter 6.
It’s all about Jesus. It is about having Jesus as the object of our faith, and if that faith is the size of a mustard seed…
Go and ‘do these greater works’ by yielding to Him as His servants, allowing Him to work these greater works through you – as He Wills and as He pleases.
At the risk of being impolite or seeming to be downright rude, I have a strong and stern ‘Bible inspired message’ for pastors for 2023. The Church has gone through a transitional period over the last thirty years in an apparent effort to remain or to become ‘more socio-politically relevant’.
Social norms have changed dramatically over the last fifty years, and sadly, instead of leading this change, the church has adopted the ‘new social normal’.
I’d like to present three Bible mandates as expressed by Jesus, that demonstrate that the model of the church, as taught and presented by Jesus Christ, are no longer being followed by most mainline Christian denominations. The time of His Coming is short, and we have to get this right. Here are three example of the main failures that must be correctly in 2023.
#1. Coming to Serve and not to be served.
#2 Teaching Beliefs and Practices;
#3. Making Disciples of the kind and in the likeness of Jesus.
Example #1.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).
You are not to be a visionary. You are not to be a CEO of a 501-c-3 religious organization. You occasionally fill the role of an elder, a preacher, or bible teacher, you are to be a pastor, first and foremost. And above all, do not act like a ‘hireling’ or a ‘gleaner’. The Old Testament describes a “hireling” simply as a hired laborer, perhaps a mercenary, or someone who hires oneself out to earn wages.
The New Testament, however, contrasts the “hireling” with the Shepherd. See John 10:11-13
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.”
There are those who tend to the sheep for commercial purposes (such as for a paycheck or for recogntion) . Their intentions may be good and they offer a good service. But, they, too, are nothing more than “hirelings”.
Jesus says, in John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
Jesus’ use of the word “shepherd” could be used interchangeably for overseers, pastor, elders, and presbyters. But the role of a pastor is specific and unique.
The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust. This is an apt description of a pastor.
During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact. This, too, is an apt description of a pastor.
Many “hirelings” like to use the moniker of pastor. Such a title may bring them status, respect, influence, income or even power over others. But, these kinds are just “hirelings”. Beware. Wolves are also lurking under the cover of such names.
Remember, unlike a “hireling”, Jesus tell us He requires we complete His Works as His servant as the cost for being His disciple, among His sheepfold. Besides the benefits, there is a requirement.
Don’t be fooled, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”Flee from the “hirelings”.
GLEANERS
Leviticus 19:10says to the vineyard or landowner, “Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the LORD your God.”
We see that a “gleaner” is someone who picks up, or gathers up or collects. The Bible describes them as the “needy and the stranger” and notpartofthefamily of the landowner.
The book of Ruth tells us of an account of Ruth, a Moabite, the widowed daughter-in-law of the widow Naomi. To prevent starvation, Ruth gleaned the fields of Boaz: “And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.’ Naomi said to her, ‘Go ahead, my daughter,’” (Ruth 2:2).
Ruth was a widow and had no husband to provide for her. She took the initiative and went out into the fields to take care of herself and Naomi. She made this effort as a foreigner among Naomi’s people.
In Chapter 4 of the book of Ruth, we read that Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. She is no longer a “gleaner” but is now part of the family, entitled to all Boaz has. The contrast between being a “gleaner” and a family member is stark.
The Bible says that you and I were once like the “gleaner”, not part of God’s family. Gleaning what we could from generosity of others.
There are many in the church and Christian organizations going by the title of “pastor” who are actually little more than “gleaners”. They are not like Ruth. Their mind is set to get what they can get from God and from others, whether it is material goods, money, recognition, status or influence.
GLEANERS ARE NOT GOD’S “CALLED OUT ONES”
You can tell the difference. “Gleaners” focus on themselves and their needs . They feign interest in others, but, cannot actually humble themselves before God or others. They aren’t sure how. They don’t consider “repentance” as an ongoing matter for their own lives, and they tend to pursue the “spiritual gifts” over spiritual disciplines. They usually don’t witness (tell or teach) the Gospel, and are usually unwilling servants.
