THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 61

“Watch and pray that you many not enter into temptation”

“And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again, he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 26:40-46.

Watch and Pray With Him So You and I May Not Enter Into Temptation.

A face-value reading of these verses in the proper context to include the previous three verses, is self-explanatory.

Jesus is entering what some might call a ‘crisis moment’ and is praying to God His Father. He asks Peter, James and John to watch and pray with Him, so they may not enter into temptation. They are tired and keep falling asleep. But there is much more at work here.

It is urgent for our understanding, our safety and the completion of our mission as Jesus’ disciples to see the motivations driving His command to watch and pray with Him so you (and I) may not enter into temptation.

The ‘long picture’ is that beyond His prayer to the Father, Jesus in entering into an act, into a period, that will change everything humanity has known. He will change how we have understood the Torah and Judaism, He will change the purpose and our understanding of our existence; He will clarify our understanding of God’s intention and purpose for creation, where all the world and cosmos are headed and how we can be redeemed from our sick and fallen nature, made safe, whole and healed from our sins and depravity, ultimately being made into the very image of Jesus, given the right and privilege, as joint-heirs with Christ to exist eternally with God in His new heaven and new earth.

IMPORTANT:  We must remember that every word from Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD. Jesus never uttered a misspoken word or haphazard words. Each and every word and intention express the very will of God.

Therefore, when Jesus instructs His disciples to watch and pray, He is speaking eternal, prophetic, causative and creative words. I do not believe this can be overstated.

His words, His instructions to watch and pray, initially, are in the present tense; watch and pray, now.

After finding His disciples asleep, He repeats His words, but this time in the Greek aorist tense, which without regard for past, present or future time – it is continuous. Again, remember that these are prophetic, causative and creative words for all His disciples for all times to hear and act upon.

(I am aware that there are those Bible teachers who would argue that some things in the Bible were exclusively written to and solely for the audience at hand at that moment. This type of thinking and teaching is short-sighted, simple-minded and harmful. The Bible is NOT a religious story book or an historical document intended to recount events that were not eternally relevant – it is the Word of God, breathed into the hearts and minds of God’s chosen authors, written down for us and for all the ages.)

We are to continue to watch and pray that we do not enter into temptation as God’s plan of redemption works Itself out, throughout the rest of time until He returns and completes His Work.

Repeating Jesus’ words of instruction: We can sleep and take our rest later on. We must see that the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is continuing to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. We must rise, and be going; His betrayer is still coming and is now at hand.”

(To be clear, Jesus died only once, for all. But this act is being repeated through the lives of people throughout the rest of the allotted time of existence, until His final return. We, too, must ‘deny ourselves’ and ‘crucify our flesh with its passions and desires’ and follow Jesus in this example)

Let’s be encouraged and be emboldened, remembering, We will overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony; and we love not our lives unto the death”. (see Revelation 12:11.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? “Remain Here and Watch With Me”, Part 60.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? “Friend, Do What You Came To Do”, Part 62

Depending on who you are listening to, church membership and attendance is either in decline or is on the rise. It seems that those with no apparent immediate ‘stake in the game’ are reporting a decline while many denominations are saying they are spreading and growing, just not necessarily in America and not from ‘new converts’; it seems that theirs isn’t real growth. It is people leaving other churches and coming to their church – for a while.

A Gallup poll reports, “U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time” (March 29, 2021). Gallup reported that “Americans’ membership in houses of worship continued to decline last year, dropping below 50% for the first time in Gallup’s eight-decade trend. In 2020, 47% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque, down from 50% in 2018 and 70% in 1999.”

They report that the change primarily due to rise in Americans with no religious preference. But that does not tell the whole story. Most of these studies are about the results but fail to delve into the reasons for the decline except to say things like, ‘There are fascinating explanations, theories and hypotheses for these trends — why we continue to see predictable variations in religiosity across the age spectrum, decade after decade”.

Research and polling organization are not predicting the demise of religion in America anytime soon. But it is evident there is a restructuring taking place and a major shift, a reformulating of belief systems is occurring, particularly away from fundamental beliefs in traditional Biblical doctrines to a more ‘user-friendly’ version. These changes are now being played out in the lives of these individual Christians and Christian religious organizations – and it overlooks the mandates and practices of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I.e., it ‘ain’t your Momma’s Gospel no more’.

One of the cornerstones of Christian thought and belief is based on the doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy, and Biblical inerrancy is under attack, both inside and outside the Church. Liberal ideologies and Marxist thought has invaded the Church and is rewriting The Book. (E. J. Young, in his classic work on the inspiration of the Bible, gives us a good definition of inerrancy: “By this word we mean that the Scriptures possess the quality of freedom from error. They are exempt from the liability to mistake, incapable of error. In all their teachings, they are in perfect accord with the truth.”)

The doctrine of biblical inerrancy is extremely important because the truth matters. This issue reflects on the character of God and is foundational to our understanding of everything the Bible teaches and influences how people conduct their lives.

One outspoken defender of traditional Biblical conservatism and proponent of Biblical Inerrancy, Pastor Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church and president of the Founders Ministries, Cape Coral, Florida contends that “we have been blessed with ready access to the Bible for so long and have seen reaffirmation of its full authority so boldly declared by many of our pastors, churches, and institutions that we have made the affirmation of its inerrancy almost meaningless.

When a Church’s practices veer away from its proclamations (what it says it believes), the people attending that Church take notice. Some will blindly follow a church teaching no matter the circumstance, but many more will question contradictions in faith and practice. When those differences become harmful, untenable or blatantly hypocritical, people will either leave the church for good or will start searching for a new church. And it seems that if that or a similar experience is repeated at another church or not, it seems many of the ‘rightly offended’ leave church membership and church attendance for good – or at least find an alternative to a ‘brick and mortar church’.

According to Pew Research, here are some of the main things people say they are looking for and why they would attend church:

– To become closer to God

– To find forgiveness

– To grow spiritually

– To give my children a good moral foundation

– To make me a better person

– To comfort me in times of sorrow

– Find the sermons valuable

– To be part of a community of faith

– To continue a family’s religious traditions

– Feeling a religious obligation to go

– To meet new people

– To please my family, spouse or partner

However, when these offerings are not found in a church or the expectations are not met, people usually leave that church – and many decide to just stay away from the traditional Church setting.

On the flip side of this coin are reasons why people leave church. But there are as many reasons people leave the church as there are people who actually leave church, so I won’t attempt to list all the reasons. But here are a few from credible sources:

According to ChurchLeaders.com:

1. You (the members) aren’t the problem – it’s the church.
2. Your Sunday ‘production’ is wearing thin.
3. You speak a religious language I don’t understand.
4. Church buildings, your programs and staff are your higher priorities than the members, and are the only apparent vision for the future.
5. You are fighting the wrong battles; the externals ones. We, the people, need help, first.
6. Your love doesn’t feel like love.
7. You seem to be blaming me and the other members for your failures.

Lifeway Research adds this:

1. I was hurt at church and nobody is helping us to reconcile.
2. I had a need and the church did not come to my aid.
3. I tried, but couldn’t connect.
4. You are trying to control every aspect of my life and faith for your own objectives, and without good reason.

So, where is the church headed, and what should I do about it?

Review your own attitude and efforts within your church, and if you still suspect that your church or church experience is leading you away from God and the Gospel of Jesus, then perhaps it’s time for a change.

1. If you have been trying to ‘fit in’ for several years and are still feeling left out, talk to your pastor and ask him for advice. (If he fails to help you, then maybe it’s time to change churches.)
2. Does your preacher, church staff and leadership teach and practice what is clearly taught in the Bible? (If you need help here, at the very least compare the teaching, attitudes and behavior of your church leadership to Galatians 5:22-24. If theirs is different, it may be time for a change.)
3. The teaching is Biblically sound but the pastor and staff operative under a shroud of secrecy. (I.e., you don’t know exact salaries of staff, where the church money goes, why the pastor and staff avoid socializing with the membership.) Then maybe it’s time for a change.
4. If your church is too political, too polarized, has too many cliques or it is obvious the pastors has his favorites, then it is time for a change. (This is becoming cult-like).
5. If most of your long-held and respected friends keep leaving, there must be a reason. Ask them.

You don’t have to be a sociologist or a psychologist to figure this out. If your church is ‘above you’ they may simply be ruling over you and that is not right.

The pastor and staff are to be servants of the Lord and are to care for those in their charge. Their vision for the church, their ambitions, goals and personal agenda should never rise to the level of ‘caring for the flock’.

Your church leadership may say they are spreading the Gospel and reaching the lost, but their primary responsibility while performing the Great Commission is the Great Commandment: “To Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Finally, once you find your place, remember, you are not to be a ward or a dependent of the Church – you are a member of God’s Church; and members of God’s Church are ‘A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Set your sights and your efforts on becoming a disciple of Jesus. Join with others to support your church to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus; to help gather the straying sheep of God; become what God has called you to become, such as a pastor, a teacher, an evangelist. Recognize and employ the Spiritual Gift God has given you.

Refuse to be a victim of Church drift, apostasy, scandal or abuse. Become the Victor in Christ! Find your place and thrive in Jesus name!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More on this subject: FRACTURED CHURCH?

GOLD FEVER

Gold miners, during the American Gold Rush of the 1800s, comprised mainly of inexperienced fortune seekers and amateur miners such as farmers, tried unsuccessfully to compete with well-financed businessmen, experienced miners and mining operations.

Many people and corporations found great wealth through their gold mining efforts. Many more went broke and died in their failed efforts.

Some succeeded and others failed for various reasons which ranged from careful planning, diligence and hard work. But there were three primary reasons between success and failure in this great treasure hunt.

The first and main difference between those who were successful and those who failed was knowing WHERE to mine.

The second difference was knowing HOW to mine.

And finally, knowing WHAT to mine (referring to the grade of the gold ore).

“Don’t be stupid: Look for gold where there is gold. Dig for it. Dig it up. Forget all the other shiny stuff – Gold is the Goal.”

BLACK GOLD FEVER

The same was could be said of those seeking to strike it rich in the great American Oil Rush of the mid-to-late 1800s. Some knew WHERE to drill, but did not know HOW to effectively and efficiently drill, so they failed and many died in the rough and tumble rush to find the elusive ‘black gold’. There were a few who knew both WHERE to drill and HOW to drill and would come close to success. But those who knew HOW and WHERE to drill coupled with knowing WHAT to drill for  (referring to the grade of the pol), became enormously successful and very rich.

John D. Rockefeller is the premier example of someone who could do it all. He knew WHERE, HOW and WHAT, and as a result He founded the world’s largest oil company, Standard Oil, and became incredibly wealthy, (although he was not one the most loved man to ever live).

Conversely, a dramatic example of someone who would fail in spectacular fashion during the Black Gold (oil) Rush a man named Edwin Drake who was hired by Bissell and Townsend in 1857 to travel to Titusville, Pennsylvania and drill for crude oil. Drake was an unemployed railroad conductor whose sole qualification for this job seems to have been a free railroad pass that allowed travel to Titusville. Drake secured some land and reported back that he believed the land was oil rich and the oil industry could be extremely profitable. In 1858, the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company became the Seneca Oil Company with Drake as president.

Soon Drake began drilling for oil in Titusville, near the shores of Oil Creek, but at first met with little success. He used an old steam engine to drill. Many of his drilling sites only yielded trace amounts of oil. He and his assistant, blacksmith Billy Smith, endured fires, financial setbacks, and the ridicule of the local inhabitants. When the Seneca Oil Company gave up and decided to withdraw its funding, Drake obtained a personal line of credit to continue digging. On August 27, 1859, Drake struck oil at 69 feet (21 m) below ground, just before his funds ran out. This marked the beginning of drastic change for the people of Western Pennsylvania. His drilling is considered the “first large-scale commercial extraction of petroleum”.

Unfortunately for Drake, his success would not last. He had not purchased much land in the region, and the oil industry exploded around him outside of his control. His first well yielded only modest returns and he was fired by Seneca. He never patented the drilling method he pioneered, and lost his modest earnings from the oil business speculating on Wall Street. He would eventually die a poor pensioner in 1880.

“Don’t be stupid: Look for oil where there is oil. Drill for it. Pump it out. Forget all the other wet stuff – Oil is the Goal.”

 

There are discoverable rules against failure and for success. The foregoing examples are from this temporal world. Men and women live and then die and soon enough, are forgotten. Their successes fade from memory and their wealth is divided and spent among the living.

The Book of Ecclesiastes puts it this way, ‘For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6)

GOD FEVER

There is another realm which is largely ignored by the majority of the world, and even its adherents considered it mysterious. It is the Spiritual Realm. The Realm of God.

The Bible, which is accounted as have being written by human hands under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, gives great detail and instruction on this realm – the Kingdom of God. So popular is the Bible and its perceived secrets of ‘living a successful life’ that In fact, The Guinness Book of World Records reveals that the Christian Bible is the best-selling book of all time. It is impossible to know exactly how many copies have been printed in the roughly 1500 years since its contents were standardized, but research conducted by the British and Foreign Bible Society in 2021 suggests that the total number probably lies between 5 and 7 billion copies.

