1. As in the Days of Noah
   

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away”. (Matthew 24:38–39).

There are some “educated guesses” about the possible population of earth just before the Great Deluge or Noah’s Flood ranging from 3 billion people to possible 750 billion. But, the best guess seems to be around 30 billion.

It took Noah between 80 and 120 years to build the Ark. So, the people anywhere nearby had plenty of time to hear all about the coming “flood” although it seems no one knew anything about floods. And, one can imagine that rumors about the crazy man building a structure which loomed above the surrounding landscape, visible for miles, were spread across the known globe.

Still, only Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives were the only people saved from the estimated 3 to 30 Billion people on earth.

Only eight people saved out of 30 billion!

So, is it possible you could get just one?

2. Jesus Ministry – Only 11. Only 120.

It is estimated that Jesus was about 30 years old when He started His ministry. He was about 33 years old when He was crucified. So, for three years Jesus performs public miracles such as:



• Turns Water into Wine at the Wedding in Cana
• Jesus Heals an Official’s Son at Capernaum in Galilee
• Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit From a Man in Capernaum
• Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law Sick With Fever
• Jesus Heals Many Sick and Oppressed at Evening
• First Miraculous Catch of Fish on the Lake of Gennesaret
• Jesus Cleanses a Man With Leprosy
• Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Paralyzed Servant in Capernaum
• Jesus Heals a Paralytic Who Was Let Down From the Roof
• Jesus Heals a Man’s Withered Hand on the Sabbath
• Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son From the Dead in Nain
• Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea
• Jesus Casts Demons into a Herd of Pigs
• Jesus Heals a Woman in the Crowd With an Issue of Blood
• Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter Back to life
• Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
• Jesus Heals a Man Who Was Unable to Speak
• Jesus Heals an Invalid at Bethesda
• Jesus Feeds 5,000Plus Women and Children
• Jesus Walks on Water1
• Jesus Heals Many Sick in Gennesaret as They Touch His Garment
• Jesus Heals a Gentile Woman’s Demon-Possessed Daughter
• Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Man
• Jesus Feeds 4,000 Plus Women and Children
• Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida
• Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind by Spitting in His Eyes9
• Jesus Heals a Boy With an Unclean Spirit
• Miraculous Temple Tax in a Fish’s Mouth
• Jesus Heals a Blind, Mute Demoniac
• Jesus Heals a Woman Who Had Been Crippled for 18 Years
• Jesus Heals a Man With Dropsy on the Sabbath
• Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers on the Way to Jerusalem
• Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead in Bethany
• Jesus Restores Sight to Bartimaeus in Jericho
• Jesus Withers the Fig Tree on the Road From Bethany
• Jesus Heals a Servant’s Severed Ear While He Is Being Arrested
• he Second Miraculous Catch of Fish at the Sea of Tiberias

It is estimated that, after and 3 years of intense ministry and all of these miracles and Jesus even being raised from the dead, only eleven men could be counted as His disciples. And only 120 people could be counted as His Followers.

So, could you get just one?

3. After the Crowds – Only One.

THE CROWDS followed Him everywhere…

Matthew 4:25

“Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.”

Matthew 5:1

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

Matthew 7:28

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching;”

Matthew 8:1

“When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.”

Matthew 9:8

“But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”

Matthew 9:33

“After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowdswere amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

Matthew 11:7

As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?”

Matthew 12:23

“All the crowdswere amazed, and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?”

Matthew 12:46

“While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.”

Matthew 13:2

“And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.

Matthew 13:36

“Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

Matthew 14:15
Matthew 14:19
Matthew 14:22
Matthew 14:23
Matthew 15:30
Matthew 15:39
Matthew 19:2
Matthew 21:9

After all the crowds of people saw Jesus and saw the miracles, only ONE believed enough to take the risk and get out of the boat:

Matthew 14:29 “And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

ONLY ONE.

The Great Commission – Matthew 28:16. “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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.”

Don’t be discouraged if very few hear and receive His Gospel from you.  Let’s just BE the ONE and let’s DO His bidding.  Let’s turn this world BACK upside down in Jesus Name!  BE THE ONE to rescue just ONE.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING is an idiom of Biblical origin used to describe those playing a role contrary to their real character with whom contact is dangerous, particularly overly ambitious preachers/pastors, church leaders and false teachers.

These men and women are very good – very good – at appearing righteous, but inwardly, are driven by selfish ambitions. One reason they are so dangerous and deceptive is that they didn’t start off as wolves, and they don’t see themselves as wolves. But, over time, they sharpen their skills, thinking it is all “In the Name of Jesus”, and so they justify their selfish ambition and become ravenous WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.

The most insidious of these call themselves ‘pastor’, ‘teacher’ or ‘church leader’.

The phrase originates in a sermon by Jesus recorded in the Christian New Testament: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Gospel of Matthew 7:15, King James Version) The sermon then suggests that their true nature will be revealed by their actions (by their fruits shall ye know them, verse 16)

“But realize this, that

“in the last days difficult times will come. 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;” (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

Know this:  THE LAST DAYS began in or around A,D, 1

1 Peter 1:20 “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you.”

Acts 2:16-17. “but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
 ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
  AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
 AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
 AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.

Hebrews 1:1-2. “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, v2 in these last days has spoken to us [b]in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 9:26, “Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

2 Peter 3:3, “Know this, first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”

WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT THESE FALSE TEACHERS AND PASTORS?

“Avoid such men as these. 6For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, v7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

“v8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.
    

“v 10Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!

“v12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

“v14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

“v16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

How Should We Live in These Last Days?

Should we hunker down? Dig in? Hide away? Run to a mountain retreat with stockpile of food, water and weapons?


1 Peter 4:7-9 “The end of all things is near; therefore,
be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [b]prayer.
v8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
v10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
v11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;
whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
What should we expect in these Last Days?