They can act humble but crave recognition and leadership roles. The tip-off is how they act if they cannot get what they want. They may get angry and become manipulative. They will marginalize people who do not agree with them or will not follow and obey them. And at times they will criticize them as being ‘rogue’ our ‘lone ranger christians’, among other things.
A Believer and Follower of Jesus can also be identified by their behavior. A disciple of Jesus is a son or daughter in the family of God, a brother, sister and friend of Jesus. A joint-heir, entitled to all God has for His own children.
You cannot be a “hireling” if you are truly to serve God and feed His Sheep.
Be kind to “gleaners”, just don’t BE a “gleaner”. If you are going to come near to the House of God, stop acting or behaving as if you are needy or a aloof stranger. Become a child of God and a Joint-Heir with Jesus Christ and brother and a pastor to God’s flock.
TEACHING BELIEFS AND PRACTICES. A survey by Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research, reveals some not so-surprising results about the state of churches in the United States which springs primarily from the behavior, attitudes, beliefs, teaching and preaching of thier pastors:
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.”
Pew Research on casual sex among professing ChristiansHalf 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
Many if not most Christian pastors and preachers are getting a failing grade in the teaching of the Gospel! 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.
THE OUTCOME? Look at the history of the Church since… AD 1 The Church of Jesus Christ, The Body of Christ, had no buildings, little money and no wealth. The Church was a Movement. Matthew 16:18, says,“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. verse 19. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” verse 20. Then He gave the disciples strict orders that they were to tell no one that He was the Christ.
Jesus said to make disciples; collect no money except to make your journey.
Although the penalty for becoming a Christian was often death. The Church grew exponentially.
AD 49. The Church expanded into Greece. The Church became a philosophy to many. The Church grew and size and influence.
AD 313. The Church expanded into Rome and it gained recognition. It grew in power and popularity. It obtained wealth, buildings, property and influence. It became an institution.
AD 380. The Church expanded into Europe. It was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It grew in wealth, stature, power and influence. It had become a culture.
AD 1607. The Church reaches America.
AD 1681. The Church became corporate. It had became a business and incorporated. It became regulated by the government. The Corporate Church grew. It needed money to support growth and expansion, which meant the Corporate Church needed more people.
AD 1777. The state of Virginia granted tax exemption to houses of worship.
AD 1894. The corporate church was granted tax exemptions by the Federal Government.
AD 1954. The Federal Government regulated what a church could and could not say in order to retain tax exempt status. The church continued to grow, and in order to attract more people the Corporate Church lowered its membership and doctrinal standards. More people became ‘members’ and gave more money to support more growth.
The Church corporation is complete with leaders, boards and membership and a business model. Local churches compete against one another for members (customers). The church is selling itself in “three line slogans”.
The Church members now have choices and have become religious consumers. Church people can shop around for the religious brand and standards that best suits them. (2 Timothy 3)
The Leadership (pastors and preachers) have become CEOs, disciples have become church leaders, growing their 501(c)(3) business models.
Record numbers of pastors quitting because of stress, burnout or are being fired by their congregations (some stats say 1500 – 1700 leave “the ministry” each month).
Church debt in America soars; church foreclosures soar.
AD 1968. The church ordains homosexuals as clergy.
AD 1972. The United church of Christ ordains homosexual clergy
AD 2010. The Lutheran church ordains homosexual clergy
Millions of people(approximately 52 million) “attend church” in one of the 300,000+ churches in America, at least once a week each month. However, when people were asked the topic of the “sermon” they heard after 24 hours, only about 10 percent could tell you. When asked to cite the most important lesson they received, most just shrugged. An estimated 1.2 million hours each week
(1) are spent in sermon preparations; it takes about another 300,000 hours in delivery of these sermons
(2) at a staggering potential cost of over $750 millions dollars nationally, each week
(3). Yet, only 5% of those hearing these sermons, remember anything about them after 72 hours.
BUILDING MOREAD 2021. The church is losing and has lost influence. The church in 2021 is losing members and adherents. (George Barna research; Pew Research)
AD 2022. Much of the church is teaching and living a different Gospel than that of the Apostles.
