Disclaimer: This letter is a call to Christians to come out of their slumber. I remind the reader that I had correctly and succinctly explained the coming Islamic-Marxist invasion 10 years ago. I explained the roots of the attempted takeover of America, including the Globalist’s Agenda 21 and Agenda 2030, before the media began to lament the matter. The same is true about the democrat party, particularly the Biden era. NOW I am, in a manner of speaking, ‘sounding the ‘shofar’ once again.

WARS AND RUMORS OF WAR

Nations will rise against nations, and there will be famines and earthquakes. Then they will hand you over to tribulation and they will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away from the faith, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will mislead many people. And because lawlessness in increased , most people’s love will grow cold.

When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Jesus’ coming, and of the end of the age?

1. When will these things happen? Look around yourself and around the world. Are you blind? Are you asleep? Why are you waiting for something that is upon you?
2. What will be the ‘sign’ of Jesus’ coming? Learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near; so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Right at the door? Jesus spoke these words in or around A.D. 32. ‘This generation’ He spoke about was in or around A.D. 32.

Thus, “they will hand you over to tribulation” began in or around A.D. 32 or more factually, these events were set in motion at or around the time of Jesus’ birth. (Also see the testimonies of the Apostles and the Disciples).

The malaise of the false teachings within the church today is the fatal wound from which many will not recover.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Jesus established His Church first to create a community of believers who would preach the gospel, prepare a people for the Lord, and serve as a light in the world. This community was meant to continue His teachings and fulfill God’s plan for salvation. Additionally, Jesus knew and warned of what was coming and His Church would be the instrument to confront and counter the coming antichrist (also known as the ‘beast from the sea’), the false prophet (also known as the ‘beast from the earth) and preparation for the Church to be ‘snatched away’ or ‘raptured’ from the earth just prior to the events of the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of The Lamb.

It has been my observation that most of the Church (most Christians) are woefully unprepared for what is at hand. Most Christians will say that they made a ‘profession of faith’ so they are ready for Jesus’ return, and are in fact looking forward to His return.

I don’t take issue with that, however, the Bible does not stop there. It says:

1. That if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved; for if the person believes resulting in righteousness, and (therefore) confesses with the mouth, it will result in their salvation. (See Romans 10:9-10).
2. Jesus also says that those who belong to Him have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (See Galatians 5:24).
3. Jesus also says Matthew 4:19, And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.”
4. Matthew 8:22, But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
5. Matthew 16:24, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.
6. Matthew 19:21, Jesus said to him, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
7. Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
8. John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
9. And it is to these who are following Him He said:

 Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

Matthew 16:13, Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

It is important to understand the nuance of the language Jesus uses here.  He calls Peter by name, Pétros in the Greek language, which is an isolated rock or a stone as one would throw.  But, the ROCK upon which Jesus will build His Church is the word “pétra”, which is a huge mass of interconnected rock, a “solid or native rock, rising up through the earth”.

This is important because Jesus is telling you, and all of His followers, about your position, your ability, your responsibility and your authority in His Church:

• I will build My Church, (upon you and others like you); and
• the gates of Hades will not overpower you and others like you.
• I will give you and others like you the keys of the kingdom of heaven;
  • and whatever you and others like you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven,
  • and whatever you and others like you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Finally, Jesus says He will give you and others like you, that is, His Church, the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  We can pursue this as a metaphor, but, there are specific references to these KEYS in the scriptures.

1. The most significant is The Key of David is a term found in Revelation 3:7 and Isaiah 22:22.
   • A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, i.e., Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel.
   • The fact that, in Revelation 3:7Jesus holds this key shows that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.
2. And (you)coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone,
And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

This precious value, then, is for you who believe;   (1 Peter 2:4-7)

You and I must take up our appointed positions.  We must shake of the lethargy of the 21st century postmodern religion we call ‘church’ and take the Gospel of Jesus to the streets, the byways, the hedges and towns, into our neighborhoods, and as scriptures tell us, BECOME THE LIVING STONES, A LIVING SACRIFICE.

3. It is to these that He said:

GO, MAKE DISCIPLES

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:16-20)

It is sad and shocking that the Church and the Christian today has settled in to a very different model and rhythm than that what Jesus taught, commanded and demonstrated.

It should be at least concerning that despite Jesus’ and the Bible’s warnings that we, the Church, have bought into some romantic story about an ultimate conquest of good over evil where we will rest comfortably while the earth and its inhabitants undergo indescribable horrors of judgments and punishment. The Bible actually has a much different narrative:

Meaning of Following Jesus

Following Jesus involves more than just physical proximity; it signifies a transformation in one’s life. Key aspects include:

• Self-Denial: Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes Jesus’ teachings over personal desires.
• Commitment: A willingness to leave behind old ways and fully engage in a life aligned with His values.
• Learning and Imitation: Actively learning from Jesus’ teachings and imitating His example in daily life.

Jesus’ commands to “follow Me” encapsulate the essence of Christian discipleship, calling individuals to a deeper relationship with Him through self-denial, commitment, and transformation.

Historical interpretations of Jesus’ command to follow Him emphasize that it involves transformation and commitment, requiring disciples to align their lives with His teachings and example. This call signifies a willingness to leave behind old ways and embrace a new identity centered on serving others and living out His values.

Now ask yourself: How does this fit in with my efforts to follow Jesus? My Sunday morning visit to church? What do I do in response to the sermons and Sunday school lessons?

Making Disciples is not sitting in a church classroom taking notes on ‘relational witnessing’ or some such thing. It is being led by and following the pastor and elders of the Church into the harvest fields and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now at hand. Teaching in their churches, laying hands on the diseased and the sick so they will recover and casting out demons. (Whether in actuality or as a metaphor for Spiritual healing).

The malaise of the false teachings within the church today is the fatal wound from which many will not recover.

“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” (See Jeremiah 6:14).

(Continued at Following Jesus – Resist & Gird Up For War)

PRAYER – POWERFUL OR PATHETIC?

I was watching the movie “Ordinary Angels” with Hillary Swank (Sharon in the movie) and Alan Ritchson (Ed Schmitt) which is based on a true story. Ed is a hard-working middle-class guy, with a wife and two daughters. His wife dies of cancer leaving him with two adolescents and $432,000 in medical bills. He is clearly drowning in debt and sorrow. Then his youngest daughter, Michelle, is diagnosed with an untreatable and fatal liver disease. Her only hope is a liver transplant. Ed’s mother comes to help with the household and encourages Ed to not lose his faith in God. Ed responds saying, “Michelle is on the same 17 prayer lists as Sharon, and look at what good that did”.

How many people-how many of you reading this-may have felt, or are now feeling the same way? How many people, through despair, have sadly decided that prayer is nothing more than ‘an opiate for the masses’ of suffering people?

It may be helpful and maybe even ‘lifesaving’ to know these important biblical facts about prayer.

1. Effective biblical prayer is for the Righteous.

James 5:13-16 informs, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

2. Effective biblical prayer is for the confident.

Mark 11:22-24 tells us that, “Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

3. Effective biblical prayer is for those who endure.

Matthew 24:13, “The one who endures to the end will be saved (sozo – to be healed, preserved, made safe, to do well, be made whole, to bring safely).

When all is said and done, it is God Who does the work of hearing, answering and executing the prayers of a Righteous person.

You can know ‘all the steps’, requirements and commandments regarding effective prayer, but it is in God’s Eternal Plan to hear and answer your prayers. But He will answer according to His Will, Purpose and Plan, for all things work together for the good of those who are (the) called according to his purpose. And sometimes the best prayer is just “God please help me!”