There are numerous verses in the Bible which give careful and precise instruction on being successful. The key, however, is knowing and understanding the Bible’s unique and specific definition of success.

(The following is an excerpt from GotQuetions.Org),

“If you were to ask a random person on the street, how do you think he or she would define success? People would probably give lots of different answers. One might say success is being wealthy. Another might define success as having a good family and kids. Still another might say success is being healthy and enjoying a long life. For every ten people asked, you may find twenty different ideas of success!

“When it comes to understanding what the Bible says about success, it is helpful to see how the Bible addresses some of the definitions of success that people in our world have.

“When it comes to having lots of money, the Bible says that God is the one who makes someone wealthy. Proverbs 22:2 states, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” Note that the writer doesn’t say, “Maker of both.” Rather, he says, “Maker of them all.” The declaration here is that God is the giver of all things to all people.

“When it comes to the skills and abilities that lead to success in various fields, we see the same emphasis in the Bible—God is the giver. Consider 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you to differ from anyone else? What do you have that you have not received?” The implication in these questions is that our abilities and skills come from God.

“How about the issue of influence and power? In John 19:11, after Pilate tells Jesus that he has the power to free Him or crucify Him, Jesus replies, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” So even earthly authority, by which some measure success, is a gift from God.

“These are just a few verses declaring that everything, every ability, and every position is God’s gift. John the Baptist summarizes in John 3:37, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” If any person can do anything defined as “successful,” it is only because God has given him or her that ability.

“What is more, the things we may consider marks of success may not be what God views as valuable. In 1 John 2:15–17, things in this world are put in perspective:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

“This passage covers everything in this world that we might be tempted to think gives success. If we are loving these things and pursuing them, thinking joy and satisfaction are found in them, we will find them to be empty. The gain of this world is not a true mark of success.

“God defines success quite simply. In John 17:3, Jesus declares, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom who have sent.” Psalm 16:11 states, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” In Luke 10:20, Jesus says, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in the book of life.” From these passages we can deduce that ultimate success is being saved and knowing God. “Eternal life” in John 17:3 isn’t just a length of time but a quality of life. Eternal life is awesome because we are known by God and are in His presence, where there is fullness of joy. We are not to rejoice because of our abilities, victories, and possessions in this world. True success in which we rejoice is overcoming this world, being saved, and going to be with Jesus in heaven.

“God measures success differently than the world does. Jesus said, “It is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest” (Luke 9:48; cf. Mark 9:35). Wealth, skill, and influence are irrelevant to true, eternal success. Biblical success that pleases and glorifies God is being known by Him and knowing and serving Him through faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel.” (End excerpt).

One example of the Bible instructing on and promising success is found in the first chapter of the book of Joshua. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

Similar to the foregoing three primary reasons between success and failure, a parallel can be drawn in this, the greatest of all treasure hunts. Knowing WHERE to look, knowing HOW to search, and finally, knowing WHAT you are searching for. In this case,

Where you search is in The Book of The Law (The Torah, or the Bible).

How you search is with all diligence; what you learn you shall keep with you; you will meditate on it day and night; you will be careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it.

What you are searching for is to make your way prosperous and successful.

One of several places this instruction is confirmed, by Jesus, is in John 15:7-8, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples.”

Where you remain is in Jesus and His words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart.

How you prosper and have success is that you ask and whatever you wish and it will be done for you.

What you ask is that The My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be Jesus’ [true] disciples.”

The most mysterious and interesting claim about this Kingdom is that all that has ever existed and everything that now exists, springs from the Spiritual Realm. And, if you possess the knowledge and wisdom of God, you can possess all this Kingdom has to offer.

John 1:1, tells us that “In the beginning [before all-time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. Verse 2. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. Verse 3. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.”

Jesus instructs us, in Matthew chapter 5:3, that, “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those who are crushed in their soul, devoid of spiritual arrogance, stripped of all personal significance and possession; those who regard themselves as completely dependent], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

“Don’t be stupid: Look for God where God is. Look for Truth and Wisdom. Dig for it. Dig it up. Forget all the other smart sounding stuff – God is the Goal.”

 

Finally, knowing WHAT you are looking for and staying focused on that, is paramount.

SUCCESS FEVER

Jesus spoke these oft misunderstood words in Matthew 11:12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violent assault, and the violent take it by force (as a precious prize). Jesus is talking about the greatest rush to find the greatest treasure ever known.

 No, It is not a gold rush, nor is it an oil rush. (These things fade away). This is all about The Rush to find the Kingdom of God; the search for the greatest gift and the greatest treasure, ever: God and His Son, Jesus.

 Now – know His purpose:

The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is Perfection.  Everything that occurs in your life, as a Christian, is all about God maturing and perfecting you into His image; ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.

“Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14

Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of  God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.

He began with the imperfect and created the Masterpiece, first in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for many a millennium until it became His Perfection.

Your life is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTION”

 

PERFECTION.

Copyright 2023, By Michael J. Young, Sr.,  All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy or recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the copyright holder except as provided by USA copyright laws, except for brief quotations or for critical reviews, with credit to this book.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New American Standard Version.

Contact information: Michael J. Young, 10608 Jackson Square Drive, Estero, FL 33928.

Email:             whitestonefellowship1@gmail.com

Web Site:       whitestone2020.com.

PERFECTION

 In the beginning, God created.

He began with the imperfect and created the Masterpiece, first in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for a millennium until it became His Perfection.

This is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.

This is a non-academic, yet a serious thesis on the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way. My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place.

By: Michael J. Young, Sr., evangelist, pastor, teacher.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:2.

PREFACE.

Our world is careening out of control. Everything we have known as good in recorded history is being called evil; and all things evil are being called good; The world substitutes darkness for light and light for darkness, bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

There is a large and growing worldwide faction, however, will tell you that all is well and that we have entered a New World Order, a Great World Reset is at hand.

A short video on this associated website will give you a glimpse of what is being sold as this New World, but in reality, it is the same tired old saga of the failed Marxists Utopia.  The claims are the outrageous imagination of the world’s Globalists-Socialists and Marxists.

Having and promoting unrealistic promises as reality is nothing new, except every single previous promise of a Socialist, Communist, Leninist, Marxist government or social structure, or any variant of the same, has always ended in tyranny, despotism, wars, loss of personal freedom, lack of basic needs, poverty and the death of millions.

If you will patiently walk with me, I will take you on an amazing journey. A journey from the beginning of time through recorded world and Biblical histories. We will identify important past Bible prophecies and correlate them to the actual past world events; then we will compare both prophecies and histories to one specific prophecy known as ‘Daniel’s Seventy Weeks’, which will bring us to current events and the final epoch of time known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation”, which are now unfolding with frightening accuracy.

I will not stop there, however. I will conclude by laying out a successful response to these events, a plan of action by which you can both survive and thrive in these final days.

Finally, there is an event coming which is so fantastic as to be unbelievable. But I will show the evidence leading to this event, known as the ‘Rapture’ and I will even help you calculate the odds of its occurrence.  You will then be faced with the most monumental decision you have ever faced. You don’t want to miss this.

We will take a journey assisted by a book aptly titled ‘The Journey to Perfection’.  Our travels will coordinate Bible Prophecy, Biblical and World Histories culminating with The End of Days’. You can read this book either as a digital ONLINE book or in a PDF format, (see both versions below).

 INTRODUCTION.

IN SEARCH OF PERFECTION.

“For we know in part and prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes,

the partial will be done away with.”

1 Corinthians 13:9-10.

I am presenting a very brief and a very simple overview of a biblical time line, from the Creation of the heavens and the earth, their destruction, and the creation of a New Heaven and a new earth, which will complete God’s Plan, as found in the Bible.  It will be an abbreviated history of how God has created the world, dealt with the people He created, and why the world has gone the way it has gone and how it will conclude.

This is not designed to please everyone, and it will not fit every different denominational doctrine. Instead, this book is meant to

• Inform,
• Inspire, and to
• Ignite people to move toward the One Living God and to join Him in what He is doing!

I hope that my Christian friends, and others who read this, don’t find it objectionable solely because I have omitted certain events. However, it is my intention to inform and inspire, NOT overwhelm the reader with volumes of information.

God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He purposed; from The Creation, through the Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man to the Great Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Exodus from Egypt, the possessing of The Promised Land, the Destruction of the First Temple and the Jewish Captivity in Babylon, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Destruction of the Second Temple, our steady march through time has been exactly as Bible prophecy has foretold.  We have entered an era leading to the destruction and, eventually, a rebirth of the heavens and the earth.

The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is “Perfection”.  He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.

“Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14.

Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of  God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.

The world has entered the final epoch of time, known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation Period”, which was marked by the birth of Jesus.  There are reportedly visible and observable signs and ancient writings to help you, if you believe in such things. However, most people either don’t recognize the signs or writings or don’t believe. Even among those who believe these prophecies are coming to pass and see the signs, few know what they are seeing, where they are leading or what to do in response.

The best description of the purpose, length and, outcome of this end time, variously known as the “times of distress”, the tribulation and the Great Tribulation, (see Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:22 and Revelation 7:14) or the Wrath of the Lamb, (see Revelation 6:16), is found in Daniel 12:1,

Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”  Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time. Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but  those who have insight will understand. Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12. Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

RECAP of Daniel 12:1-13 :

#1. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people,

#2. everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 

#3. Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven,

#4. and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,

#6. “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that

(5. a.)  it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.  Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so, I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”  Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.

#6,. Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but  those who have insight will understand.

#7. Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12.

(7.a.)  Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

Not surprisingly, the main interest in this subject continues to be in the sensationalism of the matter; and sadly, both fictional and religious writers are profiteering and capitalizing on the subject financially.  All-the-while, assuming these things are true, they are grossly ignoring the urgency and the catastrophic ramifications which are being played out.

This subject is classified as “Eschatology”, which is the study of final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. The word comes from the Greek word, ἔσχατος, éschatos, meaning “last” and -logy meaning “the study of”.  Most of the major religious denominations which teach this doctrine believe it will come on the world suddenly, with an increasing intensity and will last for just seven years. This view is from a myopic view of the Bible’s history time line, and the Bible seems to tell a much different version of these events.

A study of the ‘long view’ of the Bible on this subject, will show that the End of This Age was  planned before creation. God, indeed “has a plan for your life” as He has had a plan for the entire world, but it is not the “Sunday school version” you heard about. This is real, dangerous and both deadly and life-giving.

It has taken many millennium for this travail to unfold, and we may still have many years to go.  But I suppose that when you are dealing with an Eternal God who has no beginning and no end, time is not a factor. God can take all the ‘time’ He wants to execute His plan. Please come with me and let’s explore God’s Plan for creation.

WATCHING FOR THE CLUE.

First, let’s consider the ‘Beginning of All Things’. Then, as we travel together, we will uncover clues to this mystery, this riddle of the ‘End of the Age’, evaluate the writings and assimilate the information to decide – How did we get here and where is all of this going?

We are in search of His Perfection, and it could change your life and the way you live it.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.

(Please find the link to the next Episode, Chapter 1, in the comments section below)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

SIGNS THAT WE ARE NOW SEEING THE AGE OF

 

“BABYLON THE HARLOT”

As in all prophecies of the Bible there have been a foreshadowing, precursors or harbingers of their fulfillment. The same is true with the breaking of the Tribulation Seals, the future sounding of the Tribulation Trumpets and pouring out of the Tribulation Bowls.

This is a commentary and a reminder that we are now seeing harbingers of the coming Great and Fearful Day of God’s Judgement and His Wrath. These verses are dealing specifically with the two beasts, the false prophet, satan and both the faithful Church and the faithless church and thier fate.

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven bowls, came to me, and spoke with me, saying.” – Revelation 17:1

Verse 1. This and the following chapters (to Revelation 19:21) consist of visions which are really included under the seventh bowl, but which, on account of their length and elaboration, may be considered apart from the other judgments of that bowl. In the preceding chapters we have had placed before us

1. A synopsis of three classes of ungodly people, and

2. The three principles of evil in their abstract form,

(a) As they are represented, first, by the world (the first beast – the antichrist), the flesh

(b) And the second beast, (the false prophet), and

(c) The devil (the dragon).

The personal final overthrow of the devil is described in Revelation 20:10; Revelation 17. and 18, are devoted to the description of the judgments of the two former –

(a) the world, in its character of the openly hostile persecutor of the Church of God;

(b) and the other portion of the ungodly who, while still professing Christianity, find excuses for conforming to the worship of the image of the beast.

*The first beast is, therefore, identical with Babylon, and represents, as we have seen, the openly hostile and persecuting world power of all ages, of which, in St. John’s time, Rome was the foremost embodiment.

*The second beast is identical with the harlot, and represents faithless Christians, the apostate portion of the Church.

The very reason for the Apocalypse is to deal with these two forms of evil;

(a) to declare the overthrow of the one, and to warn and, if possible,

(b) to reclaim those under the influence of the other.