Example #3
MAKING DISCIPLES. The Church is failing to making disciples of the kind and in the likeness of Jesus and this often falls on the pastor. Go into just about any Christian church, (or any Christian church website), and look for any evidence of discipleship training and you will either find no mention of disciple making or you will likely find a heavy emphasis on learning about various subjects or things such as ‘music ministry’, learning-luncheons, senior citizen outings, soup kitchens, but you will find little-to-no actual practical ‘disciple making’. These may be ‘good things’ but, it is not what Jesus taught and commanded His disciples to do. According to Jesus and the Bible, what is Disciple Making? Here is an abbreviated but concise example of the steps Jesus uses to make disciples:
JESUS SAYS THE WORDS TO HIS DISCIPLES – Pastor, do the same. “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
“Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”
JESUS SHOWS THE WONDERS TO HIS DISCIPLES – Pastor, do the same.
“Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
“And the news about Him spread throughout Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.”
JESUS SENDS HIS DISCIPLES – Pastor, do the same.
“Jesus summoned His disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.Jesus sent them out, instructing them, as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support.
And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting.If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.”
Jesus’ ‘discipleship training’ is a necessary evidence that a person has become a practicing Christian – not a gleaner and not a hireling – but an actual devoted follower of Jesus. It was not optional then and it is not optional now. Upon calling one man to follow Him, the man replied, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, come and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say goodbye to those at my home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
These sound like, and in fact are, harsh words which reflect the seriousness, the urgency and the importance of the role of being a pastor and a disciple of Jesus and of making disciples. But they are no harsher than whipping men and turning over tables in the temple, calling Peter, ‘Satan’ or allowing Oneself to be crucified for the sake of all who would believe! There is only ONE WAY to get this done. In fact, the Word Of God tells us this very thing in many ways.
“I am the way, the truth and the life”, (John 14:6).
“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. 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.”, (Joshua 1:7-8).
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”, (Ephesians 2:10).
“IfyouloveMe, you will keep My commandments.”, (John 14:15).
Pastor, you should focus on emulating Jesus as the perfect balance between justice and judgement, peace and travail, love and enmity, acceptance and rejection. Submit yourself to Him now, before the coming judgment. Accept and emulate His perfect love while He is the Lamb of God, for soon He will return as the Lion of Judah!
This is the model and method of Jesus’ command, for pastors to get out of your ‘comfort zones; let’s leave your self-imposed postmodern pastoral roles and “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.” THIS IS YOUR METHOD AND WAY.
Don’t lead.
FollowJesus.
It removes all the 501(c) (3) and organizational stresses and puts you on the adventure you have been looking for!
Are Christians allowing themselves to be led by sheep instead of being led by The Lion of Judah?
Someplace along the way, over the last two thousand years, it seems that many of the people calling themselves Christians, have come to assume that Jesus was either some kind of a ‘progressive left-wing ideologue’ or a pacifist and have modeled their lives as such. Let’s be crystal clear: Both assumptions are wrong. Dead wrong! (If you are thinking, “I don’t believe either one of those attributes about Jesus”, then, please take this little test, just to make certain:
PART 1.
The Bible CONTAINS the Word of God. We can subjectively pick and choose what parts of the Bible are true. YES . NO .
Jesus Christ was a GOOD MAN, probably the BEST MAN that has ever lived, but He was not necessarily God. YES. NO.
The birth of Jesus Christ was NATURAL and not SUPERNATURAL. YES. NO .
God is the FATHER OF ALL MEN and not just Christians. YES . NO .
Man is the product of EVOLUTION YES. NO.
Man is the unfortunate VICTIM of heredity and environment, but through self-culture and self effort, he can save himself. YES. NO .
There are MANY ROADS that lead to Heaven YES. NO .
ALL PEOPLE WILL EVENTUALLY BE SAVED YES. NO .
PART 2.
A loving God would never condemn anyone to hell. YES. NO .
The judgment and wrath of God was Old Testament. YES. NO.
It is OK to have “MANY FAITHS” and “many faith expressions” YES. NO .
It is OK to UNITE all churches and all faiths to believe in God. YES. NO .
THE GOSPELis equal to Social action YES. NO .
It is OK to meet a person’s PHYSICAL NEEDS (food, clothing, medicine, etc.) without giving the Gospel message. YES. NO .
Concerning the RESURRECTION: Jesus did not literally come back from the dead, it was “The influence and example of Jesus that lives on” YES . NO .
