SOMETHING TO BE PROUD ABOUT

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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

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

“A lot”, he said.

“Like what?”, I asked.

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

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

He squinted his eyes and squeaked, “Huh?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing-jesus.com – Christ’s Work

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Nothing will ever be the same!)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Comments?

HEY, PASTORS – HAPPY NEW YEAR?

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

“HEY, PREACHER, IT’S ALL ABOUT …

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 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 19:10 says 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 not part of the family 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.

Here is a short video of pastor John MacArthur on the subject of “The Good Shepherd and gleaners”.

Example #2.

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

From the Cultural Research Center – George Barna Research Today, 176 million Americans claim to be Christians—69% of the population. Yet, only 6% of U.S. adults—which is 9% of those identifying as Christians—possess a biblical worldview, believing the Bible to be accurate and reliable, among other convictions. That’s according to a new study by researcher George Barna and the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona. Large majorities of self-identified Christians also report many beliefs “not in harmony with biblical teaching,” according to the survey. These include:

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

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

AD 2012. The Presbyterian church ordains homosexual clergy The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have also allowed ordination of openly gay and lesbian candidates for ministry for some years. Internationally, churches that have ordained openly lesbian or gay clergy include the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Norway, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Iceland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the Evangelical Church in Germany, the Methodist Church in Britain, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the Swiss Reformed Church, the United Protestant Church of France, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church in Canada, the Old Catholic Church, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and the United Church of Christ in Japan.

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 MORE AD 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.”

JESUS SUMMONS HIS DISCIPLES – Pastor, do the same.

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).

“If you love Me, 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.

Follow Jesus.

It removes all the 501(c) (3) and organizational stresses and puts you on the adventure you have been looking for!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(In the Bonds of Christ – Together)

STAND FIRM

July 17, 2022March 3, 2023 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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

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

PART 1.

The Bible CONTAINS the Word of God. We can subjectively pick and choose what parts of the Bible are true. YES . NO .

Jesus Christ was a GOOD MAN, probably the BEST MAN that has ever lived, but He was not necessarily God. YES . NO .

The birth of Jesus Christ was NATURAL and not SUPERNATURAL. YES . NO .

God is the FATHER OF ALL MEN and not just Christians. YES . NO .

Man is the product of EVOLUTION YES . NO .

Man is the unfortunate VICTIM of heredity and environment, but through self-culture and self effort, he can save himself. YES . NO .

There are MANY ROADS that lead to Heaven YES . NO .

ALL PEOPLE WILL EVENTUALLY BE SAVED YES . NO .

PART 2.

A loving God would never condemn anyone to hell. YES . NO .

The judgment and wrath of God was Old Testament. YES . NO .

It is OK to have “MANY FAITHS” and “many faith expressions” YES . NO .

It is OK to UNITE all churches and all faiths to believe in God. YES . NO .

THE GOSPEL is equal to Social action YES . NO .

It is OK to meet a person’s PHYSICAL NEEDS (food, clothing, medicine, etc.) without giving the Gospel message. YES . NO .

Concerning the RESURRECTION: Jesus did not literally come back from the dead, it was “The influence and example of Jesus that lives on” YES . NO .

THE PROPHETIC TEACHING of the second coming of Christ is all allegory. YES . NO .

Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, but, He is not God. YES . NO .

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

Christianity and socialism

Christianity and communism

Bible hub.com

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

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

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

1. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

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

2. TO BRING A SWORD

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

3. TO FULFILL THE LAW

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

4. TO CALL SINNERS

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

5. TO SAVE THE WORLD

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

6. TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

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

“WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: to make to stand, to stand

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

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

Stand ready or prepared: Ephesians 6:14.

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

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

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

Jesus’ demonstration of steadfast, unmovable courage:

CONFRONTING THE STORM

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

CONFRONTING DEMONS

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

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

BEFORE PILATE

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

BEFORE THE SANHEDREN

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

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

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

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

Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

AND YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESS

November 2, 2021November 2, 2021 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

“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.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike and Betty on the Beach.jpg

Mike Young

Two helpful books online

A Simple Guide to Miracles

Alpha to Omega – A quick Chronology and History

THINK – Part 3 – Where are you going?