In the latter case, the warning consists in setting forth the judgment in store for faithless Christians; and as this is the course pursued with the former also, the two merge into one, and indeed are declared to be one.

The apostle in substance declares that, though there is a prima facie difference between the two forms of ungodliness, there is in reality no distinction to be made, but both are involved in one common final judgment. He thus twice solemnly asserts that the harlot is Babylon (verse. 5 and 18).

Revelation 17:2, “she with whom the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality, and the inhabitants of the earth have become intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”

Verse 2. – “Of the earth” is used here (as it frequently is) for the worldly as distinguished from the righteous; and the two classes mentioned indicate the universality of this faithlessness – it is not confined to any one grade of society.

As we have seen (see on verse 1 and Revelation 14:8), the figure of fornication is repeatedly used to describe faithlessness towards God. The verse, therefore, declares that

(a) this faithless portion of the Church has chosen rather to render to the world that love which is due to God, and

(b) to be connected rather with the powers of this world than to have its treasure in heaven.

The expression, “wine of her fornication,” is a repetition of that in Revelation 14:8, and is derived from Jeremiah 2:7 (cf. also Revelation 16:19 and Revelation 18:3). Revelation 17:2

Revelation 17:3, “And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was entirely covered with blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.

Verse 3. Some commentators have thought that the “wilderness” signifies the desolation which is the lot of the harlot (see verse 16; Revelation 18:2, 19; also Jeremiah 51:26). But we can hardly avoid the conclusion that the “wilderness” here is that spoken of in Revelation 12:6, 14, which is symbolical of this world, particularly when we remember that the “wilderness” in both cases is the abode of a woman, who moreover is representative of the Church; though in Revelation 12. She represents the Church of God as a whole, persecuted by Satan, and in this place the woman is representative of the faithless part of the Church (see also below on “beast”). Vitringa, referring to Isaiah 21:1, and Revelation 17:1, 15, and Ezekiel 20:35, arrives at a similar conclusion; it is a “wilderness of the people.” And I saw a woman. There is no article, but this vision, occurring immediately after the words of verse 1, “I will show thee… the great harlot,” identifies this woman with the harlot of verse 1. This woman represents the faithless portion of the Church (see on verse 1); that part which, following after worldly things, has thereby rendered to the beast the love and honor due to God alone.

 This woman is not identical with the woman of Revelation 12. The latter represents the faithful, the former the faithless, part of the Church. Sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. Here again, as in “wilderness” (vide supra), we have θηρίον, “beast,” without the article; but the identity of this “beast” with that of Revelation 13:1 is established by

(1) the same outward characteristics of names of blasphemy, seven heads and ten horns;

(2) its connection with “kings,” etc. (verse. 12-14 and Revelation 19:19, 20);

(3) its connection with the “false prophet” (Revelation 13. and Revelation 19:20);

(4) its connection with the harlot – the one representing the world power, the other the faithless, worldly portion of the Church. That the woman sits upon the beast denotes, not that she exercises control and guidance over it (as Alford), for comp. verse 16, but rather that the woman relies upon the beast for support and safety; thus presenting an accurate description of those who prefer to trust to the power and influence of the world rather than to God. Scarlet (whether the color of the beast itself or of its trappings is immaterial) may signify either

(a) the worldly pre-eminence and power of which it is the sign, and for which the woman allies herself with the beast; or

(b) the blood-stained persecution of which the beast is the author. The first interpretation coincides best with the words which immediately follow; the second one agrees with the description in verse 6 and Revelation 13:7. (On the “names of blasphemy,” as signifying opposition to and rivalry with God, see on Revelation 13:1.) The seven heads denote universality of (earthly) dominion, and the ten horns denote plenitude of power (see on Revelation 13:1). Revelation 17:3.

Revelation 17:4. “The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, [and she was] holding in her hand a gold cup full of the abominations and the filth of her [sexual] immorality.”

Verse 4. – These words, taken in connection with those that follow, seem to signify the worldly magnificence which may be the portion of the faithless Christian.

Some writers see an allusion to the purple robe of Christ. (On the meaning of “scarlet,” see on verse 3.) And decked with gold and precious stones and pearls; gilded with, etc. Similar descriptions are given in Ezekiel 16:13 and Ezekiel 28:13. Compare the description in Revelation 21:11.

This account is sufficiently characteristic of the world’s attractions to need no comment, only to say that this is the adornment of the faithless and false church. Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication; full of abominations, even the unclean things of, etc. Another reference to Jeremiah 51:7 (cf. also Revelation 14:10). Abominations are all things that are displeasing to God. (On “fornication,” see on Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 17:1, 2; it signifies unfaithfulness towards God.) Revelation 17:4

Revelation 17:5. “And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES (false religions, heresies) AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

Verse 5. – This practice was customary with harlots. Also, in Revelation 14:1 and Revelation 7:3 the faithful members of God’s Church have his Name in their foreheads; here the faithless ones, represented by the harlot, exhibit a spurious imitation.

(a) As God’s Name marked the former as His,

(b) So, the name Babylon, etc., marks the latter as belonging to the world (see on Revelation 16:19; 17:5; 18:2).

The name consists of the words following, to the end of the verse. MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. The word “MYSTERY” may be

(1) part of the name, standing coordinately with “BABYLON” (Alford, Bleek, Hengstenberg, Vitringa, Wordsworth);
(2) a description of the following title, being thus in apposition with ὅνομα, “name” (Auberlin, De Wette, Dusterdieck, Ebrard);
(3) an adverb used in the same sense as in the last case (Stuart). Whichever view be taken, there can be no doubt that the purpose is to draw attention to the fact which is contained in the following words – a fact which might otherwise be exceedingly difficult to receive.

For the rest of the verse asserts that the harlot is Babylon; that is, that the worldly portion of the Church, though nominally Christian, *is in reality identical with the world, which is openly antagonistic to God.

Indeed, the latter portion of the verse goes even further than this. This faithless (though outwardly Christian) portion of Christ’s Church is the mother, that is, the cause of the existence of unfaithfulness to God.

It is the professing Christian who is worldly minded who does more to cause disobedience and unfaithfulness in others toward God, than he or she who openly declares themself in opposition to God, and even persecutes the faithful; see the words to the Church in Laodicea, “I would rather that you were cold or hot” (Revelation 3:15). (On “ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH,” see on verse 4.) Revelation 17:5

Revelation 17:6. “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints (God’s people), and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus [who were martyred]. When I saw her, I wondered in amazement.”

Verse 6. – And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus; of the witnesses (cf. Revelation 11:7).

Another point of contrast between this woman and the woman of Revelation 12; the former persecutes, the latter is persecuted.

It may be asked – How can these words be applied to professing Christians, as they must be, if such be the interpretation of the “harlot”?

The answer may be found in Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 2:33, 34 and Jeremiah 3:1-11 we find the origin of this passage. Judah is a harlot (Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 3:1, 8) with a sign upon her forehead (Jeremiah 3:3), who causes transgression in others (Jeremiah 2:33; and compare above, “Mother of harlots “), and in whose “skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents” (Jeremiah 2:34).

She is clothed in crimson (Jeremiah 4:30) and golden ornaments (cf. Revelation 17:4); her lovers will despise her (Jeremiah 4:30) and seek her life (cf. Revelation 17:16). Just as it was declared that in Judah was found the blood of the innocent poor, so here we are told that the faithless part of the Church is guilty of the blood of the saints.

The reason is found in the inscription. The harlot is absolutely identified with Babylon. No distinction in guilt can be allowed between the openly hostile world and the faithless Christian. “He that is not with me,” God declares, “is against me” (Matthew 12:20). The description “drunken with,” etc., is similar to that of Babylon in Revelation 18:2; and also in Jeremiah 51:7.

And when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration; with a great wonder (Revised Version). Probably because the seer can scarcely realize that some who are professing Christians must be held guilty of such enormities; that the harlot, representing a portion of the Church, faithless even though it be, should be classed with the world, as represented by Babylon and the beast. Perhaps the wonder is caused by the fact that such a thing should ever be permitted to be; this leading to the following explanation, which shows how the unfaithfulness is avenged. Revelation 17:6

Revelation 17:7. “But the angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.”

Verse 7. – Though the seer cannot fully comprehend the terrible significance of the sign he sees, viz. that a portion of the Church is one with the hostile world (see on verse 6), yet there are sufficient marks wherewith to identify it.

The woman, the wilderness, the reliance upon the world power, the inscription, the similar description of Judah in Jeremiah 2 and 3. (see on verse 6), might have made the interpretation plain.

“I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns; the ten horns” (cf. verse 5, which declares that this essential unity is a mystery).

Observe, too, that the “mystery of the woman and of the beast” is all one. (On the “beast,” “the seven heads,” and “the ten horns.” see on previous verses, especially Revelation 13:1.) In verse 1 the harlot is said to sit on the waters; here the beast carries her.

The two statements are really identical; both the beast and the waters represent the worldly power found among “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” (verse 14). Revelation 17:7

Revelation 17:8. “The beast that you saw was [once], but [now] is not, and he is about to come up out of the abyss (the bottomless pit, the dwelling place of demons) and go to destruction (perdition). And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, will be astonished when they see the beast, because he was and is not and is yet to come [to earth].

Verse 8. – The latter part of this passage is related again in Revelation 19:20. The beast, as we have seen is the world power – Satan in his character of “prince of this world.” Three stages are marked out in the existence of this world power:

(a) first, it was;

(b) second, it is not now;

(c) thirdly, it reappears, to be cast into perdition.

The first period describes the condition of things before the sacrifice of Christ. Then it was that Satan ruled supreme in the world; that the power of the world – the beast – was. But Christ overcame the world (John 16:33); henceforth to all true believers there is “peace,” although they may “have tribulation” in the world (John 16:33); for the faithful Christian the power of the world – the beast – is not. Yet, though for the true servant of God there is a sense in which it may be said that this power has no existence, it nevertheless exists in the abyss, that is, in its natural abiding place in the world, among the worldly minded, and thus may cause “tribulation” to the faithful.

***A further downfall is, therefore, prepared for it – that which will take place at the last day, when it “will ascend from the abyss to go into perdition.” This nonexistence, contemporaneously with existence and subsequent reappearance, is exactly what is described in the wound healed (Revelation 13:3; see also the remainder of this verse).

The period, therefore, embraced in these words is that of the whole existence of this world. It coincides with the period referred to in Revelation 12:14 and 17, and in Revelation 20:3. Throughout the Apocalypse the word translated “bottomless pit” (Authorized Version) and “abyss” (Revised Version), is used to describe the dwelling place of Satan (see Revelation 9:1, 2, 11; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 20:1, 3) while working in the world. “Perdition” is described in Revelation 19:20 as the “lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

 “And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, will be astonished when they see the beast, *because he was and **is not and ***is yet to come [to earth]”, how that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. The last words show exactly what is meant in the first part of the verse (which see). The first words are a repetition of words in Revelation 13:8 (which see). Revelation 17:8.

Revelation 17:9. “Here is the mind which has wisdom [and this is what it knows about the vision]. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits;

Verse 9. – And here is the mind which hath wisdom. Omit “and.” Read, Here is the mind (or, meaning), etc. These words (as in Revelation 13:18) draw attention to the explanation which follows – or else that which precedes (cf. Revelation 13:18).

They also make it appear that the explanation which the angel offers of the “mystery” is not one to be understood without some difficulty.

1. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. The diversity of opinions on the interpretation of this passage is mainly owing to the fact that writers are not consistent in their application of symbols and numbers; in one place interpreting figuratively, in another literally. We have repeatedly seen that the language of the Apocalypse and its numbers are symbolical.
2. The seals are not literal seals, the Lamb is not a literal Lamb, the beast is not a literal beast, etc.
   1. So here, the mountains are not literal mountains. A mountain is a symbol of power (see on Revelation 8:8);
   2. seven is the number significant of universality (see on Revelation 1:4; 5:1, etc.).

The plain meaning of the passage, therefore, is that the woman relies upon a visibly universal power. This is precisely the idea contained in verse 3, which describes the faithless part of the Church (the harlot) trusting to the power of the world (the beast).

Of course, the most prominent form of this world power in St. John’s time was heathen Rome, hence some writers believe that “the seven-hilled city,” Rome, is referred to here – either pagan or papal Rome. And, indeed, this may be a partial fulfilment of the vision; but it is not the whole signification. To understand seven mountains literally in this place renders it necessary to interpret forty-two weeks, etc., literally in another. Revelation 17:9.

MY COMMENT:  Many commentators – especially those who see all of Revelation fulfilled in history – regard the seven mountains as an irrefutable connection with Rome. Clarke is a good example of this when he writes, “This verse has been almost universally considered to allude to the seven hills upon which Rome originally stood.”