1 Peter 4:12 “ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled or the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

“v15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

“v17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;”

The LAST DAYS began with the birth of Christ. The 5th Seal is being broken / has been broken. The final Seal before The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (The 6th Seal) will happen next, and only the revealing of the ‘man of perdition’, the Antichrist, is left to be done before that Seal is broken.

In order to ‘be saved’, you and I must “endure to the end” and we shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony!

So, fear not! It is written in His Blood and by His Breath and cannot be amended. Now, let’s get this thing finished and be ready to meet Him in the air!

HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END AND OVERCOMES

1. 1. 1. 1. Revelation 2:7. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
         2. Revelation 2:11. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.
         3. Revelation 2:17. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.
         4. Revelation 2:26. He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
         5. Revelation 3:5. He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
         6. Revelation 3:12. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
         7. Revelation 3:21. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
         8. Revelation 21:7. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

My granddaughter will look me dead in the eye while she ignores my instructions, especially when I say, “Don’t do that”.  I know she is headed to trouble for herself, so I stand very close to her, but she thinks she knows better.  She is three years old.  Yesterday, she stepped off the shallow step into our swimming pool while I was standing right in front of her and “plop” underwater for a second while I grabbed her and stood her back on the shallow step.  She looked surprised as she sputtered water out of her mouth.  It was the last time she tried that – for a while.  I could almost see her thinking, “there has to be a better way – someway I can have it my way”.  It reminds me of so many Christians, churches and pastors.

I remember when I was younger and thinking how boring church had become.  The same old messages, the same old music and the same old methods.  There had to be a better way.  Then it happened.

It was around 1990.  New music started showing up.  New ways of doing sermons, enhanced by things like drama, music, videos and live upbeat ‘worship bands’.  No more choirs in robes and no more music that emanated from the King James version of the Bible.  Everything was newer, hip, with stage fog, lights and lots of volume.

Pastors started wearing bluejeans with holes in the knees, cool haircuts, square rim glasses and ‘5 o’clock shadow’ facial hair.

The pastors were trying to be more relevant, that is, according to how we actually lived.  More emphasis on “teamwork”, money, being a better YOU, financial planning seminars, outings and fun things.  Miracles and the mysticism of Christianity was fading out.

Altar calls were no longer emphasized.  But if you did go to the altar for prayer, it was to get something you needed or wanted.  Sorrow for sin and repentance were mostly a thing of the past.  They were just too negative.

The “same old crowds” we were accustomed to on a Sunday began to change.  People started changed churches – or staying home.  They were criticized as lone ranger Christians by the pastors.

Gone was the emphasis on Scripture memorization, witnessing and cooperation.  Things had become competitive.  Bigger, more, better, faster, cooler, more expensive.

We still used some old forms of worship and church.  But, clearly, we were losing our way.

One pastor, as an example of the ‘new theology’ and the new ‘spiritual formation’, was teaching on miracles and said this:  “When Jesus said the blind recovered their sight, it means they saw life in a new way.  They did not really regain their sight from being blind.  And the lame did not stop being physically lame, they just saw a new way to walk out their faith.”

ONLY ONE WAY

Listen to what Jesus says about this:  John 14:4 “And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Once you stray and become estranged, it is hard to find your way back home and there is only ONE WAY and that is through Jesus.

If you find life confusing and are feeling overwhelmed, it could be that you are no longer following Jesus.  You may say and think you are still following Him, but, chances are that you are following some man’s or some woman’s opinion of the Truth – but it is not The Truth.  They will look you dead in the eye and tell you, in so many words, you can eat of their fruit and surely, you will not die.  But, oh loved ones, you surely will.  You will certainly die.  You will die on the inside first; then you will decay from the inside out.

ONLY ONE WAY

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Oh soul are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness to see

There’s a light for a look at the Savior

And life more abundant and free

His words shall not fail you, He promised

Believe Him and all will be well

Then go to a world that is dying

His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Oh soul are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness to see

There’s a light for a look at the Savior

And life more abundant and free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Here is a Disciple’s Devotional.   Follow Him Daily.  It will make a difference!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE GREATEST GIFT

    Emmanuel – God with Us

An Angel announced the arrival of Jesus Christ, saying, (Luke 2:10) “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”   These words were heard by a few, but since that date, have been repeated throughout history.  The time had come and the stage had been set for “God’s Revolution” on earth.

Thirty years later, Jesus announced His own arrival.  The few words He spoke were heard only by a few, but since that day, those words have been repeated and echoed throughout history.  These were among the most profound and urgent words ever uttered. 

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:17

Rarely understood or properly acted upon, from a Spiritual perspective.  This proclamation marked the beginning of the end of an age and announced the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Great Demarcation

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

Matthew 4:17

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

There was a 400-year time gap (420BC to about 7BC) between Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, and Matthew, the first book of the New Testament.  We assume “the old things had passed away; and behold, new things had come” with the birth of Christ.  Certainly, something new had begun, and Jesus was new, in every sense.  But, this coming Messiah, had been anticipated and written since the beginning of creation.  The Messiah’s’ coming had been specifically prophesies by Isaiah around 8 BC.  Jesus birth was the also birth of a new thing coming, but, “the pronouncement” had not yet been made and “the line in the sands of time” had not yet been drawn.

A NEW BEGINNING

Jesus was born, grew up and matured in and around the towns of Bethlehem, Galilee and Nazareth.  But, the heavens were opened when Jesus was baptized and a new light was about to dawn as Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody.  Jesus, at this point, withdrew into Galilee; and left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

      “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI,             BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, BEYOND THE JORDAN, GALILEE OF THE GENTILES—       “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT,             AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH,             UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.”

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

THE KINGDOM IS UPON YOU

Jesus had drawn a line, a demarcation, a boundary in sands of time and history, defining the old from the new.