His answers to your prayers, at times may seem bewildering, difficult, painful and not what you thought you wanted or needed. But, stand fast. Do not faint or turn aways. God is answering and has answered your prayers. (And, by the way, He never says ‘no’ to one of His children. He just does it His Way and not your way.)

4. Effective biblical prayer is a process and a blessing. (This following section is for the brave-in-heart who want to know about this entire matter).

Matthew 5:1-11, Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

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

1. 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:

V3:  “Poor in spirit” (Greek:  ptochos) literally means reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor;  lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches; helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; poor, needy, lacking in anything as respects their spirit; 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”.

“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.  Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we 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 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

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 it is now that we possess the Kingdom of Heaven.  This statement is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to understand.

The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” means this:

Kingdom:  932 βασιλεία basileia bas-il-i’-ah. Probably from Strong’s #939 through the notion of a foundation of power; 1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, 1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom

1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah

1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom

(Note:  This comes from a root word baino,  “to walk”, AV-foot (sole of) a stepping, walking; that with which one steps, the foot; 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.”

Heaven:  3772 οὐρανός ouranos oo-ran-os’; perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it; the universe, the world; the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings.

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

(Ephesians 1:4  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)

Through this process called Sanctification, Matthew 5:14 says,  “You are (now) the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 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. (Therefore) “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.

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Verse 12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If this seems or sounds counter intuitive, you are right. But just look at the life and ministry of Jesus. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and realize that Jesus led by example. You will endure this same testing, the process of being sanctified – or you will not receive.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: There may be some of you asking, “If God is such a good God, why does He allow suffering–especially of children and the most vulnerable?”

First, let me be blunt. I say to that person what God said to Job, who suffered enormously: “Who are you to questions God’s authority and wisdom by your words? Words that have no knowledge or wisdom? Hike up your pants like a big boy or girl and act like a man or a woman, and I will ask you about His matters. You would question or instruct God?! Where were you when God laid the foundation of the earth? Will you, who has no real knowledge of God, be His critic and faultfinder? You know nothing about His Eternal Plan and why people suffer.”  You are asking is the wrong question. The right question is “What is the purpose of suffering and how should I respond?”

TWO VIEWS

There are only two views of creation, existence, and eternity. (1). Either it was a fortunate cosmic coincidental accident. This can be called naturalism. Or (2). It was an intentional creative instance that continues to be created by a Creator. This is called creationism. There may be other variations of one of these two views-nuances-but is no defensible middle ground.

I am not presenting an argument here. I am not comparing or contrasting these two views. I am presenting something much more urgent: How your chosen view is determining your current existence, that is, your life, lifestyle, and your current state of affairs, and how it will determine your future even into eternity.

If you have adopted, concurred with, or even ever-so-slightly accepted the naturalist’s view, you have adopted the theories of abiogenesis or biogenesis, evolution, and dissolution.

Abiogenesis is the concept suggesting how life originated. Unlike biogenesis, which states that life only comes from existing life through reproduction, abiogenesis lacks definitive proof as it has never been directly observed. Both theories attempt to explain the origin of life on Earth. Biogenesis asserts that new living organisms arise solely from other living beings, directly opposing the notion of spontaneous generation.

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. It occurs when evolutionary processes such as genetic drift and natural selection act on genetic variation, resulting in certain characteristics becoming more or less common within a population over successive generations. The process of evolution has given rise to biodiversity at every level of biological organization.

Dissolution theory explains how a solid substance (solute) dissolves in a liquid (solvent) to form a solution, which is a homogeneous mixture at the molecular level. Ultimately, all substances will dissolve or break down into their constituent parts, depending on their solubility and the conditions of the environment. This theory can be applied to all human and animal life. This leads to the long-Term Evolution of Matter. In the distant future, as the universe approaches thermal equilibrium. First, the decay of matter. Matter may decay into its subatomic particles, losing its current form. Then comes the spread of matter. Matter will be so dispersed that it may no longer exist in a recognizable state. Matter will decay and dissolve and change states but will never cease to exist.

“AS A MAN (OR WOMAN) THINKS, SO IS HE (OR SHE).”

There is much debated and unproven minority theory in quantum mechanics that suggests we create our own reality is closely linked to the role of consciousness in influencing outcomes. This idea posits that our perceptions and intentions can affect the nature of reality itself.

THE BIG BANG

Therefore, if you believe ‘everything that exists’ has been a fortunate cosmic accident, then, following the theories associated with naturalism, you will dissolve into nothingness and into a different state but will never cease to exists-in an eternal darkness, in an unusable form-forever.

GOD

If, however, you believe that all things have been created by an ‘intelligent design’ (an understated view of ‘In the beginning God created’ and ‘All things came into being by Him (Jesus) and apart from Him not even one thing came into being except by Him’.) the ‘Intelligent Designer’ (i.e., God). Then, as the Bible posits, you will never really die. You will change states (into a Spiritual form-you will be changed in an instant) and your mind, soul, and essence will continue in the brilliant light and presence of The Creator, where there will be peace, joy, love, health, kindness, and fellowship forever.

There is no escape from one of these two destinations: Nothingness or Everlasting Perfection. Think about it.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Additional Resources:

Christian Ethos in Action

What Happens After We Die?

The Great Escape

WHAT DID JESUS MEAN WHEN HE SAID “I GIVE YOU AUTHORITY”

The Bible repeatedly teaches that God and Christ delegate authority to His people. While the exact phrase “I give you my authority” does not appear, Jesus clearly says “I give you authority” and describes believers acting under His authority.

Here are the clearest examples.

1. Luke 10:19 – Jesus explicitly gives authority:

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.” (NASB)

This is the most direct statement.

Jesus says, “I have given you authority.”

The authority is over the enemy’s power.

It is delegated authority—not independent power.

2. Matthew 10:1 – Authority over demons and disease

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

Jesus delegates His authority to the Twelve.

3. Mark 3:14-15:

And He appointed twelve… so that He might send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons.“

Again, Jesus grants authority.

4. Mark 6:7

“He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.”

Notice the pattern:

• Jesus possesses authority.
• Jesus delegates authority.

The disciples minister under His authority.

5. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission:

Jesus begins with His own authority.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore…”

Notice the sequence:

1. Christ possesses all authority.
2. Therefore He sends His disciples.
3. Their mission operates under His authority.

He does not say, “I give you all authority,” but He commissions them on the basis of His authority.

6. John 20:21

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

The Father sent Jesus with divine authority.

Jesus now sends His followers in the same representative capacity.

7. John 14:12-14:

“The one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also…”

This is another example of delegated ministry under Christ’s authority.

8. Acts 1:8:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”

Here Jesus promises power (dynamis), which is different from authority (exousia).

Authority is the right to act.

Power is the ability to act.

Believers receive both:

Authority from Christ.

Power through the Holy Spirit.

9. Ephesians 2:6:

Paul says believers are “seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

This speaks of believers sharing Christ’s exalted position, though not His unique sovereign authority.

10. Ephesians 6:10-18:

The armor of God assumes believers stand against Satan under God’s authority.

Paul never tells Christians to rely on their own authority.

11. James 4:7:

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

The devil flees because the believer is submitted to God’s authority.

12. Luke 9:1:

“He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”

Notice both are given:

Authority (the legal right)

Power (the ability)

Authority Jesus Gives vs. Authority Jesus Keeps:

Jesus delegates significant authority, but He retains unique divine authority.

Jesus gives believers authority to:

• Preach the gospel (Matthew 28),
• Cast out demons (Luke 9; Luke 10),
• Heal the sick (Matthew 10),
• Forgive sins in the sense of proclaiming God’s forgiveness through the gospel (John 20:23),
• Make disciples,
• Resist Satan,
• Serve as Christ’s ambassadors, (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Jesus alone retains authority over:

• Forgiving sins by His own divine right (Mark 2:5–12),
• Final judgment (John 5:22),
• Raising the dead at the last day (John 5:28–29),
• Salvation itself (John 10:27–29),
• Heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18),
• Opening and closing the Kingdom (Revelation 3:7).