September 23, 2021September 14, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

ANYONE GOING DOWN?

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?”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous article: “THINK – Part 2 – Repent and Live”

(Here is a website link to THE LAST REFORMATION and video links. These folks started in the Netherlands. Their methods were too unconventional for the state Lutheran Church, so upon appeal to the government, THE LAST REFORMATION was banned in the Netherlands, and they were granted asylum from religious persecution in the United States in 2019. You may not agree with all you hear or see on this site, but, the results are undeniable.)

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.

THINK – Part 2 – Repent and live

September 22, 2021September 14, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

THINK! MINDS & THOUGHTS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT?

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

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

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

Repent, in the Biblical sense, literally means,

“To change one’s mind; – reversing how you think – to change one’s mind for the better” and it comes from two root words which mean, “Hereafter, have this understanding or perception”.

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

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

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

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

BOTH A COMMAND AND A PROPHETIC WORD

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

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

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

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

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

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

MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go and tell others this exceedingly Good News, and let us all, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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

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

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

September 18, 2021September 28, 2021 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

(Please note, links are used in place of footnotes for references and citations. Please review each link in order to get the full teaching on these matters. Also, you can pause the Audio podcast to follow a link and resume the audio when ready.)

John 21:25 tells us that, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”

There are millions and millions of books, articles, commentaries and opinions describing and defining “What is a Christian”, and, how a Christian should think, behave and what they should do. It can be a bit daunting and confusing, but, it need not be.

The Bible, if read in context of itself and read at face-value (except for the obvious metaphors, idioms and similes) the Truth clearly emerges.

Here is an example of KEEPING IT SIMPLE when asking…

1. What is a Christian?

2. How does a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, think?

3. How does a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, behave?

4. What is a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, to do?

Here are some, out of numerous scripture verses, that may help answer this important, but basic, questions – all without opinions.

1. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

Acts 11:21-26 ” And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then, when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they [ac]met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Acts 1:8 “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.”

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

2. HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, THINK?

Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death [h]on a cross.”

Philippians 2:1 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any [a]affection and compassion, make my joy complete [b]by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

3. HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, BEHAVE?

John 5:19 “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever [e]the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.”

John 5:30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

John 12:49-50 “For I did not speak [s]on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

4. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, TO DO?

John14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

MY CONFESSION

(memorize and repeat as your confession, and be strengthened)

Think.

Philippians 2:5 “I will have the attitude in me which is also in Christ Jesus, Who, although existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Philippians 2:1 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, I will make His joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose as Jesus. I will do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind I will regard others as more important than myself; I will not merely look out for my own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Behave.

John 5:19 “Therefore as a follower of Jesus, is say, “As the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing, I will do the same; for whatever the Father does, these things the I will also do, in like manner.”

John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own initiative. As I hear the Holy Spirit, I judge; and my judgment will be just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of God through the One He sent, that is Jesus.”

John 12:49 “For I will not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Jesus has given me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Jesus has told me.”

Do.

John14:10 “I believe that Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in Him, and He is in me. The words that I say to you, I will not speak on my own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works through me. Believe it when Jesus says that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him, and He is in me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Jesus, the works that He does, He will also do through me; and greater works than these I will do; because Jesus has gone to the Father. Whatever you ask in Jesus name, that will He do, so that the Father may be glorified. If you ask Jesus anything in His name, He will do it.”

Let’s pray for one another and hold one another up, until that day – may God find us faultless when He comes.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More valuable resources at these links:

Knowing and Doing the Will of God. Do you ever wonder about “The Will of God for your life” or for your life’s circumstances? It is recognizing and continually doing God’s Will in the course of my life that determines the outcome of His Will for my life

Experiencing God’s Will. Have you heard this ‘funny definition’ of Insanity: “Doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.” I guess it is sort of funny, but because it bears so much practical truth, it’s really not that funny, especially if you are struggling with an issue. Sometimes it seems, the harder we try, the worse it gets. We might have success for a while, but then we slip back into the same old patterns. We try to lose weight, or we try to stop a habit, over and over and over, we keep using the same old methods, and nothing changes, permanently. The Bible says to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

What We Believe. Our saving faith in Christ Jesus and our Biblical Christian World View determine how we approach all ares of life. We express our Christian World View through politics, theology, art, sociology, philosophy, ethics, anthropology, the humanities, science, history, law and government. But, in the end, this music video (creed and confession) captures the essence of what we believe.