1. 1. But in the Bible mountains are sometimes a figure of governments (such as in Daniel 2:35) and the city of Rome is built on hills, not mountains.
   2. The seven heads are seven mountains: It is probably better to see the seven mountains as representing the seven kings and kingdoms described in Revelation 17:10. Many people find the connection between religious Babylon and Roman Catholicism irresistible, yet it is flawed in the sense that there is no doubt that religious Babylon will incorporate a strong Roman Catholic element, but it will be much bigger than Roman Catholicism.
   3. Tendencies for Roman Catholicism’s ultimate partnership with a one-world religion were evident in Pope John Paul II’s bizarre involvement with and approval of other anti-Christian religions.
   4. In addressing a “prayer gathering” of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and others, Pope John Paul II told participants that their efforts were “unleashing profound spiritual energies in the world and bringing about a new climate of peace.” The Pope pledged that “the Catholic Church intends to ‘share in and promote’ such ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation.”

iii. The Catholic Review commented on this and said, “The unity of religion promoted by the Holy Father Pope John Paul II and approved by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not a goal to be achieved immediately, but a day may come when the love and compassion which both Buddha and Christ preached so eloquently will unite the world in a common effort to save humanity from senseless destruction, and lead toward the light in which we all believe.”

Revelation 17:10. “and they are seven kings: five of whom have fallen, one exists and is reigning; the other [the seventh] has not yet come, and when he does come, he must remain a little while.

Verse 10. – Here we have the same idea (cf. verse 9), with a somewhat different aspect. The phrase in verse 9, “seven mountains,” regarded the world power as one universal indivisible whole, without respect to particular times or modes in which it might be exhibited. In this phrase, “seven kings,” we have the same world power viewed in its successive exhibitions by different nations; though here again we must be on our guard not to interpret the number seven literally of seven nations.

The kings represent Worldly states or kingdoms; seven, again, betokens universality. We are thus told that this world power on which the woman relies is exhibited in the manifestation of power by successive nations, e.g., Egyptian, Assyrian, Roman, etc., as many as have ever existed or shall exist; for this is the meaning of seven.

• • • Five are fallen, and
    • one is, and
    • the other is not yet come;
    • The five; the one; the other. Omit “and.” Here, again, not literally The seer divides the whole series of anti-theistic world powers into three groups, and he would say, some, probably the majority, of these are passed away.
    • The second group embraces the world power as it is exhibited now, whether Roman, Jewish, or any other; in the third group are included those yet to come.

Thus, those writers who enumerate Egypt, Nineveh, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Syria, etc., in the first group, are partially correct, and only wrong in so far as they attempt to limit and define the kingdoms; and similarly, also those who in the third group place the Roman empire after the barbarian invasions, or imperial Germany, etc. And when he cometh, he must continue a short space; a little while (Revised Version). This “short space” describes the remainder of the time of the world’s existence. Such is its meaning in Revelation 6:11 and Revelation 12:12, and again in Revelation 20:3. In a similar manner, also, “shortly come to pass,” etc. (Revelation 1:1, 3; Revelation 2:5, 16, etc.; cf also John 16:17, 28). Revelation 17:10

Revelation 17:11. “And the beast that [once] was but is not, is himself also an eighth king and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction (perdition).

Verse 11. – We may note that “eighth” refers to “king” in verse 10, being masculine gender;

• the absence of the article before ὄγδος, “eighth,” shows that this is not the eighth in a successive series, in which the kings already mentioned form the first seven.

The Revised Version probably gives the correct meaning, “is of the seven;” that is, the beast himself consists of, and is formed by, what has been denoted by the seven kings. We have already interpreted the beast as the worldly power – Satan in his capacity of “prince of this world.” We have also shown that the “seven kings” describes this worldly power as it exists throughout all ages. This verse, therefore, sums up and reasserts briefly what has been already virtually intimated in the symbolism employed, viz. that the beast is the sum total of what has been described under the form of five kings, then one king, and then one king again (verse 10). His final doom is also reasserted, “he goeth into perdition” (cf. verse 8 and Revelation 19:20) Revelation 17:11

Revelation 17:12. “The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but [together] they receive authority as kings for a single hour [for a common purpose] along with the beast.

Verse 12. – The horns, as we have seen, are symbolical of power (see on Revelation 13:1), and ten signifies completeness and sufficiency (Revelation 13:1). By the ten horns, therefore, is expressed widespread, complete power. But this power, says the seer, has not come into existence as yet. He thus points to a coming power, hostile to God, such as is described in that part of the account of the seven kings which states “the other is not yet come” (verse 10).

It seems probable, therefore, that in describing the forces opposed to God – those past, those present, and those yet to come – St. John foresees that the hostile world power will not be always pre-eminently wielded by one nation, as in his own time; but will be divided into many parts, here represented by the number ten, though not necessarily exactly ten in number.

This, indeed, exactly describes what has really been the case since St. John’s time, and what, humanly speaking, seems likely to continue to the end of the world.

These ten horns seem thus to be identical with the seventh king of verse 10. Compare the account given of the horns in Daniel 7. But receive power as kings one hour with the beast; authority (Revised Version). One hour denotes “a short time,” in which way the Bible constantly describes the period of the world’s existence, and especially that period which intervenes between the time of the writer and the judgment day (cf. Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 7:29; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 12:12; Revelation 22:20, etc.).

This sentence thus declares that, though in the future divided into many parts, and thus not being visibly as potential as former single united kingdoms, nevertheless this hostile world power will be still formidable, having ranged itself on the side of the beast, acting for and with him, and receiving power from him. Verse 13. – These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast; they give (present tense) their power and authority, etc. That is, though apparently split up into many sections, they form practically one, acting by and for the beast on whose side they range themselves (see on verse 32). Revelation 17:12

Revelation 17:13. “These [kings] have one purpose [one mind, one common goal], and they give their power and authority to the beast.

Revelation 17:14. “They will wage war against the Lamb (Christ), and the Lamb will triumph and conquer them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him and on His side are the called and chosen (elect) and faithful.”

Verse 14. – This connects the description with Revelation 16:34 and with Revelation 19:11-21. This war between the Lamb and the powers of evil is that which extends throughout the history of the world (see below); it occupies the “one hour” of verse 12, which is equivalent to the period of the world’s existence. But the seer in this verse looks forward also to the termination of the conflict, the result of which, here briefly indicated, is soon to be narrated more fully. For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings.

This is the reason given to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 10:17) for obedience to God (cf. also Daniel 2:47; 1 Timothy 6:15; and Revelation 19:16). Though the beast may exercise m this world dominion and power as “prince of this world,” yet the Lamb is King still greater, to whom the beast must finally succumb. He is thus King above the kings of Revelation 17:2, 10. And they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. The Revised Version is more correct, And they that are with him, called and chosen and faithful [shall also overcome].

Another evidence of the lifelong nature of this war. Not only Christ wars and overcomes, but those associated with him are permitted to share in the battle and the victory.

  1.  Christ’s saints are called here to battle; in Revelation 19:9

  2.  they are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, also

  3.  the exhortation to faithfulness in Revelation 2:10).

 

The three epithets describe the progressive life of those who share Christ’s victory They are called – as all men are – to serve him; having heard the call, they dedicate their lives to his service, and become his chosen servants; finally, having remained faithful to him, they share in his victory.

Revelation 17:15. “Then the angel said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

Verse 15. – As in verse 7, these words form the preface to a particular description. Having explained the mystery of the beast, to whom the woman looks for support, the angel now proceeds to unfold the mystery of the harlot herself. “The waters which thou saw, where the whore sits”; those mentioned in verse 1. In verse 7 we are told that the beast carries the woman. Both statements are correct. The beast is the world power, which is found among the “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” Are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues, The fourfold description of the human race (cf. Revelation 5:9, etc.), which, as a whole, serves the beast (Revelation 13:3, 8, 12, 16), and out of which are selected the redeemed (Revelation 5:9; Revelation 9:9).

Revelation 17:16. “And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her desolate and naked [stripped of her power and influence], and will eat her flesh and completely consume her with fire.

Verse 16. – The two are spoken of separately, on account of the separate jurisdiction wielded according to verse 32 and 13. These shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; and shall burn her utterly with fire (Revised Version).

These words describe the fate in store for the faithless portion of the Church. That world, to which she trusts, shall turn and rend her – a fitting sequel to her want of faith in the power of Christ. This is exactly the description given of the harlot in Ezekiel 16:37 (cf. also Ezekiel 23:22). “Eat her flesh” and “burn with fire” both describe similar results; possibly the one is thought of in connection with the symbol of “harlot,” the other with the symbol of “city,” with which the harlot is identical (see on ver. 5; but see Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 21:9; cf. also the judgment upon the wicked in James 5:3, “shall eat your flesh as it were fire”).

Revelation 17:17. “For God has put it in their hearts to carry out His purpose by [f]agreeing together to surrender their kingdom to the beast, until the [prophetic] words of God will be fulfilled.

Verse 17. – God did put, to do his mind, and to come to one mind (Revised Version). “His mind” is thought to signify the beast’s mind. Others understand God’s mind. In either ease the general sense is plain. While the world power is apparently performing the will of the beast, God is working above all; only by His permission can anything be done (the “it was given” of Revelation 13.). The “words of God” are his denunciations against those who trust to the world (cf. Ezekiel 16:37, quoted on ver. 16).

Revelation 17:18. “The woman whom you saw is the [g]great city, which reigns over and dominates and controls the kings and the political leaders of the earth.”

Verse 18. – A repetition of the assertion made in verse 5, that the harlot and Babylon are identical (see on verse 5). Many writers have been led by this verse to believe that Rome, either pagan or papal, is thus pointed out as the antitype of the harlot. That this is one fulfilment of the vision need hardly be doubted. Rome was in St. John’s time the foremost embodiment of the hostile forces of the world. But this is not the whole fulfilment, which is in all time (see above, especially on verse 1 of this chapter).
(All commentary is from The Pulpit Commentary, unless otherwise noted).

As in all prophecies of the Bible there have been a foreshadoing, precursors or harbingers of thier fulfillment. The same is true with the breaking of the Tribuilation Seals, the future sounding of the Tribulation Trumpets and pouring out of the Tribulation Bowls.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Click here for a more detailed look and study of

1. THE MYSTERY OF BABYLON.
2. THE DRAGON, THE BEAST AND THE LAMB

 

“Fear can lead us to view the possibilities of tomorrow without the promises of God, which are true yesterday, today and forever”.

(The idea for this post comes from a sermon delivered by Pastor Chris Voorhees of Naples Covenant Church, Naples, Florida. However, I am presenting a contemporary view on the outcome of the prophetic nature of these scriptures, as a remedy and as countermeasures for today in our world of chaos, war and disease.)

An example of this can be seen from the “Y2K” scare of the year 2000. The Y2K Scare was a phenomenon at the turn of the 21st century where computer users and programmers feared that computers would stop working on December 31, 1999. The phenomenon was also referred to as the “Millennium Bug” or “Year 2000 problem” by technology experts. A lot of planning went into preparing for the ‘Millennium Bug.’ In fact, the scare led governments and private organizations to spend millions of dollars in an attempt to avert the risk.

In the 1960s and 1970s, when computer engineers worked on complex computer programs, they used two-digit codes to represent the year. The first two digits were left out. For example, instead of coding “1960”, they just used “60”. The main reason for leaving out the first two digits was to save on storage space which was too costly. For instance, a kilobyte of storage went for as high as US$100. Additionally, the programmers did not expect the programs to last up to the turn of the century. When the new Millennium neared, computer experts realized that the software would recognize “00” as 1900 instead of the year 2000. This realization posed a risk to many institutions such as banks, insurance companies, hospitals, and government departments that relied on computers to provide accurate time and date.

As the calendar approached the year 2000, anxiety spread across the world as people feared that computer systems would shut down. Banking institutions which relied on software programs to calculate daily interest were at risk of system failure. As a result, stock prices of banking institutions dropped in value as the year 2000 neared. Transport systems were also affected especially in the airline business whose operations depend on accurate time and date. There were rumors that planes would drop from the sky when clocks turned to midnight on 31st Dec 1999. This led travelers to avoid the airport on New Year’s Eve. Hospitals, power plants, and government organizations were not spared from the threats either.

Due to the severe implication of a possible shut down, organizations went to great lengths to prevent the system failure from materializing. One way the year 2000 problem was handled was by creating new software programs that saved dates as four digits instead of the two digits previously used. The remedy was very expensive to implement. The other solution was to amend the algorithm used in calculating leap years so as to recognize the year 2000 as a leap year.

On the much-awaited date of January 1st, 2000, computer programs updated to the new dates and carried on as usual. Except for a few incidents of software failures, not much happened on the date as earlier anticipated.

Computer experts were later accused of exaggerating the concept of the “Millennium Bug” as millions of dollars were spent in preparation of the Y2K problem (WorldAtlas.com).  And that was then end of it – or was it?

Let’s use a little reason and logic here, which something the computer experts are reportedly highly trained in, but apparently failed to employ. And I ask again, or did they?

What if this was just a ‘test run” in the use of unreasonable and unfounded fear to the purpose of manipulating masses of people, corporations, nations and governments for political reasons?

A second glaring example is the use of “Global Warming” scare of the late 1900’s and the early 2000’s.