Jesus was saying to all who would hear, the old had now passed and the New had come.  There was a radical change at hand, and a renovation in our way of thinking seeing and interacting with the world must take place.  Jesus was ‘turning the world right-side up’.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

This is the greatest pronouncement and call to readiness to all Christians:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.  It means the hour has arrived.  Final preparations are being made.  Followers of Jesus would be readied for Heaven’s final assault upon the earth.  Satan is to be defeated and you and I are part of God’s invading force.  Your participation is not optional and anything less can be compared to treason. This is not a metaphor.  It is not hyperbole.  It is the literal call from God through His Son, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repent, as used in Matthew 4:17, literally means, “To change one’s mind; to change one’s mind for the better” and it comes from a two root words which mean, “Hereafter, have this understanding or perception”.

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

You will have the mind in you which is in Christ Jesus, Who although existed in the from of God, did not regard His equality with God a thing to be held onto, but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.

Jesus now calls you His friend, His brother or sister, a joint heir.  You too, are called to empty yourself, taking on the form of His bond-servant and humble yourself, becoming obedient even to the point of death.

 You will do His Works and even greater works because He has gone to be with The Father.  Or more properly said, He will do His works through you.

John 14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father

A COMMAND AND A PROPHETIC WORD

These Words of Jesus are both a Command and a prophetic Word from God.  Jesus said this is what we are to do – Repent – in order to become His disciple and to follow Him. The disciples echoed and repeated these very words as they continued to do the Works of God, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand”.  These should also be our words.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME?

This means your perspective has changed.  Repentance means I will experience the indwelling and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Repentance means it is no long you or I who live, but it is Christ, literally, living in us.  Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”

Jesus says for each of us to Repent as an act of our will and that Repentance will allow the Holy Spirit to come into our bodies, our minds and regenerate our spirits.  We will become One with Him.  Our fleshly desires begin to fade and our new desires emanate from the Holy Spirit of God.  It is not us producing Spiritual Fruit, it is from The Holy Spirit and it should pour out of us, liberally. We begin to desire the Things of God.  We are made new and we can now walk with certainty, with purpose and power in our New Life.

SEATED WITH JESUS IN THE HEAVENS

Our position has changed.  “God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

We are seated with Jesus, in the Heavens, at the right hand of the Father. Now, we are in position.  Now, Jesus does His Works which He prepared ahead of time, through us

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS WITHIN YOU

Luke 17:20 “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

(Note: within you: entos – AV-within; 1) within, inside ; 1a) within you i.e., in the midst of you; 1b)inside you; 1b) within your soul. I can and does mean all three: ‘within’, ‘in your midst’, ‘in your soul’.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NOT A PLACE

Luke 17:20-21  Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;  nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Romans 14:17  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 4:20  For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.

This Kingdom is real, but, it is not so much a defined territory as it is the dominion, authority and the power of God manifest.  Jesus demonstrated Kingdom Life as He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.

THIS IS OUR CALLING!

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

• God sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice to take away our sins
• God sent His Son to erase all doubt
• God sent His Son to eradicate all fear

Change your mind, now. Change your way of thinking and from now on hold on to this understanding and perception.

If you are living under the oppression of poverty, sickness, lack or want, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Rise up.  Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, for He has prepared His good works ahead of time that we may walk in them.  Works of healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness, works healing all who are ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; He heals them all.  (Matthew 4:24)

 Revelation 21:5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7“He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”

Let’s not take matters into our own hands.  His Works are complete, He has given us His Authority and sent us.  Now, let’s walk therein!   This changes everything!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

   

PSALMS 121

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
            From where shall my help come?

“My help comes from the LORD,
            Who made heaven and earth.

“He will not allow your foot to slip;
            He who keeps you will not slumber.

“Behold, He who keeps Israel
            Will neither slumber nor sleep.

“The LORD is your keeper;
            The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

“The sun will not smite you by day,
            Nor the moon by night.

“The LORD will protect you from all evil;
            He will keep your soul.

“The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
            From this time forth and forever.”

 

The promise of God is to love, protect and provide. He sent His Son to show us His love, His protection and His provision.

Click here or on the image for the Greatest Gift

This changes everything!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Accurately Handling the Word of Truth

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If the previous page “Why ain’t this workin’“ caused you concern or raised questions (or raised your eyebrows), then welcome to this, the first of several lesson-responses on “Accurately Handling The Word of Truth”.

Please read the verse below and then watch the video below on “Authority of male and Female in the household of God”.

​Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

      20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

The following video excerpt is by Pastor Trent Casto, Senior Pastor at Covenant Church of Naples P.C.A., Naples, Florida (https://www.convenantnaples.com) on the subject of “The roles of men and women in the Household of God”  (this excerpt addresses women).

Any questions or comments?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT” – Matthew 5

(A picture of Salvation and the process of Sanctification.)

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

It must be experienced to be understood.

It is the supernatural work of SANCTIFICATION by God. Most of us work hard to avoid the process of becoming entirely sanctified because it can be difficult, painful and even bewildering. 

Actually, the outcome is the amazing, supernatural work of God transforming us into His Own, children of Light, as we become the Heirs of the Kingdom of God.



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

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

3 ¶ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.


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

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

This “Sermon on the Mount” starts by telling us that we are Blessed, when we are poor in spirit. We all have heard that this means we are “spiritually bankrupt”. 

Yes, I suppose this can be one very basic and rudimentary meaning. 

Being “Poor in Spirit” however, means so much more:


V3: “Poor in spirit” (Greek: ptochos) literally means 

to be

1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor
2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
2c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
3a) as respects their spirit
3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)

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


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

These verses go on to tell us we are “Blessed” if we are “mourning” loss, “hungering and thirsting”, or being “persecuted for the sake of righteousness”. How can this be? 

“Poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing. 

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before.

We hear it said “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God” which is true enough, but none of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state. It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help. And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives.

Please read the following verses and take note of the process. Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we must endure (yes, endure) in order to “inherit the Kingdom of God”.

V4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Mourning”. An understandable response upon finding yourself severely pinched by poverty, reduced to begging; destitute with no influence, no position; lowly, afflicted and helpless; powerless to change your circumstances for the better; lacking in anything and terrified.

