Category: THINK bible study

JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Please stop and think on that. Of course, if you are in even moderately good physical and mental health, you might say, “Well, my name is such-and-such, the son or daughter of so-and-so”. But that would be a bit of a short view, an abbreviation, would it not?

I am not asking where did you come from or what do you do or what have you become, although those things could be helpful when deciding “Just who are you”.

There are approximately 8.2 billion people on this earth as I write this, and each with their own identity. You and I are just one of those 8 billion people. So, among all of those people, just who do you think you are? What identifies you as being the “you” you are?

Too “Existential” you might say? “Not at all”, I say.

Consider this: What if we think in terms of the chemical elements present, or by molecular structure or cell types? After all, your body is composed of about 17 trillion cells.

 

 

As interesting (and confusing) as that can be, the answer is no again. This just describes what you are made up of.

 

 

The Bible tells us that, when asked the same question, God says, “I AM WHO I AM”.

GOD is saying that He IS Self-existent. That is WHO HE IS.

“When used as a stand-alone description, I AM is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence. God’s existence is not contingent upon anyone else. His plans are not contingent upon any circumstances. He promises that He will be what He will be; that is, He will be the eternally constant God. He stands, ever-present and unchangeable, completely sufficient in Himself to do what He wills to do and to accomplish what He wills to accomplish.” (GotQuestions.org) However, we, as a natural-born human being, cannot say these things, UNLESS…

Unless we might consider WHO we are in Christ Jesus, THEN…

“According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” There are two Greek words which are translated “new” in the Bible. The first, ‘neos’, refers to something that has just been made, but there are already many others in existence just like it. The word translated “new” in this verse is the word ‘kainos’, which means “something just made which is unlike anything else in existence.” In Christ, we are made an entirely new creation, just as God created the heavens and the earth originally—He made them out of nothing, and so He does with us. He does not merely clean up our old selves; He makes an entirely new self. When we are in Christ, we are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4 KJV). God Himself, in the person of His Holy Spirit, takes up residence in our hearts. We are in Christ and He is in us.

In Christ, we are regenerated, renewed, and born again, and this new creation is spiritually minded, whereas the old nature is carnally minded. The new nature fellowships with God, obeys His will, and is devoted to His service. These are actions the old nature is incapable of doing or even desiring to do. The old nature is dead to the things of the Spirit and cannot revive itself. It is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) and can only be made alive by a supernatural awakening, which happens when we come to Christ and are indwelt by Him. Christ gives us a completely new and holy nature and an incorruptible life. Our old life, previously dead to God because of sin, is buried, and we are raised “to walk in newness of life” with Him (Romans 6:4).

If we belong to Christ, we are united to Him and no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:5-6); we are made alive with Him (Ephesians 2:5); we are conformed to His image (Romans 8:29); we are free from condemnation and walking not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1); and we are part of the body of Christ with other believers (Romans 12:5). The believer now possesses a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19) and has been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:3).

We might wonder why we so often do not live in the manner described, even though we have given our lives to Christ and are sure of our salvation. This is because we do not know, or we do not honestly acknowledge WHO WE ARE in Christ.

We can rightly say that our new natures are residing in our old fleshly bodies, and these two are at war with one another. The old nature is dead, but the new nature still has to battle the old “tent” in which it dwells. Evil and sin are still present, but the believer now sees them in a new perspective and they no longer control him as they once did. In Christ, we can now choose to resist sin, whereas the old nature could not. Now we have the choice to either feed the new nature through the Word, prayer, and obedience, or to feed the flesh by neglecting those things.

When we are in Christ, and He is abides in us, “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37) and can rejoice in our Savior, who makes all things possible (Philippians 4:13). In Christ, we are loved, forgiven, and secure. In Christ, we are adopted, justified, redeemed, reconciled, and chosen. In Christ, we are victorious, filled with joy and peace, and granted true meaning in life. It is ONLY then (and now) that I can boldly say, “I AM WHO I AM – IN CHRIST JESUS!”

JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? I AM A DISCIPLE AND DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST. This is who is am.

JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Coming Next:

  1. JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Then,

  1. JUST WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Then,

  1. JUST WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Finally,

  1. JUST WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING?

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

THE AXE IS LAID – A PROPHETIC WORD – Matthew 3:10-12

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Matthew 3:10, says, “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Verse 11. “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Verse 12. “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The Olive Tree, specifically, comes to mind when talking about prophecy and about Israel.  It is mentioned frequently in the Bible with regard to fruitfulness, health, and blessings. It is one of the seven species with which the land was blessed.

Jewish people associate it with the concept of “putting down roots” in the Holy Land. As such, olive trees appear in the emblems of both the State of Israel, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The olive tree has also been used as a motif in many works of art and in Jewish culture throughout history.

Here are some specific examples of ways the symbolism of the olive tree is represented in the Jewish faith:

  • Peace: The olive tree has become a consistent symbol of peace over the years, thanks to the story of Noah’s Ark and the dove that brings back an olive branch as a way to inform Noah that the rain had subsided. Olive branches even became used as a means of showing peace to other leaders/nations.
  • Love and celebration: Olive branches were used to make wreaths for the heads of young people on their wedding days, and at festivals in biblical times. The pilgrims who brought their first fruits to Jerusalem decorated the horns of the bull that led the procession with olive branches.
  • Life and vitality: Throughout the Bible, there are consistent references to olive trees as symbols of life and vitality. For example, the people of Israel are referred to as “a green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit” in the book of Jeremiah. When King Solomon dies, the trees of the garden mourn, shedding their leaves.

“The axe is already laid at the root of the trees”.  Verse 10 is saying judgment is now at hand.  The prophesied Messiah is here.  Your salvation is at hand.  You cannot depend on your traditions, rituals, good works, heritage or lineage to be saved from the coming wrath.  It is time to repent and bear fruit of Righteousness which is in Jesus the Christ, for your salvation, or you will perish.

Matthew 3:11, “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John is pointing the way to Jesus.  He baptizes with water for repentance which requires that you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, so you will be saved and escape the coming wrath; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

Interestingly, and important to this prophetic word, is that it is binding.  Jesus has told us that whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

Baptism is a form of binding.  Once complete, it is irreversible.  We may fail to remember our oaths or to take them seriously, but God never forgets.  God will remember the oath, and He will keep His Word.  You and I are bound.  The following words from the book of Matthew and the account of John the Baptist and of Jesus are a binding oath.

READER BEWARE:

Matthew 3:12, “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

THERE ARE FIVE POINTS GIVEN IN VERSE 12.  THEY ENCAPSULATE THE ENTIRE TRIBULATION PERIOD, BEGINNING WITH THE BREAKING OF THE TRIBULATION SEALS, CONTINUING THROUGH THE TRUMPET AND BOWL JUDGMENTS, INCLUDING THE  WHITE THRONE Judgment AND CULMINATING WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF THE 1ST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH WITH INTENSE HEAT.  THEY ARE A BINDING OATH AND PROPHECY.

(a)  “His winnowing fork is in His hand:  Represents the cleansing, refining, purifying of His Bride, the Church.

 (b)  He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor:  Represents the preparation of purging and separating the believers from the unbelievers through tribulation.

(c)  He will gather His wheat into the barn:  Represents Jesus gathering His Church together by way of the rapture and taking us to our eternal Home.

(d)  He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire:  Represents the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the destruction of the first heavens and earth.

Jesus has told us that His coming will it be just like in the days of Noah.  The days before the Great Flood people were eating and drinking, marrying, unconcerned about the warning of the coming wrath, that is until the day that Noah entered the ark.  They did not understand the accuracy and the gravity of the warnings until the flood came and took them all away; so it will be with the return of Jesus.