You can watch this documentary video “The Great Global Warming Swindle” for detailed information on how the Globalists-Socialists have weaponized innocuous matters such as the weather and spread fear around the world for political reasons:

Then came Covid-19. This has been one of the most successful Globalist fear-inspired lockdowns in history, which is now a faint memory, but laced with unnecessary death and destruction with a cost exceeding 11 trillion dollars, and still growing.

The Covid-19 experiment proved that world populations and governments can be successfully manipulated with proper fear induced motivations.

Hence, the United Nations’ U.N.E.S.C.O, The World Economic Forum, Global Marxism, the American Democrat Party have carefully planned and executed a global coup de tat conspiracy using their Agenda-2030.

YOU HAVE TO READ IT TO BELIEVE IT

That is to say, you have to read the Agenda-2030 (and the predecessor document, Agenda-21) to believe the audacity and the temerity of it all. Which finally brings us to the point:  “Fear can lead us to view the possibilities of tomorrow without the promises of God which were true yesterday, are true today and shall be forevermore.

“Fear can tempt us to try and create our own future rather than trust God’s future for us.”.

Taken from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings 19:1-20, Pastor Voorhees outlines four important truths and reveals the tactics of Satan, our eternal enemy and how to identity his evil influencers.

FEAR OF THE FUTURE WILL OFTEN INCLUDE LIES OF THE ENEMY

1. The enemy will tear down your trust in God and tempt you to do it your own way by telling you ‘half-truths’ (which is just another word for lies), which puts our focus on your immanent and ultimate defeat rather than on the victory God has planned for you.

 

2. The antagonizing voices of the enemy speak about things that are true, but does not tell the truth and is void of faith.

 

3. The enemy will seem to offer terms of compromise and peaceful coexistence that look attractive, but replace the promise of God with counterfeits and lies resulting in a hellish prison of your body, soul and spirit.

 

Just like in the events in 2 Kings 18:30-32, where Rabshakeh offers Israel and Hezekiah security, hope, sustenance, stability, land and a future of safety and prosperity against the threat of fear, defeat and death, the Marxist-Globalists of our day (The U.N., U.N.E.S.C.O., The World Economic Forum, Agenda-2030 and the American Democrat Party) in part, are offering:

(From the Preamble of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”)

“This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets which we are announcing today demonstrate the scale and ambition of this new universal Agenda. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what these did not achieve. They seek to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental.

The Goals and targets will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet.

“We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations.”

 Who would not want to achieve these goals and live in such a Utopian world? Beware. The goals are lofty, but, the methodologies, the implementation and the governing of the world they describe can be likened to the gulags of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, the reign of terror imposed on China by the notorious Mao Zedong or the racist Hegelian, Karl Marx’s nefarious social construct of Marxism which is responsible for the deaths of upward of 200,000,000 people. They, all, used the same Siren’s song the United Nations is using now, to lure hundreds of millions into the webs of Agenda 2030.

It must be noted that these ‘noble sounding objectives’ will come at the loss of many personal freedoms and individual liberties, according to the the World Economic’s own statements. Additionally, the Commission on Global Governance boldly states, “This agenda will be foreign to and ignores ideas precious to the American experience”.

However, there is no reason to fear what they fear, and we are not to dread what they dread. We have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony:

For in this way the LORD spoke to me with His strong hand [upon me and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people behaving as they do, saying,

“You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’

In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy,

And you are not to fear what they fear nor be in dread of it.

 “It is the LORD of hosts whom you are to regard as holy and awesome.

He shall be your source of fear,

He shall be your source of, dread, not man.

“Then He shall be a sanctuary, a sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him. (Isaiah 8:11-14)

You can hear pastor Chris Voorhees entire sermon here:

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More important and relevant posts:

The tentacles of the socialist-marxist takeover/

Agenda-2030, the United Nations and Global-Marxism

 

 

 

 

 

Why is it that some ‘themes’ seem to occur in ‘groups of three’? What I mean is you might see a picture of a statement of something, repeatedly, over a course of days. For example, “That’s the third time this week that I have heard something like, “The things that consume my mind, control my life”.

I was writing an article, a post, for my web and blog site from Matthew 6:24 on the subject of serving two masters, God and money. One of the lessons to be learned is that the thing that consumes my mind, controls my life.

The next day, a friend posted a meme on Facebook which simply said, “The things that consume my mind control my life”. Hmmmm.

Today, I get up to do my morning Bible study and I believe God puts the idea of the book of Job into my mind. (Strangely enough, it is one of my favorite studies.)

So, welcome to my ‘day three’, the true story of JOB. (A spiritually deep teaching.)

I have studied and thought, deeply, about the Old Testament Book of Job.  There was a time that I shied away from this Book.  It was confusing and depressing to me.  I kept asking myself “Why would a Just and Loving God allow such horror and prolonged suffering to one of His Chosen servants?”

Then, one day, I felt a determination to get a fresh perspective on God’s Word through His Book of Job.  I thought this motivation must be from God, because I had plenty to do aside from reading a Book about a man’s suffering written over 2,500 years ago.

Please allow me to explore this Book with you keeping these things in mind.

1.  The Bible is all about Jesus which means the Bible is all about God’s unconditional love for us.  You cannot study or understand the Bible correctly if you start on any other basis.  And the Book of Job is no exception.  You’ll find the “God with us” in Job.  You must find Jesus, reaching out to you, calling you, in this Book, or you missed the point.

2. The Bible is a Prophetic Book. It is the Truth to you and once you implant that Word in you, it tells the Truth through you.  This is how prophecy works.  It is the living Word of God, manifest.

The prophecy of the Book of Job is still alive and reverberating throughout time.  It is still calling to us.  It will still be manifest in your life and my life, if we embrace this Truth.  (This is difficult to explain but it is most significant).

1. The Bible is to be understood on three major levels:
   1. With the physical mind (soma). What you “see” is what you get.  Cognitive. This is where much of our learning begins.
   2. With the soul, that is the mind, the will and the emotions (pseuche). This is deeper than just physical facts.  You see, think, meditate, have emotions and with your will to accept or reject the Word is affected.  This is where most of us a moved into some sort of decision making, process and eventually, action.
   3. With your Spirit (pneuma).  This is what a current-day psychologist might,    inadequately call, “core beliefs”.  This are where beliefs of how we see ourselves,   other people, the world, the future, and God are formed and kept.

2. Every word of the Book of Job is prophetic and significant. There is neither time nor space in this exploration to look at the prophetic significance of every word, but much is to be gained by such a study.  (I will occasionally dip into some of these words)

NOTE:  In order to interact with the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of all Truth, and to understand the Prophetic Truth of the Book of Job, you must be a Believer and follower of Jesus, filled by and with The Holy Spirit. It is He Who will teach and guide you into all Truth.

Let’s pray to The Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding and let’s start exploring:

Job 1:1, “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.

What do we know from verse 1 about Job?   (This is very important).

1. a) He was blameless,
2. b) He was upright,
3. c) He feared God
4. d) He turned away from evil

How do feel about Job, from this description?

NOTE:  Job’s name, from the Hebrew means “hated”; to be hostile to or to be an enemy to.  Job’s name translated from Greek means “the cry of woe” or “I will exclaim”

Read these verses from the New Testament and tell me, How does Job’s name square with his character?

(John 17:14  “I have given them Your word. And the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

John 15:18  “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me..)

How do you think God viewed Job?

How do you think ‘the world’ will feel about you, if you assume the nature and character of Job?

Verse 2.  Seven sons and three daughters were born to him.

 Verse 3.  His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

What do verses 2 and 3 say about Job on the “physical level”?

What do verses 2 and 3 say about Job on a “Spiritual level”?

(The sacred numbers, three and seven, often occur. 

The number seven is one of the most significant numbers of the Bible because it is the number of spiritual perfection. It is the number which is stamped on every work of God.

Three is also a number of perfection, or completion. This number is repeated throughout the Bible as a symbol of completeness.  God’s attributes are three: omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Three denotes divine perfection; Seven denotes spiritual perfection.

The number five symbolizes God’s grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in Scripture. Five is the number of grace.

The name of Job, too, is derived from an Arabic word signifying repentance.)

Verse 4.  His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

Explain what you see and how you feel about verse 4.

Verse 5.  When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all;  for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus, Job did continually.

What is the significance of  Job consecrating his children and offering burnt offerings for his children (to sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate), in verse 5?

After praying for his children, why would Job suddenly consider that perhaps his sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts?

How often did Job think this way?

Was this a disciplined prayer life or had it become an obsessive and compulsive type of thinking? “Thus, Job did continually”.

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:  The scene / setting of this narrative shifts dramatically from the ‘earthly or natural realm’ to the ‘Heavenly or spiritual realm’.  Our attention is drawn away from Job and his righteousness – to GOD.

Verse 6.  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.

 How does Satan gain entrance to the presence of God? Who or what opened the door for him?

 Verse 7.  The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”

 Why does God have to ask Satan where he came from? God is omniscient. He knows all things.

 Verse 8  The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

Once again, why does the omniscient God have to ask Satan if he has ‘considered’ or been thinking about Job. Doesn’t God already know the answer? And, why does God then describe Job for Satan to hear? Or could it be a reminder of how Job has come to see himself?

Verse 9  Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing?

 Does Satan no hear God’s question or does he choose to not answer it? Instead, Satan asks, if Job fears (reverences) God for any good reason?

Verse 10.  “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. Verse 11.  “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.”

 Verse 12.  Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So, Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

Notice the progression here.

1. Job was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Job was the greatest of all the people of the east.
2. Job would send and consecrate his children, and
3. he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all.
4. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.”
5. Thus, Job did continually.
6. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
8. And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
9. Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So, Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Job is a great man. Fearing God and turning away from evil. There is no one on earth like him.

Is what we are seeing the spiritual order being played out?

Many, (if not most) commentaries and Bible teachers, make the assumption that these foregoing verses describe some sort of wager between God and Satan, betting on the life and character of Job. I am personally outraged that someone who is considered  a sound and credible Bible teacher or scholar would make such a defamatory and heretical statement about God. When confronted, many of these same ‘scholars’ will become indignant, begin waving their educational achievements and sheepskins in your face or retreat to the idea that the book of Job is just a metaphor. They say it did not actually happen but was written as an object lesson in suffering. To both, I say, rubbish!  This is not some foolish game between God and Satan.

This is what happens when we are drawn into Satan’s trap of compulsive doubt, worry and fear. This is what happens when we fix out mind on the things of the flesh. Carefully read Romans 8:5-8, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death…For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

When we as sons of God come to present ourselves before the LORD, we either open or close the door for Satan to come among us by how we conduct our thought life, by the things we have set our mind upon!

What comes next is unspeakable carnage. Job loses his property, his possessions and his children.

Then Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head in mourning for the children, and he fell to the ground and worshiped God. He said, “Naked without possessions I came into this world from my mother’s womb, And naked I will return there.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Then the previous scene repeats when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD and Satan comes among them. This time conditions worsen and Job’s body is afflicted with sores and boils and Job begins his lament. The most revealing statement is made by Job in Chapter 3, verse 25:  “For what I fear comes upon me, And what I dread befalls me.

What follows is a fruitless discourse between Job, his wife and his friends. Job has done all he knows to do and has said all he knows to say in order to find relief. But he finds no relief. So, foolishly, Job questions God and this draws a response from God

What happens next could easily be imagined to have been accompanied with a scene of dark roiling dark clouds, deafening thunder and blinding lightning and a terrifying and booming voice from the heavens, Chapter 38, verse 1,

 “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, Verse 2.  “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Verse 3.  “Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!

 A colloquial expression of these same words from God might be “Job! Hike up your britches like a man and face Me if you have the nerve!” God proceeds to ‘set the record straight’, reminding Job that it is God who creates and provides all things. Without God, Job would not have been considered as  “no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

We do all our religious duties and we become good in our own mind and in our own eyes, and when evil comes to visit, we have only ourselves to turn to. So, we worry, doubt and obsess on what we must do to fix things.

We do the good things we know to do, such as rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all and present ourself before the LORD, and will all our best intentions, still,  Satan comes among us, and asks the God, “does                                  (fill in your name) fear God for any good reason?”

It is when we come to the end our ourselves and repent and submit ourselves to God that relief comes. Jesus teaches this very thing, found in Matthew chapter 5,

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

“Blessed are we when we are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are we when we are made meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

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

“Blessed are we when we are made merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are we when we are made pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are we when we are made the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Is this not the saem progression for Job and his difficulties?)

Chapter 42, verse 1:   Then Job answered the LORD and said,

 Verse 2.  “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Verse 3.  ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ “Therefore, I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

 Verse 4.  ‘Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me.’

 Verse 5.  “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You;

 Verse 6.  Therefore, I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.”

This is a creative, causative, prophetic and instructional warning for every man, woman, boy and girl who would believe in God and who would follow Jesus.

Now let’s see the result of complete submission and humility, which has come from trials, tribulations and loss.