Think with me. Have you ever endured an especially difficult time? Perhaps, as a child, you were punished for bad behavior? Besides receiving a scolding you may have been spanked or had privileges taken from you? Or perhaps you endured a time of suffering and loss? “Mourning” was the natural response. What did you experience next?

V5: “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Do you remember after enduring a time of suffering or loss and “mourning” your loss, having a good cry, you how your emotions or spirit was quieted for a time? You may have now had time to reflect on what has happened and you lapse into a time of quiet, gentle appearing reflection.

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

Do you remember coming through a difficult time, having a good cry, either mentally or actually shedding tears and then the ‘calm the followed the storm’ in your soul? Do you also remember that, for some reason, with the storm of your life behind you, you were actually hungry?

It is the same in our spirit. It is usually at this point that we begin to make life-decisions. We either getting angry and defiant or we decide to do better and to “be better”.

For those being redeemed by the mercies of God, the process is to ‘hunger and thirst for right thinking and right living’: which is the very definition of Righteousness.

It is through this process that we gain new insights and understanding. How apt are scriptures to remind us in the next verse that

V7:  “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

The word ‘mercy’ in this verse literally means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful

We are indeed being “Sanctified”: Being made holy and set apart for God’s use.

V8:  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Our attitudes are changing. Showing mercy is a sign that our hearts are changing and become pure in the sight of God. We are being transformed in what we see and in how we see. We are beginning to see matters as God sees them.

V9:  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

A peace will begin to settle over the heart and mind of the redeemed and sanctified Believer. We, not only begin to experience ‘a peace that passes understanding’ from our deepening relationship with God, but we begin to demonstrate and practice that peace of God which earns us the title “sons (and daughters) of God”. We are being made into His image.

V10:  “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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



The phrase “Kingdom of Heave” means this:

KINGDOM:  βασιλεία basileia bas-il-i’-ah, The notion of a foundation of power;

1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom

Note: This word, ‘Kingdom’ comes from a root word baino, “to walk”

1) a stepping, walking
2) that with which one steps, the foot

This reminds us of the tremendous proclamation in Joshua 1:3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.”

HEAVEN: οὐρανός ouranos oo-ran-os’, perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky

1) the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it
1a) the universe, the world
2) the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings.

OURS IS NOW THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

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

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

A place of royal power, kingship, dominion and rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom, God’s Kingdom. It is of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah. It is the Place of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom. (From Strong’s concordance, definitions and translations of the Greek and Hebrew languages)

Here is what “Entire Sanctification” Looks Like: 



Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

These verses tell us we are “Blessed” if we are “mourning” loss, “hungering and thirsting”, or being “persecuted for the sake of righteousness”. How can this be?

“Poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing. 

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before.

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Footnotes:

‘Sanctified’ according to the Bible, is to be

  1.  Dedicated, separate and set apart for God and God’s use
  

 2.  To be purified and to be conformed in character to the dedication to God and for His use: made Holy.

 3.  As the first two points are valid in a sanctified person’s life, then we are free from guilt

 4.  To live a life as described in the foregoing points.


Sanctify: (From Strong’s concordance) 37 ἁγιάζω hagiazo hag-ee-ad’-zo

• • • To make holy, consecrate, sanctify
    • To dedicate, separate, set apart for God
    • To purify, make conformable in character to such dedication
    • Forensically, to free from guilt {#1Co 6:11 Eph 5:26 Heb 2:11 10:10,14,29 13:12 )


Hagiazo (sanctify) comes from the word Hagios which mean Holy, it is a characteristic of God, to be separated to God, to be worthy of veneration.

1) Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty and glory. {#Lu 1:49 Joh 17:11 Re 4:8 }
2) Applied to persons as separated to God’s service:
2a) Of Christ: {#Mr 1:24 Ac 4:30 }
2b) Of Christians: {#Ac 9:13 Ro 1:7 Heb 6:10 Re 5:8 }
3) In the moral sense of sharing God’s purity: {#Mr 6:20 Joh 17:11 Ac 3:14 Re 3:7 }
4) Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: {#1Co 7:14 Eph 1:4 }

To be sanctified according to the Bible, is to be

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 2:42 which explains the function of the church: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

I went into a Costco warehouse recently, to buy for a filter for my air conditioning unit. That was my main reason for being there, so I went about “hunting it down, intent on buying it, and getting out of the store”. That’s the type of shopper I am.

But, these stores are a marvel. I could eat lunch there, buy groceries, go to the pharmacy, go to the optometrist, get sporting goods, go online and buy a car, buy a vacation, get flowers and on goes the list.

  My MAIN THING was to buy an air conditioner filter. But, there seemed to be an endless list of services, merchandise and goods. The Funny thing was that my shopping cart was full to the top of all kinds of things by the time I reached checkout which I had not intended to buy.

When I got home I realized I had forgotten to buy THE MAIN THING: an air conditioner filter.  

But, what an experience! Still, I had forgotten the MAIN THING. Have you ever done that?

(My wife is very careful about sending me to the store for anything, because I will come home with anything and everything!)

It seems to be a little like that with “church” now-a-days.

The Church is described in the Bible as being “The Body and Bride of Christ”.

It is the Ecclesia (Ekklesia). In Christian theology that means both a particular body of faithful people, and the whole body of the faithful. The Church is YOU and ME and our beliefs about God and man and their relation to each other.

The MAIN THING of the Church is JESUS and the main purpose of the Church, it would seem, can be found in Acts 2:42 which explains the function of the church: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing the Lord’s supper, and 4) praying.

But, upon going to a variety of churches I found healing services being the highlight of most services and the main attraction at some churches.  At another church, speaking in tongues were a primary function.  In other churches, budgets and building programs were prominent.  There are ‘mother’s morning out’ programs, summer camps, vacation bible schools, cooking classes, financial classes, day trips for seniors, concerts, health seminars, art shows and the list goes on. What a marvel.