So, what can you do with what you now know?  Stay with me in this teaching and I will show you from scriptures how you not only can, but must, endure to the end of these days of trouble, and actually OVERCOME them.  Stay with me on this, it’s important and could be lifesaving!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The Next Teaching from The Holy Spirit and Fire, Matthew 3:11.

THINK – Part 7 – This is the Power

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Once again, many will hear Jesus’s words in these verses as a metaphor for something we must ‘do or attain to become’. This is not what He is saying. He is NOT telling us what we are to do, nor is He telling us what we are to strive to become.

Jesus is speaking prophetically, over and to His disciples, that is, He is speaking to anyone calling themselves a Christian and a follower of Jesus. He is proclaiming what we have already become or what we shall become because of His finished work of salvation and His continuing work of sanctification.

THIS IS THE POWER HE HAS CONFERRED ON YOU as an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven and a joint-heir of Jesus: YOU ARE THE LIGHT!

Jesus has said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill (which) cannot be hidden.” This is also a positional statement. It cannot be undone, although it can go ‘unused’. It is your responsibility and my responsibility to use the power, and the position Jesus has given.

Jesus goes on to exclaim the obvious, that “people do not light a lamp, then put it under a basket”. How ridiculous would that be? The light is meant – you, as a Christian, are meant – to give light to the entire ‘house’!

When Jesus says that the light, which is Christ within you, is to shine before others, so they will see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven, He is not offering an option. He has spoken. This shall happen – unless YOU deliberately obscure His light or shrink back.

NOTE: Most people do not say, “Excuse me, I’ll be shrinking back now. I am leaving you now, Jesus.” They simply go silent. They stop doing as He has said; they stop submitting to His Lordship. They may fade back into their old lives and their old ways of doing things.

They may still ‘go through the motions of church and religion’. But these are those who have hidden their light.

Take from this what you will, but, as I said before, be warned. Jesus has said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

The world is growing darker by the day. The forces of darkness and evil are spreading, almost unabated. Jesus is calling. He is saying,

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:11-13.)

Dear brothers and sisters, it is an awesome responsibility and a great honor to stand with Christ. Remember, “you are from God, and you have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

THINK, and Make Your Stand!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY:  THINK – Part 6 – This is your Potential

NEXT:  THINK – Part 8 – This is your Position

THINK – Part 6 – This is Your Potential

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12

We have read and have seen, (“THINK – Part 5”), that God is preparing us as heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven through His process of sanctification, that is the process of making or becoming holy, being set apart, consecrated for God’s purposes.

Sanctification is a supernatural work of God, and most of us work hard to avoid this process because it is difficult, painful and bewildering.  Actually, it is an amazing, supernatural work of God transforming us into His Own, children of Light. It is a difficult process that transforms and transcends.

The Apostle Peter reminds us about this process and its rewards, in 1 Peter 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

THE TRANSFORMATION

Many hear Jesus’s words in Matthew chapter 5 as something we must do on our own. But, this is NOT what He is saying. He is NOT telling us what we are to do. Jesus is telling us, prophetically, what we have become or what we shall become because of His work of sanctification. THIS IS YOUR POTENTIAL – You are an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven!

Matthew 5:13, flatly states, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

His statement, (Matthew 5:13), will not fit into any doctrinal position of any earthly church. Jesus is saying that, having been entirely sanctified, “YOU ARE NOW THE SALT OF THE EARTH”. It is the Greek word, ‘eimi’, which is the  same as Christ’s great “I AM” statements. It states, ‘straight-forward, existence without limit’.

Without pausing, Jesus continues by proclaiming, ‘but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.’

How can this be? How can you, at one moment, being fully sanctified by God, set apart for His use, lose your ‘savor’ and saltiness? How can you go from entirely sanctified to be suddenly declared, worthless?

The picture drawn here is harsh and impudent, and it is the sternest of warnings for those who would follow Jesus and then turn away or withdraw.