Job’s (and our) Confession and Repentance

Chapter 42:1, Then Job answered the Lord and said:

Verse 2. “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
verse 3. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
verse 4. ‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
verse 5. I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
verse 6,  therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.”

verse 7. After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. verse 8. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” verse 9. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer.

The Lord Restores Job’s (and our) Fortunes

Verse 10. “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Verse 11. Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold.

verse 12. “And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. verse 13. He had also seven sons and three daughters. verse 14. And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. verse 15. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. verse 16/ And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations. 17And Job died, an old man, and full of days.”

(The sacred numbers, three and seven, often occur. 

The number seven is one of the most significant numbers of the Bible because it is the number of spiritual perfection. It is the number which is stamped on every work of God.

Three is also a number of perfection, or completion. This number is repeated throughout the Bible as a symbol of completeness.  God’s attributes are three: omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Three denotes divine perfection; Seven denotes spiritual perfection.

The number five symbolizes God’s grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in Scripture. Five is the number of grace.)

Now, let’s pray for one another that we might be those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit, for to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8)

And remember, do not call a conspiracy when the sons and daughters of God present ourselves before our LORD, like those who call it a conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But it is the Lord of hosts we shall honor as holy. Let him be our fear, and let him be our dread, and he will become our sanctuary. (Isaiah 8)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

 

How can I do that? I’m not a pastor, a preacher or an evangelist! I don’t have the training and I can’t afford the time or money to go to seminary. Why can’t I just be a member of the church and give my tithes and offerings to support missions and missionaries? You can do that, but that is not what Jesus said to do. What you suggest has been adopted by the church as a viable alternative to what He told us to be doing, and it has seemed to fit nicely – except when it doesn’t.

God The Holy Spirit has equipped all believers with supernatural spritual gifts and appointed us to an office to exercise those gifts to serve, build up and edify the Church.

Look at this list of Spiritual Gifts and Offices. Can you find the Gift or Office The Holy Spirit has given you and appointed to you?

GIFTS                      MINISTRIES                  EFFECTS                     OFFICES

​Romans 12             1 Corinthians 12         1 Corinthians 12:28       Ephesians 4:11

Prophecy               Word of wisdom            Apostle                        Apostle
Serving                  Word of knowledge       Prophet                       Prophet
Teaching                Faith                                Teacher                       Evangelist
Exhortation           Gifts of healing              Miracles                      Pastor
Giving                     Miracles                          Kinds of healing        Teacher
Overseer                Prophecy                         Helps
Mercy                     Distinguishing spirits   Administration
Tongues

It is through Spiritual Gifts that God empowers and enables us to serve Him and to serve His Church, which is His Body.  We are, as Christians, to serve the Lord and His Church.

Jesus created His Church, His Body, and made it so the whole Body fits together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Holy Spirit guides us, convict us, defends us and empowers us.

Jesus transformed the practice and attitude of ‘going to church’. He also teaches about not allowing external things to convict or to defend us. We are to depend on and call upon the Holy Spirit for those things.  Jesus has told us that His laws are now written upon our hearts and in our consciences.

We must BE the Body of Christ, The Church, and behave as such, or we simply are not following Jesus.

Let’s take a quick detour and see how the church came to our current paraidgm of making disciples of all the nations, and helping the people to learn of Jesus, believing in Him, obeying His words, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that He has commanded.

Our roots go back to the Jewish nation, the Israelites. The primary purpose of education among the Jews in Old Testament times was the learning of and obedience to the law of God, the Torah.

Primary ways of imparting religious knowledge to Jewish children were example, imitation, conversation and stories. Parents could utilize the interest aroused in their children by actual life observances such as Sabbath or Passover to teach about God.

Training in the Torah began very early. The father had an obligation to teach his children the Law by words and example. A child could observe his father binding the phylacteries on his arm and head. The natural question, “What are you doing?”, could be used to teach the child that it was everyone’s duty to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5 ).

When the son reached the age of twelve, the Jews believed his education in the Torah was complete enough to help him know the Law and keep it. He was then known as a “son of the Law.” As a symbol of this attainment, the father would fasten the phylacteries upon the arm and forehead of his son. The box placed on the forehead indicated that the laws must be memorized. The other box was placed on the left arm so that it would press against the heart when the arms were folded or the hands were clasped in prayer. The box pressed against the heart would symbolize that the laws were to be loved and obeyed.

The elementary school system among the Jews developed in connection with the synagogue. Even before the days of Jesus, schools for the young were located in practically every important Jewish community.

Boys usually began formal schooling at the “house of the book” at age five. He would spend at least a half day, six days a week for about five years, studying at the synagogue. Parents brought their son at daybreak and came for him at midday. While not at school the boy was usually learning a trade, such as farming or carpentry.

If a boy wanted training beyond that given in a synagogue, he would go to a scholarly scribe. Saul of Tarsus received such advanced theological training “at the feet of Gamaliel” in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3 ).

Jesus was also a trainer of teachers. He selected the twelve and taught them how to teach others. His last directive or commission made before He ascended to heaven was and still is, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually–regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

As risen Lord, Jesus commissioned his followers to carry their evangelism and teaching ministry into all the world (Matthew 28:19-20 ). As seen in Acts 2:42 , Acts 4:1-2; Acts 5:21 ,Acts 5:21,5:28 , teaching became an important work in the early church in Jerusalem.

The New Testament places importance on the teaching function of the church. Teaching is regarded as a primary function of the pastor (1 Timothy 3:2 ). Volunteer teachers are also important to the work of the church (James 3:1 ).

In New Testament times churches met in the homes of members and Christian teaching was done there (Romans 16:3-5 ).

While the synagogue school still existed, the home was still considered a primary place of education for children. Timothy is a notable example of a child who had been educated in the Scriptures in the home (2 Timothy 1:5 ).

Fast forward to the year 2023

The road to becoming a pastor in our current-day churches, typically begins after you have completed your secondary education training and all of your college undergraduate studies, have come to understand God’s calling, then the final step on the road to becoming a pastor begins by deciding to attend a seminary. Seminaries offer ministry degree programs, in addition to many other types of degree programs, that will properly educate and equip you to fulfill your calling.

At seminary, several ministerial degree programs focus on the practice of ministry and Christian leadership. Acceptance into these programs typically comes down to three main factors:

• Faith and belief
• Academic ability
• Overall character

Commitment to your faith and belief is perhaps the most critical prerequisite to any seminary program. You may be asked to write essays and provide letters of recommendation regarding your faith during the application process. While the academic requirements will vary from seminary to seminary, most ask for a bachelor’s degree for admission to a master’s program and a master’s degree for admission to a doctoral program. While you don’t have to be at the top of your class, the seminary will need evidence of your ability to keep up with rigorous, graduate-level studies. Seminaries also consider your character, sometimes requiring a background check as part of your application.

The greatest failure of our ‘religious educational systems’ is that it pushes the perceived requirements for you to complete the Great Commission, as issued by Jesus, far beyond what He required. So, only a relative minority will ever elect to ‘fulfill the great commission’ since they incorrectly assume it is for the highly trained seminary graduate. The rest of us will go to church, give offerings to missionaries and missions efforts, but we do not go to the mission field, whether near or far.

Here is what Jesus said on this matter:  “When Jesus’ disciples had come together, they asked Him repeatedly, “Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”  (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth could be taken metaphorically to say, ‘in your home town, the cities and states around your locality, and even as far as the ends of the earth. But we do not go – not even across to the street.)

CALLED AND COMFORTABLE

Some do not feel ‘called’, others do not feel ‘comfortable’ with the whole thing of ‘witnessing Christ to other people’. So, a few will invite others to church services, a Christmas play, an Easter service or some other church program.

Training in the Great Commission is either being misdirected in this 21st Century church, lacking in direcdtion, or absent all-together for those who cannot or will not spend eight years in college and post graduate seminary studies.

BACK TO BASICS

Please consider JESUS’ MODEL OF MINISTRY and “THE CYCLE OF DISCIPLESHIP”

I.

Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

II.

Matthew 4:19 “And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

III.

Matthew 10:5, “Jesus sent These twelve out after instructing them: Verse 7. “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’Verse 8.  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Verse 9. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, Verse 10, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.”

IV.

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

V.

Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Verse 16. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Verse 17. “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; Verse 18. they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

VI.

1 Corinthians 12:25 “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. Verse 26. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Verse 27. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. Verse 28. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.”

VII.

Ephesians 4:21, “Indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, Verse 23, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Verse 24, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God. Verse 25. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. Verse 26. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Verse 27, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Verse 28. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Verse 29. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as it is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Verse 30. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Verse 31. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Verse 32. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

 HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS:

“WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”

Romans 10:14, “But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? Verse 15. And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”  (Amplified version).

HERE IS THE EXAMPLE:

Matthew 4:17. “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent [change your inner self–your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

(The First Disciples)

Verse 18. “As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Verse 19. And He said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” Verse 20. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. Verse 21. And going on [further] from there He noticed two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them [to follow Him as His disciples]. Verse 22. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

Ministry in Galilee

Verse 23. “And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people [demonstrating and revealing that He was indeed the promised Messiah].

Verse 24. So the news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were sick, those suffering with various diseases and pains, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Verse 25. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and the other side of the Jordan.” (Amplified Version).

Footnote:  [a] 17 Jesus’ public ministry began at this time and He was preaching the same message John the Baptist had proclaimed.

Footnote:  [b] 19 The concept of “follow” can represent three separate possibilities: in the early stages of His ministry, (1) walking with Him physically (literally), that is, merely being in His presence regardless of personal belief or commitment, (2) accepting and identifying with the salvation He offered; and later on, (3) being identified with Him by being subject to the scorn and rejection of unbelievers because of personal belief and commitment to Him.

HERE WERE THE QUALIFICATIONS:

Acts 14:13. “Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were uneducated and untrained, that is they had no formal religious training in the rabbinical schools, [i.e., ordinary men], they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus!”  (Amplified version).

Sadly, now-a-days, see these advertisements which are typical for pastoral positions, 2023.

1. 1. 1. 1. What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like: • Meets the Biblical qualifications of elder/overseer as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. • Demonstrates a growing Christlikeness in demeanor and character. Can articulate a clear sense of calling to pastoral ministry. • Has completed a full graduate seminary degree at an accredited                 institution or equivalent. A doctorate is preferred but not required. • Demonstrates a growing love for and devotion to his spouse and commitment to his family. • A person of integrity who ministry team members, as well as the church body, can respect and follow

1. 1. 1. 2. Requirements: The Candidate We seek a Senior Pastor who has been ordained by an accredited Protestant denomination, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and a Master of Divinity degree from a theological seminary or divinity school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The candidate must also have served as a Senior or Associate Pastor and possess a Christian character and pastoral qualifications which are compatible with our Mission Statement. In addition, the candidate shall demonstrate the ability to meet the organizational and operational needs of the Church and provide for the spiritual welfare and well-being of the Church and the area. Benefits The Compensation package range of $100,000 to $130,000 based on experience

These are just for the few.

Should there be an ecclesiastical hierarchy in God’s Church? This question should remind us of a discussion between Jesus and the mother of James and John. She asked if her two sons could sit, one at His right side and one at His left side, when He became King.

Jesus replied that she did not know what she was asking. He said to them, “You will suffer as I will suffer. But the places at My right side and at My left side are not Mine to give. Whoever My Father says will have those places.” We should not aspire to seats of authority, honor or prestige. We are servants.

Let me finish, saying that I understand that organizational structure can be important. But scriptures tell us for just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ. For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed–united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

We are told, [collectively], that we are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. So, God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts.”

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

Finally,  Jesus has told us, “This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.”

You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.

Now, let’s be like Jesus. If there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, make His joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel–the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].

Let’s do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

For even “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A [special] PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were NOT A PEOPLE [at all], but now you are GOD’S PEOPLE; once you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.  For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose. (See 1 Peter 2:9-10, 21).

No matter your Gifting, no matter your Office, regardless of your position in the Church, let each of us, according to our gifts, go, teach, train, equip, encourage, send, and keep going until He returns.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(There is a Link to a Spiritual Gifts Test at the end of this article)

 “DO YOU KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT?”

​Have you ever been asked that question before?

So, do you?  Do you know your Spiritual Gift?  And, if you do know your Spiritual Gift – SO WHAT?

​What I mean is, SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR PRECIOUS GIFT from the Holy Spirit?

​Spiritual gifts, (charismata) are an endowment or extraordinary powers given by the Holy Spirit.

These supernatural graces, are given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit with the purpose of building up the Body of Christ which is The Church and are needed to fulfill the mission of the Church.  Spiritual Gifts enable Christians to serve the Lord and His Church.

Two important Truths have been lost over time, and this loss is rendering God’s Church as less effective in Her mission and, is in fact, soiling His Bride.

Truth #1.  Many in the Church have become grossly “self-serving”.

It is through Spiritual Gifts that God empowers and enables us to serve Him and to serve His Church, which is His Body.  We are, as Christians, to serve the Lord and His Church.

Jesus, Himself, said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

That is our calling also. ​We are not here to be served, we are here to serve.

​Truth #2.  You and I are The Body of Christ, that is we are “The Church”. 