SAVING FAITH and the Demoniac

September 15, 2021February 17, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

SAVING FAITH – THE DEMONIAC – Episode 4

Matthew 17:14-20 says, “When Jesus, Peter, James and John his brother came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.

” And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

This important event gives us a visual of what Spiritual Warfare can look like.

First, this man describes his son as “lunatic” which translates from the Greek word, “seléniazomai”, to be moonstruck; lunatic, to be epileptic (epilepsy being supposed to return and increase with the increase of the moon). We find out a few verses later, when Jesus heals him, that his symptoms are because this boy has been possessed by a demon.

The disciples had tried to heal the son, but, were unable to drive the demon out of the boy because of ‘the littleness of their faith’.

It is obvious that Jesus is displeased with his disciples, to say the least. He chastises them, saying, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?”

Note that the word “unbelieving”, translates as, incredulous, without Christian faith; not to be trusted, perfidious; heathen), and the word (“perverted” translates as to distort, misinterpret, corrupt). A harsh indictment, indeed.

It is both interesting and frightening that although Jesus uses the word “generation”, it is apparent that His angst is directed primarily at His disciples. It is also interesting that Jesus, knowing His time is short on earth and that He will soon face a humiliating and excruciating death, says “how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?”, as if to say He would rather be gone than to have to deal with this incredible absence of faith and earthbound, twisted and corrupt understanding of God and His ways.

Jesus concludes His remarks with, “for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” The phrase “for truly I say to you” (‘say’, from the Greek word ‘lego’) is emphatic. Jesus was not calmly teaching His disciples as much as He was reproving them and admonishing them to embrace faith in Him, do the impossible and “move some mountains”.

This is not just a story for us to read, to muse over or get excited about. It was, and is, a message from Jesus to His disciples, both then and now.

His words were spoken prophetically and emphatically (and, in the aorist tense), which means that this is a command and an action which has no regard for the past, present or future, it is an ongoing action; i.e., it was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will always be true! This means that these words were not just for the disciples or for the people of that generation, His words were for all people of all time.

These Words are for you and for me: “Have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this or any mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

This is how we – you and I – will engage the enemy, Satan and his demons and beasts – with faith the size of a mustard seed.

You and I will silence the ignorance of foolish men, we will pull down strongholds of darkness, we will destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. We will be ready to punish every disobedience.

We will put armies of the darkness to flight and will destroy the devil’s works of sickness, disease, fear, doubt, calamity, poverty, loneliness. This is how we cast out demons, vanquish evil from our land and cause the devil and his legions to flee.

He has given us – you and me, as His disciples – authority

Over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and
To heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness
To Heal the sick,
To raise the dead,
To cleanse the lepers,
To cast out demons.

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Freely you received, freely give. (Matthew 10)

As important as the foregoing message is to us, let’s be mindful that it is not the “MAIN THING”. The primary message for us is,

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.”

Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Everything else follows the primacy and the Name of Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters and friends, let’s please enter into His service and be about doing what He has called, commanded and commissioned us to do.

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Go to the Next Episode, ASK IN FAITH BELIEVING

EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE – Final Notes & What is Coming Next?

August 10, 2021April 6, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Teaching, Training & Commissioning

FINAL NOTES – WHAT IS COMING NEXT?

Jesus’ work, now complete on earth, He gives a final few words of instruction and encouragement, then sets the stage as the Last Days are now well under way.

One lesson His disciples, both then and now, should learn is that, “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, (you are to) 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.

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”(Ephesians 6:12-18)

As a fully devoted and completely surrendered disciple of Jesus, you will be imbued with and filled with a power so great and so transformative, that your way of dealing with the matters of this world are, like Jesus, antithetical to this world’s ways.

A Witness, The Holy Spirit & Power

Acts 1:6-11 tells us, “So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;

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.”

We are reminded, in Psalms 34:15-19, that,

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Jesus continues to tell us about His indwelling presence in the life of a Disciple.

Mark 9:21-23 says, ”And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.”

Matthew 7:7-8 tells us to,“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 21:21-22 reminds us, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Jesus tells us in John 15:7-8, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples”.

Here are some of the many Spiritual Blessings of a disciple of Jesus: a Christian

ETERNAL LIFE: John3:14“, As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; verse 15. so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

Verse 16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Verse 17. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Verse 18. “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

ABUNDANT LIFE: John10:9–10. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
PROSPERITY AND GOOD HEALTH: 3 John 3:2“. “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
MANIFEST BLESSINGS:
1. OBEY GOD: Deuteronomy28:1“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, The LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
2. IRRESISTIBLE BLESSINGS: verse 2.“All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:
3. OMNIPRESENT BLESSINGS: verse 3.“Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
4. GENERATIONAL BLESSINGS: verse 4. “Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.
5. NATURAL BLESSING: verse 5. “ Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6. CONTINUAL BLESSINGS: verse 6.“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7. PROTECTIVE BLESSINGS: verse 7. “The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.
8. OMNISCIENT BLESSINGS: verse 8. “The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
9. HOLY BLESSINGS: verse 9. “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Verse 10. “So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you.
10. ABUNDANT BLESSINGS: verse 11. “The LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.
11. ESTABLISHED BLESSINGS: verse12. “The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
12. BLESSINGS OF AUTHORITY: verse 13. “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

The Ascension

Acts 1:9-11 tells us “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

THE GUIDE

(Click on the image)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Here is this entire series in Booklet form:

TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE (digital book)

TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE (Adobe PDF format)

What’s Next? The Last Days

When does the 7-year Tribulation Begin?

EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE – Ch. 19 – Mission, Focus & Commissioning of a disciple

August 9, 2021April 6, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Teaching, Training & Commissioning

Chapter 19

MISSION, FOCUS & COMMISSIONING OF A DISCIPLE

“Instructions for Service”

Becoming a disciple of Jesus is a calling from God. It is a difficult and trying experience, and, at times, bewildering, despite what you might have been told. It can also be dangerous and expensive. Dangerous in the sense that it will cost you your life, ether through transformation or through “the fiery trials”, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:12-14. Expensive in the sense that it will likely cost you everything you had been beforehand, and, everything you had possessed.

Difficult and dangerous as it may be, this Journey will be exciting, rewarding, full of purpose and power. It will give you rewards, worth more than you could even imagine to ask for.

The destination will astound you. Thousands upon thousands have gladly paid the price and would do it again.

The Teachings of Jesus, as pointed out earlier, are antithetical to worldly standards, practices and norms. Jesus was crucified as a sacrifice for our sins. But, as far as the unbelieving world was concerned, it was for His controversial and counter cultural teachings.

Jesus made it clear that if you choose to follow Him, you will have to pay the price of a disciple, and that cost is high. Both the religious and secular worlds persecuted Jesus and His followers because of His teachings. And, they will persecute you, too, if you choose to be His disciple.

A careful and thorough reading of Matthew will give you the teaching you need in order to take the first steps to becoming a disciple of Jesus. Specifically, chapters three through chapters ten will help you focus on Jesus’ teachings, His Works demonstrated and the commissioning and sending of His disciples.

Matthew 10:1-20 says, “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, 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 coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy 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, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. “Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”

Jesus is now, for the first time, giving His disciples His ‘Authority’. As you progress in your training and preparation, He will also give you His Authority. Just remember, it is He Who is doing the work through you.

And, once again, has given His disciples instructions on how they are to proceed. This is not the conclusion of Jesus’ teaching, but, this is the conclusion of the disciples initial preparation. It will be the same for you and for me.

A Hard Road before Them

Jesus reminds His disciples of the difficulties that await them. You would be wise to settle your accounts and get ready for what is coming for the true disciple of Jesus.

Jesus reminds and warns His disciples, both then and now, in Matthew 10:16-23, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

“But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

“But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

“But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”

The Great Commission

Matthew28:16-20 tells us, ” But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The disciples proceeded.
The disciples worshiped Jesus.
Some disciples were doubtful.
Jesus sent them anyway, because He will be with His disciples, including you, even to the end of the age.

If you have any questions, doubts or comments, please let me know. None of us should embark on this journey alone, Let’s join together. The Body of Christ, on Mission with Jesus.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Now, go. 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 has commanded you.

Please remember to click the blue italicized links in each chapter, in order to get the important details on these Bible teachings)

The Final Episode: “WHAT’S NEXT – AND FINAL NOTES”

(The previous episode can be found at “The Works of Healing – Episode 3”)

(Please also notice, you can listen by podcast as you read along. You can pause the audio in order to click the links for details and references, which are necessary for the entire teaching)

EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE – Ch. 18, Episode 3 – The Works of Healing

August 8, 2021April 6, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Teaching, Training & Commissioning

Chapter 18, Episode 3

THE WORKS OF HEALING

Jesus Says the Words; Shows the Wonders; Sends the Workers

Matthew 8:14-17 tells us, “When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.

This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”

*Jesus touched her hand, the fever left; It is Jesus Who does the works.

*And she got up and served; Peter’s mother showed her gratitude through service.

*They brought many who were demon-possessed and ill; Jesus cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill. Jesus does His works through His disciples. We are to lift Jesus up and people are drawn to Him.

“Jesus, Himself, took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.”

Please read and meditate on these words of Jesus from John chapter 15 as He reiterates our roles as His disciples.

Verse 1. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser.

Verse 2. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

Verse 3. “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Verse 4. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Verse 5. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

During most of His earthly ministry, Jesus worked through eleven disciples. Jesus ministry and works could be multiplied by eleven.

There was estimated, in 2010, to be around 800 million Protestant Christians in the world. Assuming these Christians truly “Abide in Jesus” that means Jesus’ ministry and works could be multiplied by 800 million.

There is no way of knowing how many of those 800 million Protestants, or of the over 1 billion Roman Catholics, or of the 260 million Orthodox Christians or the other 28 million adherents not affiliated with a major denomination are actually “Abiding in Jesus”, but that is not our concern.

Your concern and my concern, is that we, “Abide in Jesus, and He is in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. Jesus is the vine, we are the branches; he who abides in Jesus and Jesus in him, bears much fruit, for apart from apart from Jesus, you can do nothing.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.”

John 14:12

More resources on this matter:

Power of One

Then There was One

Please remember to click the blue italicized links in each chapter, in order to get the important details on these Bible teachings)

Please bookmark this page and watch for our next chapter, “The Focus of Discipleship”

(The previous episode can be found at “The Works of Healing – Episode 2”)

(Please also notice, you can listen by podcast as you read along. You can pause the audio in order to click the links for details and references, which are necessary for the entire teaching)

EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE – Ch. 18, Episode 2 – The Works of Healing

August 8, 2021April 6, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Teaching, Training & Commissioning

Chapter 18, Episode 2

THE WORKS OF HEALING

Jesus Says the Words; Shows the Wonders; Sends the Workers

Jesus’ method of teaching His disciples, as we see in the Book of Matthew, is this:

First, He teaches with words; next,
He demonstrates His teaching with ‘works in action’; then,
He sends His disciples to do His Works.

If Jesus had not intended His disciples to make disciples, who in turn, repeated the process, Christianity would have ended with the death of the last Apostle. But, Jesus, set in motion a process, by which “you shall be His witness, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (see Acts 1:8)

A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY

Matthew 8:5-13 tells us, “And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.”

“Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

“For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”

“Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.”

The Centurion did not make the mistake so many contemporary Christians make. He did not assume that anything he could do would make any difference. He humbly submitted himself to the authority of Jesus and made his request known.

Anything we ever do, in and of ourselves, is ‘wood, hay and stubble’. The Works of Jesus are eternal, built of ‘gold, silver, precious stones’.

We are to be the yielded and still instrument of our Lord. He will do His Works through us as we submit ourselves to Him.

Secondly, there are no obstacles which can impede the Work of God. In this case, distance is no matter of concern.

Finally, it is the certain faith of the Centurion through which Jesus worked. It was this faith at which Jesus marveled.

We, disciples of Jesus, enter this world of Spiritual warfare under the protection of God, submitted and yielded to the authority of Jesus. He has prepared His Works ahead of time that we should walk in His works – not our own works.

When we are obedient to His Word, He completes His Works through us.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

Please remember to click the blue italicized links in each chapter, in order to get the important details on these Bible teachings)

Please bookmark this page and watch for our next chapter, “The Works of Healing – Episode 3”.

(The previous episode can be found at “The Works of Healing – Episode 1”)

(Please also notice, you can listen by podcast as you read along. You can pause the audio in order to click the links for details and references, which are necessary for the entire teaching)

THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD

August 7, 2021September 4, 2021 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

John 6:29

It is interesting that Jesus commands 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).

This is how we fight this Spiritual war.
This is how we overcome by the word of our testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb.
This is how we endure to the end.

Most of those chasing around after Jesus, during His earthly ministry, misunderstood what He was saying about His Works, and not much has changed to this day.

For example, a large crowd that had stayed on the far shore, saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten. So, when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

“Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6

It can be a bit confusing, but, take heart. Jesus told us that He has prepared His Works ahead of time so that we, His disciples, would walk in them. And, 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)

He prepared the good Works; we just ‘walk in them’.

Many churches are teaching to do your own good works, in your own ways as if to say, “those were things they did THEN. But, these are the things we do NOW.

But, NO! Man’s ways are failing. They are failing to engage the enemy . Our enemies are evil, fear, doubt, hatred, vengeance, lust, poverty, war, disease, sickness and more.

Here are Jesus’ methods and ways, and here is exactly what He has told us to do:

TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. John 18:37
BRING A SWORD, Matthew 10:34
FULFILL THE LAW, Matthew 5:17
CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE, Mark 2:17
SAVE THIS WORLD, John 12:47
CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH, Luke 12:49-51
PREACH, SAYING, ‘THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND’, Matthew 10:7
HEAL THE SICK, Matthew 10:8
RAISE THE DEAD, Matthew 10:8
CLEANSE THE LEPERS, Matthew 10:8
CAST OUT DEMONS, Matthew 10:8
MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, TEACH THEM, Matthew 28:19-20

And, Jesus said, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Here is our methods and ways, just as Jesus has told us:

Believe on the One whom He has sent.
Jesus will give us the words to speak.
The Bible is the Sword of God.
Jesus has fulfilled the law on our behalf.
We are made to be His witnesses.
When we lift Jesus, people are drawn to Him. Jesus will heal the sick; raise the dead; cleanse the lepers; cast out demons.

Each of us must develop and have our personal plan and intention of making disciples, following Jesus’ model, in His Name. I pray you will work on yours today!

Again, let’s please remember, it is God Who does these Works through His disciples. We do not accomplish these Works on our own.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Do these “Works” of Jesus sound like the 2021 postmodern Church? It would seem that, many claiming His Name, are so far off His Message, His Methods and His Means, that one has to wonder what He will have to say upon His return?

(Will it be, “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’; or, will it be “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’”)

Imagine with me, if you will, that the world could witness these works being performed on a global scale. Don’t you think it would change how the world thinks and behaves? It’s our job now, to be obedient and available for Him to do His Works through us, remembering, it is not us who does the Works; it is God Who does them.

EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE – Ch. 18 – The Works of Healing

July 4, 2021April 6, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

A TUTORIAL ON EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Teaching, Training & Commissioning

Chapter 18

THE WORKS OF HEALING

Says the Words; Shows the Wonders; Sends the Workers

Jesus’ method of teaching His disciples, as we see in the Book of Matthew, is this:

First, He teaches with words; next,
He demonstrates His teaching with ‘works in action’; then,
He sends His disciples to do His Works.

JESUS DEMONSTRATES HIS TEACHINGS

Matthew 8:1-4, says, “When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Verse 2. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Verse 3. Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Verse 4. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

It has now begun. Jesus, in Matthew 4:19, said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Later, in Matthew 10, “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are now with Him, looking closely over His shoulder, watching and learning. You will learn at His side. You will be forever identified as having been with Jesus.

We are now, the clay in the Potter’s Hands; as He touches our lives, we are made new, into His image for His purpose. This is IMPORTANT to grasp.

The words, from Matthew 4:19, in the Greek translations, tell us, not only of the urgency of Jesus’ call, but of how

the state of our lives is to be made well off. We will fare well and prosper in our soul, by answering His call and following Him.

These words are so descriptive that you must take each definition and consider their impact and importance:

You are entering His Kingdom of “royal power, kingship, dominion, rule. You are being given the right and the authority to serve in His Kingdom; the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah and the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.”

The definitions of this word are complimentary:

To serve, to worship, to heal, to cure, to restore to health. Jesus heals the whole person, body, mind/will/emotions and spirit. His healing is complete. We are called to this ministry, we will learn as His disciples, to do His Works.

Again, Jesus heals the body, the mind, the soul and the spirit of all infirmities. There is nothing outside the reach of God, and we are on mission with Jesus. We cannot stand idly by and watch. To be His disciple means we join God is what He is already doing.

Jesus called these men to Himself, and He is calling you and me to follow Him, today.

This call has an urgency associated with it. It is a command in the imperative. Jesus is saying, “Come, Now!

It is IMPORTANT that we remember Jesus was speaking prophetically then and is speaking prophetically to us, today! This is our calling and our role as Christians, Disciples of Jesus. He will make you, fashion you into a “fisher of men”!

I encourage you to study the details of this teaching by clicking this link “In the Beginning”.

Study the definitions of the words used, and, apply them to yourself, as you journey into His Kingdom and prepare yourself to be on Mission with Jesus, engaging in this Spiritual War.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

Please remember to click the blue italicized links in each chapter, in order to get the important details on these Bible teachings)

Please bookmark this page and watch for our next chapter, “The Focus of Discipleship”

(The previous episode can be found at “The Two Foundations”)

(Please also notice, you can listen by podcast as you read along. You can pause the audio in order to click the links for details and references, which are necessary for the entire teaching)

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson 17

July 3, 2021April 22, 2022 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7–8).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? This teaching is, essentially, about prayer. Jesus is not teaching just how to pray, but, He is commanding His Disciples to pray effectively.

Jesus is teaching about the critical importance or prayer.

He is telling us how we get results! In contemporary terms (metaphorically), Jesus is saying that prayer, is a search and rescue mission!

At first look, it may seem like praying is making a simple request and presto, like calling a genie from a bottle, we have our answer. Or, glancing about and easily finding that which you are hunting. Or, tapping on a door and the gates of prosperity swing wide open to you.

Reading the rest of the verses in context of the Biblical teaching on prayer, we see the seriousness urgency of the matter.

Verse 9. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?

Verse 10. “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?

Verse 11. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

The Greek word for “Ask” in these verses, “aiteó”, literally means to beg, to call for, to crave, to deeply desire, to require. It is in the “imperative mood” which expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding. Thus, the word Jesus uses, “Ask”, is not at all an “invitation,” but an absolute command requiring full obedience on the part of all hearers.

It is the same for the Greek word for “Seek”, (zéteó), which means, to seek in order to find out by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to inquire into; to aim at, strive after, to require, to crave, to demand something from someone. This, too, is in the “imperative”.

To “knock”, (krouó), is also in the imperative and carries the idea of “unfailing”. This is saying that it is not enough to ask and seek, but you must not fail to knock.

God tells us we must pray fervently to have effectual prayers.

In other words, you must use all resources at your disposal, praying fervently, seeking intensely, knocking persistently, with the purpose of obtaining the thing you seek, keeping in mind that God tells us that His Word will achieve the very thing it is purposed to achieve.

Most importantly, Jesus reminds us that He can only do what He sees the Father already doing, and we, AS HIS DISCIPLES, can be no greater than our Teacher. It is God, Who accomplishes His Will through His servants, as we pray.

“THE EFFECTIVE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS CAN ACCOMPLISH MUCH” James 5:16

Now, it is your turn:

HOW CAN YOU DO THIS? _____________________________

HOW CAN YOU TEACH THIS? __________________________

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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