NOTE: Most people do not say, “I am leaving you now, Jesus.” They simply stop doing as He has said; they stop submitting to His Lordship. They fade back into their old lives and their old ways of doing things. They still ‘go through the motions of going to church and practicing their religion’. These have lost their savor and their saltiness.

Take from this what you will, but, be warned: Jesus has said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

What is the answer to this dilemma? The answer is submission. Humble, meek, dependent submission to the Hand of God.

This was and is the purpose and the result of being sanctified by God. This is the purpose of being grieved by various trials. You will be trained during your lifetime to be a disciple, a living example of Jesus. You are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus by the renewing of your mind. This is your spiritual service of worship to prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God!

But, you must remember, it is no longer you who does these things, but the Spirit of God working within you. (Galatians 2:20).

So, when tests, trials and temptations come, submit to God. Surrender your will and your desires to Him. If it means suffering a loss – then suffer it gladly. If it means suffering mistreatment, then suffer with humility.

These are the great oracles of the Word of God. They cannot be understood by the natural mind. They are discerned by the Spirit which dwells within you.

THINK!

This is your calling. It is hard as it is amazing. It is unstoppable. It is unshakable. Now, nothing shall be impossible.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUSLY:  THINK – Part 5 – The Sermon on the Mount – Be Blessed

NEXT:  THINK – Part 6 – This is your Power

THINK – Part 5 – The Sermon on the Mount – Be Blessed

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

This commentary of ‘The Sermon on the Mount” is concise yet mysterious.  It is hard to understand with the mind.  In fact, it is impossible to understand with the natural mind, but difficult even by the faculty of the mind of a Believer.  It must be experienced to be understood.

It is the supernatural work of SANCTIFICATION by God.  Most of us work hard to avoid this process because it can be difficult, painful and bewildering.  But, actually, it is the amazing, supernatural work of God transforming us into His Own, children of Light.

We become the Heirs of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:1  “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

Verse 2.  He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

Verse 3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 11.  “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Verse 12.  “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Verse 13. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Verse 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 lampstand, 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.

Here is the interpretation of these verses and their meanings.  Please read:

Verse 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” (Greek:  ptochos) literally means:

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

3a) as respects their spirit

3a1) destitute of 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)

This comes from a root and alternate meaning “to be terrified”, “as a decaying corpse”.

It should cause us to wonder how could we possibly be considered “Blessed” if we are “poor in spirit”?

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.

We hear it said “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God” which is true enough, but none 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.  This is the ‘psychology of humankind’ as created by God and explained in deep spiritual terms by the Bible.  This explains what you and I must endure, (yes, endure), in order to “inherit the Kingdom of God”.

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?

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, you how 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.

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 either get 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

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.

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.

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.

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 that we must be made ‘poor in spirit‘ (crushed, terrified, ruined), and made to mourn the loss of all we have and all we are so that we are humbled by a gentle spirit and can see through new and merciful eyes. This process gives us a pure heart and peaceable intentions toward others.

It is now that our persecution has produced a Godly righteousness within us and we are able to enter and possess the Kingdom of Heaven.

This statement is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to understand. It is known and understood only by  the Spirit of God.

The Kingdom we inherit, the ‘basileia’, is the notion of a foundation of power, a royal power, a kingship of dominion, rule. It is not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom, such as the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah, or the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.

The word ‘Kingdom’ descends from another Greek word, ‘baino’, which means  “to walk”, or “the sole of the foot; a stepping, walking”.  This reminds us of the tremendous proclamation in Joshua 1:3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.”

The word ‘Heaven’: is from the Greek word, ‘ouranos’, is a world of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells.

We are becoming, and in a real sense, we have already become heirs of the Kingdom of God, the place and the foundation of all power.

(Ephesians 1:4 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,)

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)

Entire Sanctification

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.”

This is the ‘picture of salvation and the process of sanctification’. It is a difficult process that transforms and transcends:

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:3-7

THINK – Part 4 – The Sermon on the Mount

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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

THINK – The Sermon – Part 4

Matthew chapter five contains a sermon by Jesus, which has been aptly named “The Sermon on The Mount”, simply because it took place on a small mount (hill) which overlooks the Sea of Galilee (the lake at Gennesaret.

This sermon has been named the “The Beatitudes”, again, simply because of the repeated use of the word ‘blessed’ in the sermon, which translate as ‘beatitude’, (beati sunt, “blessed are”), of sayings in the Latin Vulgate Bible. 

There are thousands upon thousands of commentaries, articles, published bible studies and more, about The Beatitudes. Most describe this as ‘the greatest moral teaching’ ever.  But, it is much more than that.

The Beatitudes can be found in Matthew chapter 5 and continuing through Matthew chapter 7.  It is presumed that Jesus preached this sermon over a period of several days.  I say it is much more than just ‘the greatest moral teaching ever’, which it is, but it is profoundly prophetic.  Jesus Words are prophetic because of what they do, to and through a disciple of Jesus.

– THE BEATITUDES –

A PICTURE OF SALVATION & THE PROCESS OF SANCTIFICATION

God speaks of people as having a body, a mind, and a soul. (see Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5). We live and learn on all three of these levels. Our experience begins in our spirit (pneuma) sometimes called ‘the heart’ and work into our soul (psuché), our will and emotions; next, it works its way up into our mind, expressed in thoughts and ideas, and culminates in our body (soma) where our thoughts and ideas are acted upon.

These Words of Jesus work powerfully on all three levels.

Matthew 5:1,  “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Verse 2. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

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

“Poor in spirit” has been described and ‘spiritually bankrupt’, which is like calling the ocean ‘a wet spot’.  ‘Poor in Spirit’ (Greek: ptochos) literally means 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 3a) as respects their spirit 3a1) destitute of 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)

 This definition comes from a root and alternate meaning “to be terrified”, “as a decaying corpse”.

The Jewish audience understood what Jesus was saying.  It should have caused them to wonder, how could they possibly be considered “Blessed” if they are “poor in spirit”.  But, that is exactly what Jesus said.  He goes on to explain what He meant.

 (When was the last time your preacher explained how you could “enter the Kingdom of Heaven”?  Was it when he told you to ‘pray this little prayer’: God, I have sinned…etc.?

Has he ever explained the true definition of being “poor is in spirit” and why you must 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 3a) as respects their spirit 3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford. (people of this class will most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and are will to be proved, IN ORDER TO INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 

Has your pastor or preacher explained that this is the first step and the ONLY WAY to the Kingdom of Heaven?  If he has not, why not?  It is the first step and the only way into the Kingdom of Heaven!

(This series contains urgent and vitally important information.  Jesus warns us to not be deceived, for many will come saying “I am the Christ”.  This can come in the form of misinformed pastors, preachers and teachers through INSTITUTIONAL DECEPTION.  Beware!)

Please, pray, read, study, seek God on these matters.

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

Coming soon:  “THINK – PART 5 – BE BLESSED”

Previous article:  “THINK – PART 3 – WHERE ARE YOU GOING?”

PS:  When I went into the U.S. Army, basic training gave me the impression that I could handle being a soldier.  But, when you finish the training and begin your life as a soldier – real life in the military – everything changes.  It is nothing like basic training.  It is for real!

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food”  Hebrews 5:12

THINK – Part 3 – Where are you going?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

ANYONE GOING DOWN?

The Gallup organization reported In April 2021, that for the first time since they started polling in 1937, fewer than 50% of Americans claim membership is churches, mosques or synagogues. Sociologists have tracked these burgeoning declines for several decades, with attrition that runs from 70% claiming membership in the 1990s, to 50% in 2019, to 47% in 2021 (with no plateau in sight).