THE PROPHETIC TEACHING of the second coming of Christ is all allegory. YES. NO .
Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, but, He is not God. YES. NO .
IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO MORE THAN ONE QUESTION, PLEASE GO TO THESE LINKS. READ, PRAY AND THINK.
The examples being set by many post-modern preachers and pastors is appalling. Their agenda and practice ranges from CEO-types, dictators and control-freaks, to showmen, and the timid pacifist. (Finding an authentic ‘Fully devoted follower of Jesus styled pastor’ is a tough assignment. But, they are out there, and I strongly suggest you keep looking until you find one. And, for your own sake, don’t put anything ahead of finding a Church and pastor who models and follows the One and Only, Jesus.)
You may be asking, “So, what does the REAL JESUS look like?” It would take more time and space than I can afford at this time to describe all of the characteristics and traits of Jesus, found in the Bible. But, referring to Him as ‘The Lion of Judah’ will get started in the right direction. You can do that in your spare time. I want to focus on just one trait: The dependability and resolve of Jesus.
WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?
1. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
John 18:37“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”
2. TO BRING A SWORD
Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.Verse 35,For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;verse 36,and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.”
3. TO FULFILL THE LAW
Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”
4. TO CALL SINNERS
Mark 2:17 “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
5. TO SAVE THE WORLD
John 12:47If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
6. TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
Luke 12:49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50, But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51, Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division;
“WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”
John 14:12“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
I have heard so many preachers and bible teachers try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited. These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12. They will begin their commentary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…”.
Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said. We need to get over it and get on with it.
Jesus had a divine appointment with a cruel Roman cross. Read what He said when Peter proposed to get in the way of His mission:
Matthew 16:21– 23, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
Jesus always, taught the Will of His Father, then, demonstrated what He taught. He expects us to do the same. Ephesians, chapter six, gives us a clear teaching and picture of the type of preparation and resolve we are to assume.
Strong’s Concordance: STAND FIRM (histémi): to make to stand, to stand
Definition: to make to stand, to stand
Usage: make to stand; set up and establish, to appoint; stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast.
Continue safe and sound, stand unharmed: Acts 26:22.
(Who does not hesitate, does not waver, of one who vanquishes his adversaries and holds the ground, also of one who in the midst of the fight holds his position against the foe, to persist, continue, persevere: (so as not to fall from thy faith).
Ephesians 6:10-17, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Jesus’ demonstration of steadfast, unmovable courage:
CONFRONTING THE STORM
Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
CONFRONTING DEMONS
Luke 8:26-33 “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.
“Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.”
BEFORE PILATE
John 19:8-12 ”Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”
BEFORE THE SANHEDREN
Matthew 24:57-67, “Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him.”
Jesus did not draw back. He proceeded boldly to the Cross and secured our salvation!
Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons:
TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. This, too, is our calling!
TO BRING A SWORD. This, too, is our calling!
TO FULFILL THE LAW. This, too, is our calling!
TO CALL SINNERS. This, too, is our calling!
TO SAVE THE WORLD through Jesus. In a very real sense, this, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him
TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH. This, too, is our calling!
Don’t be led or misled by the sheep. Follow the Lion of Judah!
“But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My Witnesses…”
Some people ‘witness’ by leaving printed tracts containing Bible verses, lying around on countertops or in public bathrooms.
Some people ‘witness’ by sketching cartoon-like drawings of ‘cliffs and stranded characters separated from God by imaginary chasms’, quote a scripture or two and invite others to ‘accept Jesus by praying a little prayer’.
A few people go door-to-door, handing out religious literature or by standing on street corners handing out tracts, leaflets or pamphlets. So, what’s the harm?
Have we, tragically, reduced one of the greatest commandments and prophecies uttered by Jesus, to a “handout” or a sideshow?
Please read what the Bible actually says about being a witness:
Acts 1:4, “Gathering them together, He (Jesus) commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;
Verse 5. “for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Verse 6. “So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
Verse 7. “He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;
Verse 8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
These foregoing verses are both a PROPHECY and a command. A prophecy is a foretelling and a forth-telling, commanded by the Word of God.
