How can you be sure that God is all that the Bible says? If you look closely enough, you can see God’s Hand has moved in the affairs of humankind throughout the ages.
This is an abbreviated chronology and timeline of Biblical Historical events. You will not only see how God has moved and interacted with His creation but you can see His Master Plan, Purpose, Methods and Ways from before creation through the End of the Age and into the creation of a new heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem.
Those who have overcome, are with God eternally – which includes you and me – and, we will know that God’s Plan for Perfection is being completed.
Here are several misconceptions about certain Bible verses, events and doctrines. Please read and listen carefully:
FIRST MISCONCEPTION: It is often said that at Jesus’ Second Advent, He will physically return to the earth.
That is incorrect.
Acts 1:9-11, And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, and they 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 the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Many Bible teachers and pastor say that this verse says that Jesus will return to earth “in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven”, except there is no mention of earth or of Jesus setting foot back on the earth at this time. It does say that “Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
“Taken Up…into heaven…will come (back) in the same way…as (He went) into heaven.” It is not about “a landing place”. It is about the ascension and the return. How can we be certain?
Matthew 24:29-31, “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His [a]elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Many Bible teachers and pastors say this is not Jesus’ second coming because He does not step onto the earth. But this is His second appearing (or coming). Clearly “He appears in the sky…all tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky”.
(Please note: Matthew 24:30-31, the phrases “the Son of Man” and “clouds of heaven” are capitalized. This highlights the significance of Jesus’ return and His divine nature. The capitalization serves to draw attention to the key elements of the prophecy regarding His second coming.)
Revelation 19:11-16, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will [a]rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Notice, “heaven opened…and He (Jesus) sat on a white horse…And the armies which are in heaven…were following Him…and a sharp sword comes from His mouth so He may strike down the nations and rule them”.
Jesus will wage this war and execute His Wrath from the heavens and the beast and his armies will be on the earth. Jesus and His armies are in the heavens. This is the battle of Armageddon.
Please take note of the sequence of These End Time events:
(These events originate in heaven and are poured out onto the earth)
The First Six Bowls of Wrath – Revelation 16:1-12.
The Battle of Armageddon – Revelation 16:13-16.
The Seventh Bowl of Wrath – Revelation 16:17-21.
The Doom of Babylon (The mother of great harlots) – Revelation 17:1-13.
Victory of The Lamb of God – Revelation 17:14-18.
The Four-fold Hallelujah – Revelation 19:1-6
Marriage of the Lamb – Revelation 19:7-10
The Coming of Christ – Revelation 19:11-19
Doom of the Beast and the False Prophet – Revelation 19:20-21
Satan Bound – Revelation 20:1
(This even takes place on the earth)
The Thousand Years – Revelation 20:2-6
The Millennium in the Bible refers to a future period of a thousand years during which Jesus Christ is prophesied to reign on earth, characterized by peace and righteousness. This time is often associated with the fulfillment of God’s promises and the ultimate restoration of creation.
The millennium (also known as the millennial kingdom) is the 1,000-year reign of Jesus after the tribulation and before the Great White Throne Judgment of the wicked. During the millennium, Jesus will reign as king over Israel and all the nations of the world (Isaiah 2:4; 42:1). The world will live in peace (Isaiah 11:6–9; 32:18), Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:1–3), and, at the beginning, everyone will worship God (Isaiah 2:2–3). The purpose of the 1,000-year reign is to fulfill various promises God made to the world. Some of these promises, called covenants, were given specifically to Israel. Others were given to Jesus, the nations of the world, and creation. Jesus’ 1,000-year reign will be a time of promises kept.
(These events originate in heaven and are executed on the earth)
Satan Freed and then Doomed – Revelation 20:7-10
Judgment at the White Throne of God – Revelation 20:11-15
(These events originate in the New Heaven and are lived out on The New Earth)
The New Heaven and Earth – Revelation 21:1-9
The New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:10-27
THE SECOND MISCONCEPTION: Many bible teachers and pastors will say and Christians will believe that (1) there is nothing left to happen from prophetic scriptures before Jesus returns the rapture occurs.
This is incorrect.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
Notice: “Regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him (the rapture)…it will not come unless the (1) apostasy comes first (which is probably now beginning), (2) the man of lawlessness (the antichrist) is revealed…and he (the antichrist) takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
THE THIRD MISCONCEPTION: Many bible teachers and pastors will say and Christians will believe that (1) That the Mark of the Beast is given before the rapture. The popular idea in many church denominations is that the Antichrist will give his “Mark of the Beast”before The Tribulation period but that he will not be revealed until after the rapture of the Church.
According to the sequence found in the Bible, the Antichrist gives his ‘Mark’ after the Seal Judgments, after the Rapture, and just after the 6th Tribulation Trumpet Judgment and at the advent of 7th Trumpet Judgment,which is the Mid-Point of the Great Tribulation, which is after three and one half years of the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation period.
(The placement of Mark of the Beast, as mentioned in the scriptures clearly tells us it is immediately following the 6th Judgment Trumpet).
Why are these things important?
Because understanding brings the necessary knowledge and knowledgebrings Godly Wisdom.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of understanding, stating that it is a valuable pursuit and often linked to wisdom. Key verses highlight that understanding comes from God and is essential for living a righteous life, such as Proverbs 4:7, which says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
The Bible emphasizes that knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord, and it is seen as a valuable gift from God. It teaches that seeking knowledge and wisdom is essential for understanding and living a righteous life. The word knowledge in the Bible denotes an understanding, a recognition, or an acknowledgment. To “know” something is to perceive it or to be aware of it. Many times in Scripture, knowledge carries the idea of a deeper appreciation of something or a relationship with someone. The Bible is clear that the knowledge of God is the most valuable knowledge a human being can possess. But it is also clear that simply being aware of God’s existence is not sufficient; the knowledge of God must encompass the deep appreciation for and relationship with Him.
The Bible describes wisdom as a valuable quality that comes from God, emphasizing that it is better than gold and brings understanding and peace. Key verses highlight that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is characterized by purity, gentleness, and a focus on the well-being of others.
In the Bible, wisdom is not just about knowledge or intelligence. It encompasses moral discernment and the ability to apply knowledge in a way that is good and beneficial. Wisdom is often described as a gift from God, emphasizing its spiritual nature.
Characteristics of Biblical Wisdom
Moral: Wisdom is demonstrated through good actions and moral choices.
Relational: It affects how we treat others, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Spiritual: True wisdom comes from God and involves trusting in Him rather than solely relying on human understanding.
The Value of Wisdom
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that wisdom is more precious than material wealth. It leads to a fulfilling life and helps individuals navigate challenges with insight and grace. Seeking wisdom is encouraged as a lifelong pursuit, integral to a faithful and meaningful life.
In the cases mentioned the remedy for common misconceptions or an inaccurate understanding of the Bible is Godly wisdom which is the key to Godly success in enduring and navigating the End of Days and to eternal life.
The Bible encourages us to be like the Bereans, as seen in Acts 17:11, where they are described as receiving the message eagerly and examining the Scriptures daily to verify the truth of what they were taught. This example highlights the importance of studying the Bible for oneself rather than accepting teachings without question.
Overview of Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology
Dispensationalism and covenant theology are two different frameworks for interpreting the Bible.
Dispensationalism emphasizes distinct periods in God’s plan for humanity, viewing Israel and the church as separate entities, while
Covenant Theology sees a unified plan of salvation through covenants, viewing the church as the continuation of Israel’s promises.(see Wikipedia and puritanboard.com).
Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology are two distinct frameworks for interpreting the Bible, particularly regarding God’s relationship with humanity.
Dispensationalism
Definition: A theological system that divides history into different “dispensations” or periods where God interacts with humanity in various ways.
Key Features:
Two Peoples of God: Distinguishes between Israel and the Church, each with separate destinies.
Historical Divisions: Classic dispensationalism typically identifies seven dispensations, while modern forms may simplify this.
Israel’s Role: Views Israel as an ethnic group with specific promises, while the Church is seen as a new entity with distinct blessings.
Eschatology: Emphasizes a future, literal fulfillment of promises to Israel, including a millennial kingdom.
Covenant Theology
Definition: A theological framework that sees the Bible as a unified story of God’s covenantal relationship with humanity.
Key Features:
One People of God: Believes in a single people of God throughout history, with the Church as the continuation of and with Israel.
Covenants: Focuses on a series of covenants (e.g., Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace) that reveal God’s redemptive plan.
Fulfillment in Christ: Sees the promises made to Israel fulfilled in Jesus, with the Church inheriting spiritual blessings.
Eschatology: Generally views the fulfillment of God’s promises as spiritual rather than strictly physical or national.
Comparison Table
Aspect
Dispensationalism
Covenant Theology
View of History
Divided into distinct dispensations
Unified narrative through covenants
People of God
Israel and Church are separate
One people of God (Israel and Church)
Eschatology
Literal future promises to Israel
Spiritual fulfillment in Christ
Covenant Understanding
Less emphasis on covenants
Central to understanding God’s plan
These theological perspectives offer different interpretations of Scripture and the nature of God’s promises, shaping the beliefs and practices of their adherents. (see Dispensational_and_Covenant_Theologies.pdf ).
WHAT IS COVENANT THEOLOGY
Understanding how God works out His purposes throughout the timeline of history helps believers to develop a worldview for living in harmony with His will. Having a divine perspective on the past, present, and future helps us to know what God expects of us in this present day and age. Scholars have called this area of study a philosophy of history. Although the Bible is not a philosophy of history per se, Scripture does help us to understand how God is working throughout the annals of time.
Theologians have developed two distinct approaches to understanding the philosophy of history as it is depicted in God’s Word. Those two systems are known as Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology.
Covenant Theology can be stated briefly as a system which understands the philosophy of history based on theological covenants. Covenant Theologians depict all of history as being covered by two or three theological covenants. The covenant of works, the covenant of grace, and (sometimes) the covenant of redemption is used to explain all relationships between God and man from the beginning of creation to the end of time. Since the foundation of Covenant Theology is based on two or three covenants that cannot be found in Scripture, we need to examine these theological covenants.
WHAT IS DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY
Briefly stated, we could say that Dispensationalism represents all Scripture and history as being covered by several dispensations of God’s rule.