In Gallup’s study, these fissures in religious participation seem evident among every American demographic age group, including “traditionalists,” born before 1945, down from 73% to 66%; “Baby Boomers,” dropping from 63% to 58%; Generation X, from 57% to 50%; and “Millennials” from 51% to 35%, as indicated in 2020 studies.

SO, WHAT’S UP?

The Covid-19 outbreak is being blamed for the recent decline in church attendance, but, that is an anomaly.  Here is some information from a George Barna study reporting on five standing reasons people give on why they drop out of church (the comments are my own):

1. The church is irrelevant, the leaders are hypocritical and leaders have experienced too much moral failure

Yes, I know. That’s three reasons in one. But the Barna study groups all three reasons together as one reason.

2. God is missing in the church

People go to church looking for God, but are having difficulty finding him.

This one hurts, but in an age where perception is reality, you can’t ignore this criticism.  The paucity of personal experience with God is disturbing.

3. Legitimate doubt is prohibited

Honestly, I simply agree with this criticism. It is very difficult to have an honest conversation in many churches today.

4.  They’re not finding community

Sometimes expectations are too high; sometimes expectations are unrealistic; sometimes people really don’t want what they say they want; sometimes a church has metastasized into cliques.  This is a tough one – but can be true on many levels. At any rate, this is not acceptable for the Body of Christ.

5.  They’re not connecting with God

It does not amaze me to hear that people come to church seeking God, and they get some good sermons ABOUT GOD or ABOUT THE BIBLE, then they are discouraged when all they get is a religious pep talk, a religious rock concert or a religious lecture ABOUT GOD or ABOUT THE BIBLE.  They aren’t as interested in knowing ABOUT God, as they what they want to KNOW IF GOD CAN DO, IN THEIR LIVES, WHAT PREACHERS SAID HE CAN DO.  They don’t come to church to get stories about the Bible, they want to KNOW IF THE BIBLE can direct their lives,

Or perhaps, this is what is referred to the “Great Apostasy” (a falling away from the faith) of the Last Days, as mentioned in scriptures?

In either case, you and I need to be very careful because Jesus has warned, “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.”  This can be both individual and institutional deception.

HE SAID WHAT?

So, what was your experience in church this past month?  And, what did your pastor or preacher preach on this past Sunday, and how did he preach on it?  Now, be very honest; was it something ‘about the bible’ or ‘about Jesus’?  Or, was it something the Bible or Jesus said to you and for you to do and, you are doing it?

Just for the ‘fun of it’, let’s compare what you are hearing and seeing in Church versus what Jesus taught and did in ‘churches’ and along His way.

Let’s do a little ‘time travel’ and imagine we can go back in time to when Jesus begins His ministry.  Here’s the scene found in:

Matthew 4;12, “Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Verse 14.  This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Verse 15.  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

Verse 16.  “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light,
And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death,
Upon them a Light dawned.”

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

The First Disciples

Verse 18. Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Verse 19. And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Verse 20. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Verse 21. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Verse 22. Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”

Calling and making and sending disciples is what Jesus does.  In fact, that is exactly what He told us to be doing.  (see Matthew 28:16-20)  

Did your pastor or preacher say something even remotely like Jesus when He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” or when He said, “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded; and remember, He is with you always, even to the end of the age.”?  Or is this something to be left to the ‘professionals’?  You know, ’you invite your friends, family and neighbors, and he’ll take it from there’.

But, that is not what the Bible says.  It says, YOU GO, and YOU MAKE DISCIPLES, and YOU BAPTIZE THEM.  Is your pastor teaching, training and sending you to DO WHAT JESUS SAID?

Put people on mission and let them run with it.  Let the pastors pastor, the teachers teach, the evangelist evangelize, etc., and watch what happens.

Ministry in Galilee

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

Notice that Jesus does not just ‘talk a good game’, He leads by example.  In fact, Jesus’ pattern and method of ministry and of making disciples is to ‘Say the Words; Show the Wonders; Send the Worker”, and this is consistent throughout His ministry.

How about your pastor or preacher and ‘church leaders’?  What do they do?  Are they leading by example, then sending YOU to follow Jesus in like manner?  Remember, it’s all about YOU making disciples who, in turn, make disciples.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?

Matthew 4:24  “The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Verse 25.  Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.”

THE POINT?

The point is that Jesus did not sugar-coat the Gospel Message nor did He devise slick advertising gimmicks to get people to ‘come to church’.  There were no worship teams, no missions budgets, no building programs.  Jesus just told it straight, did what He said, and made disciples who did likewise.

The point is that, even under constant and severe persecution, the early church grew exponentially because the Gospel Message was preached and practiced!

The point is that, THIS IS OUR MODEL and God will provide the increase.

Now, stay tuned for “THINK – Part 4 – THE SERMON?”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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

NOTE:  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about JESUS, first, foremost and only.  He has secured a salvation for you to save your soul from perishing in the most horrible way.  He has prepared a place for you as your eternal home, in His Kingdom.  The other things that happen to and through a believer and follower of Jesus, are the blessing and benefits that follow. – Michael Young, Pastor / Teacher, Whitestone Fellowship.

THINK – Part 2 – Repent and live

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

THINK!  MINDS & THOUGHTS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT?

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

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

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

Repent, in the Biblical sense, literally means,

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

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

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

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

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

BOTH A COMMAND AND A PROPHETIC WORD

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

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

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

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

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

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

MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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

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

THINK – Part 1 – PSYCHOLOGY IN THE BIBLE?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

 

Matthew 22:37 says, “And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’”

 Also found in Deuteronomy 6:5  says, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

 These words are both a command and a prophecy from God, to the Israelites, then, and to us, now, so we can “live in the land which God has promised”.

The ‘land’ promised to the Jewish people is described in Joshua 1:1-9 and is actual real estate.  It is a foreshadowing of the eternal “Land” of the Kingdom of God.  (see metaphors such as found in Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us how we are to “love the Lord our God”.  These verses describe the entire person:  mind, body and soul.  We are to love God with our entire being and all of our essence in order to obtain His promises.

Let’s focus on the soul.

SOUL:  From the Greek, “psuché”, meaning, breath, the soul (the phonetic spelling is psoo-khay’).  It is defined as the vital breath or breath of life, (b) the human soul, (c) the soul as the seat of affections and will, (d) the self, (e) a human person, an individual, the mind, will and emotions..

‘Psuche’, (the soul), is the root of the English words “psyche,” “psychology”; the soul (psyche); a person’s distinct identity (unique person-hood), i.e. individual personality.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT?

It is to make the point that the Bible speaks volumes about human psychology and is the leading and foremost authority on the matter. Scientists and psychologist are just catching up with the Bible on these matters, but, they still have a way to go. Most psychologists view the Bible as largely mythical or anthropomorphic, and they read it through the biased and ofttimes arrogant lens of scientism.

The main point is, however, is that Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us HOW we are to “love the Lord our God”.  These verses describe the entire person:  mind, body and soul.  We are to love God with our entire being and all of our essence – in order to obtain His promises.

Deuteronomy 28:28,  “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Verse 2.  All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:

Verse 3.  “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

Verse 4.  “Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.

Verse 5.  “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Verse 6.  “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

Verse 7. “The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.

Verse 8.  The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.

Verse 9.  The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.

Verse 10.  So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will be afraid of you.

Verse 11.  The Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the [l]offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.

Verse 12.  The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Verse 13.  The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

Verse 14.  And do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Finally, and to be sure, all the promises of God are already ours through the finished redemptive work of Jesus.  But, just like the Israelites wandering in the desert of forty years, though God provided them manna to eat and sandals to wear, the children of God still had to pick up the manna and put on the sandals which would never wear out.

The promises of God are here, but, we must appropriate them by believing and obeying God and taking the promises as our own.  Let’s live the Kingdom, now!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Next Article:  “THINK – The Mind and Thoughts”)