A helpful principle:

One of the clearest summaries is found in Matthew 28:18–20:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The disciples are never portrayed as possessing authority independently. Rather, they act as Christ’s representatives. Their authority is derived, delegated, and exercised in submission to Him, just as an ambassador speaks with the authority of the king who sent him, not with authority of his own.

This is why the New Testament consistently emphasizes doing ministry “in the name of Jesus” (in other words, Acts 3:6, Acts 4:10, Colossians 3:17): believers act under His authority, not as autonomous authorities.

Let’s not overlook that although the Christian’s authority is derived, delegated, and exercised in submission to Jesus, it is by His command, and our responsibility to obey Him and exercise that authority moment-by-moment. That is how the first disciples saw the world “turned upside down,” and likewise for you and me as His disciples today.

Now, let’s get it done!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

What do you have to say about this????

What happens after we die?

Questions about the afterlife are common. Many religious beliefs hold that there is life after death, with concepts of heaven, hell, or reincarnation. The specifics vary widely among different faiths.

Importantly, however, there is only one religion that possesses living empirical evidence about what happens after death, and His Name is Jesus Christ. (Christ-from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “anointed one,” and is equivalent to the Hebrew word “Messiah.” It refers specifically to Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the promised savior and king foretold in the Hebrew Bible).

It was witnessed by scores of people and is recorded in biblical historical accounts that Jesus was killed (crucified), died, buried, and rose again from the dead. The Bible says that by this act Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, as stated in Revelation 1:18, where He declares, “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

This is central to the Christian faith, affirming that through His resurrection, believers have hope and assurance of eternal life.

Jesus demonstrated for all who would believe in Him what happens after death. But He did not stop there.  He has explained what will happen to each repentant believer after death.

From Jesus’ own words, we learn that believers:

One notable feature of Jesus’ teaching is that He places the emphasis less on the place believers go after death than on the Person they will be with. His promises repeatedly center on Himself:

• “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
• “I will receive you to Myself.” (John 14:3)
• “Whoever believes in Me will live.” (John 11:25)
• “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

For Jesus, the greatest hope of the believer after death is not simply entering heaven, but entering unbroken fellowship with Him. This aligns with His high-priestly prayer in John 17:24: “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am,” where Jesus expresses His desire that His followers share His presence and behold His glory.

The Intermediate State (between death and resurrection)

• The body remains in the grave.
• The soul is consciously with Christ.
• The believer experiences peace, joy, and fellowship with the Lord while awaiting the resurrection.

The Final State (after Christ returns)

When Jesus returns:

• The dead in Christ are raised.
• Their bodies are transformed into glorified, imperishable bodies.
• Body and soul are reunited.
• Believers live forever in the new heavens and new earth.

Paul summarizes this hope:

“And so we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

A Simple Timeline

This is only true for those who have given themselves to Jesus through faith. For it is by God’s grace through faith that we are saved. It is a gift of God-not earned by works (our deeds). Call on Him now, in faith, and you will not be disappointed. Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:11-13). Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Those who do not believe on the Name of Jesus are condemned to an eternity of darkness and fire by their unbelief. John 3:16-18.)

ON THE “LAST DAY”, HOW and WHERE  WILL GOD DESTROY HIS ENEMIES

(Please folks – Let’s get this right)

There is the understanding that Jesus, at the battle of Armageddon in the “Last Day”, will come back to earth and stand on the Mount of Olives. This is found in Zechariah 14:3: “Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.” Therefore, some Christians, theologians, and Bible teachers think and will say that this is the Second Advent and Jesus will physically lead His armies into the battle of Armageddon. First of all, citing just verse 13 does not give the entire picture and leads many to an incorrect conclusion.

(That is prooftexting—using a single Bible verse taken without proper context to support a doctrine. This can happen when a verse is treated as though it alone answers what it actually means in its surrounding passage and setting. It may not matter a great deal to Christian’s salvation, walk with God, or their ultimate destination. But it is important to exegete scriptures correctly.)

Let’s begin with 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10:

This is one of the clearest descriptions of Christ’s return in judgment.

“The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel.”

Key points

• Jesus is revealed from heaven.
• He comes with mighty angels.
• He judges unbelievers.
•  The destruction occurs as He is revealed from heaven.

2. 2 Thessalonians 2:8

“Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.”

This verse describes Christ destroying the Antichrist merely by His appearance and His word.

3. Revelation 19:11–21

The Book of the Revelation records Christ descending from heaven on a white horse.

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. ¹² 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. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies, which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. ¹⁵ From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.“

And:

“The rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.”

This is the most detailed account of Christ’s defeat of His enemies.

4. Matthew 24:30–31

“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Although the emphasis is on gathering His elect, the broader context includes judgment on the nations.

5. Revelation 1:7

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…”

His visible return precedes the judgments described later in Revelation.

6. Zechariah 14:3–5

Book of Zechariah prophesies:

“Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations…”

Verse 4 says:

“His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.”

This indicates Christ first arrives from heaven and then stands upon the earth, but this verse must be kept in context of the rest of scriptures. He will stand on the Mount of Olives, but their destruction comes from His breath and from His mouth. In fact, here is Zechariah 14 in full:

“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoils taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be taken, the houses plundered, the women raped, and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be eliminated from the city

³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, (Jesus will undoubtedly descend to the earth at this point.) which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split ^[b]in its middle from east to west forming a very large valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and the other half toward the south. ⁵ And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with ^[c]Him!

⁶ On that day there will be no light; the luminaries will die out. ⁷ For it will be a unique day which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at the time of evening there will be light. (A reference also found in Matthew 24:29-31).

⁸ And on that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter. (A reference to the cataclysmic astronomical, atmospheric, and geological conditions described in Matthew 24:29-31).

God Will Be King over All

⁹ And the Lord will be King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.

¹⁰ All the land will change into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem, but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin’s Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses. ¹¹ People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will live in security.

¹² Now this will be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth. ¹³ And it will come about on that day that a great panic from the Lord will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be raised against the hand of another. (This is decidedly not a war of physical weaponry). ¹⁴ Judah also will fight at Jerusalem, and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered, gold, silver, and garments in great abundance. ¹⁵ And just like this plague, there will be a plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey, and all the cattle that will be in those camps.

¹⁶ Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of armies, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of armies, there will be no rain on them. ¹⁸ And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁹ This will be the ^[h]punishment of Egypt, and the ^[i]punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

²⁰ On that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the Lord.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. ²¹ Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of armies, and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a ^[j]Canaanite in the house of the Lord of armies on that day.

7. Isaiah 66:15–16

“For behold, the LORD will come in  fire…

For the LORD will execute judgment by fire and by His  sword on all flesh.”

This Old Testament prophecy points to the Lord’s coming in judgment. Staying in context with the rest of the scriptures, FIRE and SWORD are metaphors.

Fire symbolizes God’s righteous judgment.

The immediate context defines the meaning.

Notice the progression:

• The LORD comes.
• He comes in fire.
• He brings anger.
• He rebukes with flames.
• He executes judgment.
• Many are slain.

The fire is not described as cleansing or refining; it is an instrument of divine justice against those who persist in rebellion.

This same imagery appears throughout Scripture:

• Deuteronomy 4:24 – “The LORD your God is a consuming fire.”
• Psalm 97:3 – “Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries.”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8—Christ is revealed “from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution…”
• Hebrews 12:29 – “Our God is a consuming fire.”

The consistent theme is that God’s holiness consumes evil.