Dispensationalism is built upon the foundation of consistent, literal interpretation. Literal interpretation means taking God’s Word at face value. Therefore, literal interpretation also results in recognizing distinctions in the Bible. No interpreter of Scripture denies the fact that there are distinctions in Scripture. However, the extent to which one recognizes distinctions is the evidence of his consistent use of the principle of literal interpretation. Taking the Word of God at face value means the recognition of distinctions in Scripture. Distinctions in Scripture naturally leads to dispensations.
The Seven Dispensations
Most normative dispensationalists understand the Bible to be organized by these 7 dispensations. Each dispensation begins with God giving man a specific responsibility. Each one ends in failure as man disobeys the responsibility that was given to Him. As a result, man is judged because of his failure.
Innocence (Genesis 1:1-3:6)
Conscience (Genesis 3:7-8:14)
Human Government (Genesis 8:15-11:9)
Promise (Genesis 11:10-Exodus 18:27)
Law (Exodus 19:1-Acts 1:26)
Grace (Acts 2:1-Revelation 20:3)
The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:4-20:15)
Okay, okay, okay. Enough already! So, how does this affect you or me, and how should it direct us, that is our Christian thought as it relates to salvation, and as it develops into our behavior? Does it give us a standard for conduct, for witnessing, for believing, for the foundations of faith in Jesus? Does it or should it affect our view of God, the Trinity, humankind, how we are to be prepared for the return of Jesus?
The major idea or question I should take away from this is, How does this affect the outcome of my life and my eternity, and will I be ready for Jesus return?
I cannot affect or change whether history has occurred in dispensations or according to God’s Covenants. I cannot alter the eschatological timelines. I cannot change God’s fixed timing of the beginning of the final seven years of the Great Tribulation. I can only prepare myself, now, for what is to come – and that, only according to what Jesus has said and by what the Bible tells me.
Read and study keywords in the language it was written; discover the intention of the author who penned the subject matter; find the context of the matters-at-hand by searching throughout the Bible; understand the differences between a literal face-value-reading of scriptures, the use of similes, metaphors and parables and then read and accept what the Bible says at its face value.
My personal take on these matters?
The sometimes stark and important differences between dispensationalism and covenant theology leads me to believe neither is completely correct and neither is completely incorrect. So, I choose to believe:
There are distinct periods in God’s plan for humanity, viewing Israel and the church as separate entities, while at the same time seeing a unified plan of salvation through covenants, viewing the church, (Christians), as having been grafted into the family, the Elect of God, and is therefore the completion and the continuation of God’s promises. It is not replacement theology, (supersessionism), but completion theology, (the fulfillment of God’s Plan, Purpose and Promises).
Although, due to denominationalism, Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology are considered as two vastly distinct frameworks for interpreting the Bible, particularly regarding God’s relationship with humanity, and may have differing paths to follow, they have a common destiny.
Israel as an ethnic group has specific promises, and while the Church is seen as a new entity with distinct blessings, both become one in Christ in the end.
There is a future, literal fulfillment of promises for all believers, including a millennial kingdom.
All believers comprise a single people of God throughout history, with the Church as the continuation of Israel.
There are a series of covenants (e.g., Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace) that reveal God’s redemptive plan.
The promises made to Israel fulfilled in Jesus, with the Church inheriting spiritual blessings.
So, I find some helpful and useful direction in both Dispensationalism and in Covenant Theology which inform me about my responsibility to Christ to follow Him and to obey Him regardless of our positioning on His eschatological timetable – and I find confusion from both.
But here is what I do see in the Bible – chapter upon chapter, verse upon verse (please click this link):
Why is your bible so thin? (We don’t need all those pages now-a-days. Things have changed. So, we discarded a few things).
Why is your bible missing pages, chapters and verses? (They were old fashioned and outdated and we didn’t need that out-of-date stuff).
Why is your bible so contorted? (I don’t know what you are talking about).
Why is your bible so thick? (It needed some revisions and additions to meet current standards, so we added a few things).
Today, there are over 450 known versions of the Bible translated into over 700 languages, and by some credible accounts, there have been between 5 and 7 billion Bible sold, alone. And there is just no way to estimate the books written about the Bible, Jesus, God, etc.
According to Bible Gateway, an online Bible and commentary resource, “Whether you’re browsing the Bible section at your local bookstore or comparing Bible Gateway’s own library (which features dozens of English translations, let alone the huge variety of other languages), you might feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of abbreviations in front of you.
You’re not alone — Bible decision fatigue is real. In fact, it’s not uncommon for shoppers to leave stores empty handed rather than risk buying the “wrong” Bible version.
Here’s the good news: with very few exceptions, there is no “wrong” version of the Good News. But depending on what you’re looking for, there are better or worse places for you to start.
This guide will help you sort through the major Bible versions available today and make a choice that suits your personal circumstances. You’ll also learn a bit about the different translation types, or philosophies, and a crash course in their histories. When you’re done, you’ll have no trouble telling your NIV from your ESV, your NRSVUE from your NABRE, and your KJV from your NKJV”.
That is quite a way from the Words of Jesus contained in about six chapters of the book of Matthew from the New Testament of the Bible.
Bible Gateway says, “with very few exceptions, there is no “wrong” version of the Good News” (i.e., of the Bible). To which I say, there is no “wrong” version of the Bible unless you just don’t really care or understand the REAL purpose of the Bible. Then, yeah, what’s the diff?
But, if you understood that the Bible is actually the Word of God – His Breathed Out Word – a verbal inspiration meaning that the Bible’s human authors were guided by God in such a way that every word they wrote is considered to be inspired and authoritative. (This doctrine asserts that God influenced the writers’ thoughts and words, ensuring that the Scriptures convey His intended message without error).
God’s Word has been written down for you to read and to consume mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, then it matters. (see John 6:53–58, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
The reason various nations have banned the Bible over the centuries is because of the potential of what it does in the heart, mind and life of the one who reads it and believes it:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [John 8:31-32 English Standard Version].
“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” [Romans 8:2 English Standard Version].
It will set you free from oppression of the devil; free in your soul – in your mind, will and emotions; free in your physical body – from unwarranted sickness, disease and infirmities; free from evil influences, free from fears, free from poverty, free from hatreds, free from chaos; free to love and to be loved, free to experience and to give joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, self-control; free to find you place in life and to live it too it full potential; free to find likeminded, generous people and to live freely among them.
This what is known as “being saved” or being “born again”.
SAVED (from the Greek word, “Sozo) : To be made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole (complete with purpose), NOW and for all of eternity,
Made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole In your body. In your mind. In your soul and spirit.
Made safe, to be made healthy, to be made whole In your home. With your family, your children, your spouse and relatives. In your work. With your friends. In every aspect of your life.
(This is not a magic formula or a spell. It is the Word of God through your faithful, submissive obedience in following Jesus.
This is the Good News and the reason God sent us His Son. Jesus.
This is the Good News that Jesus proclaims to the world, then and now.
As strange as it may seem, the One who spoke these prophetic words, possesses the power which is able to transform your life, so radically, so completely, so thoroughly, that those who knew you beforehand, would hardly recognize you afterwards. In fact, if and when you embrace and absorbed His Words into your heart, mind and soul as His devoted follower you would hardly be able to recognize yourself when the process is complete.
You might even have to ask yourself, “Can I really be that man or that woman who went about under my name before?”
You are, in one sense the same person, but in another sense, you will have become someone utterly different. Made new. Reborn. A new creation.
Please understand that this does not negate the trials, tribulations and troubles we will face in this life. They are part of our being sanctified and prepared for an eternity with God. Nonetheless, this intensely real power to which I am referring, can pick you up today – right now – from the midst of loneliness, failure, ruin, misery, despair or any difficulty, and in the twinkling of an eye, as Paul said, IN THE MIDST OF THE PROBLEMS YOU FACE IN LIFE, He can begin to solve those problems, smooth out the difficulties, cut you free from entanglements and place you clear, safe and happy upon the highroad of freedom and opportunity – IF YOU CAN UNDERSTAND HIS PLAN AND PRUPOSES, AND ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO ENDURE THIS PROCESS.
Does this mean your will always be physically well or mentally strong or rich by the worlds standards or famous? No. No. A thousand times no.
But it does mean that you can find purpose and meaning and usefulness in even the worst of life’s circumstances.
He can free you to go and shape your life as God would have it – a life full with purpose and of promises met.
He can throw open the MANY prison doors that hold you captive, and liberate you.
He is the healing balm for the bruised and broken heart.
He can inspire you with new thoughts and ideas, so that your life’s work may be truly original, meaningful and lasting.
He can impart new and wonderful kinds of knowledge, as soon as you really want such knowledge – glorious knowledge – strange things not taught in schools or written in ordinary books.
He can find your true place in life, and put you into it, too.
He can find the right friends for you, kindred spirits who are interested in the same ideas and want the same things that you do.
He can provide you the type of prosperity that means freedom. Not as the world knows prosperity. But the type of prosperity that means true Freedom. Free to be and to do and to go as God has called you to be and to do.
This Power of God can teach you all things you need to know, if only you are receptive and teachable.
So, if your life is lacking the continuous flow of the fruit of the Spirit, the love, the joy, the peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, Now, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.
If your life is missing out on the works that Jesus did, and even greater works of teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom which can heal all kinds of sickness and diseases, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.
If you are living in loneliness, fear, doubt lack and want, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.
If you are and your behaviors are “friendly” with the world but at odds with the Words and Teachings of Jesus, Jesus says today is the day of your salvation – repent for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand.
You know, from the day we are born until the day we die, the 23rd Psalm tells us that we will walk through the valley of the shadow of death in this lifetime. And that God has set at table before us in the presence of your enemies, and that He has anointed our heads with His Oil and that our cup overflows. And His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. And our dwelling place will be in the house of the Lord, forever.
The day of our salvation is now at hand. You can experience the richness of being saved. You can feast at the table He has set before you, even in the presence of your enemies of lack, want, sickness, poverty disease, loneliness and the like. You no longer need to miss the mark or to be left out of the things He has prepared for your life to Bless you and to prosper your soul.
You are made safe, and rescued from eternal harm. You will have found a rich and fulfilling purpose in and for your life, now. You can be made secure in all your relationships and in all the matters of your life. You can be assured of an eternal life with Him. THIS IS THE TABLE HE HAS SET BEFORE YOU.
As Jesus has said, “You must first repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”.
And this is why it matters that you do not change or modify what the most accurate versions of the Bible; those versions which adhere most closely to the meaning and context of the original transcripts of the Bible. (Such as the New American Standard version, the English Standard Version, King James and the New King James versions).