Defined by Strong’s Bible concordance from the Greek language: Prophecy, (propheteia, pronounced, prof-ay-ti’-ah) is a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events;
A prediction of events relating to Christ’s kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions pertaining to it, the spirit of prophecy, the divine mind, to which the prophetic faculty is due;
Gifts and utterances of the predictions, set apart to teach the gospel, accomplish for the works of the Kingdom of Christ
Prophecy begins with a declaration or an utterance. Then it is always manifest in this natural world. The prophecy will continue to reverberate throughout time and will culminate only when the Perfect (Jesus) comes.
Jesus said, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18)
We must know this because Prophecy is accomplished and continues through God’s people and His creation. We must be obedient to His Word.
His Word, accomplishes His Work, in and through His people
The Bible describes and defines The power (δύναμις dunamis doo’-nam-is) from the Holy Spirit as a mighty work, strength, the working of miracles, of might and of virtue.
God’s Word says you will receive this power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.
You shall be given power, by the Holy Spirit, a strength, a power and the ability to be a witness for God.
You shall have an inherent power residing in you by virtue of His nature.
You shall exert and put forth miracles.
You shall exhibit moral power and excellence of soul.
You shall have the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth.
You shall have the power and resources as if arising from numbers which rests upon armies, forces and hosts.
So, what does “And you shall receive power”, say, and mean to you and to me?
God’s Word says when you will receive this power you shall be His Witness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit you will become a witness, (witness in the Greek language is, martus, pronounced, mar’-toos).
You shall also be a martyr, both in a legal and a historical sense.
You shall be one who will hear and will see and will touch the things of God.
You shall be one, who, after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of your faith in Christ, even if necessary, by undergoing a violent death.
So, what does “And you shall be My witnesses”, say, and what does this mean to you and to me?
God tells us that His Word which goes forth from His Mouth will not return to Him empty, without accomplishing what He desires, and without succeeding in the matter for which He sends it. – Isaiah 55:11
So, if you and I were to obey the Word of God, what would this look like?
Perhaps it would be like the time Jesus walked the earth, showing us the Father and doing the Works of the Father.
Jesus would preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, and as He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Jesus went, 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.
The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. (Matthew 4:17-24)
These are His Works which He prepared ahead of time for us to walk in.
Let’s Go. Let’s Preach and Teach the Gospel. Let’s make disciples, heal the sick, set the captives free.
It is our time to go into the ‘fields ripe for harvest’ and to do His Works.
The Gallup organization reported In April 2021, that for the first time since they started polling in 1937, fewer than 50% of Americans claim membership is churches, mosques or synagogues. Sociologists have tracked these burgeoning declines for several decades, with attrition that runs from 70% claiming membership in the 1990s, to 50% in 2019, to 47% in 2021 (with no plateau in sight).
In Gallup’s study, these fissures in religious participation seem evident among every American demographic age group, including “traditionalists,” born before 1945, down from 73% to 66%; “Baby Boomers,” dropping from 63% to 58%; Generation X, from 57% to 50%; and “Millennials” from 51% to 35%, as indicated in 2020 studies.
SO, WHAT’S UP?
The Covid-19 outbreak is being blamed for the recent decline in church attendance, but, that is an anomaly. Here is some information from a George Barna study reporting on five standing reasons people give on why they drop out of church (the comments are my own):
1. The church is irrelevant, the leaders are hypocritical and leaders have experienced too much moral failure
Yes, I know. That’s three reasons in one. But the Barna study groups all three reasons together as one reason.
2. God is missing in the church
People go to church looking for God, but are having difficulty finding him.
This one hurts, but in an age where perception is reality, you can’t ignore this criticism.The paucity of personal experience with God is disturbing.
3. Legitimate doubt is prohibited
Honestly, I simply agree with this criticism. It is very difficult to have an honest conversation in many churches today.
4. They’re not finding community
Sometimes expectations are too high; sometimes expectations are unrealistic; sometimes people really don’t want what they say they want; sometimes a church has metastasized into cliques. This is a tough one – but can be true on many levels. At any rate, this is not acceptable for the Body of Christ.
5. They’re not connecting with God
It does not amaze me to hear that people come to church seeking God, and they get some good sermons ABOUT GOD or ABOUT THE BIBLE, then they are discouraged when all they get is a religious pep talk, a religious rock concert or a religious lecture ABOUT GOD or ABOUT THE BIBLE. They aren’t as interested in knowing ABOUT God, as they what they want to KNOW IF GOD CAN DO, IN THEIR LIVES, WHAT PREACHERS SAID HE CAN DO. They don’t come to church to get stories about the Bible, they want to KNOW IF THE BIBLE can direct their lives,
Or perhaps, this is what is referred to the “Great Apostasy” (a falling away from the faith) of the Last Days, as mentioned in scriptures?
In either case, you and I need to be very careful because Jesus has warned, “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” This can be both individual and institutional deception.
HE SAID WHAT?
So, what was your experience in church this past month? And, what did your pastor or preacher preach on this past Sunday, and how did he preach on it? Now, be very honest; was it something ‘about the bible’ or ‘about Jesus’? Or, was it something the Bible or Jesus said to you and for you to do and, you are doing it?
Just for the ‘fun of it’, let’s compare what you are hearing and seeing in Church versus what Jesus taught and did in ‘churches’ and along His way.
Let’s do a little ‘time travel’ and imagine we can go back in time to when Jesus begins His ministry. Here’s the scene found in:
Matthew 4;12, “Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Verse 14. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Verse 15. “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
Verse 16. “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light,
And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death,
Upon them a Light dawned.”
Verse 17. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The First Disciples
Verse 18. Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Verse 19. And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Verse 20. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Verse 21. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Verse 22. Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”
Calling and making and sending disciples is what Jesus does. In fact, that is exactly what He told us to be doing. (see Matthew 28:16-20)
Did your pastor or preacher say something even remotely like Jesus when He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” or when He said, “Go 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 Jesus commanded; and remember, He is with you always, even to the end of the age.”? Or is this something to be left to the ‘professionals’? You know, ’you invite your friends, family and neighbors, and he’ll take it from there’.
But, that is not what the Bible says. It says, YOU GO, and YOU MAKE DISCIPLES, and YOU BAPTIZE THEM. Is your pastor teaching, training and sending you to DO WHAT JESUS SAID?
Put people on mission and let them run with it. Let the pastors pastor, the teachers teach, the evangelist evangelize, etc., and watch what happens.
Ministry in Galilee
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.”
Notice that Jesus does not just ‘talk a good game’, He leads by example. In fact, Jesus’ pattern and method of ministry and of making disciples is to ‘Say the Words; Show the Wonders; Send the Worker”, and this is consistent throughout His ministry.
How about your pastor or preacher and ‘church leaders’? What do they do? Are they leading by example, then sending YOU to follow Jesus in like manner? Remember, it’s all about YOU making disciples who, in turn, make disciples.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
Matthew 4:24 “The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Verse 25. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.”
THE POINT?
The point is that Jesus did not sugar-coat the Gospel Message nor did He devise slick advertising gimmicks to get people to ‘come to church’. There were no worship teams, no missions budgets, no building programs. Jesus just told it straight, did what He said, and made disciples who did likewise.
The point is that, even under constant and severe persecution, the early church grew exponentially because the Gospel Message was preached and practiced!
The point is that, THIS IS OUR MODEL and God will provide the increase.
Now, stay tuned for “THINK – Part 4 – THE SERMON?”
NOTE: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about JESUS, first, foremost and only. He has secured a salvation for you to save your soul from perishing in the most horrible way. He has prepared a place for you as your eternal home, in His Kingdom. The other things that happen to and through a believer and follower of Jesus, are the blessing and benefits that follow. – Michael Young, Pastor / Teacher, Whitestone Fellowship.
AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – A Daily Guide to Discipleship (PDF)
(1). Build a youth soccer program – A uniquely Christian approach – teach and coach joy, to be peacemakers, kind, good, patient, gentle, self-controlled, yet, proficient, competitive, hardworking, reaching for excellence. Imagine the (Concealed Name) Baptist Church Family Youth Soccer Program!
NOW THE BOMBSHELL. Plant a Church within our Church, 
Natural
“Socialism is the first necessary step from Capitalism to Communism. Once Communism is established, Socialism is done away with, discarded”.
“HEY, PREACHER, IT’S ALL ABOUT …
Don’t lead. 