2. Fire reveals God’s holiness

Fire often accompanies God’s visible presence.

Examples include:

• The burning bush (Exodus 3)
• Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)
• The pillar of fire in the wilderness
• Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory
• Daniel’s vision of God’s throne
• Pentecost (Acts 2), where tongues “as of fire” symbolize the Holy Spirit’s presence

Because God is perfectly holy, His presence brings different outcomes depending on the person’s relationship to Him:

• To believers, His presence refines and purifies.
• To the unrepentant, His holiness brings judgment.

The same holy God is experienced differently.

3. Fire is paired with the sword

Isaiah 66:16 says,

“The LORD will execute judgment by fire and by His sword.”

The sword represents God’s authority and His decisive word of judgment.

This parallels Revelation 19, where Christ returns:

• in glory,
• accompanied by heaven’s armies,
• and a sharp sword proceeds from His mouth with which He strikes the nations.

Both Isaiah 66 and Revelation 19 portray the Messiah returning in judgment.

4. Fire in prophetic literature is often symbolic

Prophets frequently used vivid imagery to communicate theological realities.

The point is not necessarily that God is limited to literal flames, but that His judgment is:

• irresistible,
• consuming,
• holy,
• and complete.

Some interpreters understand aspects of the imagery literally, while others see it as symbolic language describing the overwhelming power of God’s judgment. Either way, the theological meaning is the same.

5. The context of Isaiah 66

The final chapter of Isaiah contrasts two groups:

The faithful

• humble
• trembling at God’s word (66:2)
• ultimately comforted and vindicated

The rebellious

• hypocritical worshipers
• idolaters
• those rejecting God’s ways

Verses 15–16 announce God’s judgment on the second group before the chapter concludes with the establishment of God’s universal kingdom.

Biblical pattern of fire

Throughout Scripture, fire carries several related meanings:

The context determines which meaning is intended.

Conclusion

In Isaiah 66:15–16, fire most clearly represents God’s holy and righteous judgment. The Lord comes in power to judge those who reject Him, and the fire vividly portrays the irresistible, consuming nature of His justice. This passage also anticipates New Testament descriptions of Christ’s return in judgment, particularly 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8 and Revelation 19, where the Messiah comes from heaven to defeat His enemies. Isaiah 66 is one of the strongest Old Testament passages connecting the Lord’s final coming with His judgment of the nations.

8. Jude 14–15

“Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all…”

9. Psalm 110:5–6

A Messianic psalm quoted frequently in the New Testament.

“The Lord (God the Father) is at Your (God the Son) right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.

He will judge among the nations.”

But, let’s not expect that Jesus will return to earth and join an earthly (human) army and go into battle.  Please see Revelation 19:12-19, and get the context for the above referenced scenarios and scriptures.

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. ¹² 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. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies, which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. ¹⁵   From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that  with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. ¹⁶ And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great feast of God, ¹⁸ so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, and small and great.”

¹⁹ And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army (in the heavens).

Either way…

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The practice of focusing on a scripture verse without considering its context and using it to support a doctrine is known as prooftexting.

Characteristics of Prooftexting

• Isolation of Verses: A single verse is taken out of its surrounding passage, ignoring the broader narrative or message.
• Misinterpretation Risk: This approach can lead to misinterpretations, as the verse may not convey the intended meaning when separated from its context.
• Doctrinal Support: Prooftexting is often used to justify specific beliefs or doctrines, regardless of whether the verse aligns with the overall teachings of the Bible.

Consequences of Prooftexting

• Loss of Meaning: The original intent of the scripture can be lost, leading to a distorted understanding of biblical teachings.
• Divisiveness: This method can create divisions within Christian communities, as differing interpretations arise from the same isolated verses.
• Ignoring Context: Important factors such as historical, cultural, and theological contexts are overlooked, which are crucial for accurate interpretation.

Understanding prooftexting is essential for responsible biblical interpretation and ensuring that scripture is applied correctly in faith and practice.

QUESTION: WILL GOD REALLY FORGIVE ALL MY SINS?

As I said in our previous question, A typical answer from a theologian, a trained pastor or Bible teacher might sound like,

”Yes. According to the Bible, God truly will forgive your sins if you come to Him in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This is one of the central promises of the Christian gospel”.

Here are some of the clearest passages:

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
• Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
• Micah 7:18–19 – God “delights in steadfast love. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s begin by asking “what is sin”? Is it cussing, being “mean”, drinking too much alcohol, murder, stealing, committing adultery? All of these things mentioned are the result of sin – an indication that you have sinned or that you are living in sin.

Sin, is like ‘evil’ (from our previous Question) in the sense that sin is the definition we give to the “bad things” that we do.

Sin, however, from the Greek word “hamartia”, literally means “to miss the mark”. (An image of “missing the mark” was reflected in old England when archers would compete. If they completely missed the target the judge would shout “sin”, indicating that the archer had completely missed the mark or the target.)

Sin is literally missing the mark or the target of all that God has intended for you had you called upon His Name and  would have become one of His children – His son or daughter. Sin means you would miss out on an eternal life with God in the kingdom of heaven, and you would have missed out becoming a joint-heir with Christ Jesus.

Sin will cause you to miss out on God’s grace, His forgiveness and His greatest gift of salvation. You would miss out being made safe and whole, mentally, physically, psychologically and spiritually healthy. You would miss out on receiving an eternal purpose, both now and forever. This affects every aspect of your life. Receiving God’s gift of forgiveness of sin will provide you the strength to endure and overcome; He will sustain you, hold you up, care and provide for you, and you will overcome difficulties.

On the other hand, missing the Mark is missing out on His gift of God’s grace, forgiveness, salvation, and being made safe and whole, mentally, psychologically and spiritually healthy and given an eternal purpose, both now and forever.

Put simply, sin is missing the mark of God and the result of sin is anything that is outside, contrary to and against (in rebellion to) the Word and Will of God, and the Bible says the penalty of sin is death. The effects of sin on an unsaved and unrepentant person’s life is Spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

So let’s ask, Will God forgive all my sins?

The Bible consistently answers yes.

Jesus said in Mark 3:28:

“Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter.”

This is an astonishing statement. Murderers, adulterers, thieves, liars, persecutors of Christians—all are represented in Scripture as people whom God forgave.

Some examples include:

King David, after adultery and arranging the death of Uriah.

The Apostle Paul, who persecuted Christians before becoming Christ’s apostle.

Peter, who denied Jesus three times but was restored.

Why can God forgive you and still be a just God?

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is possible because Jesus bore the penalty for sin on the cross.

• Isaiah 53:5–6 foretells that the Messiah would bear our iniquities.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
• Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.”

God does not ignore sin; He deals with it through Christ’s sacrifice.

What if I keep struggling with sin?

The Apostle Paul struggled with ongoing sin. He discovered that the effects or results of sin (missing the mark of God) are behaviors that are anything that is outside, contrary to and against (in rebellion to) the Word and Will of God, Paul lamented “I do the things I do not want to do, and I do not the things I want to do. Wretched man that I am.” Paul discovered that there are residual results of sin (missing the mark of God) in the human “flesh”, that is lingering in the mind and psyche. This is the struggle that God allows for our transformation from being a sinner to being made righteous and holy in practice. He also discovered that once becoming a repentant and saved Christian “that there is now no (longer any) condemnation (at all, from God for sinful behaviors) for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh (deliberately desiring to do sinful acts) but according to the Spirit (desiring to please God by doing what is right in God’s Eyes). For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh (sinful behaviors), but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh (and willful sinful behaviors) is death, but the mind set on the Spirit (desiring to please God and to do right) is life and peace

Christians continue to battle sin. The difference is not that believers become perfect overnight, but that they belong to Christ and are being transformed by Him.