God’s Word was spoken and is written in a way (assuming it is unaltered and unadulterated) that it simply, magnificently and mysteriously transforms us by the renewing of our mind so we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect. (see Romans 2:12).
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go. 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, New American Standard Bible).
The death and resurrection of Lazarus, The conspiracy to kill Jesus
Reading this just as a ‘story’ may well just leave you with idle information. Although informative, instructional and emotionally provocative, one must grasp the foreshadowing prophetic nature, and the inherent spiritual conflict and the tenacity, the driving force and power of God, in these events. We must learn that even in the most trying and challenging circumstances the nature of God, His goodness, His mercy and His redemptive power is always triumphant and that we are called and made in that image of Him. Above all, however, remember that this is not a “story” at all. This is the truth of real events!
Additionally, throughout this chapter Jesus is teaching and demonstrating that He was (and is) sent by the Father with a three-fold purpose: (1) To do the Will of the Father, (2) to seek and save the lost, and to reconcile people with God, (3) to pay the ‘sin penalty’ of death by His own death, for those who would believe and follow Him. Everything else, everything He said, taught and did, exemplified and magnified His purpose. We, as Christians, are called to follow His example and purpose exactly as He commanded. (Any variation, deviation or improvisation from Jesus’ model is a fraud. Thinking you can make your life better now, enriching yourself in this world, using the Gospel as your method or excuse makes you a wolf among the sheep. We find peace in Christ, knowing we are to be witnesses (see Acts 1:8) which literally translates to the word ‘martyrs’ for Jesus. We are to do the Will of the Father; we are to seek the lost and bring them to The Savior; we are too, in a very real way, pay the sin penalty of death, by dying to self – crucifying our flesh – and walk in a new life with Christ Jesus).
The Death and Resurrection of Lazarus
John 11:1,.Now a certain man was sick: Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Verse 2. And it was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
(Commentary Break): These opening verses give us a location, identifies several of the main characters and lays out the plot.
Lazarus is a central figure in this chapter, and his name means “God has helped.” Lazarus can be considered a type and condition of every-man and every-woman. We all are in need of God’s help and of His intervention in our lives.
Mary and Martha are well-known figures in the Gospels, particularly for their interactions with Jesus. Mary is often associated with devotion and worship, as seen in her anointing of Jesus’ feet (John 12:3), while Martha is known for her service and hospitality (Luke 10:38-42). Their relationship with Jesus is intimate and personal, highlighting the human aspect of His ministry and the importance of faith and relationship with Him. Again, one might see the necessity of our own “devotion and worship“ and “service and hospitality” as a follower of Jesus. This is no mistake or coincidence in scriptures. It is a model and a pattern for us to follow. This is simply another way to say that we are always to ‘read ourselves into the scriptures’. (End Commentary Break)
Verse 3. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” Verse 4. But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not meant for death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” Verse 5. (Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.) Verse 6. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. Verse 7. Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.” Verse 8. The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and yet You are going there again?” Verse 9. Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. Verse 10. But if anyone walks during the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
(Commentary Break): “So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, the one whom you love is sick”; the word love here, is ‘phileó’, From philos; to be a friend to (fond of an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling. This is the same word used in John 5:20, “For the Father loves (‘phileó’) the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing.” The term signals intimate delight, assuring readers that redemptive revelation flows from a Father who cherishes His Son. The risen Christ affirms the same reality to you, His disciple: “For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God” (Biblehub) (John 16:27). Jesus has said in John 15:15 that He considers you His friend, emphasizing our close personal relationship – and yes, as the song reminds us, what a friend we have in Jesus.
Jesus reminds the sisters that Lazarus’ sickness is not meant for death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.
The disciples became alarmed that they and Jesus would dare go back to Judea because the Jews there were seeking to kill Him.
It is at this point that Jesus uses a complex metaphor saying “Are there not twelve hours in the day?”, contrasting light and darkness, daytime and nighttime, while at the same time comparing walking in the Light of God which gives insight, wisdom and discernment versus walking in the darkness of evil which cause one to stumble and fall in defeat from ignorance.
He is also pointing out that you must act at the precise moment in time, and the time Jesus would have referred to, from an ancient Greek word ‘kairos’, meaning “the right or critical moment”, which signifies a qualitative time for action, contrasted with ‘chronos’, which refers to chronological or sequential time. Kairos is a frame of time which is passing, and the window of opportunity will last only for a specified period. You must ‘go through that window of time when it is presented, or the opportunity is lost.
(This is important to know because Jesus always refers us to the correct time for you to act – for example, when He refers to the ‘end of the age’ in the Gospels, Jesus speaks primarily in the future tense; but when He refers to these very same days in the book of The Revelation, He speaks in the aorist tense, which is saying “what was, is now and shall be in the future”. It is a continuous action which will be fulfilled only when Jesus culminates the age.
Another example is found in 2 Corinthians 6:2 when the Apostle Paul says, “Today is the day of your salvation”, he emphasized the urgency and the immediacy of God’s grace for your salvation. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 11. This He said, and after this He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going so that I may awaken him from sleep.” Verse 12. The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will come out of it.” Verse 13. Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about actual sleep. Verse 14. So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus died, verse 15, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.” Verse 16. Therefore Thomas, who was called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s also go, so that we may die with Him!”
(Commentary Break): It is clear now that Jesus has chosen the “Kairos” moment, “the right or critical moment”, which signifies a qualitative time for action. Why does this matter in general? Because all of us, as Christians, need to seek God and know our “Kairos moments”, whether as a witness of Jesus, a Warrior of the Cross, in serving, testifying, pulling down strongholds, defending the faith or any calling or mission from God. When we act in concert with God’s voice and according to His timing and see His Hand move, we too will believe!
(Just as a matter of interest, Thomas remarks “Let’s also go, (with Jesus to Judea) so that we may die with Him!” Some commentators will say this shows Thomas’ willingness to die with Jesus. But, considering Thomas’ doubting nature (see John 20:24-29) perhaps he was sarcastically lamenting the wisdom of going to Judea? If so, Thomas was missing the “Kairos moment”. Once again, this should serve as a caution to all of us who are following Jesus to get ready and stay ready. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 17. So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Verse 18. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia (about 2 miles) away; verse 19, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them about their brother. Verse 20. So then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house. Verse 21. Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Verse 22. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Verse 23. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise from the dead.” Verse 24. Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” Verse 25. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, verse26, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” Verse 27. She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, and He who comes into the world.”
(Commentary Break): I suggest reading the 10 preceding verses again and give consideration to what you are ‘hearing’. Martha sounds accusatory, confused and her statements are contradictory. It is as if she is saying, “Jesus, I believe in you and I believe you, but…”. This reminds me of how so many people view God. “I believe in you, but, why aren’t things going my way – the way I imagined they should go so I could be pleased with the chain of events and their outcome – implying that we know better than God. And unfortunately, so many people get angry with God when things don’t go their way or if they have to face a tragedy or a difficulty. This reveals our lack of understanding about our relationship with God, His plan and purpose for us, our lack of faith in God and our complete failure to understand the sovereignty of God. This is a serious condition for any believer. However, rather than impatience, Jesus explains to Martha the purpose of the events of this moment.
(What follows is very technical and is spoken from God’s perspective of and reality in time. He sees the past, present and future as one entire whole – it is all occurring at the same instance with God. And since our perspective of time is linear, we often have trouble grasping these amazing realities of God).
“Verse 23. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise from the dead.”(This spoken in the present tense. However, Martha misunderstands Jesus and says to Him), “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day. (spoken in the future tense).” Verse 25. But Jesus says(in the aorist tense, indicating to her that what He is saying is continuously true, has already occurred, is presently occurring and will continue to occur into the future) , “I am (spoken in the present tense) the resurrection (anastasis), meaning “a standing up again”, i.e. literally a resurrection from death, now, standing before you. I.e., death has no dominion and no place in me nor in my presence. (I am) the life; (This is simply a staggering truth) and the one who believes(present tense) in Me will live, even if he dies(aorist tense), verse26, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” This is the eternal truth. If we will not or cannot accept this, then there is a great chance that we can never fully understand or trust God, His ways or His plans for our lives. Sadly, we will live in the middle ground of doubt, worry and fear. Just know that God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us, that we should not perish. Therefore all things are always working for our good – that is for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. And the PURPOSE of God’s plan is found in Daniel 9:24:
1) “to finish transgression,” (that is, to end man’s rebellion toward God),
2) “to put an end to sin,” (that is, to bring an end to sin),
3) “to atone for wickedness,” (that is, to make amends or reparation for wickedness),
4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,” (that is, the quality of being morally right or justifiable),
5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and (that is, to confirm these prophetic visions),
6) “to anoint the most holy.” (that is, to anoint, or to confer divine or holy office upon; in this case the Holy One, Jesus.).
We are included in God’s PURPOSE. His METHOD as found in Daniel 12 which is that,
Verse 28. When she had said this, she left and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” Verse 29. And when she heard this, she got up quickly and came to Him.
Verse 30. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still at the place where Martha met Him. Verse 31. Then the Jews who were with her in the house and were consoling her, when they saw that Mary had gotten up quickly and left, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Verse 32. So when Mary came to the place where Jesus was, she saw Him and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Verse 33. Therefore when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, verse 34, and He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Verse 35. Jesus wept. Verse 36. So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” Verse 37. But some of them said, “Could this man, who opened the eyes of the man who was blind, not have also kept this man from dying?”
(Commentary Break): It is widely known and repeated that the shortest verse in the Bible is verse 35, “Jesus wept”, and it is the most misunderstood and misinterpreted. Most every commentary will tell you that Jesus was mournful, sorrowful and sad over Lazarus’ death. Please, dear friend, Jesus has just explained to Martha and now to Mary, in length, that Lazarus is not dead, but just sleeping, a figure of speech to say that it is temporary and he will shortly ‘awaken’. He has explained that Lazarus will live again, now and not just in the resurrection. So why would Jesus mourn Lazarus’ death? He would not and He did not. This word carries with it a guttural sorrow and mourning.
(The word ‘troubled’ in the phrase in verse 33, “He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, comes from the Greek word, ‘tarassó’ , meaning ‘He was agitated, roiled , as making water turbulent or muddy, by stirring up sediment).