​We have become accustomed, over the last two millennium (beginning with Constantine) with the idea that we ‘go to church’, but that is impossible in God’s Kingdom and in His economy because we are The Church.

Jesus created His Church, His Body, and made it so the whole Body fits together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Holy Spirit guides us, convict us, defends us and empowers us.

Jesus transformed the practice and attitude of ‘going to church’. He also teaches about not allowing external things to convict or to defend us. We are to depend on and call upon the Holy Spirit for those things.  Jesus has told us that His laws are now written upon our hearts and in our consciences.

We must BE the Body of Christ, The Church, and behave as such, or we simply are not following Jesus.

​No matter what we believe or say or do, we are not a follower of Jesus and we should not call ourselves by His Holy Name, if we are not behaving as Jesus says.

​We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus and called to serve. ​We are God’s church.

Here is a list of the Gifts which God gives His Body.  See if you can find which gift or gifts are yours.  Can you imagine how different things would be in The Church and the world around us if we engaged and used these Gifts, daily?

GIFTS                      MINISTRIES                EFFECTS                 OFFICES

​Romans 12             1 Corinthians 12         1 Corinthians 12:28       Ephesians 4:11

Prophecy               Word of wisdom            Apostle                        Apostle
Serving                  Word of knowledge       Prophet                       Prophet
Teaching                Faith                                Teacher                       Evangelist
Exhortation           Gifts of healing              Miracles                      Pastor
Giving                     Miracles                          Kinds of healing        Teacher
Overseer                Prophecy                         Helps
Mercy                     Distinguishing spirits   Administration
Tongues

​Sometimes, Spiritual Gifts are mistakenly considered to be a natural talent or a person’s proclivity, a natural inclination.  Natural talents can mimic Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but, they will never accomplish God’s purposes effectively.

Please remember, these are not natural talents.  These are supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

(ALSO PLEASE NOTE the order of these gifts and offices. They seem, in each case, to be listed by order of importance and priority.

The Apostle Paul speaks to this when he teaches on the gifts of toungues, which mentioned LAST but seems to be practiced most and with greater emphasis by many.  1 Corinthians 14:20-25, “Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. In the Law it is written:

“By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me,” says the Lord. So then, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe.

“Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.“)

Here are more detailed descriptions and functions of these Gifts.

Apostle:   The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”.  It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land.  Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel. (There is no passage in the Bible saying this gift was temporary nor that is has ceased)

Prophet: In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11).  The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something that God spontaneously brings to your mind”.

Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).

​Evangelist:   An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.

Pastor:   This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”.  Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.

(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.

​During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)

Teacher:  Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.

Service: The word translated as “ministry” is diakonia, which can also be translated “service”.  Since there are many types of ministries and service to the Church, this then describes a broad array of gifts rather than a single gift.

Exhortation: The ability to motivate Christians “to patient endurance, brotherly love, and good works”.

Giving: Those with this gift share their own possessions with others with extraordinary generosity. While all Christians should be givers, those possessing this gift will go beyond this normal giving.

Overseeing:  This gift speaks to the various roles found in the Church. While many think of roles such as administration, management of funds, strategy planning, etc. as functions outside of the supernatural realm, in reality individuals in these positions are just as in need of supernatural empowerment as are ministers of the gospel.  This is sometimes inappropriately called ‘leadership’.

Mercy:  Possibly identical to the gift of helps, the mercy-shower possesses a ministry of visitation, prayer, and compassion to the poor and sick.

​Word of wisdom:   An utterance or message of wisdom supernaturally granted to an individual. For Paul, wisdom refers to “the knowledge of the great Christian mysteries: the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ, and the indwelling in the believer of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 1:17)”.

​Word of knowledge: The knowledge referred to is often said to relate to understanding Christian doctrine or scriptural truth.  It is sometimes said to be connected with the ministry of teachers.

Faith:  This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19–20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”.  It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.

Gifts of healing:  The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.

​Working of miracles: The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Visions. An outpouring of this gift is prophesied in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 and is expected to increase and be of great value in the “last days”.

Discerning of spirits:  The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation—whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit. It seemed to have been particularly associated with prophecy as it would be necessary to know whether a prophetic utterance was truly inspired by God.

​Tongues:  The supernatural ability of speaking an unlearned language.  Paul seems to have distinguished between the public use of the gift (which must always be interpreted) and the private use which was for the spiritual strengthening of oneself.

​(Among Christians there is a discussion as to whether tongues were/are always xenoglossy, which is speaking an unlearned human language, or whether it also included/includes glossolalia, which is speaking an unlearned and allegedly non-human language of heavenly or angelic origin).

Interpretation of tongues:  This gift always follows the public exercise of the gift of tongues.

(In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul required that all speech in Christian worship should be intelligible. This required that speech given in an unknown tongue be interpreted in the common language of the gathered Christians.)

​Helps:  This gift has to do with service to the sick and the poor.   Possessor of this gift has a “spiritual burden and a God-given love for the needy and afflicted”.

Administration:   Also called the gift of governing, the Greek word translated “governments” is kubernesis, the verb form of which means “to steer” or “to be a helmsman”. This gift then refers to the God-given capacity to oversee or guide the Church through storms and difficult seas.

(NOTE:  Many versions of the Bible and many theologians and bible teachers say the word “leader” or “leadership” is a Spiritual gift.  That is a misunderstanding of the correct word and intention of the word “overseer”. )

Now, to answer the question, “Are Spiritual Gifts still valid today?” The answer is YES. These supernatural graces, are given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit with the purpose of building up the Body of Christ which is The Church and are needed to fulfill the mission of the Church.  Spiritual Gifts enable Christians to serve the Lord and His Church.

I pray that you will consider the Gifts God has given you and how you can serve His Church and affect the world around you as we make ready for His return.

​There are many places you can find and take a Spiritual Gifts test for the purpose of applying what God has so graciously and generously given you.  Here are just two of such web sites:

​Click here on the image below for an online digital Spiritual gifts test link to an external site​

Or, you can click here or on the image below to take a downloadable written test in PDF format, test yourself and grade it manually.

In His Service – Your Friend and Brother

​Mike Young

What attention span?

I have been reminded that my articles, posts and blogs are too long.  I try to keep them to a 5-minute read or less. Sometimes I go a little longer, but then I break the article or post into a series, each being under 5 minutes.

Still, many folks don’t seem to want to stay focused on these complicated matters for more than a few minutes at a time. I GET IT.

The information I am sharing is so important that I must try again. So, here we go…again…please.

#1.  We, that is, everyone on planet earth, are entering a strange new world, where black is white and white is black, good is being called evil and evil is being called good, sweet is sour and sour is sweet, the truth is a lie and lies and the truth.

You can see it in the written media, government policies, university programs, television programming, in the military in churches, etc. Men are relegated to followers and buffoons, being managed by ruled by females; women are elevated and portrayed as brilliant and tough leaders, dispatching men twice their size with a flip of the wrist. Men are feminine, women are masculine, boys look like girls and girls look like whatever they choose.

Beyond the social aspects are the corporate and political ramifications. They are being called “A New World Order”, “The Great Reset”, “Globalism” or “Our New Global Community”.  Some are even calling it by the more nefarious name, “One World Government”.

(a). Who is it saying these things and using these names? To name a few, it is:

(i). The United Nations.

(ii). UNESCO or The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which claims to be a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

 (iii). The World Economic Forum, an international non-governmental and lobbying organization based in Cologne, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.

(iv). The American Democrat Party, et al., and specifically presidents William “Bill” Clinton, and George W. Bush.

(v). The United Nations’ Agenda 2030.

#2.  So, what’s the big deal?

(a).  This Globalist movement has been progressing, ever-so-slowly, since the earliest writings in the Book of Genesis over 6,000 years ago. Now, in the 21st Century, we have the technology necessary to attempt and accomplish things that were unthinkable in 4,000 B.C.

(b). The main characters in this effort, in our day and time, are known Socialists, Marxists and Communists.

(c).  Their named objectives are lofty-sounding and would seem to be beneficial for the world if implemented. But their methods will require strict compliance, which will undoubtedly lead to dictatorial and despotic means, as they always have throughout history.

(c).  The forenamed entities are now publicly announcing completion and success by the year 2030 – Hence, Agenda 2030. They are quick to point out the United States Treasury will be used to complete these goals; The recommendations of the Commission on Global Governance, when implemented, will bring all the people of the world into a global neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy, under the direct authority of a minute handful of appointed individuals, and policed by thousands of individuals, paid by accredited NGOs, certified to support a belief system which contains ideas that are foreign to the American experience, and ignores other values and ideas that are precious to the American experience.

IT IS A BIG DEAL.

#3.  Where did this come from?

(a). These things were foretold in the Bible, perhaps as early as 6,000 years ago.

(b). The Bible lays out a progression, from beginning to the end (‘from the Alpha to the Omega’ as the Bible puts it), complete with details through metaphors, similes, imagery and direct quotes. It is voluminous and complex, but extremely precise.

(i). Then around sometime around 4,100 years ago, the Bible records the building of the Tower of Babel, which is a direct foreshadowing and the perfect metaphor of what was and what is to come.

(ii). The coming of ‘birth pains’ or the tribulation (small ‘t’), are told about in various old and New Testament books of the Bible. (The Book of Daniel gives a complete outline of what is to come, hidden in actual precursor events and in mysterious prophecies known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week.) This period began around the time coinciding with the birth of Jesus. The first 4 Seals of the tribulation have been opened consecutively, overlapping and intensifying as time has passed.

(iii). Then, about 75 years ago, the 5^th tribulation seal appeared to be opened and things prophesied began to accelerate and take on recognizable form. We have seen the spirit of the antichrist operating since around A.D. 1, and now we anticipate the revealing of the antichrist, himself. We are now being caught up in a long-prophesied One World Government, which is a Marxist net and tentacles. Time is short.

(iv). The breaking open of the 6^th Tribulation Seal (capital ‘T’), also known variously as ‘The End of Days’, ‘The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord’, ‘The Wrath of the Lamb’, is near.

(c). Much of the ‘foreshadowing’ or prophecies from the Bible have been overlooked, misunderstood or ignored, but in these Last Days, they are coming into focus for those ‘who have eyes to see’.

#4.  Where do we go from here?

(a). In brief (not really), we will see the breaking of the 6^th Tribulation Seal –  Terror, Cosmic disturbances. (This event is yet to come, but soon).

The Interlude – during the 6th Seal.

The sealing of the 144,000 – during the 6th Seal.

The Multitude from the Tribulation gathered around the Throne of God in Heaven ( This is The Rapture)!

(b). 7^th Seal – Silence in Heaven for ‘half an hour’.

(c). THE TRUMPETS: Revelation chapter 8:1 – chapter 9

1st Trumpet – hail and fire, mixed with blood  –  a third of the earth was burned

2^nd Trumpet – something like a great mountain burning – a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the creatures died; a third of the ships destroyed.

3^rd Trumpet – a great star called Wormwood fell from heaven, fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters; a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

4^th Trumpet – a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened, and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

5^th Trumpet – The Bottomless Pit. A star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. He opened the bottomless pit; smoke, of a great furnace; the sun and the air were darkened; came locusts, and they hurt only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

6^th Trumpet – The Army from the East

The 7^th Trumpet marks the beginning of the second half of the 7 years of Great Tribulation and the beginning of the Third Woe. 

Revelation 12 – Christ’s Reign Foreseen

The Red Dragon.

The Male Child, Christ.

The Angel, Michael.

Revelation 13

Revelation 13 introduces the DRAGON, THE BEAST FROM THE SEA AND THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH.  Then, I will give a chronology of the Bible, leading up to Revelation 13, and to the end of the Book of The Revelation, to help frame the timing of these events.

Revelation 14

A Scene of Heaven.

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion.

Vision of the Angel with the Gospel.

Doom for Worshipers of the Beast.

The Reapers.

Revelation 15 

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

Revelation 16 – Six Bowls of Wrath

1^st Bowl of Wrath – loathsome and malignant sores.

2^nd Bowl of Wrath – the sea became blood.

3^rd Bowl of Wrath – the rivers and the springs of waters became blood.

4^th Bowl of Wrath – the sun scorched men with fire.

5^th Bowl of Wrath – it became dark.

6^th Bowl of Wrath – the Euphrates and its water was dried up.

Armageddon

7^th Bowl of Wrath – “It is done.”

Revelation 17

The Doom of Babylon.

Victory for the Lamb.

 Revelation 18

Babylon Is Fallen.

Lament for Babylon.

The Fourfold Hallelujah.

Revelation 19

Marriage of the Lamb.

The Coming of Christ.

Doom of the Beast and False Prophet.

 Revelation 20

 Satan Bound.

Satan Freed, Then Doomed.

Judgment at the Throne of God.

 Revelation 21

 The New Heaven and Earth.

The New Jerusalem.

 Revelation 22

 The River and the Tree of Life.

The Final Message:

Revelation 22:6 “And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

(Detail of the above outline is found here: “After All These Things”

#5.  What should you do?