Repentance means turning toward God—not claiming to have achieved sinless perfection. When believers fail, they are called to confess their sins and continue walking with Him.

If you’re asking or wondering whether God could forgive you, the Bible’s answer is that no sin is too great for God’s mercy if you come to Him through Christ.

Jesus said:

“The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37)

And Paul wrote:

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Notice that Paul said this after recalling his own past as a persecutor of Christians. His life became an example that God’s grace is greater than even the darkest past.

Now, with all of that said, how does this affect me now and after death, and what can I do about it? If you have confessed your sins to God, trusted in Christ, and turned to Him, your confidence should rest not in the strength of your repentance, but in the faithfulness of God’s promise. Forgiveness depends on His character, not on whether you feel forgiven.

You don’t need to miss out on anything that God has for you and for your life. Just turn to Him.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous Question: DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL AND SUFFERING?

(Additional Reading: REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NOW AT HAND.)

QUESTION:

If God is good why does He allow evil in this world and allow bad things to happen to good people?

A typical answer from a theologian, a trained pastor or Bible teacher might sound like,

“God did not create evil, but He created beings capable of choosing.” For example, they might say, “When God finished creation, He declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Evil was not part of His original design”. Furthermore, they might say, “God created angels and humans with genuine moral freedom. Love, obedience, and worship have meaning only if they can be freely given. The possibility of choosing good also meant the possibility of choosing evil. Humanity chose rebellion in Genesis 3, and sin entered the world”. “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin.” (Romans 5:12). “The suffering we experience today is the result of living in a fallen creation”.

This kind of reasoning is prevalent in the highest levels of Christian academia and pervasive in the church. It seems to me like trying to hammer a dozen square pegs in incredibly small round holes. You see, this kind of answer seems to be rooted in scriptures, (since scripture verses are cited), but the context is all wrong. This is a form of eisegesis, which is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one’s own presuppositions, agendas or biases. It is commonly referred to as reading into the text. It is often done to justify or confirm a position already held.

Let’s start with the foundation using reason, context, plain language of the Bible, interpret from the original language where necessary, and build our case.

First, if you understand that God is:

Omniscient – from long before anything existed until long after all things are done away with.

• Psalm 139:2-4: “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

Omnipresent – from eternity before time itself began until eternity after time ceases to exist.

• Psalm 139:7-10: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

Omnipotent – God is all powerful on a scale that is perfectly unimaginable. Nothing is impossible for God.

• Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power; nothing is too hard for you.”

I.e., if you understand that God is omnipotent (all powerful), and omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere all the time), then you would never ask why He allows evil in this world and allow bad things to happen to good people. But you might ask “what is the purpose for allowing evil and suffering in this world”?

The Hebrew noun and adjective for the word “evil” (from Strong’s concordance #7451), embraces moral evil, wicked conduct, hurtful speech, harmful intent, malignant character, and the concrete outworking of such evil in disaster, calamity, or misery. Whether describing an inner disposition, an outward act, or the painful consequences of sin, the term consistently stands in antithesis to “good”). Both words, “evil” and “good” are words that describe a concept, a behavior and results. One can be pleasant and productive, the other unpleasant, painful and destructive.

From a strictly Biblical perspective, evil is anything that departs from God’s perfect character and will by corrupting what is good, producing sin, suffering, injustice, and death. Whereas good is that which possesses true value because it accords with the purpose for which something exists, promotes flourishing, upholds truth and justice, and—according to the biblical worldview—reflects the perfect character and will of God.

However, because all things from eternity to eternity have always been in the Mind of God. Nothing comes into being that was has not already existed in the Mind of God. Remembering that good and evil are not things per se. They are the definition of behaviors, acts and results. All things have been made manifest, that is created into existence – including “good” and “evil” – by God, for His purpose and pleasure. Although it may seem otherwise to the human mind, the Bible is clear that nothing escapes God’s attention, nothing sneaks up on Him, nothing surprises Him. He does not make mistakes, He never needs a ‘mulligan’. He always has existed, He has always known everything and He has always had the power to do as He wills – otherwise He is not God. This is our foundation.

Secondly, let’s build our framework or the framework of our house of reason, if you will. Yes, God did indeed say about His creation, “It is very good” (Genesis 1:31). And why would He say that? Was it, as it has been suggested, because evil was not an intended part of His creation? What??? Did God forget something? Did He make a mistake that He, the Almighty God could not correct? That, friend is to deny God’s attributes – and forgive me, but that is an insanely stupid idea. Good and evil have been part of God’s plan, and from the beginning of time, God made it clear that His plan, purpose and intention is to create and to transform all people into the His Image – The Image and Likeness of Jesus. And not just in appearance, but in mind, soul, spirit and body.

In the image, (which is the Hebrew word, tselem, which translates as a mere, empty, image, a resemblance, but not identical ; a vain showing; the word tselem comes from an unused root Hebrew word meaning to shade; as a phantom, i.e., an illusion; hence, simply a representative figure, of dubious character.) (see Adam’s Rib – The Alpha for more detail).

The process of perfecting humankind into the perfect image of God and Jesus Christ is known as the process of sanctification – the setting apart of persons or things unto God’s exclusive possession and purpose. While rooted in the Old Testament cultus, the New Testament expands the theme to encompass the whole sweep of salvation history, from divine election to final glorification. It means to purify, to make perfect. This process of sanctification takes a lifetime and can be both bewildering, terrifying, painful and may seem that evil has beset the person being sanctified; and it can be pleasant, amazing in its experience, a blessing and exhilarating. The best definition of its outcome can be found in Hebrews 10:14, “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified”, (E.S.V.). Or as the King James version puts it, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

I don’t intend to sound mean when I say to stop being so self-centered and ignorant asking “why does God allow things I don’t’ like” and ask “what is the purpose of these things that obviously exist”

And for the Christian, no matter your position in God’s church, it’s time you grow up in your thinking and study of His Word and admit that God allows both good and evil in this world. But it is not “why” but “for what purpose”.  Do you not 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, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Additional reading: The Journey Toward Perfection.)

This will be a continuing series of “THE MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD”. (And if you have a question, please ask).

Nest Question: WILL GOD REALLY FORGIVE ALL MY SINS?

THE ARRIVAL OF THE “LAWLESS ONE” and THE GREAT DELUSION – BE AWARE

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

First, please listen to this excerpt from a Glenn Beck show. (It is about AI, (artificial intelligence and where it is headed and has already arrived).

https://www.facebook.com/reel/9478003358984032

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1274491657604404

Now, the question: What does this mean for us, and how should the Christian be forewarned in order to be forearmed?

It is almost impossible for the average person, no matter how smart or bright they are, to anticipate the breadth and depth of what is upon us through this new technology. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24). So knowing the “counterfeit” is no solution. But knowing what is real and genuine is the only and best way to avoid and counter the “counterfeit”, i.e., the great delusion. You and I must know the word of God in these matters, and we must know it well.

(I will do my best to inform and forewarn through a thorough study of scriptures on this website. So I encourage you to follow these articles and pages and interact as you see necessary.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Here is an informative couple of articles about just one of the effects of AI Data Centers on us, practically and financially:

Also: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/06/26/floridas-new-data-center-law-takes-effect-next-week-heres-what-it-changes/

WHAT THE UNIVERSE IS MADE OF – and a few not-so-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 made that 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.

Information found in the Bible further explains that The Word was with God, and in fact that The Word was God and in later texts, that The Word “became flesh and took on human form and dwelt among humankind”.

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 branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away;

and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

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 him bears 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’.