Jesus wept because of the lack of their faith and the inability of His followers to understand what Jesus is saying and doing. They fail to see that He is indeed the Son of God in the flesh.
If we find ourselves in the same situation, bearing all our burdens and grief without complete faith in Him, is something to be mourned about, indeed. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 38. So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Verse 39. Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Verse 40. Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Verse 41. So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. Verse 42. But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” Verse 43. And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Verse 44. Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Verse 45. Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. Verse 46. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done.
(Commentary Break). These foregoing verses speak for themselves on this matter. “Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him.” But please do not miss the lurking evil, the darkened and selfish hearts that run to the Pharisees. (End Commentary Break).
Conspiracy to Kill Jesus.
Verse 47. Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council meeting, and they were saying, “What are we doing in regard to the fact that this man is performing many signs? Verse 48. If we let Him go on like this, all the people will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take over both our place and our nation.” Verse 49. But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, verse 50, nor are you taking into account that it is in your best interest that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish instead.” Verse 51. Now he did not say this on his own, but as he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation; verse 52, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one, the children of God, who are scattered abroad. Verse 53. So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.
(Commentary Break). These verses reveal a complex social, religious, governmental and military matter. From BibleHub.com commentary we read, that “the religious leaders are expressing concern over Jesus’ growing influence. This phrase highlights their fear of losing control and authority. The miracles and teachings of Jesus were drawing large crowds, which threatened the established religious order. The leaders were worried that Jesus’ popularity would undermine their power and influence over the people.
The leaders acknowledge the compelling nature of Jesus’ works and words. This phrase indicates their awareness of the potential for widespread belief in Jesus as the Messiah. It reflects their fear that Jesus’ message could lead to a mass movement that would challenge their authority. The leaders’ concern was not just theological but also political, as they feared the implications of a large following.
The Roman Empire had control over Judea, and the Jewish leaders were concerned about maintaining peace and order to avoid Roman intervention. This phrase reflects their fear that a messianic movement could be seen as a rebellion against Roman rule, prompting a military response. The leaders were trying to prevent any action that might provoke the Romans and lead to the loss of their limited autonomy.
The leaders feared that Roman intervention could lead to the destruction of the Temple, as had happened in the past. The Temple was not only a religious center but also a source of power and prestige for the Jewish leaders, making its preservation crucial to them.
The leaders were concerned about the survival of the Jewish nation under Roman rule. They feared that any unrest could lead to severe repercussions, including the loss of their national identity and autonomy. This phrase underscores the political and nationalistic concerns of the leaders, who were trying to balance their religious authority with the practical realities of Roman occupation. Their fear was ultimately realized in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24:2. It is indeed interesting how, despite their strongly held belief of a coming Messiah is obscured by their earthly possessions of their religious order, the national state of Israel, their power, wealth and influence.
So it is for us in our day. Please, dear friends, let’s learn from this and relinquish our grip on our natural lives so God can release us from the grip the world has on our futures. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 54. Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the region near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim(double ash heap / I shall be fruitful); and there He stayed with the disciples.
Verse 55. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country prior to the Passover, in order to purify themselves. Verse 56. So they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple area, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” Verse 57. Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might arrest Him. (End text for Chapter 11).
We can see many examples throughout history, and even in our own day, where good men are murdered and assassinated for no other reason than their goodness. They stand as an obstacle of and in the face evil and selfish people, and they hate it, just as John 3:19-20 states, “The Light, (Jesus), has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light ; for their deed were evil. For everyone who does evil, hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that their deeds will not be exposed”.
But our calling and purpose is found in John 3:21, “But the one, (those of us) who practice the truth come to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.”
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.” (John 4:34). Jesus’ earthly ministry is complete. Let’s call that stage 1.
Stage 2, This is our ministry. Jesus said, “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have come into their labor.” (John 4:38). We are to be found doing this work when Jesus returns to claim His own from this harvest. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But [ai]be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes”. (Matthew 24:42-46).
Stage 3. Then comes the Lord. The beginning of the End. Stage 3 is found in Matthew 24:29-31. “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
We are near the end of stage 2, the Birth Pains (Matthew 24:8) of the tribulation period (seals 1 through 5). Then comes the rapture. Be found doing what He has commanded. Be ready or be left behind.
Jesus never wrote a book. He never even made a list as far as we can tell. His teachings were from His heart, His mind by way of His Divine Nature. People learned what He was teaching and came to know Him by following Him around, listening to His Words and watching Him – then by doing what He had done and saying what He had said.
We, churches, pastors, preachers, theologians, and authors, in this twenty-first century, write and sell hundreds of thousands and even millions of religious books, commentaries, sermons series, and videos every year, totaling in the billions of dollars in sales.
But oddly enough, we are in such disagreement on the teachings of Jesus and in fact much of what is in the Bible that Christianity and its variants, have splintered into over 200 known denominations in America and over 33,000 denominations, worldwide – and many are outright hostile to one another. (Jesus warned that there would be a rise of false prophets, false teachers and false christs, and so it is.)
And speaking of simplicity being lost in the rush to find answers, here is a funny skit done by Bob Newhart, on his TV show by the same name, which may help make my point in an odd sort of way:
KATHERINE: Dr. Switzer?
SWITZER, (Bob Newhart): Yes, come in. I’m just washing my hands.
KATHERINE: I’m Katherine Bigmans. Janet Carlisle referred me.
SWITZER: Oh, yes. You dream about being buried alive in a box.
KATHERINE: Yes, that’s me. Should I lay down?
SWITZER: No, we don’t do that anymore. Just have a seat and let me tell you a bit about our billing. I charge five dollars for the first five minutes and then absolutely nothing after that. How does that sound?
KATHERINE: That sounds great. Too good to be true as a matter of fact.
SWITZER: Well, I can almost guarantee you that our session won’t last the full five minutes. Now, we don’t do any insurance billing, so you would either have to pay in cash or by check.
KATHERINE: Wow. Okay.
SWITZER: And I don’t make change.
KATHERINE: All right.
SWITZER: Go.
KATHERINE: Go?
SWITZER: Tell me about the problem that you wish to address.
KATHERINE: Oh, okay. Well, I have this fear of being buried alive in a box. I just start thinking about being buried alive and I begin to panic.
SWITZER: Has anyone ever tried to bury you alive in a box?
KATHERINE: No. No, but truly thinking about it does make my life horrible. I mean, I can’t go through tunnels or be in an elevator or in a house, anything boxy.
SWITZER: So, what you are saying is you are claustrophobic?
KATHERINE: Yes, yes, that’s it.
SWITZER: All right. Well, let’s go, Katherine. I’m going to saytwowordsto you right now. I want you to listen to them very, very carefully.Then I want you to take them out of the office with you and incorporate them into your life.
KATHERINE: Shall I writethemdown?
SWITZER: No. If it makes you comfortable. It’s just two words. We find most people can remember them.
KATHERINE: Okay.
SWITZER: You ready?
KATHERINE: Yes.
SWITZER: Okay. Here they are. Stopit!
KATHERINE: I’m sorry?
SWITZER: Stopit!
KATHERINE: Stopit?
SWITZER: Yes. S-T-O-P, new word, I-T.
KATHERINE: So, what are you saying?
SWITZER: You know, it’s funny, I say two simple words and I cannot tell you the amount of people who say exactly the same thing you are saying. I mean, you know, this is not Yiddish, Katherine. This is English. Stop it.
KATHERINE: So I should just stopit?
SWITZER: There you go. I mean, you don’t want to go through life being scared of being buried alive in a box, do you? I mean, that sounds frightening.
KATHERINE: It is.
SWITZER: Then stopit.
KATHERINE: I can’t. I mean it’s —
SWITZER: No, no, no. We don’t go there. Just stopit.
KATHERINE: So, I should just stop being afraid of being buried alive in a box?
SWITZER: You got it. Good girl. Well, it’s only been three minutes, so that will be three dollars.
KATHERINE: Actually, I only have five so —
SWITZER: Well, I don’t make change.
KATHERINE: Then I guess I’ll take the full five minutes.
SWITZER: Fine. All right. What other problems would you like to address?
KATHERINE: I’m bulimic. I stick my fingers down my throat.
SWITZER: Stopit! Are you a nut of some kind? Don’t do that.
KATHERINE: But I’m compelled to. My mom used to call —
SWITZER: No, no. We don’t go there.
KATHERINE: But I —
SWITZER: No, we don’t go there either.
KATHERINE: But my horoscope did say —
SWITZER: We definitely don’t go there. Just stop it. What else?
KATHERINE: Well, I have self-destructive relationships with men.
SWITZER: Stopit! You want to be with a man, don’t you?
KATHERINE: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm, yes.
SWITZER: Well, then, stopit.Don’t be such a big baby.
KATHERINE: I wash my hands a lot.
SWITZER: That’s all right.
KATHERINE: It is?
SWITZER: I wash my hands all the time. There’s a lot of germs out there. Don’t worry about that one.
KATHERINE: I’m afraid to drive.
SWITZER: Well, stop it. How are you going to get around? Get in the car and drive you, you kook. Stopit.
KATHERINE: You stop it. You stop it.
SWITZER: What’s the problem, Katherine?
KATHERINE: I don’t like this. I don’t like this therapy at all. You are just telling me to stopit.
SWITZER: And you don’t like that?
KATHERINE: No, I don’t.
SWITZER: So you think we are moving too fast, is that it?
KATHERINE: Yes. Yes, I do.
SWITZER: All right. Then let me give you ten words that I think will clear everything up for you. You want to get a pad and a pencil for this one?
KATHERINE: All right.
SWITZER: Are you ready?
KATHERINE: Mm-hmm.
SWITZER: All right. Here are the ten words: Stop it, or I’ll bury you alive in a box!
So, it was just two words and Katherine wants to write them down? She wants to analyze it? She says she doesn’t like the simplicity of the advice. She says it’s all moving too fast. She won’t do it! So Dr. Switzer, (Bob Newhart) says to write it down. All ten words!
Coincidentally, Jesus’ first, most complete and shortest sermon ever was just nine words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And sincere people, for various reasons, have written hundreds of thousands, even millions of commentaries on what we think He meant by those nine words.
By some credible accounts, there have been between 5 and 7 billion Bible sold, alone. And there is just no way to estimate the books written about the Bible, Jesus, God, etc.
That is quite a way from the Words of Jesus contained in about six chapters of the book of Matthew from the New Testament of the Bible. Today, there are over 450 known versions of the Bible translated into over 700 languages.