(a). Be informed.

(b). Get Ready and Stay Ready, Move to Action.

Read these articles for an overview:

The Rapture Revealed

The Journey along God’s Plan of Perfection

Read some of these articles for details – lots and lots of detail, about:

The End of the Age, The Antichrist, The Rapture, The Tribulation, Armageddon, The End of the earth and the Heavens by Fervent Heat, The New Heavens and the New Earth, and more. (45 articles).

Spreading Socialism, The Rebirth of Communism, One World Government, The Marxist-Globalism, The Great Reset, Agenda-21, Agenda-2030, The World Economic Forum, and more. (44 articles).

Watching from the Wall – Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Six blind men heard that there was an animal called an elephant. They were curious about its shape and form. Out of curiosity, they visited the Rajah’s palace to find out the truth. One of the blind men, whose hand landed on the trunk, said, “This creature is like a thick snake”. For another one whose hand felt its ear, it seemed like a kind of magic carpet. As for another blind man, whose hand was upon its leg, said, the elephant is like a large cow. The blind man who kept his hand upon its side said it is like a wall. Another who felt the elephant’s tail described it as a rope. While all the six men were arguing loudly about the creature, the Rajah suggested they put all the parts together and then imagine the creature.

This story attempts to teach a philosophy that one’s own truth is relative to one’s own perspective, because the truth is relative. Therefore, others’ views of reality are based on their own viewpoint and experience, and their view of the truth may vary from your view. This is a deception and a lie.

There is a fundamental and an absolute truth. You can twist the absolute truth to fit your preferences, your personal experiences, your opinions and your presuppositions, but that does not make change the truth. It will, however, show your error and your ignorance of the truth.

This leads me to the story of

An American ‘president’

And 335,808,623 ‘blind people’.

Three hundred thirty-three thousand, eight hundred eight thousand, six hundred twenty-three blind people (the population of the United States 12/27/2022), heard that there was a law passed in 2021 named “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021”. They were curious about its shape, form and cost. Out of curiosity, they visited the U.S. Congressional Government website to find out the truth.

55,968,103 of the blind people, whose hands landed on the United Nations Agenda 2030 documents, said, “This creature is like a thick snake”.

 

 

For another 55,968,103 of the blind people whose hands landed on the U.N. and U.S. sustainable goals, it seemed like a “kind of magic carpet”.

 

 

As for another 55,968,103 of the blind people whose hands landed on upon introduction by the Commission for Global Governance said, it is like a “large cow”.

 

 

 

Another 55,968,103 of the blind people whose hands landed on the World Economic Forum documents said it is “like a wall”.

 

 

 

Another 55,968,103 of the blind people who felt the Global Neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy described it as “a rope”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While all the 335,808,623 were arguing loudly about the creature, the NO ONE, not even the American Republican Party, suggested they put all the parts together and then imagine the creature.

This is a story about a philosophy that is sold as the Biden’s Leftist Administration’s own truth, and it is relative to the Globalist-Marxist United Nation’s own perspective, because, as they say, truth is relative. Therefore, they say, all other views of reality are based solely on their other’s viewpoint and experience, which is biased and is out of date and must be changed to fit the Biden-Obama-Pelosi-Schumer ‘truth’.

But their’s is a deception and a lie.

The truth is:  There is collusion and cooperation between:

The United Nations and U.N.E.S.C.O.,

The American Rescue Plan Act,

The World Economic Forum,

The Communist Party, U.S.A.,

Agenda 2030,

The American Rescue Act Plan of 2021,

Saul Alinsky’s ‘Rules for Radicals’,

U.S. Sustainable Goals Plan,

The American Democrat Party,

in order to merge the United States into an Elite Global Government, a cabal, a One Word Government run by Marxists, each with equal power, to rule the world’s population according to the dictates of the Agenda 2030.

The World Government Emerges – 2o22.

The Secret Sellout of America.

We have been getting it wrong – an exposé.

Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Karl Marx and the United Nations.

8 GREAT LIES BY THE LEFT.

This is the truth, but you have to read it – in order to believe it.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: The final and real Truth is a person – Jesus Christ. He has the final say, and He has spoken! Find Jesus and find hope!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel ,” which translated means, ” God with us .” – Matthew 1:23

DO NOT KNOW – DO NOT BELIEVE – DO NOT CARE

The reason I am writing this is four-fold:

1. Many if not most churches and pastors fail to teach or preach effectively on these matters of Biblical virginity, chastity, womanhood, and manhood, whether out of love or otherwise – that is if they want to keep their “marginals”. Even if they do preach on them, they fail to teach the REASONS these laws or teachings exist and WHY they are important beyond the ‘threats’ I have listed, below.
2. A growing number of professing Christians are not living like Jesus teaches.
   1. They are living like the world lives because they either do not know what the Bible says or why it says what it says;
   2. Many do not believe in what the Bible says;
   3. Many more do not care what the Bible says. Some just defy the teaching of the scriptures because they don’t see an immediate consequence in their daily lives.
3. Failure to know the cost of rebellion against God, (and, yes, failing to obey or to follow the Word of God is outright rebellion – even if in ignorance), is tragic, and creates unseen pitfalls and calamities down the road of your life, now. And it can be eternally damning.
4. I want to help. I want to raise Christians’ awareness, even if it is a few. I want them to know the presence, the safety, the power and the spiritual blessing that come from knowing God, knowing and doing His Words and knowing WHY.

I really don’t want to sound negative, but these matters can be a very big positive if you will see them that way.

Let’s start by asking, did you ever wonder why Jesus had to be born of a virgin? Here is an excerpt from “GotQuestion.Org”,

“The doctrine of the virgin birth teaches that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. That is, when Mary conceived Jesus, she had never had sexual intercourse. Jesus’ birth, therefore, was truly miraculous. The virgin birth of Jesus is a crucially important doctrine and one that the Bible plainly teaches in Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1:27, 34.

 “Jesus’ enemies among His contemporaries denied His virgin birth. They went so far as to publicly accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan, i.e., a person of mixed race (John 8:48). Those today who would deny the virgin birth contradict the clear teaching of Scripture, call into question other miracles recorded in the Bible, and open the door to a denial of Christ’s full deity or His full humanity.” (End excerpt).

EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING IT!

Was virginity (and chastity) important to God, otherwise? The Bible says they were important to God then, and are important to Him now. I know or know of so many people calling themselves Christian and who go to church, as having sexual relationships before marriage and outside of marriage, and they do not see it as a problem – unless they caught.

Read just the Biblical definition just of ‘fornication’ (sexual intercourse before marriage):

Fornication from the Greek language is “porneía”, and means “pain, laborious trouble”, pain-ridden evil; derived from 4192 (pónos), which refers to “pain, pure and simple” – resulting in “toil, then drudge”, i.e. ‘bad‘ like a criminal”.

From ‘poneros‘; (See 4190, which means, depravity, malice; plots, sins, iniquity, wickedness.

The penalty for fornication was severe in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 22:20 But if the thing is true, that evidence of virginity was not found in the young woman, 21 then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done an outrageous thing in Israel by whoring in her father’s house. So, you shall purge the evil from your midst.

22 “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So, you shall purge the evil from Israel.

WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The New Testament puts it this way, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21 – The King James Version).

The New American Standard Version reads this way, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

“Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

If you thought being stoned to death was a harsh punishment, which was a one-time punishment, imagine an eternity in hell, the lake of fire which burns forever!

(And, by the way, if you dismiss heaven or hell, you just don’t believe the Bible, so your fate is sealed unless you change your thinking and really surrender your life and ways to Jesus.)

DO NOT KNOW – DO NOT BELIEVE – DO NOT CARE

The reason I am writing this is four-fold:

1. Most churches and pastors fail to teach or preach effectively on these matters, in love or otherwise, and even if they do preach on them, they fail to teach the REASONS these laws or teachings exist and WHY they are important beyond the threats I have noted.
2. A growing number of professing Christians are not living like Jesus teaches. They are living like the world lives because they either do not know what the Bible says or why it says what it says; many do not believe in what the Bible says; and many more do not care what the Bible says. They just defy the teaching of scriptures because they don’t see an immediate consequence in their daily lives.
3. Failure to know the cost of rebellion against God, (and, yes, failing to obey or to follow the Word of God is outright rebellion – even if in ignorance), is tragic, and creates unseen pitfalls and calamities down the road of your life, now. And it can be eternally damning.
4. I want to help. I want to raise Christians’ awareness, even if it is a few. I want them to know the presence, the safety, the power and the spiritual blessing that come from knowing God, knowing and dong His Words and knowing WHY.

God does have a POSTIVE plan for you, a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Please come with me as we look at what the Bible says about virginity, womanhood, chastity and manhood in a four part series – let’s live long and prosper!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide, and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:14-15.

NEXT:  Virginity – Who cares? Why care?

PS: If this is too simplistic or sounds ‘unfair’ or cruel, please visit “Does Sin Separate You From God?”

Also, please click the FOLLOW BUTTON half-way up this page on the right, to subscribe, so you can get follow-up articles through your email.

(*Note that all email addresses are held in the strictest of confidence and will never be shared for any reason by this author or by the Whitestone Fellowship or Whitestone2020.)

TEETH

I am having breakfast. Oatmeal and toast. Chewing. Then, this thought hits me, “I am sure glad to have teeth.”

Then I thought, “that was a stupid thought”. Of course, I am glad to have teeth. Everyone has teeth at some time in their life. It is normal to have teeth.

Has it always been that way? Did God create us with teeth, or did we grow them later?

Stupid thoughts. Right?

It doesn’t really matter because we do have teeth and no matter what you, or I think about how we got these things called teeth, we have them and would prefer to keep them.

But I still can’t shake the gratitude for my teeth, and I know that God created us with teeth.

I mean, if you don’t believe in God and depend on evolution, then your idea of teeth is, well, weird. Somehow, out of the primordial goo, from which evolutionist say we sprung, we were amoeba or some simple cell that serendipitously grew into a human. Now that’s stupid thinking for me.

Then somewhere along the evolutionary path, our body or mind or the ‘evolution god’ decided we needed a more nutritious diet to live, but without teeth we could only gum our food because it hurt to chew meat or nuts with our gums. OUCH! So, WHAM-O! We grew teeth.

I think that it is strange we have eyes that won’t allow us to see through the dark. I mean, you could get killed walking around in the dark 3.5 billion years ago.

That’s when our evolutionist buddies say a set of filament-like fossils from Australia, reported in the journal, may be the remains of a microbial matter. Or even 315,00 years ago when the first humans were reportedly seen wandering about. (Or on a more ridiculous level, why did we have to build airplanes to fly. Why didn’t ‘evolution god’ just let us grow wings?) You might have thought, once again, that the ‘evolution god’ would have fixed that like he did with TEETH!

Stupid ‘evolution god’.

The fact is, whether you like it or not or believe it or not, God created all things – including our teeth. And, God did have to plan it out. He just IS (Eternal) and He KNOWS (Omniscient).

This may seem like a pointless and senseless rant, but, think about it and be grateful. Grateful that God created us in His image. You may not feel Perfect or even look perfect, but know that God really does have a plan for you – a plan of Perfection. To live with Him and all the other believers throughout time in a Perfect existence, in Peace for all eternity.

For now, just believe and trust Him. We have been made in the image of God. And, except for one bump in our road to perfection – SIN, which Jesus has overcome on our behalf – we really do have it made. Teeth and all!

Your Brother and Friend (and a relative to some),

Mike Young

I was sitting in front of a car salesman’s desk and a desk plaque read, “I’M KIND OF A BIG DEAL”.  I thought, “Okay, That’s a play on words when it comes to car sales. He makes BIG DEALS, guess?” (Or, maybe….?)

The next day I was at home, and I was uttering a prayer of gratitude to God and the thought struck me, “Am I big enough of a deal for God to hear me?” I stopped praying to think about that idea.

There are almost 8 billion people on the earth, and among that fantastic number, I am just a small speck, unnoticeable and irrelevant.

(Please click the image above).

God knows. God knows I am here, and He cares about me.

If you could pull your view of earth into outer space, the state of Florida, where I live, would appear as just as small as a speck, unnoticeable and irrelevant. I would be invisible. (Please click the image to the left).:

God knows Florida is still here. He also knows I am still here, and He sees me through and through.

 

From Mars, the earth would be just a tiny speck and both Florida and I would be completely invisible. (Please click the image to the left).

 

God knows that I am still here, He can see me and is with me. He loves me and watches over me.

From the Kuiper Belt and beyond, earth, Florida and forgotten, and in that place, I am unknown. But I am not forgotten by God. God knows.  (Please watch this short video).

“Hmmmm. I might not be much of a big deal in the grand scheme of things or in the grand scale of creation, or even in the things don’t matter. But in God’s mind, you and I must be “His big deal”. He knows where we are at all times, and He keeps a watchful eye over us. He loves, protects us and provides for us, beyond reason. He has done it all for us!

Wow.

Think about it.

THAT IS SOME KIND OF A BIG DEAL !!!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young