Please choose wisely.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The Book of Romans, Chapter 7

Believers United to Christ, The Conflict of Serving Two Masters

Paul begins chapter 7 admitting that he is primarily speaking to and in the religious context of those who “know the law”, and that becomes apparent to you if you did not already know the Law (the Torah).

Romans 7 is Paul’s explanation of the believer’s relationship to the Law and the ongoing struggle with sin. It serves as a bridge between Romans 6 (“you are no longer slaves to sin”) and Romans 8 (“life in the Spirit”).

Paul uses the illustration of marriage. A woman is bound to her husband while he lives, but when he dies she is released from that legal obligation.

Paul applies this to Christians: Through Christ’s death, believers have died to the Law as a means of relating to God and that we are now united to Christ and serve God “in the new way of the Spirit.” The Law could identify sin, but it could not free people from sin. Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a covenant; they belong to Christ.

Paul uses the commandment against coveting as an example. Before understanding the commandment, he was unaware of the depth of his sinfulness. Sin then took advantage of the commandment and produced rebellion. The problem is not the Law; the problem is sin dwelling in fallen humanity. The Law is holy, righteous, and good, but it cannot make sinners righteous.

Paul writes, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (See verse 19). Herein Paul describes wanting to obey God, delighting in God’s law inwardly, yet experiencing another principle (“the law”) at work in his flesh, and this creates a painful conflict. The mind desires God’s will, yet the flesh resists as sin seeks to exert influence. This realization evokes lament, “Wretched man that I am. Who will set me free from this body of death?” (Which he answers in chapter 8).

Romans 7 shows that God’s Law can expose sin but cannot defeat it; only through union with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can believers experience victory over sin.

Let me say that this is akin to a psychological treatise written in a religious context in the language of a lawyer (Paul, in fact was one – a “Pharisee among Pharisees”), about the conflict of that exists between the mind, the soul and the spirit. There is no easy reading here. So, I will limit commentary and recommend BibleHub.com for commentary.

Believers United to Christ

Romans 7:1, Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? Verse 2. For the married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. Verse 3. So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man.

(Commentary Break): Paul is using the Jewish legal view (The Law – The Torah) to compare the obligations created by both marriage and one’s relationship to God and the obstacles therein. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 4. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Verse 5. For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death. Verse 6. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

Verse 7. What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” Verse 8. But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. Verse 9. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died; verse 10, and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; verse 11, for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it, killed me. Verse 12. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Verse 13. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? Far from it! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by bringing about my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

(Commentary Break): This is a complex explanation using a literal death that frees one from the obligations created by the marriage contract of covenant comparing and contrasting how the Jewish Law (The Torah) creates a contract or covenant in our relationship with God which reveals and distinguishes its obligations and how sin causes a similar death that leads to freedom. (End Commentary Break).

The Conflict of Serving Two Masters

Verse 14. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin.

(Commentary Break): Paul’s words in verse 14 could be compared to an oxymoron: The Law being spiritual in its origins and intended application; but creates a bondage of the flesh (the human mind, soul, body and spirit) to follow it as a cold rule. We become enslaved to its rules because as hard as we try it is impossible for a person (the flesh) to fulfill The Law. So we strive, suffer and fail. A true dilemma. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate.

(Commentary Break): This is the conundrum that creates confusion. We cannot understand what we are doing nor why. We mean to do good but we do not. Instead the do the very things we hate. (I don’t want to curse, but I curse. I don’t want to lust, but I lust. I don’t want to lie, but I lie.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 16. However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good.

(Commentary Break): How dan I do the very thing I do not want to do and still say “the Law is good”? It is because it has revealed to me what is sinful. Like Paul has said, unless the Law had told me lying, cheating, stealing and murder was sinful, I would have continued to commit these sins without remorse. And death, chaos and anarchy would reign in our lives and all of humanity would be relegated to the darkness of a fiery hell for all eternity. So, yes, “the Law is good” as my tutor, so I can know right from wrong, good from evil and light from darkness . (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. Verse 18. For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. Verse 19. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. Verse 20. But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.

(Commentary Break): If there ever was an “ah-hah” moment, this is it! This describes the duality of the human mind. It could be compared to dissociative identity disorder (or multiple personality disorder). The Presence of two or more distinct personality states resulting in alterations in sense of self and perception   and feelings of detachment from oneself or surroundings.

This duality of the mind refers to the complex nature of human beings, embodying both good and evil, or contrasting desires and motivations. This concept highlights the internal conflicts and opposing traits that coexist within individuals such as “Good versus Evil”, “the struggle between altruistic and selfish impulses”, conflicting desires and motivations such as the pursuit of happiness versus the fear of failure.

 This duality can lead to significant internal conflict and emotional turmoil, as people navigate their Christian belief system, contrasting instincts, and behavioral expectations. Wretched, indeed! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 21. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. Verse 22. For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, verse 23, but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts. Verse 24. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Verse 25. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

(Commentary Break): Finally, Paul arrives at his conclusion: “The principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good”. How can this be? We were created in the very image and likeness of God, were we not? How can evil, then, be present in me? This is the most misunderstood and poorly taught concept in all of the Scriptures. (And, no, it was not the fault of “The Fall”. The Fall of humankind was the result of a cause:

The cause can be found in Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female, He created them.”

In His own image:  from the Hebrew word, ‘ tselem’, we get the image, which is described and defined as a mere, empty, image, semblance; image, vain show, from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e., an illusion, a resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol, an image, a vain shew, of dubious character. (Made, from the beginning, as just a semblance of God, but not an exact representation. Made with the flaw of a dubious character, bound to fail and in need of redemption. But made with a purpose and being shaped into the image, the perfection as of Jesus – “And you are to be (made) perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). This is a creative prophetic statement, made in the future tense. God, through His process of sanctifying, is in the process of molding and making (poieo) believers and followers of Jesus into His image.

By this we can know that man is created with a sin flaw – a “dubious character and mind” as the Hebrew translation gives it. And from the beginning of the time of the creation man sinned. He was bound to fail and he was in need of a Savior, being reborn and transformed by being purified, cleansed and refined by trials (see Daniel 12:10). As 1 Peter 1:6-7 puts it, “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.” (End Commentary Break).

End Chapter 7.

Romans 7 is Paul’s explanation of the believer’s relationship to the Law and the ongoing struggle with sin. It serves as a bridge between Romans 6 (“you are no longer slaves to sin”) and Romans 8 (“life in the Spirit”).

We have been told that by trusting in Jesus and making Him our Lord and Savior that we have been set free from sin. (“having been set free from sin, we have become slaves of righteousness”. Romans 6:18.) Please know that the phrase and term (Romans 6:18) is describing the process of being sanctified – it is an ongoing and progressive. It is in the aorist tense which means “you have been set free (in the past); you are being set free (in the present) ; and you will be set free (for all time future). It is to be complete when He as consummated this age and we are safely present with Jesus in our heavenly home. (Whew! And Praise God!)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next: (Coming Soon). The Book of Romans, Chapter 8, Deliverance From Bondage, Our Victory in Christ

(Previous): THE BOOK OF ROMANS, Chapter 6, Believers Are Dead To Sin, Alive To God.

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Chapter 4

God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

Here are just a few of the major Biblical events through which God has been working to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose in and through our lives. (I have selected only the most poignant events that begin “in the beginning” and point to God’s method and arrive at His predetermined conclusion on these matters, in order to simplify.

I believe this is important to know, or at the very least, to be familiar with because,

(#1), it shows that what has been prophesied (foretold) has come to pass with exacting accuracy, so,

(#2), you can know that the Bible, God’s Breathed Word, is dependable – you can count on it. And,

(#3), you can know to prepare for what is coming without fear or dread. In fact, you can prepare with confidence that you are loved, needed and called by God to join Him in what He is doing in these last days in preparation for His return and the gathering of His saints, His Church, for an eternity in our heavenly home with Him. And, finally,

(#4), you can boldly, lovingly and confidently confess to your friends and family that God loves them, is calling to them. You can lead them to the safety of His presence, today.