Okay. I know some will think or say have overstated my point. But I believe that I have oversimplified this matter. Of course, the disciples wanted to write it all down. They wrote it down because they were so-inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. And they wrote it down so they and future generations would not forget what had happened and how it all came about. Then as time went by, people like the Apostle Paul began stringing things together. The prophecies from the Torah, the Law and the events of the advent of Jesus and His miracles. And, even Paul, perhaps because he was highly educated and trained in the law, says some things that people still wrestle with the meaning of today. So much more it is with our present and past churches, pastors, preachers, theologians, and authors, in the fourth through twenty first centuries. And, the more time that passes, it seems the wider the division.
But, not so with Jesus. He said that what He said was intelligible and meant to be understood by His true followers.
He said what He meant and meant what He said. Even as He spoke in parables, used metaphors and similes, His message was and is clear “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
And yes, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Dear friends, we have entered the time known as the Great Apostasy (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3). Jesus spoke of this day as the coming Great Delusion. (see 2 Thessalonians 2:11). Let’s not be deceived. Call on the Name of Jesus. Pray for wisdom and understanding. Study to be approved. That day is ever so near.
I find it extremely satisfying when I pick up any kind of knife, and it does the job for which it is designed. Conversely, I am greatly disappointed when I go to cut something such as fruit or when cutting the skin off a fish or fat off a piece of meat, and I find myself grinding into the cutting board and tearing things unevenly.
So, by pulling the knife’s blade against the whet stone, I sharpen the knife. I do this frequently, so it is always ready to get the job done, quickly and efficiently.
The same goes for a person’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual life, although on a much higher and more important level – especially the spiritual. A person’s mental, emotional and physical health and well-being flow from their spiritual core.
The Bible puts it this way, “As a person thinks, so are they”. The spirit of a person, (sometimes referred to as the subconscious or ‘core’), is the hidden place where human awareness and acuity begin. Interestingly, the spirit of a person can be considered to be ‘alive or dead’, ‘full of light’ or ‘full of darkness’, and this will determine how a person will think (the mind), how they will feel (the emotions), how they will make decisions (the will), and how they will act (the physical body).
The Bible, when speaking to this matter, compares this inner person to the ‘eye’. “The eye,(the mind’s eye or one’s view of matters) is the lamp(one’s guiding principles) of the body; so then, if your eye is clear, (healthy and sincere with a single undivided focus, i.e. without a secret “double agenda”), your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad,(i.e., evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful; emphasizing the inevitable agonies and misery, that always go with evil), your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (see Matthew 6:22-23).
One must sharpen, or hone his or her spirit, mind, will, emotions and body to a fine edge in order to be able to live the life for which you have been designed and efficiently attain a purposeful and satisfying life.
It is your choice, of course. It is Light or darkness.
Living in darkness equates to a negative attitude, a lack of basic needs, friend-lessness, hopelessness, resentment, anger, depression which can often lead to death.
Living in the light can bring a positive outlook, a steady supply of what you need physically, mentally, emotionally in terms of friendships, hope for the future, gratitude, joy and happiness, a bright spirit and an abundant life.
Living in the Light does not come automatically. For most people it takes an awareness, and the desire to live a meaningful and purposeful life, coupled with discipline, hard work and endurance.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
”In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. (1st Peter 1:6-7).
I am borrowing an excerpt from Pastor Trent Casto’s sermon from February 25, 2024, taken from Ephesians 2:11-22, (Covenant Church of Naples, PCA, Naples, Florida), and I am focusing on the matter of ‘hope’. Pastor Casto asks,
“What is the hope that sustains you in life? You may be sustained by a short-term hope such as getting through school, or beyond a challenging phase of parenting, or through a particular medical treatment. But what if you don’t get through? What hope do you have? It may be hope for your children, that they will grow and be happy and successful however you define it. That’s a wonderful desire, but if it doesn’t happen, what hope do you have left?
“The hope that carries you may be for a better tomorrow, a peaceful retirement, a financial windfall. But what if tomorrow never comes?
“The Christian hope runs deeper than all these things and can sustain us even if these other hopes do not come to fruition.
“The Christian hope is not simply a wish for the future but a certainty that God will do what He has promised. (It is hard to overstate the significance of having such a hope.
“If you are without hope today, or you realize that your hope is on shaky ground, there is a hope which can serveas a firm foundation that will not give way no matter what else in life does give way.” (End of sermon excerpt).
Let me continue by explaining that this word, ‘hope’ is not a wistful longing of uncertain outcome. This ‘hope’ as it used in Ephesians 2:12, comes from the Greek word ‘elpís’, meaning, to anticipate and to welcome – correctly used, it speaks of a confident expectation of what is sure to occur; a certainty. If you are without this kind of hope, sadly, you are walking in the blind, and it need not be that way.
Faith – Certainty – Hope – Proof.
(#1). Hebrews 11:1 prophetically proclaims that “Now faith is thecertainty of thingshoped for, a proof of things not seen.” (NASB). Faith – Certainty – Hope – Proof.
Another way to say this is, “Now faith is the assurance – the title deed, the confirmation – of things hoped for – divinely guaranteed, and the evidence of things not seen – but is the conviction of their reality—it is faith that comprehends, as fact, what cannot be experienced by the physical senses. (Amplified Bible Version).
In simpler words, you have to be dogged in and stubborn about your faith. You must be firmly planted on the conviction that God will finish what He has begun in you. You must be firm in your mind that God hears and answers your prayers. Furthermore, you must know that He will answer all your prayers in ways that conform to His great gift of salvation to you, and which will benefit you maturing into the image and likeness of Christ.
You must know that to be saved, literally means to be made safe, to heal, to preserve, to do well, to be made whole; rescued from destructionand brought into divine safety, rescuing believers from the penalty and power of sin. (‘Saved’ in the Greek is the word sozo, pronounced sode-zo).
This is a certainty. It will come to pass; It has come to pass; receive it.
Proximity Is Everything.
(#2). Ephesians 2:13 prophetically proclaims, “But no win Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near, by the blood of Christ.”
Romans 10:6-10, explains it this way, “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL GO UP INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
It is – that is the Word of Faith – is as near to you as the words in your mouth!
Believe it. Speak it. Embrace it. This is a certainty.
This is a certainty. It will come to pass; It has come to pass; receive it.
AND WE KNOW.
(#3). “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” (see Romans 8:28-29).
And we know, or at the very least we should know (and understand), these Four Grand Principal Truths:
God causes all things to work together for good,
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.
Let’s re-review this carefully.
It is God – alone – who is the cause.
This is exclusively for those who love God.
This is exclusively for those who are (the) called according to His purpose.
It is God alone who predestined those whom he foreknew to be conformed to the image of His Son. (This is God’s Primary Purpose and Plan. For by this single offering – the sacrifice of His only Son – He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.)
This is a certainty. It will come to pass; It has come to pass; receive it.
Keeping All This In Mind.
(#4). Scriptures tell us, “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 the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8).
“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.” (Matthew 21:21).
“If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7).
OUR PART is to ask, seek, knock, have faith, doubt not, and it will be done.
OUR PART is to have faith and accept what comes from the Hand of God and put it to good use.
GOD’S PART is to create, give, bestow, love us unconditionally, cause all things to work together for our good, whether we understand it, at first, or not.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In this beloved verse, God reassures His people that He has plans for their welfare, prosperity, and a hopeful future. It reminds us that God’s intentions toward us are good, and He has specific purposes and blessings in store.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse reminds us that God is actively working for the good of those who love Him and are aligned with His purpose. Even in challenging circumstances, God can turn things around and bring about His perfect plan for our lives.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
When we delight in the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly, He aligns the desires of our hearts with His own will. As we prioritize our relationship with Him, He graciously grants us the desires that are in line with His purpose.
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”
God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher and wiser than ours. This verse reminds us that sometimes we may not fully understand God’s plans in the present moment, but we can trust that His ways surpass our limited understanding and He works everything for our ultimate good.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
When we put our trust in God, He promises to meet all our needs abundantly, drawing from His limitless resources and the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages us to place our complete trust in God and acknowledge His lordship over our lives. By surrendering our own understanding and seeking His guidance, He will direct our paths and make them straight, leading us to His perfect will.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else, He takes care of our needs. He is a faithful provider, and as we align ourselves with His purposes, He grants us the blessings and provisions we require.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse highlights that we are God’s masterpiece, created with a unique purpose in Christ Jesus. He has prepared good works in advance for us to accomplish, and when we walk in alignment with His plan, we experience fulfillment and impact in fulfilling His purposes.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. This verse reminds us that God’s grace is more than enough to sustain us and empower us to overcome challenges. We can trust that He equips us with the necessary strength to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
This verse assures us that God is our protector and provider. As we walk blamelessly before Him, He withholds no good thing from us, showering us with His favor, honor, and blessings.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God is a God of new beginnings. This verse encourages us to remain attentive to His work in our lives. Even in the most challenging situations, He can create a way where there seems to be no way, bringing forth new life and refreshing streams of His provision.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
In this verse, the psalmist expresses confidence in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His purpose for his life. It reminds us of God’s unending love and reassures us that He will bring to completion the work He has started in us.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
To experience the fullness of God’s plan, we are called to break away from worldly influences and allow our minds to be renewed according to God’s truth. As our thinking aligns with His will, we gain discernment and clarity to recognize and embrace His good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
God desires to guide and teach us in the paths we should take. This verse assures us of His personal and loving guidance, providing wisdom and counsel as we seek His will and direction.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We may make plans, but ultimately, God determines our steps. This verse reminds us to submit our plans and desires to God’s sovereignty, trusting that He will guide and establish our paths according to His perfect purposes.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
When we find our delight in the Lord, He establishes and upholds our steps. This verse reassures us that as we seek intimacy with God, He actively leads and supports us along the path of His choosing.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
God invites us to call upon Him, and He promises to respond. When we seek Him in prayer and inquire of Him, He reveals hidden treasures and profound insights that surpass our understanding.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to persistently seek God and ask Him for what we need. He assures us that those who earnestly seek, ask, and knock will receive answers, find what they are seeking, and have doors of opportunity opened for them.
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”
God’s blessing is the source of true wealth and abundance. This verse reminds us that as we align with God’s ways and walk in obedience to Him, He blesses us with prosperity that does not require excessive toil or hardship.
“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”
When we honor God and walk in His ways, He opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out abundant blessings upon us. This verse speaks of divine favor, productivity, and sufficiency in all our endeavors.
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”
God has an abundance of good things stored up for those who reverence Him and find their shelter in Him. This verse assures us that God delights in blessing His people openly and lavishly.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
As we place our hope and trust in the Lord, He renews our strength. This verse describes the supernatural empowerment and endurance God grants to those who rely on Him, enabling them to soar, run, and walk without growing weary or faint.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Jesus urges us not to worry but to trust in God’s provision. This passage emphasizes that if God takes care of His creation, such as the birds of the air, He will undoubtedly provide for our needs as well. Our value to God far surpasses that of the birds, reinforcing the assurance of His faithful care.
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
God has prepared unimaginable and glorious things for those who love Him. This verse reminds us that the blessings and rewards awaiting us in God’s eternal kingdom far exceed anything we can comprehend or envision in our present earthly lives.
As our Shepherd, the Lord provides and cares for our every need. This well-known verse highlights the sufficiency and completeness we find in Him, assuring us that we lack nothing when we place our trust in His faithful guidance and provision.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This comforting verse reminds us that God is present with us in every situation. We need not fear or be discouraged because He is our God. He promises to strengthen, help, and support us with His righteous hand. His unwavering presence and assistance assure us that what God has for us is indeed for us.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God’s care for us is deeply personal and compassionate. This verse encourages us to cast all our worries, anxieties, and burdens upon Him, knowing that He genuinely cares for us. It affirms that God is attentive to our needs and desires to bear the weight of our concerns.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus instructs us not to worry about basic necessities but to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we place God first in our lives, He graciously provides for our material needs. This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our priorities with God’s purposes and trusting His faithful provision.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
God is our constant refuge and source of strength. This verse reminds us that He is ever-present and ready to assist us in times of trouble, offering solace, protection, and the inner fortitude we need to face any challenge.
I read Bible commentaries and theologian’s reviews, and many times I find myself having to pick my jaw up off the floor. (That is an exaggeration, of course – but not by much.)
They, these ‘experts’, say that God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (ever present), omnipotent (all powerful), and that is true! Then, in their next breath, they make statements or draw conclusions that say the exact opposite – and teach as much. Their defense is usually something like, “There are just some things we cannot know”. Well, there are some things we can absolutely know, so please either quit contradicting yourselves or just be silent. After all, you passed a bunch of tests and got your PhD or M Div, etc., and you now expect others to listen to you as an ‘expert’. I’ll tell you what. You now have a responsibility to either get it right or just be silent.
Let me give you a couple of glaring examples.
#1. A doctrinal statement made by a leader in a certain mainline Church: “Man was made in the image of God, but by his own will, sinned and rebelled against God and was put out of the Garden of Eden.” This type of teaching shows the shallow thinking and flaws in denominationalism, which frequently leads to the religious experts trying to put ‘square pegs into round holes.”
First: If God is omniscient, did He not know man would rebel? Did God make a mistake in His creation of mankind? The answer to both questions, a resounding ‘NO’. God knew and knows exactly what He is doing, all the time!
God knew He created mankind with a propensity to fail and sin (please click the preceding link for detail on this teaching). God knows exactly what was going to happen; and God planned a Savior to redeem humankind. It is all part of His process of perfecting humankind into His image and likeness!
It’s either that, or we cannot trust God to get it right the first time. Furthermore, it’s either that, or God is not omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (ever present), omnipotent (all powerful) and He makes mistakes. But NO.
God is perfect, and He tells us, “Therefore, you are to be perfect (“esomai” = future tense, shall be, will be, it shall come to pass), as your heavenly Father is (esti = present tense) perfect.”
The Greek language reveals that perfection is God’s plan and the only ‘say-so’ we have in the matter, is whether we choose to follow Him or not. Once you become a Christian and follow Him, God will begin the process of perfection through His sanctifying of you and your life.
#2. We are taught that “all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God” (see Romans 3:23). This is an accurate quote from scriptures. It is usually presented and taught that sin is a series of behaviors or acts that reveal our corrupt nature. We are taught that we are born with a ‘sin nature’ inherited from Adam, which is true.
We are taught to believe that sin is your willful and deliberate rebellion against God, as if we had a choice. But, that type of teaching shows the shallow thinking and flaws in denominationalism, which frequently leads to the religious experts trying to put ‘square pegs into round holes.”
The Apostle Paul tells us, in Romans 7:21-25, that sin has always been and continues to be ever-present within your natural body, waging war against your natural mind, making you a prisoner, leading to death. Dear friends, know that God made you, from the beginning, with this flaw, this sin-nature! It was not your choice, though it is now your responsibility.
Could God have made you differently? YES, He could have. Did He not know the dilemma this would create in our lives? YES, He knew. Yet, He chose this method to subdue you and me and to show us our need for Him; to make us dependent on Him for His great salvation! And it is in this knowing that we are given a choice: Either suffer and die in our sins or accept the sufferings of Jesus as our gift of the propitiation for our sins, and live because of Him as our Savior.
(Note: The word ‘sin’ in the New Testament is ‘harmatia’ = a sin is the failure to ‘hit the mar; i.e., missing the mark; it means, more literally as having “no share“, or “no part of”; it is a loss, or a forfeiture. So, not hitting the target, or to miss the mark results in you forfeiting or losing your share of the inheritance God has laid up for you, both now and eternally.
Then what is the ‘target’ we are missing? It is the target of God’s perfection. Being perfected into the image and likeness of God which makes you a joint heir and friend of Jesus, sort of His ‘twin’, so to speak – perfected into God’s image and likeness.)
So, what does all of this tell us? It tells us that we have been set up, first to fail, then to be offered a rescue from that failure and finally to receive the victory of God’s Success in our lives! We were programmed to fail. But God prepared a Remedy, a Savior, Jesus Christ.
It has been God’s plan and purpose all along, to perfect us into Him image and likeness. And He is using this our failed nature to make us aware of our need for Him to save us and to bring us into His Holiness.
Why does God choose to do this and in this way? I do not know. No one knows. Only God knows. But now that we do know about these things, and we can also know what to do and how to get it done!
So, the next time you ‘sin’ and fall short of God’s glory, confess your sins. He is faithful and righteous, and He will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (See 1 John 1:9). But you can do this only if you have surrendered your natural self and been remade, born again, as Jesus puts it. (See John 3:7)
So, the next time trials, troubles and tribulations come upon you, and you feel the pinch, pain and toils of life pressing down upon you, remember that in this you can rejoice, that even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, (you can know) that this is an opportunity for the proving of your faith – your faith, which is more precious than gold which perishes, (and that being) tested by fire, (the perfecting of), your faith may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ in and through your life! (See 1 Peter 1:6-7)
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
SAVED: Strong’s concordance #4982 sozo, (pronounced, sode’-zo), meaning -to save, make whole, heal, to be whole; to be given purpose for your life.
To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your mortal body, in your mind, in your will and emotions (your soul).
To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your relationship with your spouse, your children and your family.
To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your relationships with your friends, acquaintances and the world at large.
To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; from injury or peril in your job, your career, your finances and all that God has entrusted to you.
Being saved literally means to save a suffering one (from perishing); to save one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health; to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue; to save in the technical biblical sense, to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment.
“I guess you might say I have been busy working at saving the world”.
WHICH WORKS?
It is interesting that Jesus commanded His disciples (Christians) to do the works that He has done and even greater works than these. We are to continue in His mission, using His methods and His ways. (John 14:12, Matthew 10:1)
It can be a bit confusing, but He promised us that He will be with us, in His authority, giving us direction and even giving us the words we should use. (Matthew 28:16-19, Luke 21:15, Luke 12:12)
WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?
“For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” This, too, is our calling!
TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
John 18:37“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” This, too, is our calling!
TO BRING A SWORD
Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35. For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; Verse 36and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.”This, too, is our calling!
TO FULFILL THE LAW
Matthew 5:17, “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”This, too, is our calling!
TO CALL SINNERS
Mark 2:17, “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”This, too, is our calling!
TO SAVE THE WORLD
John 12:47, If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” In a very real sense, This, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him
TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
Luke 12:49, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50.But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51. Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division; This, too, is our calling!
WHAT HE REALLY MEANT, WAS…
John 14:12,“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. 13And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
I have heard so many preachers and bible teachers try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited. These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12. They will begin their commenary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…”.
Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said. We need to get over it and get on with it.
CONTEXT
The year is now 2024. A recent-past president of the United States has declared that America is no longer a Christian nation. Postmodernism is a term used to describe this new paradigm. Our churches are practicing a new version of the Gospel of Jesus Christ often described by a “3-line motto” which can be seen across the spectrum of churches in America: “Gather, Grow, Give” or “Love each other, Enjoy Jesus, Share Him with others”, etc.
These mottoes are an attempt to describe the church and its ministry to the watching world or to the ‘church shopping Christian’. But, if these mottoes or labels are supposed to describe Jesus and His Church, they fail.
Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was not to teach a social gospel, create a ‘family life center’, to make you a better you or to shake up the existing religious institutions. Jesus was on a specific Mission from God the Father as is reflected in the foregoing Bible verses. Jesus confirms that He is on His Father’s mission,, in John 5:19, “Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way.”
With this in mind, can you, in your most vivid imagination, see Jesus announcing “mother’s morning out”, “cookies and campfires for kids”, “fishing with fathers and sons”, “financial workshops”, etc? You might say “what’s wrong with that?”. I would respond that there is nothing wrong with these activities, but, they have nothing to do with Jesus Mission and our calling to that mission.
THE BOTTOM LINE
John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.”
FACING REALITY
Everything Jesus has done is IN THE CONTEXT of what God the Father said. But, the world, both Christian and secular worlds seem to have decided that Jesus is exclusively a gentle little lamb. But, if you make a closer inspection and take an honest look a what the Bible says, you see a different picture: Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb. He is both careful with His words and brutally honest. He is both gentle and forceful.
THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE
If you came home and saw your house on fire, knowing your family was inside, what would you do? Would you politely suggest everyone might want to step outside or would you take immediate action, sparing no effort or words to alert everyone to the immediate danger and move them to safety at any cost?
Likewise, God’s creation is perishing because of lack of knowledge of Him and Jesus is doing what is necessary to save the world. We may not always understand His words, His methods or His ways, but it would be prudent to observe, listen, think and obey Him.
The world has long held a misconception, a distorted view of God. We have made Him into a “kinder and gentler” image which we would prefer.
Jesus is setting that record straight in order to save the world from itself.
SO, WHAT ABOUT JESUS BEHAVIORS?
Most who have read this far, should have been shocked by the opening paragraphs of this article, but, that is EXACTLY what Jesus said and did. These are EXACTLY the behaviors of our Savior. Jesus’ words and behaviors are the perfect balance of love for this world coupled with rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness This, too, is our calling!
His words and actions must be kept in context, lest we misuse them, ourselves. Read John 3:16 again, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.”
Jesus’ words and behaviors are the perfect balance of love for this world coupled with rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness. This, too, is our calling!
WE ARE IN AN END DAYS WAR
We are locked in the eternal Spiritual struggle. Millions upon millions of souls are at risk. We cannot fight and win this battle using our own means, methods and ways. It is urgent that we return to Jesus, to His methods and His ways. It is urgent that we have the mind of Christ at all times and in all matters. Anything less ends in defeat.
If you dispute or dismiss the idea that God’s ways may seem strict harsh or unfair, remember, God sacrificed His own Son for you. That seems strict, harsh and unfair.
Jesus willingly gave up His own life for this Cause which also seems strict, harsh and unfair.
And, if God did not spare the natural branches (His own Jewish / Hebrew people), how will you stay secure in this Cause without following Him? Does this also seems strict, harsh and unfair? Perhaps. But it is the only way!
WE MUST GET THIS RIGHT
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. We cannot fight this war with conventional earthly method, means or way. WE MUST GET THIS RIGHT in our minds and do this in real-time!
This is the only way, for as it is written. This will shake the very foundations of your life, your church and the world!
TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH
BRING A SWORD
FULFILL THE LAW
CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE
SAVE THISWORLD
CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH
WHAT HE REALLY MEANT, WAS “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:12).
Time is short. His return is near. It is time each of us, individually and collectively, to pick up our cross and really follow Him. Now! Today!
PS: Just in case you were wondering. The Bible is clear: I am not talking about us saving ourselves. No one can earn their way into the Kingdom of Heaven by what they say or do apart from Jesus. Our salvation and place in heaven is secured solely by God’s Grace and through our faith in Jesus.
How we act, that is, our words and our behaviors are a reflection of our attitude. And our attitude, our mind set, must be the same as Christ. Philippians 2:5, exhorts us to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”.
Your attitudes and resultant words and behaviors are what will free you or will limit you.
You will overcome because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of your testimony, and that you do not love this life even when faced with death!
Bible Stories, Religious Ethical Teachings or THE TRUTH to be applied so you can live faithfully?
The answer to the question: “Is The Bible a record of Stories leading up to and including Jesus? Is the Bible Religious Ethical Teachings we can choose from and adjust for our own particular circumstances? Or is the Bible THE TRUTH to be applied to keep you from stumbling, so you can live successfully and faithfully?
Let me begin by saying that the Bible was written to you, for you and about you, for your understanding and relationship with God. There are those who would argue that the Bible sometimes was written to specific people or about specific people but not always for those people, and this, unfortunately, is the prevalent view among most theologians and Christian denominations. It is an attempt to avoid having to apply the parts Truth of God’s Word which they do not understand or do not agree with. In other words, puny and arrogant humans standing in judgement on God and His Word! (Think about that.)
Here is why I say what I am saying: The Bible instructs us, “Every place on which the sole of your foot steps, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. No one will be able to oppose you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go.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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:3-9).
And again in Deuteronomy 28:1-13, “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I am commanding you today, that the LORD your God will put you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come to you and reach you if you obey the LORD your God:
“Blessed will you be in the city, and blessed will you be in the [c]country.
“Blessed will be the children of your womb, the produce of your ground, and the [f]offspring of your animals: the newborn of your herd and the young of your flock.
“Blessed will be your basket and your kneading bowl.
“Blessed will you be when you come in, and blessed will you be when you go out.
“The LORD will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated by you; they will go out against you one way and will flee at your presence seven ways. The LORD will command the blessing for you in your barns and in everything that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 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. So all the peoples of the earth will see that [i]you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you. And the LORD will give you more than enough prosperity, in the children of your womb, in the offspring of your livestock, and in the [l]produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless every work of your hand; and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will only be above, and not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God which I am commanding you today, to follow them carefully”.
In a nutshell, your thoughts, your ideas, your circumstances and your needs, no matter how great or dire, overshadow or trump the Truth of God’s Word. Anytime you skirt or compromise the clear teachings and instructions of God’s Word you get, at best, a diluted result and at worst, death – death, whether the death of a dream, the death of your hopes and aspirations, or a physical death.
We, as Christians, are so quick to exclaim “He is risen, indeed”, but then hesitant when it is time to act on the Words of the Risen King, Jesus Christ! Perhaps it is because we are a frail and broken people, saved only by God’s Grace and through our faith in Jesus. Or, perhaps it is because we are a rebellious people, bent on having our own way.
But know this: If you are able, you must.
If you cannot, put yourself at God’s mercy. He knows that’ our frames are but dust’, prone to fail. And though He will not test you beyond what you can endure, the finished Work of Jesus on the cross has provided and secured our salvation.
Do what you can, and all you can, while you can. If you cannot, turn to The Father through Jesus His Son, our Lord, our Savior, our Friend and Brother.
Each and every Word of the Bible is God’s love letter of hope, promise and instruction written specifically to and for you and me. This is how and why it is written. This is how it is to be read, understood and applied – every time, all the time.
Yesterday’s sermon was excellent. Well-thought-out, delivered well, informational, instructional and convicting. But I don’t know exactly how to do it! I mean, I don’t understand how to accomplish what I was told to do.
The message comes from the book of James 5:1-6. The summary is “the unrighteous rich hoard and accumulate”.
The unrighteous rich use and abuse power. (They pay too little and withhold wages).
The unrighteous rich love in luxury and self-indulgence.
How then should we live?
We should not be haughty.
We should not set our hope on riches.
We should set our hope on God.
We should be rich in good works and ready to share.
But I am not rich. Are you?
I ran a business, and I was known for ‘overpaying’ and paying promptly.
I lived beneath my means.
“Luxury and self-indulgence” seems subjective. ‘I have an idea of what being haughty means. But isn’t that also a bit subjective’. It is hard to define. Who knows?
I have always tried to live as instructed by scriptures and according to this message. I had successes and failures. But I tried.
I guess this message was meant for those who have significant means so they can compare and contrast what the Bible (James) is saying to their own life.
Then, during the message, this struck me:
Use proper hermeneutics → Exegete scriptures → read → study → interpret → contextualize → understand → explain → apply → then, do it!
So often – or rather, the great majority of the time – sermons are given as a narrative of scriptures. Do you see what I am saying? They are a ‘story’ about a subject in the Bible, most often presented as ‘a story about a story’.
That is not what Jesus does. Jesus’ ‘sermons’ always tell Truth as being
Instructional. (instructional in the sense that it tells you why, how, when and where),
Creative. (in the sense that it creates, within the recipient, what is spoken),
Causative. (and it causes what is spoken to happen, and it causes change in the life of the recipient), and it is,
Prophetic. (prophetic in the sense it tells what is coming to pass, and it comes to pass – and continues to be manifest – in the lives of the recipients).
When you hear the Truth, take it into your mind, your soul and spirit and it ‘will tell the Truth, first, to you and then through you’ – that is, through your life.
This is more than just important. It is life changing and life-saving!
The Ten Commandments are also direct, instructional, creative, causative and prophetic in their nature. For example: “Do not murder”. Take that into your mind and let it dwell there. It will affect your soul (your mind, will and emotions) and seep down into your spirit. You will hear, see, feel and know that murder is wrong, and you will not do it. You will preserve life whenever possible.
This is most evident in Jesus’ teachings. One great example is found at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. His first complete sermon is, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
No more need be said. “Repent”. An instructional command. A causative command. A creative and prophetic command.
Any man, woman, boy or girl who hears these Words and takes them into their mind, soul and heart, through faith in Jesus, will be changed, and they will never be the same again!
Therefore, when James says, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, ” Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have corroded, and their corrosion will serve as< a testimony against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies. You have lived for pleasure on the earth and lived luxuriously; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous person; he offers you no resistance”, it is finished. It shall be done. And if you are behaving this way, miseries are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have corroded, and their corrosion will serve as a testimony against you and will consume your flesh like fire.”
(The Prophets were usually disdained by just about everyone. They told the Truth and people liked to live by their own rules according to their own pleasures – so they hated and killed the prophets. Much like today.)
So, what is the point and what is to be gained? The Bible, the Word of God, and Jesus’ Words is the longest love letter of instruction, causation, creation and prophecy ever breathed out and written.
It is written to you and should be read as such: A love letter from God to you and for you to do.
No matter what the natural world throws at you, by the grace of God and through faith in Jesus, if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.(Romans 10:9-10, NASB)
Please, do not be a hearer of the Word only, deceiving yourself. It is for you to do.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
As I confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I am being saved; for with my heart I believe, resulting in my righteousness, and with my mouth I confess, resulting in my salvation. (Romans 10:9-10, personalized)
NEWS BRIEF – WHAT THE UNIVERSE IS MADE OF – pluse a few ‘new things’.
“Matter and energy are the two basic components of the entire Universe. An enormous challenge for scientists is that most of the matter in the Universe is invisible. In fact, ninety percent of matter and energy in the Universe that is currently unobservable, and the source of most of the energy is not understood. How then can we study the Universe if we can’t see most of it?
“Astronomer Fritz Zwicky was the first to notice the discrepancy between the amount of visible matter in a cluster of galaxies and the motions of the galaxies themselves. He suggested that there may be invisible matter, or what he called “dark matter”, interacting gravitationally with the visible matter. Later, astronomers noticed similar incongruities when observing nearby spiral galaxies. Modern calculations say dark matter comprises about 27% of the Universe. We don’t yet know what it is, but we are searching for answers.” (excerpt from the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard and Smithsonian.)
A not-so-new discovery was madethat might still rewrite the scientific textbook. This new discovery transcends all the current theories of matter, space and time. It is a creative force which is so mysterious that the name given it is ‘Ho Logos’ which translates from the Greek language as, “The Word”. I say this is a not-so-new discovery because it is spoken of in ancient Hebrew and Greek Aramaic texts. But in the last century it has been regarded as a mere religious metaphor and is now overlooked by the scientific community.
IMAGINE and BELIEVE
There is mounting evidence, however, that before the earth, the stars or any of the cosmos existed, that is to say, “from the beginning of time”, there was only Ho Logos or The Word. Oddly enough, there is extensive mention of this ‘creative force’ found in ancient writings dated around 1440 B.C., about 3,400 years ago. Perhaps had this phenomenon been given a strange or mystical name it would have garnered more scientific attention. However, since science and religion have been drifting apart they are now set at odds, and the ‘new discovery’ is left out of the new age of science.
Since The Word cannot be seen or measured it has become unacceptable to the atheistic scientific community. Oddly enough, however, these same scientists are eager and willing pursue many other things which they cannot see, cannot measure and cannot prove exists (dark matter and the idea of parallel universes, as prime examples).
METAPHOR or MYSTERY
The Bible, which is a written record of The Word, instructs us that it is actually ‘God breathed and God inspired”. And that the “Breathed Word of God” contains all the mysteries of life, death and eternity, and is without any error, is infallible and is mysteriously literal beyond our comprehension.
The evidence that The Word exists is found in the creation of the heavens and the earth. There are countless first hand eye witnesses and crowds of thousands who pursued The Word in the form of a man, who is named Jesus. The most convincing is the fact of the changed lives of those who believe, pursue and embrace The Word.
The Bible informs us that “The Word of God” is living and active and full of power making it operative, energizing, and effective. And that it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit, the completeness of a person, and of both joints and marrow, that is, the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
The Bible tells us that God’s Thoughts and Ways are too high for us to understand. So, imagine if you can, that God, knowing this, made His Thoughts, His Ways and His Word into Flesh – into the person of Jesus. And it is by the incarnation of Jesus that God made His Thoughts, His Ways and His Word visible, intelligible and observable to all of humankind – that is, all who would believe on Him, who would watch and listen and learn. So, what we have is an invisible God, who cannot be measured by any scientific means but is evidenced by matter, time, space and the creation and existence of life.
The Bible is clear in pointing out that The Incarnate Word (Jesus) is the exact representation of God the Father, and that once you have seen Jesus (The Word) you have seen the Father (God)!
NOW YOU CAN KNOW
Therefore, when Jesus speaks, His Words also, are too deep for our natural mind to gain a complete understanding. So, Jesus not only speaks the Word but He demonstrates the Word of God by His works so we can see and understand. He is the Living Word of God,
It is at this point that you or any believer in Christ (or any seeker) must make the greatest of all decisions: Will you choose to believe Him – and believe Him completely? Or will you choose the fantasies of your own imagination? Or perhaps believe and an ever changing science of theories.
If you choose to pursue the idea and existence of The Word (God), there will be things said by Jesus and recorded in the Bible that you and I may not immediately understand. And, there may be things you and I will read or hear that you will understand at a later time; and then, there will be some things you and I will never fully understand – at least not while we are on this earth.
Regardless, in order to know about this mysterious revealed Word, it is necessary that you believe that He Is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him or your efforts will be in vain. You must believe in order to see, hear and experience The Word. You must believe in order to know and understand.
DID HE REALLY?
Just as importantly, we must come to understand that The Word, through the person of Jesus, always said exactly what He meant and meant exactly what He said. There are no errors and there are no subtleties. There may be statements He makes which will seem strange or even impossible to the natural mind, but that only means that you do not yet understand. (As C.S. Lewis put it, you should simply put those things aside which you cannot presently understand for the time being and proceed with what God has revealed to you, those things you do understand. You can return to other matters later.)
IT IS BY FAITH THAT WE UNDERSTAND
This is where the great mystery of ‘faith’ comes to the fore. Hebrews 11:1-2, reveals that “Now faith is the (substantial) certainty of things (anticipated) hoped for, and the proof (positive) of things not (yet) seen.For by it the people of old gained approval.By faith we understand…”
Was it just a metaphor when Jesus explained to His disciples that 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 for you.” In other words, not only is the unseen power real, it is available to you,
THE MYSTERY DEEPENS
Carl Sagan (1934-1996) was a popular and influential American astronomer and science writer. He was controversial in scientific, political, and religious circles for his views on extraterrestrial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and religion. He was well known for saying “we are all made of star stuff”, and for using language of the Bible to form metaphors suggesting there is no “higher power”, no God of creation – he vehemently denied the idea of Ho Logos. His ‘truth’ was based on theories of the observable universe promulgated from ideas from the ‘unseen’. Yet when it came to that which has come from the unseen realm and has been proven as visible and commanded and defied the very elements of nature, that is the person of Jesus Christ, Ho Logos, Sagan would smugly and arrogantly dismiss the reality of ‘The Word made flesh’.
The Bible records and explains in great detail (particularly if one is willing to study the Hebrew wording) in Genesis chapter 2, that God created man and woman from the dust of the ground.
In the vein that we are all made of ‘star stuff’, a powerful message to all who would believe is found in the New Testament book of John.
We have been created, not simply as a random or a coincidence of luck and timing, but as sentient beings, in the image of The Creator (Ho Logos) with the potential to be indwelt by, inhabited by Ho Logos – The Word.
Furthermore, we are not made to remain in this state of decaying ‘star stuff’, but just like Ho Logos and the cosmos which He created, we are made to exist for an eternity. The only thing left of be decided is ‘where and how we shall exist eternally’. The power of choice given to us by The Word:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18)
Finally, we are not left with just theories or conjecture. Jesus – The Word, uses this message coded in a metaphor, in order to give us specific instruction and insight about the process of our physical and spiritual development.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
Every branchin Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away;
and every branchthat bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Remain in Me, and I in you. (Because) Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in himbears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
If you remain in Me, and My words remain 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.
We are not cosmic accidents nor are we the result of evolutionary incredibly good luck. We have been created on purpose and with a purpose. The only caveat is that you hold the key and the power of choice.
By your choice you will find your place in the presence of the Great Designer, the Grand Creator and The Word – Our God. Or, you will endure an eternity in an outer darkness, where there is ‘wailing and gnashing of teeth’, alone, with the rest of the ‘star stuff’.
Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
This “Sermon on the Mount” starts by telling us that we are Blessed, when we are poor in spirit. We all have heard that this means we are “spiritually bankrupt”.
Yes, I suppose this can be one very basic and rudimentary meaning.
Being “Poor in Spirit” however, means so much more:
“Poor in spirit” in verse 3, from the Greek is ‘ptochos’ which literally means to be 1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms, 2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor; 2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches; 2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; 2c) poor, needy; 3) lacking in anything as respects to their spirit. 4) Being destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure). All of this comes from a root Greek alternate word meaning, “to be terrified”, and “as a decaying corpse”.
It should cause us to wonder, how could we possibly be considered “Blessed” if we are “poor in spirit”. But this is the Right Order as opposed to pride, wealth and self-reliance!
These verses go on to tell us we are “Blessed” if we are “mourning” loss, “hungering and thirsting”, or being “persecuted for the sake of righteousness”. How can this be?
“Poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing.
It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape, that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before.
The world tells us that we find happiness in ego, admiration, material wealth, possessions, power, status, education and lording it over others. But the Bible tells us, “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God”. Although, few of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state. It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help. And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives.
Please read the following verses and take note of the process. Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we must endure (yes, endure) in the Right Order to “inherit the Kingdom of God”.
THOSE WHO MOURN
Verse 4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
“Mourning”. An understandable response upon finding yourself severely pinched by poverty, reduced to begging; destitute with no influence, no position; lowly, afflicted and helpless; powerless to change your circumstances for the better; lacking in anything and terrified.
Think with me. Have you ever endured an especially difficult time? Perhaps, as a child, you were punished for bad behavior? Besides receiving a scolding you may have been spanked or had privileges taken from you? Or perhaps you endured a time of suffering and loss? “Mourning” was the natural response. What did you experience next?
GENTLE IN SPIRIT
Verse 5: “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Do you remember after enduring a time of suffering or loss and “mourning” your loss, having a good cry, your emotions or spirit was quieted for a time? You may have now had time to reflect on what has happened, and you lapse into a time of quiet, gentle appearing reflection.
HUNGER AND THIRST
Verse 6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Do you remember coming through a difficult time, having a good cry, either mentally or actually shedding tears, and then the ‘calm the followed the storm’ in your soul? Do you also remember that, for some reason, with the storm of your life behind you, you were actually hungry?
It is the same in our spirit. It is usually at this point that we begin to make life-decisions. We’re either getting angry and defiant or we decide to do better and to “be better”.
For those being redeemed by the mercies of God, the process is to ‘hunger and thirst for right-thinking and right living’: which is the very definition of Righteousness.
It is through this process that we gain new insights and understanding. How apt are scriptures to remind us in the next verse that
MERCIFUL
Verse 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
The word ‘mercy’ in this verse literally means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful
We are indeed being “Sanctified”: Being made holy and set apart for God’s use.
PURE IN HEART
Verse 8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Our attitudes are changing. Showing mercy is a sign that our hearts are changing and become pure in the sight of God. We are being transformed in what we see and in how we see. We are beginning to see matters as God sees them.
PEACEMAKER
Verse 9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
A peace will begin to settle over the heart and mind of the redeemed and sanctified Believer. We, not only, begin to experience ‘a peace that passes understanding’ from our deepening relationship with God, but we begin to demonstrate and practice that peace of God which earns us the title “sons (and daughters) of God”. We are being made into His image.
PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Verse 10: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The bible tells us, it is at this time, we inherit and possess the Kingdom of Heaven with all the rights, responsibilities, and authority of a son of God, a joint heir with Jesus.
This statement is staggering, even for the fully devoted and fully surrendered follower of Jesus. And, it is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to begin to understand.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of royal power, kingship, dominion and rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom, God’s Kingdom. It is of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah. It is the Place of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom. (From Strong’s concordance, definitions and translations of the Greek and Hebrew languages)
Here is what “Entire Sanctification” Looks Like:
LIGHT
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;”
Verse 15: nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Verse 16: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
These verses should leave the child of God breathless. In John 8:12 Jesus calls Himself, the Light of the World. “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Dear Friends, let’s not be deceived by this world or by its schemes and distractions:
“It is not what we see with only with our eyes, but by faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”. (Hebrews 11:3).
“We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal”. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15)
That is quite a way from the Words of Jesus contained in about six chapters of the book of Matthew from the New Testament of the Bible.