But, I have been looking for a Church that focuses on THE MAIN THING most of the time, which is Jesus and the devoting of themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

One church we attended, for quite some time, would regularly give an “altar call” at the end of a sermon. Many would come for health concerns, financial needs, relationships in need of restoration, family concerns and a myriad of other needs or wants. 

I discovered, over time, that very few ever came to confess and repent of their sins, surrender and humbly submit to the Lordship of Jesus and commit to follow Him as a fully devoted disciple and disciple-maker.

I also noticed that almost no one gathered in their homes for the purpose of devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Oh, don’t get me wrong. Folks got together, but, it was for dinner or cards, for example. These were more like ‘exclusive groups’. You know the type, “we 4 and no more” types. Cliques.

It seems that when the Church devotes themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, they will also reach out to the lost, pray for the sick, care for the needy and poor, socialize together in order to have fun, and everything else a Church BODY or Church family might do.

But, it also seems to me that THE MAIN THINGS, in too many churches, has been obscured or diminished by the plethora of ‘spiritual goodies’, entertainment, social activities and special church programs.

Just a reminder, a building and our relationship to a building are not THE MAIN THING. And, Ecclesia is none of this.

Ecclesia is not a legal entity such as the incorporation of ‘the church, and our relationship to that entity is not THE MAIN THING. And, Ecclesia is none of this.

Ecclesia is not owned or managed primarily by any man or woman or group of people, and our relationship to any man or any woman in the management or ‘leadership’ are not THE MAIN THINGS. And, Ecclesia is none of this.

Ecclesia is not a 501(c)(3) government approved organization and our relationship is not with the government and its rules, and it is not THE MAIN THING. And, Ecclesia is not this.

THE CHURCH is YOU and ME and is about our relationship with Him.  THE MAIN THING is JESUS. 

THE MAIN PURPOSE is devoting ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”



Now it appears we will be tested. It appears that attitudes in America are moving away from a Christian World View and leaning toward a secular or anti-Christian world view.  Now, we will see how well the corporate church and her 5o1(c)(3) model works in a relatively hostile America.

Throughout history, the Church has endured severe persecutions, hostile governments and deadly attacks from other religions.  But, the Church of Jesus Christ has not just survived, but the Church has endured the fiery trials and has overcome tribulations and has thrived, overcome and grown.



The Church has overcome by KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING:  JESUS as Lord and King and by devoting ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Let’s keep THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 may be the most powerful and insightful Spiritual Truth from God’s Word. It may also be one of the most overlooked and underutilized Practical Truths from God’s Word.

God is saying we are His workmanship. Let that sink in for a minute: God’s workmanship.

Workmanship – noun – Greek, poiéma
 1. The art or skill of a workman
 2. The quality or mode of execution, as of a thing made.
 3. The product or result of labor and skill; work executed.

God, Who created the heavens and the earth; all the planets, seen and unseen. God, who made man and woman and has caused and allowed them to flourish. There is nothing that was, is, or ever will be that does not bear the fingerprint of our God. And, we are His workmanship!

Many people will ask themselves, “What is my purpose in life?”  Ephesians 2:10 answers that eternal question:  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

FIRST, Ephesians 2:10 tells you WHO you are in the “Grand Scheme of Things”, WHAT you are meant to be and your PURPOSE in life.

SECONDLY, we know about God’s Workmanship, from Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”

7 God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 8God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good.
11Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. 13There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; 15and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. 17 God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.” 21God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. 25God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Genesis 1:27. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 30and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so.

31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.

2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it, He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it, He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

We know that God has rested from His Work, which he completed on the 6th day.

NEXT, we read in John 19:30. “Therefore, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Jesus said,“

Jesus completed His Work on the Cross of Calvary, and nothing has ever been the same. His Work is finished.

THAT WE MAY WORK THE WORKS OF GOD?

FINALLY, we read in John 6:28. “Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”

29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

ALL HIS WORKS ARE COMPLETE

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

You no longer have to grovel at the feet of God, begging for the crumbs of life. He has completed His Work. He has already provided all you need, and more than you can think to ask. Just enter into His Bounty. For, you are His Workmanship.

You no longer have to labor under the weight of guilt and shame. He has completed His Work. You are already forgiven, and He has already made a way for you. For, you are His Workmanship.

You no longer need to suffer from lack or want. He has completed His Work and made an abundance of provision for you. Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, all these other things will be added. For, you are His Workmanship.

You no longer have to suffer with a needless sickness, disease or death. He has completed His Work, and He has provided for your salvation. For, you are His Workmanship.

ENTER THEREIN

A picture for us to enter into God’s completed Work is found in the book of Joshua. God told Joshua, “Now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them.” God did not tell them to pray about it, God told them to ‘cross over’. God has already done His part, and it was time for Joshua and all the people of God to do their part and ENTER INTO THE PROMISED LAND.

It is the same for us. God has already done His part and now we must do our part and “Enter into the land He has promised us”!

“And everywhere the sole of your foot treads is yours”, declares the Lord.”

Audio Teachings

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

​

A CALL TO AMERICA’S MEN

1 America’s streets, which once thronged with people, are growing evermore silent. Like a widow broken with grief, she sits alone in her mourning. She, once queen of nations, is now becoming a slave.

2 She sobs through the night; tears run down her cheeks. Among all her lovers, there is none to help her. All her friends are now becoming her enemies.

3 Why is the city set on seven hills, her Capital City, being led away and becoming a slave? Because of all the wrong she did to others, making them her slaves. Now she is being lead away into an exile far away. There is no rest, for those she persecuted have turned and conquered her.

4 The roads to the seven hills of Washington mourn, no longer filled with joyous throngs who come to celebrate the Christian legacy; the city gates are silent, her Pastors groan, her virgins have been dragged away. Bitterly she weeps.

5 Her enemies prosper, for the Lord is punishing America for all her many sins; her young children are captured and taken far away as slaves.

6 All her beauty and her majesty are gone; her past great leaders are like starving deer that search for pasture—helpless game too weak to keep on running from their foes.

7 And now in the midst of all America’s sadness she remembers happy bygone days. She thinks of all the precious joys she had before her mocking enemy began striking her down—and there was no one to give her aid.

8 For America is sinning so horribly; therefore, she is being tossed away like dirty rags. All who honored her despise her now, for they are seeing her stripped naked and humiliated. She groans and hides her face.

9 She indulged herself in immorality and refused to face the fact that punishment was sure to come. Now she is stumbling in the gutter with no one left to lift her out. “O Lord,” she cries, “see my plight. The enemy is triumphing.”

10 Her enemies are plundering her completely, taking everything precious she owns. She has seen foreign nations violate her sacred Belief in The One True God — foreigners you had forbidden even to enter.

11 Her people groan and cry for bread; they have sold all they have for to gain excessive wanton wealth. “Look, O Lord,” she prays, “and see how I’m despised.”

12 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow because of all the Lord is doing in the day of his fierce wrath.

13 He has will send fire from heaven that will burn within our bones; He will place a pitfall in our path and turn us back. He will leave us sick and desolate the whole day through.

14 He wove our sins into ropes to hitch us to a yoke of slavery. He will sap our strength and gave us to our enemies; We will be helpless in their hands.

15 The Lord will trampled all our mighty men. A great army will come at his command to crush the noblest youth. The Lord has trampled our beloved cities as grapes in a winepress.

16 For all these things we will weep; tears flow down our cheeks. Our Comforter is moving far away—He who alone could help us. Our children will have no future; we are will be conquered land.

17 America will plead for help, but no one will comforts her. For the Lord has spoken: “Let her neighbors be her foes! Let her be thrown out like filthy rags!”

18 And the Lord is right, for we rebelled. And yet, O people everywhere, will behold and see our anguish and despair, for our sons and daughters will be taken far away as slaves to distant lands.

19 We will beg our allies for their help. It will be a False hope—they will not help at all. Nor could our priests, pastors and elders—they will starve in the streets while searching through the garbage dumps for bread.

20 See, O Lord, our anguish; our hearts are breaking and our souls despair, for we have terribly rebelled. In the streets the sword awaits us; at home, disease and death.

21 Hear our groans! Is there is no one anywhere to help. All our enemies have heard our troubles, and they are glad to see what You are doing. And yet, O Lord, the time will surely come—for You have promised it—when You will do to them as you shall do to us.

22 Look also on their sins, O Lord, and punish them as You have begun to punish us, for our sighs are many and my heart is faint.

This ODE is actually an adaptation from the Book of Lamentations, chapter 1. Both, epic and tragedy. A Nation built on God’s Word, fallen because of sin and rebellion against God.

It need not go this way for America. We can still turn away from our sins and turn back to God. But, we, men, must fall on our face, repent and cry out to God for mercy.

We must forsake our own comfort, and forsake seeking after our personal comfort and welfare and take up the Sword of His Word and engage the enemy at the gates.

You know it’s true.

How can we do this?

STEP UP, MEN –

The United States is being subverted and dragged into a One-World Socialist nightmare. Men must step up and reassume their God appointed role in our society, in our churches, in their families and in government, or we have ceased to exist and evil will have won this battle. But, the war is far from over.

AND, JESUS SAID

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus was talking to Andrew and Peter, whose names meant, “Manly” and “Rock”; a coincidence?

FOLLOW, LEAD!

A Latin term, “ductus exemplo”, means “lead by example,” is the official motto of Officer Candidates School (OCS). It means that being a Marine isn’t about giving or receiving orders; it’s about behaving in a manner that inspires others.

“Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps. That Marines have lived up to this motto is proved by the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines.

NO EXCUSES

Imagine, seeing Job covered with severe boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. It was so bad that Job took pieces of pottery to scrape himself while he was sitting in ashes.

In addition to his suffering and pain, his wife said to him, “Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!”

THEN, GOD SAID

Job 38:1 – “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
3 “Now agird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding”

(Literal Hebrew) “And answered Yahweh, (to) Job, out of the whirlwind and said, “who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” Prepare now like a man, yourself, and I will question you and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I…?”

Most men would have done the unthinkable at this point. But, Job listened to God and obeyed Him. Job, “Girded up his loins like a man…”

GIRD UP LIKE A MAN AND CONFESS

Job 42:1  Then Job answered the Lord and said,
2 “I know that You can do all things,
And that no plan is impossible for You.
3 ‘Who is this who conceals advice without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I do not know.
4 ‘Please listen, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
5 I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
6 Therefore I retract,
And I repent, sitting on dust and ashes.”

AND, WHAT OF THESE MEN?

“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33–34).

BE “KIND AND GENTLE LIKE JESUS”?

A good friend and pastor used to frequently say, “Remember to be kind and gentle like Jesus”, but, this pastor neglected Godly discipline for his son. (This pastor’s first son is a lost, rebellious, hateful and angry soul, acting like an undisciplined boy-brat rather than like a man.

• Did He call others hypocrites?  Only if it were true.
• Did He say that ‘religious people’ do not understand the power of God?  Only if it were true.
• Did He hit people with whips of cords?  Only if it were true.
• Did He call Peter “Satan” and A Stumbling Block!?  Only if it were true.
• Did He Refer to an entire generatin as perverted?  Only if it were true.
• Did He say not to call a priest “Father”?  Yes, He did!
• Did He say not to call teachers, “Rabbi”?  Yes He did!
• Did He say not to call those who serve in your church, your “Leaders”?  Yes, He did!

JESUS IS ALWAYS RIGHT – HAVE THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW

Once you understand Jesus, you will understand true justice, and you will understand real mercy, and you will understand that every response of Jesus is according to His Purpose and His Plan.

THE “BALANCE” Jesus demonstrates is not the balance between ‘acceptable social behavior and what is unbecoming’. There is a way that seems right to a man but leads to death. Jesus teaches the balance between life and death.

WE ARE TO BE MEN who have a unique balance between justice and mercy.  We are to be a very rare breed.  We are to be confident in what we know and believe it as right, that we rarely lose our composure or temper.

WE ARE TO BE SLOW TO MAKE A JUDGMENT, but once it is made, We are to be even slower undoing what we have decided or decreed.

WE ARE TO EXTEND MERCY to the merciful and to those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.   But, our judgment to one who has shown no mercy will be merciless.  But always, our mercy is just and it triumphs over judgment.  (James 2:12-13; Matthew 5:7)

Come and join as we attempt to come together as the Organic Church. Be a part of His Remnant Church, the Church on the move. Become the Church militant as soldiers of the Cross. Engage the enemies of God with the Sword of the Word – The Gospel of Jesus – by our words, our actions, our behaviors and our faith in Him.

I pray that professing Christians and Conservative MEN, will stop complaining, lamenting and pointing fingers the evils that beset us, and will come together as men of God and stand UP and stand FIRM!  Let’s meet the enemy at the gates!

Your Friend and Brother

Mike Young

There are several pharmaceutical companies vying to produce a Covid-19 Vaccine.  One has emerged as a potential leader, AstraZeneca, but not without controversy and serious ethical issues.

This webpage, titled, THE CULLING OF THE HUMAN RACE BEGINS: See the Horrifying Ingredients in AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 Vaccine with attached video.

The culling of the human race begins. (see the horrifying ingredients in astrazenecas covid-19 vaccine).

Secondly, this next video is ‘homemade’ and taken from a FB page.  It is informative, but, watch and then do your own research of the information provided. Consult with a medical professional. Decide for yourself.

But, do watch it, for your own welfare.

Facebook.com-messenger.

Finally, here is an article from The Catholic News Agency, dealing with the reports that the leading contender as a Covid-19 vaccine which is being produced by AstraZeneca, containing cells from an aborted male fetus. (a British–Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Cambridge, England.   AstraZeneca has a portfolio of products for major disease areas including cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infection, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation. (Wikipedia))

Catholic news agency.com news.  The coronavirus vaccine made from fetal cells.

(This website and it’s author and owner neither confirms nor denies the accuracy of the information contained in the featured video. It is presented for informational purposes only.)

Most of my adult life, I have been tasked with setting priorities and making and prioritizing choices. I would like to give you three examples and see what you think.  (Read to the end to see the spiritual application).

1. Business Priorities

I have been in the business of running an insurance agency, dealing with agents, customers and insurance companies. In order to be efficient and successful, setting priorities was very important. I had to decide who serve first, our agents, our companies or our customers.

A. My choice was to always serve the customer first. They were my top priority.

How did I decide this? (a). Nobody got paid until the customer bought something. And, in order to have a loyal customer, I had to make sure they got the best products, the best service and fair treatment. (b). Besides, ethically, it is the right thing because they had put their trust in me, my agents and my business.

Then came the question of the customer’s ‘wants and needs’. Customers (clients) would often say “I want such-and-such” but my evaluation suggested their “need was greater or less than their wants”. So, how did I decide what to sell my customer? Ask questions and seek a balance. I had to make sure they could afford the product and get the proper amount of coverage so the benefits could meet their survivor’s needs, if required.

B. Our agents were as important as our customers, but I had to place them in second place of priority.

How did I decide this? (a). Nobody got paid until our agents sold something; but that, notwithstanding, unless the customer bought, the agent could not make that sale. (b). I provided my agents training, good companies and good products and leads to customers so they could sell. There was a shared expense: my money and expertise, the agent’s sales abilities and expertise.

Then came the question of the agent’s ‘needs and wants’. Our agent’s wants almost always were greater than their needs, especially in the case of lower cost products and higher commissions. So, how did I decide what to give our agents? Ask questions and seek a balance. I had to make sure they could sell our products and make enough money to support themselves their families and have money left over; in other words, so they could make a great living.

C. Our Companies were very important to our success, our agent’s success and or our customer’s needs. But, they come in third.

How did I decide this?

(a). The companies were well financed, had great leadership and were experts at dealing with risk, money, agents, agencies and the insurance buying public. Insurance companies know how to take care of themselves.

(b). I needed to find companies who would meet our market and marketing demographics,

(c) who would partner with us and

(d). Had great products and great commission structures.

Then came the question of the Company’s ‘needs and wants’. I had to decide if the company’s products and sales support was sufficient for our agent’s and our agency to meet the minimum sale quotas and if we could reach levels of sales which would produce bonuses for our agent’s and our agency. 

How did I do this? By asking questions and finding a balance between the ‘needs and wants’ which would require commitment, loyalty and hard work.

Our Agency and our Agents held top spots in production, customer retention and personal incomes for many years. In other words, the holding the right priorities bring great results.

2. Youth Soccer coaching

The business of coaching and running a soccer team, dealing with parents, players and the Soccer organization or school was much like running a business. In order to be efficient and successful, setting priorities was very important. I had to decide a priority of whom to serve first, our players, the player’s parents or our organization.

As I thought about this, I realized coaching and running a team was similar to running a successful business. Good planning, the right priories and great results! Our teams consistently place in the top echelon of our programs and leagues.

THE CHURCH

3. Church Priorities

Many churches have adopted working business models over the last twenty-five years. And, my experience is that far too many churches and church leaders have modeled their priorities similar to that of a business.

I have been in the position as an Associate pastor in a small to medium-sized church as wells as running a small ministry, dealing with Christians and visitors, staff members and the corporate-political-organizational church.

In order to be efficient and successful, setting priorities was very important. I had to decide who to serve first, the church staff, the members and visitors or God’s Word.

A. My first choice is to always serve God and His Word. God and His Word are always top priority. This is not a difficult decision.

How did I decide this?

(a) The Bible instructs us to serve God first and only.

Leviticus 18:4 says, ‘You are to perform My judgments and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the LORD your God. Verse 5. ‘So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the LORD.”

Matthew 4:8  says, “For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”

(b) The Bible instructs us that the Bible is a “Lamp unto our feet”, is without any error and is dependable.

Psalms 119:105, tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet
            And a light to my path.”

(c) Understanding what the Bible says and what the Bible requires, makes prioritizing clearer.

Joshua 1:8, says, “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 success.”

(d) By being faithful in my service to God.

 Psalms 119:106, says, “I have sworn, and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.”

Matthew 25:21 says, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Then comes the question of ‘wants and needs’.

A.  There really is no question here. I may have some preferential wants and supposed needs, but what God wants and needs (requires) of me is all that matters IF I WANT TO PLEASE HIM AND IF I WANT SUCCESS.

Joshua 1:8  says, “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 success.”

B. The Christian’s (The Church) priority, between worldly needs and wants / personal needs and wants, is always present. In the postmodern world, the church has become a consumer oriented. You can shop for the church of your choice, meeting your specific needs. So, how do you balance a Christian’s needs and wants versus God’s Word and His model for His Church?

How do I decide this?  There is only One choice. It’s all about God. His Word is perfect, and Jesus has already demonstrated the model. We follow Him and His Ways, so, I need to be a good and faithful servant to God, His ways, His methods and His plans.

So, the second priority is to God and His Word. Why? Because God always has His Priorities right. His priorities must be my priorities.

C. Priority of the Organizational church. There are duties and tasks in the ministry of organizing the Body-politic of the church. But, that is only for human convenience and efficiency. God’s Word directs us on our service to the organization structure.

How do I determine this? The third priority in ministry is the same as the FIRST PRIORITY and the SECOND PRIORITY: God and His Word – always.

GOD has already set all our priorities in order, whether in business, church, worship, sports, marriage, child rearing, social constructs, politics, matters of health, education, etc.

Priorities in Ministry to God, His Church and the ‘organizational church’ begin and end with God alone as priority. Then, He tells us:

1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”
   (Gotquestions.org on the five Solas)

What have we learned?

 1.  God has set the standard and the priority and given us “The Model”, which is Jesus. Anything less is evil.  (Yes, I’ve said it:  Anything less is evil)

2.  Ministry to God and His Church cannot be compromised and must not be run as a business model because that just will not reach His Desired Results of making disciples who, in turn, make disciples for His Service and His Glory.

3.  Any deviation, any compromise is an abhorrent departure from God’s Perfect Ways, His Perfect Will, His Perfect Method and His Perfect Plan.

So, if you are ever in doubt: Just Don’t!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

I am simply pointing out what God says will bring Him success in your service to Him.  You can do it your own way and think you have found a better way.  But, again, GOD SAYS, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”  Proverbs 14:12.  So, you choose.

Knowing and Doing God’s Will

What was the greatest lie every told?

Treated fairly, this question could spark an endless debate. That is, if it weren’t for this one lie: “Surely, you shall not die”.

¶ Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’? The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’”

The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

The Greatest of all lies was hidden in plain sight among what was true.
Deceiving all who will listen.  This is important to know.

This greatest of all LIES is still having a subtle yet widespread influence because it is still lurking, hiding behind what is true, waiting to infect.

Oswald Chambers reminds us that “Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls” (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, “Go…make disciples of all the nations….Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself.”

Oswald Chambers is on the mark. I would like to add…

BEING A CHRISTIAN IS BEING A DISCIPLE.  You cannot be a Christian and not be a Disciple of Jesus.

Being a Disciple of Jesus is a Prophetic fulfillment and a supernatural act. You cannot be a Christian and escape the role and calling of a Disciple.

So, where does this lead?

You see, Jesus said Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… —Matthew 28:19.  Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls”, nor did He say
“put your major emphasis on a new building program”, or “get a vision that works” (for we all know we’ll perish without a good vision) nor did He say to go and “train staff members”.

These all may be good things, but He did not say these or a myriad of other very good things we attach to His command to “Go, therefore, and make disciples”.

 Everything we do as Christians, everything we do in the Church, everything we do in Jesus name, should culminate in the Great Commission: Making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Jesus calls all people unto Himself and tells us to take up our cross on follow Him. He shows us the way:

• When Jesus was feeding the hungry: He was calling and making disciples.
• When Jesus was healing the sick: He was calling and making disciples.
• When Jesus was preaching the Gospel: He was calling and making disciples.
• When Jesus was teaching the multitudes: He was calling and making disciples.

• When Jesus was casting out demons: He was calling and making disciples.
• When Jesus cared for the orphan and the widow: He was calling and making disciples.
• When Jesus sent His disciples into the world: He told them to make disciples.
• 
Disciples follow Jesus. Disciples do what Jesus does. Disciples make other disciples.


• Disciples feed the hungry.
• Disciples lay hands on the sick.
• Disciples preach the Gospel.
• Disciples teach the ways of Jesus.
• Disciples cast out demons.
Disciples care for the orphan and the widow.
• Disciples make disciples.

There have been many who followed Jesus for a time, but when it became apparent that it was not something they could do, they left Him. (John Scriptures tell us that many stopped following Him. They were never disciples. They were never Christians.

If you and I are disciples of Jesus who call ourselves Christians and we are doing things in addition to what Jesus does, that is good.

But, if we are not putting our emphasis on the things Jesus does, we err.

And, if we are not making disciples, we are not following Jesus because we are not His disciples and should not call ourselves Christians.

The greatest Lie ever told? “You surely shall not die.” But, we all know that is a lie. Being told that you can follow Jesus without doing what He said, is part of that lie.

“For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

But, then, you will die.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“Though He slay me,
  I will hope in Him.
         Job 13:15