Next is an abbreviated timeline, from the beginning, through selected transition points, to the end and beyond:

Here, you can see God’s Hand moving in the affairs of humankind, leading to the End of the Age):

BEFORE TIME HAD BEGUN

1st. The creation of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1–31) – Before time had begun. God created all things with a plan, which includes me and you! (He never needs a re-do). (Click here for complete detail, “In the Beginning, God – The Journey to Perfectrion).

2nd.  The first humans (Genesis 1:26–31; 2:8–25) – Before 4,000 B.C. God created them, male and female, with a plan, in Their image with a ‘flaw’, i.e., from Strong’s Bible Hebrew language Concordance – ‘a phantom, an illusion, a vain image, of dubious character’, but with potential; which includes me and you! (Click here for details, “Then Came Mankind”).

3rd.  The fall of man (Genesis 3:1–24) – Before 4,000 B.C.   Adam and Eve disobeyed. The ‘flaw in their character and image from creation’, which is ‘sin’, had its effect, which continues to this day, but it will have an end.

4th. The Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1 and Genesis 15 – Around 3400 B.C.   The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant. God binding Himself to Abraham and his descendants.         5th. The great flood (Genesis 6:9–9:17) – Before 2,500 B.C.   God was sorry He made them. He was grieved. But it was His plan all along. (God is omniscient and omnipresent). (Click here for details, “The Flood”).

6th. The tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) – Before 2,100 B.C.   The ‘flaw of sin’ reemerges as pride and rebellion toward God. Instead of destroying them, this time God scattered them. (Click here for details, “The Tower of Babel”).

7th. The call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–5) – 2,091 B.C.   God prepares the world for Jesus with Isaac through Abraham.

8th. The exodus (Exodus 12:31–42; 14:1–31) – 1,446 B.C. God foreshadows the work of Jesus through the Exodus from captivity and as The Sacrifice for all time.       9th. The building of the first Temple (1 Kings 6) – 966 B.C. 10th. The destructin of the First Temple. (2 Kings 24:13).   The Temple was plundered by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem during the brief reign of Jehoiachin c. 598 BCE (2 Kings 24:13 11th. The building of the Second Temple. (Haggai 1)   As the central Jewish place of sacrificial worship from about 515 B.C.E. until its destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E., the second temple in Jerusalem played a major role in the religious and national life of the Jewish people.

12th. The birth of Jesus (Matt 1:18–2:23; Luke 2:1–10) – 5 B.C.   The arrival of Perfection on earth. Jesus, God in the Flesh, is born and the New Covenant – for you and me – is established. Now the ‘called’ can see and be made into the very image of God. The tribulation begins, and The Eternal Plan enters its final stages.   13th. The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation which began at or around the birth of Jesus which includes the coming of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes, which Jesus calls the beginning of Birth Pains, which describe tribulation Seals one through five as found in Matthew 24:1-31 and Revelation chapters 6 and 7. Testimonies and comments by Jesus and His disciples (the Apostles) clearly show the tribulation period, (the opening of tribulation Seals 1 through 5, began as early as Jesus’ birth through A.D. 95 and continue (see “Did Jesus and the Apostles Really Say This?”) 13 a. The Last Days Are Proclaimed and Explained.   The significance of the coming Messiah and the Last Days Are Proclaimed:     Section 13.a.1. Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4), (1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5). (2). In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8). (3). In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4). (4). In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11). (5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10). These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days. Jesus calls the 1st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6th Tribulation Seal (Revelation 6:12-14), and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31), and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16).. (Please click these links for verification and understanding). Section 13.a.2. Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be…’ (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). 1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.3. 1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.4.  2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.5. 1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100). If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95. These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at the birth of Christ and these first 5 tribulation Seals have been overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.

14th. The temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13) –27 A.D.   Jesus is tested and shows those who will follow Him – which includes you and me – how to resist the devil and overcome trial, temptations and tribulation.

15th. The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11) – 27 A.D. God is building His invasion force of earth, and the preparation for eternity has begun – which includes you and me!

16th. The Sermon on the Mount/Plain (Matthew 5:1–7:29; Luke 6:29–40) –27 A.D. Jesus gives the picture of salvation and teaches about the process of sanctification and how we – that is, you and me – are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through many tests, trials, temptations and much tribulation.

17th. Jesus’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–37) – 30 A.D. The sacrifice is made. The eradication of sin and the imperfect because the perfect has come.

18th. Jesus’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1–20; Mark 16:1–20; Luke 24:1–53; John 20:1–31) – 30 A.D. – 30 .A.D. Jesus conquers sin and death. He lives, and we – you and I – can now live! The way is cleared to follow Jesus.

19th. The giving of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) – 30 A.D. The invasion of earth has begun. Jesus sends His army of saints – which includes you and me – to set the prisoners free. He sends us with His authority, and He is with us until the end!

20th. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41) – 30 A.D.   The power of the Holy Spirit is released into the lives of the saints of God – and yes, that includes you and me, and, nothing will ever be the same.   21st. The Destruction of the 2nd Temple. (Matthew 24:1-2).   Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” FUTURE – END TIMES TIMELINE: 22nd. The rise of the Antichrist. After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8)   A satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20). From our perspective today, the next event in the eschatological timeline is the rapture can be considered as imminent, WITH THE EXCEPTION of the revealing of the antichrist, WHICH MOST COME FIRST, which is the man of lawlessness. (2 Thessalonians 1:2-4). 23rd. The Second Coming of Jesus. – (Matthew 24:29-31) – The Future. 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 – and if you are alive at that time, we are included. (The rapture will have already occurred at this point in time. For greater detail, click here for “The Great Tribulation”). 24th. The Rapture Of The Church – (1 Corinthians 15:52)   The rapture of the Church. Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too. 25th. The Breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal – The Beginning of the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, The Wrath of The Lamb and the Final 7 Years of Tribulation – (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 6 – 21). 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 the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, will have begun. (Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will have escaped these days.) Section 25.a.

The Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb; a period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time period. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven (Revelation 7:9-11). It is thought that at this time the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10). Section 25.b. The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (This can also be found in Revelation 9:1-21, Revelation 16:1-19:1-21, and in Daniel 7:24-27.) The Sixth Trumpet & The Army from the East Revelation 9:13. Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, verse 14, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Verse 15. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Verse 16. The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. Verse 17. And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). Verse 18. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. Verse 19. For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm. The sounding of the 6th Trumpet signals the release of the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates, which represents an army. The number of the troops of cavalry is “twice ten thousand times ten thousand”, or two hundred million. Most commentators suggest this is an army of China based on the size of the army. However, the Euphrates river is in southwestern Asia, and winds through regions of the Middle East, through northern Syria and Iraq to the head of the Persian Gulf. It is also useful to note that the 10 Nation Confederation named in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of: 1. Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and, 2. Rosh, (Russia),   3. Magog, also known as (Russia), 4. Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia), 5.  Put, also known as (Libya), 6.  Cush, also known as (Ethiopia), 7.  Persia, also known as (Iran), 8.  Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey), 9.  Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey), 10. Beth-Togarmah, also known as (Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia) The combined armies described in the Book of Ezekiel, from the East. They are Russia, with an army of one million one-hundred thousand; Turkey, with an army of three hundred fifty-five thousand; Iran, with an army of five hundred twenty-three thousand, (including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard); Ethiopia’s army of one hundred thirty-eight thousand; Chechnya’s army is approximately ten thousand; the army of Georgia is approximately twenty-one thousand; Even with this abbreviated list we can count only two million, one hundred forty-two thousand fighting troops, far short of the prophesied “two hundred million troop” end-times military invasion of Israel.  (Interestingly, however, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has since transformed geopolitics, uniting the West against Russia and reigniting talk of a new Cold War or even World War 3. But Russia, it is now clear, is not as isolated as the initial global outcry suggested. It benefits from a robust network of partners, allies, and fellow travelers that includes countries such as Belarus, China, India, Iran, and North Korea. Since the invasion, China and India have dramatically increased imports of discounted Russian oil, providing Moscow with a record current account surplus in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with vital arms, including Shahed kamikaze drones to swarm Ukraine’s air defenses. Last year, North Korea began shipments of artillery and missiles to Russia. And many countries in the Global South, including South Africa, continue to maintain military and strategic ties with Russia. When considering Russia’s allies in addition to the 10 Nation Confederation previous referenced in this article from Ezekiel 38, Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon, the numbers begin to increase dramatically. Finally, when considering the cumulative population of these countries (three billion seven hundred million) and their conscription capabilities, it is easy to see how a military force of 250,000,000 could be assembled at any moment. And, they will be released to kill a third of mankind. Section 25.c. The abomination of desolation. At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17). Section 25.d.  The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of the tribulation.  Having returned in the clouds after the breaking of the fifth tribulation Seal and before the breaking of the Sixth tribulation seal (Matthew 24:29-31), Jesus now re-appears with the armies of heaven And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (see Revelation 19:16), to save Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). Section 25.e. The judgment of the nations. Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell. Section 25.f. The binding of Satan. Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).     Section 25.g. The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48). Section 25.h. The last battle. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear. Section 25.i. The Great White Throne Judgment. All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.

26th. The new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1–5) –  In the Future Those who have overcome, are with God eternally – which includes you and me – and, God’s Plan for Perfection has been completed.

Yes, we will experience difficulties, trials and tribulations in this life, but as The Apostle Peter says,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 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, which is more precious than gold which perishes, and though you are tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

For a more detailed narrative, please see the series:  Journey to Perfection.

So, this concludes our REALITY CHECK. This is what the Bible has to say on this matter. The only three remaining questions:

1. “do you believe”,

2. “are you ready”, and

3. “what will you do about it”?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  The Condition of the Church in the Twenty-First Century?

Chapter 3

The Condition of the Church in the Twenty-First Century?

You can visit any of the approximately 1,000 church websites or visit any of the 350,000 to 400,000 churches in America for an example. You will find that the focus, training and preparation (or lack thereof) for the saints of God for His return.

Almost all churches are trying to attract people and to retain members and attendees through, among other things, (1), a stage presence, (2), loud, entertaining music (often called worship music), (3), depending on their ‘legacy’, (4), participating in secular and pagan holidays.

Largely missing are the days when Biblical preaching was useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness for the purpose of (1), equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, (2), for the building up of the body of Christ, (3), to attain to the unity of the faith, and (4) for the knowledge of the Son of God to mature believers into the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Many if not most churches fall into one of seven categories: (1), Those that have lost their first love, (2), the suffering church, (3), the compromising church, (4), the corrupted church, (5), the dead church, (6), the faithful church, and the (7), lukewarm church. (See Revelation chapters 2 and 3).

(1). The ‘Legacy church’ or religious church, meaning they exist solely as a sanctuary church. Their motto is “come grow with us”. They rarely go out to make disciples. (In fact, discipleship training, to them, is nothing more than a bible study by another name). They pander to their own crowd and their culture, and they are exceedingly proud of the 100 plus year’s history as a church – but their membership is growing old. They have forgotten that they are the Church, so they just “do church”. They may use the Bible and agree with its doctrines, but are more like the Church at Ephesus: “I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The “first love” is best understood as the wholehearted love, devotion, and affection for Christ that naturally expresses itself in obedience, worship, and love for others.

The Ephesian church had not abandoned truth; they had abandoned the loving devotion that should accompany truth. Jesus’ warning reminds believers that Christianity is not merely correct doctrine or faithful service—it is a living relationship with Him.

The church at Ephesus had remained rooted in truth, but Jesus was calling them to be rooted once again in love. This is descriptive of the “Legacy Church” today. Jesus calls them and is calling us back to the expressions of love and devotion that once characterized their walk with Him. “And do the deeds you did at first.”

(2). The Suffering Church is much like the church at Smyrna. It is often overlooked because it is not ‘fancy’ by today’s standards. Instead, it is considered to be plain and ordinary by many. No ‘big band orchestra’, no flashing or colorful stage lights, limited technologies. But it serves God according to His Word and decrees and is faithful amid persecution. It is spiritually rich despite material poverty. It has no obvious weaknesses, faithfully follows Christ’s commands and does not fear the suffering that follows their obedience to God and His Word – and remains faithful even unto death. This church is like the church at Smyrna. It is one of only two churches receiving no rebuke.

(3). The “moderate” or compromising church, like the church at Pergamum, tolerates false teaching. It allows compromise with worldly teachings on social, political or medical issues, among others. It is influenced by the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans and try to follow Christ without repentance. The doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans both represent spiritual compromise – the attempt to unite devotion to Christ with participation in the sinful values and practices of the world. They think they can embrace worldly values without consequence. They separate faith from obedience. They Ignore biblical sexual ethics. They participate in idolatrous or sinful practices while claiming spiritual maturity.

The specific forms may change, but the underlying temptation remains the same: to make Christianity more comfortable by reducing the call to holiness.

Jesus’ message to Pergamum is that a church can remain orthodox in its confession while becoming compromised in its conduct. Therefore, believers must guard not only what they believe, but also how they live. “Those who practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of heaven”.

(4). The Corrupted Church. You can see this church among many ‘Word of Faith’, Pentecostal and ‘name-it-and-claim-it’ churches; it is also found in liberal-progressive congregations advocating for same-sex marriages, ordaining homosexuals and transgenders. They tolerate false teaching, and in fact advocate for anti-Christian policies. They allow false teachers to influence the church and fail to exercise proper church discipline. Although they can appear to be loving and active, they tolerate serious error. Jesus admonishes them to repent and reject false teaching. This is a church like the church at Thyatira. (Why do you call me Lord and do not what I say?)

(5). The Dead Church is recognized by a small remnant of churchgoers. The once had a reputation of being an active and alive church, but is now spiritually dead and have incomplete or no works before God. They may even be outwardly impressive, but are inwardly dead, like the Church at Sardis. Jesus says for you to wake up, repent and strengthen what remains, or you may be left behind.

(6). The Faithful Church is recognized and commended for its faithfulness in keeping Christ’s Word, proclaiming His Name, and persevering in His purpose, commands and commission, despite its limited strength. Like the Church at Philadelphia. Jesus encourages you to “Hold Fast”.

(7). The Lukewarm Church is comfortable, self-satisfied and spiritually indifferent. They are easily identified by its lukewarm spirituality, its self-sufficient complacency, and its blindness toward its true condition. They may be materially rich, but are spiritually poor.

Christ admonishes them to repent and seek true riches from Him; to open their doors to a renewed fellowship with Him.

This has been a word on the condition of The Church not just for that day (which was written in or around A.D. 96), but for historical reasons. And it is important to say that since it is found in the Word of God it is inerrant, incorruptible, unchanging and is still true today. (What was, is, and forevermore shall be). What comes next in history as it relates to eschatology (matters concerning the End of Time) and this profiling of the Church can be traced by reading and studying the rest of book of the Revelation.

So, now we have an abbreviated version of the historical and developmental track of the Church. Next is a track of the main events that have led us to this day.

(Next) Chapter 4 – God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline