It is August, 587 B.C.   Fear is gripping thousands upon thousands of people.

Ezekiel 21:1 “And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and speak against the sanctuaries and prophesy against the land of Israel; 3and say to the land of Israel, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I am against you; and I will draw My sword out of its sheath and cut off from you the righteous and the wicked. 4“Because I will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked, therefore My sword will go forth from its sheath against all flesh from south to north. 5“Thus all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have drawn My sword out of its sheath. It will not return to its sheath again.”’ 6“As for you, son of man, groan with breaking heart and bitter grief, groan in their sight. 7“And when they say to you, ‘Why do you groan?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming; and every heart will melt, all hands will be feeble, every spirit will faint and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it comes and it will happen,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

Debilitating fear. Incapacitating fear. Fear of the unknown. The people of Israel simply hear the news about a coming judgment which is so terrible that the news alone will cause their hearts to fail, their hands will become feeble and their knees will collapse from the fear of what is coming.

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

It is November, 2020 A.D. and fear is gripping the hearts and minds of millions upon millions of people around the world. A virus which statistics show has a fairly low infection rate and an extremely low mortality rate, is creating fear which rules the hearts and minds of millions and millions of people.

The CDC reports, since January 1, 2020,
11,650,817 total cases in the US, with
185.095 new cases,
251,715 deaths with 2,045 new deaths.

That makes

A 3.5% infection rate of the US Population;
a 2.2% death rate of those infected since 1/1/2020;
The last 7 days the NEW infection rate is .01 %
A 1% death rate on NEW functions

Debilitating fear. Incapacitating fear. Fear of the unknown.

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

I have friends and there are people I know who are Charismatic or Word of Faith or Pentecostal in their belief system and for decades these dear folks bragged, “I do not fear anything because my The Lord is my strength and my shield!”  They deny sickness can affect them. These same folks warm me to “never give a negative confession” because it will bring on trouble and that we are not a people of fear!” I love these folks. I love what they say.  I love their strong convictions.

THEN ALONG COMES THE CORONAVIRUS

Since the Coronavirus ‘pandemic’ started, I can’t find many of these same “faith folks”. It seems most of them are hiding, or as they call it, “staying safe at home”. I don’t immediately recognize many of the ones I can find because they are wearing masks and avoiding others! (Many of them even wear masks while driving alone in a car!)

When I ask them about their behavior, they openly admit they are “Afraid to death of catching the coronavirus”.


Dear friends, this recent ‘pandemic’ is just a test. The real trial is yet to come and you are failing this test, badly!

Jesus has said, in Matthew 24:6. “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

7“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and
in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

8“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and
you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

10“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

11“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.

12“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

13“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

Matthew 24:25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,

26 men will be fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27 “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.

 

Luke21:25 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

Dismay among the nations. People fainting from fear at the expectation of things coming upon the earth, calling upon the mountains to fall on them and hide them from what His coming.

For those days will be a time of terror and tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation, until now, and never will be again!

This time of tribulation leading up to Daniel’s 70th Week, things will go much differently than ever before; and things will end much differently than ever before – This is the prelude to the End of the Age

• Nothing like this has ever happened. 
• There have been foreshadowing events, but nothing in the magnitude or terror as what is coming.
• Nothing like this will ever happen again.
• You have the promise that if you endure to the end, you will be saved.
• You may be killed or martyred for your faith in and testimony of Christ, but, you will not perish.

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

DO NOT FEAR WHAT THE WORLD FEARS

Isaiah 8:11 says, “For thus the LORD spoke to me with mighty power and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,

v12 “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 or be in dread of it.
    
DO NOT FEAR WHAT COMES UPON YOU


Job lamented this truth “For what I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” (Job 3:25)

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

YOUR GREATEST FEAR IS OF GOD, ALONE

“It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy.
  And He shall be your fear,
  And He shall be your dread.  V14 “Then He shall become a sanctuary”  –  Isaiah 8:13

The New American Standard Bible version says, “Fear Not” or “Do not be afraid”, 107 times.  Similarly, the King James Version says “Fear Not” or “Do not be afraid”, 103 times.

Repetition is for emphasis and God is emphasizing that we have nothing to fear. His plan is perfect, His methods are righteous, His will be done on this earth as it is in heaven! Enter the arc of His Covenant and live!



NOW, LET’S GO AND LIVE LIKE WE BELIEVE IT!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Joshua 1:8  “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. 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

“If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
John 12:47

We are entering a new kind of world, a new era. It is something very unfamiliar to most of us. World forces are at work which are changing everything we have known as ‘normal’. There is an idea being implemented known as the ‘Great Global Reset’. We are being told that nothing will ever be the same again. We are being told that “you must submit”!  (Quote by Klaus Martin Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum)

Those Globalists and Socialists in favor say this Great Reset will be our world’s salvation through the elimination of wars, poverty, disease, and social injustice.  It is the same decades old mantra of Socialist’s dream of Utopia. 

Those who do not agree with the precepts of Socialism say we need a different solution. We all agree, however, that we need someone or something to make our world a better and a safer place.

I suspect that many people will roll their eyes, derisively, when I say that the answers to all of these world problems – and, the problems you and I face – is Jesus and His Word.

Periods of change such as ‘The Renaissance’, ‘The Enlightenment Age’ or ‘The Industrial Revolution’, all began with an idea which thoroughly transformed the world.

An idea expressed passionately, even fervently, and zealously pursued by committed and capable people, can bring change. Often there is a cost of radical change and the expense is measured in lives and families and fortunes.

An idea, repeated often enough and argued affirmatively and often enough, which is born in a crucible of fiery trials, often gives way to amazing global change, whether for good or evil. Then, once the hearts and minds of people are either convinced or enslaved, how they view and interact within the world can be seen in some very unexpected ways.

The American Revolution, for example, was an idea born of men and women who mutually pledged their lives, fortunes and their sacred honor to one another. Once this idea was manifest, the destiny of the world was a set and the world has been a different and a better place for over 250 years. That era, now seems, is drawing to a close.

The Advent of Jesus Christ, “The Greatest Idea” was born of God, as a child in a manger in the obscure town of Bethlehem in the region of Judea. Emerging from this obscurity was “The Greatest Idea” which became known as Jesus Christ, the ‘Son of God’ and the Son of Man.

(I am aware that since God is omniscient, He actually doesn’t have ideas as we consider them. When God has a thought, oddly enough, it has no beginning as it has always been in existence waiting for its time to be manifest – and then it is eternal.)

The appearance of The Greatest ‘Idea’, that is Jesus, and the expression of this “God-man”, changed not only how people thought about the world, but radically changed how they interacted. It has been said that Jesus and His disciples had ‘turned the world upside down’, which was an apt description since He expressed and demonstrated ideas which were counter intuitive to the human experience up to that point in time.  For examples:

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. Matthew 5:21-22

Also, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” Matthew 5:38-43

And again, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Matthew 5:44

Jesus influenced the thoughts and behaviors of the known world by His Word and His deeds of peace among brethren and love for all humankind. His influence should rightly be called “The Greatest Idea”, as it brought change on a global scßale in ethics, morals, social constructs, national economies, educational systems, and all the disciplines of the age.

But, everything temporal is subject to change. And, as time has passed, the world has continued to change in both its thought and behavior – and not always for the good of humankind.

Remarkably, it would seem, we are have not been ‘evolving’ as some like to say, but we are simply repeating history. It would seem we are specifically revisiting a bygone era, but with new advanced technologies being applied to some not-so-new ideas.

Although the world is changing, Jesus Christ, “THE GREATEST IDEA”, has not changed. Christ and His teachings are unchanging. His methods and His purpose are immutable. And, He has not forgotten the world He created by His Word, although the world is forgetting Him.

Change is rarely easy and opposing ideas almost always bring some sort of conflict. And, there has always been conflict in the hearts and minds of people when it comes to the idea of good versus evil. And this conflict intensifies as people forget God.

The standard of what is good and what is evil has been long established, although those who deny God and practice the ‘dark arts of the flesh’, would like to argue the point. Some would argue there are degrees or shades of evil. They say that some evil is not necessarily bad or harmful and therefore isn’t really evil, but are just examples of human error or mistakes. They go on to say that evil is just a concept and should be defined by each person by their own standard.

But, with Jesus, came “The Greatest Idea”. He set The Standard of Good – and that anything less than HIs Standard is evil.

It is The Mind of Christ which holds the Standard of Good. It is the Mind of Christ which transforms the mind of man and woman and how they think – for Good. It is the Mind of Christ literally living within us that overcomes the powers of the he rulers, and world forces of darkness and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the ‘heavenly places – that is in the unseen realm from whence comes all things which are seen.

There is no doubt that times are changing and the days are growing spiritually darker. Chaos, division and uncertainty reign. It is time, once again, to call on The Greatest Idea for our salvation. It is time to make the Mind of Christ our own mind and set things right.

How can I know this will set things right? How can you know this? Look at the evidence. Look at the effects. Look at the history. Make up your own mind. Don’t be swayed by doubters ‘second guessers’. Then, ‘by faith’, decide for yourself. Decide to believe “The Greatest Idea”. Believe Jesus and go after Him. Embrace Him, embrace His Greatest Idea. Follow Him and you will live! (“The mind set on the Spirit is Life and Peace”. Romans 8:6)

Finally, you must know that “The Greatest Idea” is not just an idea. “The Greatest Idea”, took on the form of a man and brought the world The Greatest Truth ever known. And He, Jesus, proved The Greatest Truth by going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, forgiving sin, healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. And, 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. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.

And for that reason, those who practice religion and the ‘dark arts of the flesh’, executed Him in an attempt to silence Him and to keep the Greatest Truth hidden.  He was crucified on a Roman criminal’s cross. He was executed for no other reason than Who He is and for What He represented and for bringing the world Hope through the Greatest Truth, The Gospel of Christ.

In an ultimate act of God’s power and in defiance of the powers of and world forces of darkness and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the ‘heavenly places’ , Jesus rose from the dead, walked the earth and as an exclamation, ascended into the Heavens in plain view of men. He is now seated at the Right Hand of God the Father, interceding on our behalf. He has also announced that He will return again, this time in the skies, to gather His Elect, and to judge the world for its evil and rebellion.

There is new global shift occurring. Everything is changing, everywhere. And, like every other substantial shift or ‘new era’ in world history, this too, began with an idea. This idea, as it turns out, is not a new idea, but an old idea, one which has been lurking in shadows of the minds of certain people for centuries. In the book of Genesis, we see Satan spreading his lies and planting his ideas of destruction in the minds of God’s children. Its reformulation has been at work for centuries. A foreshadowing of this ancient idea of evil can be found in the writings of the Bible. It is known as the Tower of Babel. And that sinister tower is being rebuilt using twenty first century technologies. And the final conflict has begun.

The one who practices sin and evil is the of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose: to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8). This is the purpose for all who call themselves the Children of God.

Those of us who have made The Greatest Truth our own and who follow Jesus as the Christ, have a role to play. God has told us, through His Son, that we will continue His Works, and we will do even greater works because He has given us the authority to complete His works, and He is now seated at the Right Hand of Power of The Father interceding for us.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE GREATEST TRUTH: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the [b]only begotten Son of God.

19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” John 3:16-21

“AND YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES”
Acts 1:8

Here are some of the actual and most prevalent remarks I have heard when teaching on or discussing “witnessing” to others about Jesus:

“I believe that ‘witnessing’ turns people off. How I live will tell others about the Love of Jesus”. – D.M.


“Witnessing makes you like a ‘bible thumper’. It is offensive and runs more people away from the Gospel than if you show the Gospel by how you live”. Jack W.

“I believe ‘lifestyle evangelism’ is more effective than telling people about Jesus, that is, unless they ask”. – D.J.

“I don’t have the gift of evangelism. It makes me uncomfortable. Sometimes I will invite people to church”. – Linda J.


“If God wants someone saved, He will draw them to Himself. I don’t think personal witnessing makes much difference unless a person asks you first”. William B.

Witnesses: Greek = μάρτυρες, martyres,

(a) “martyr” — martyr, record, witness.
(b) in an ethical sense those are called, who after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death

WHAT IF THE DISCIPLES THOUGHT LIKE YOU?



Hear the Words of Jesus:

Matthew 28:18. “And 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Go, Make Disciples, Baptize, Teach,

Matthew 10:7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9“Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11“And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12“As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13“If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14“Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15“Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.– Go, Preach, Heal, Raise the Dead, Cleanse, Cast Out Demons

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S TESTIMONY

2 Corinthians 11:12 “But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19 For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. 20 For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face. 21 To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold—I speak in foolishness—I am just as bold myself. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham?

So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”

Now tell me, do the instructions and commands of Jesus, and Paul’s testimony sound like some kind of tacit, socially awkward, politically correct, ultra-polite lifestyle evangelism?



So, which is it?  Are you DOING what Jesus did and said we should do? Or have you found a ‘better way’?

Is our postmodern attitude a type disobedience to Jesus’ instruction? Perhaps we are fearful – or lazy – or just indifferent? Or are we just being dishonest with ourselves?

Simply put, most self-professing “Christians” do not witness the Gospel or testify to Christ.

Alarmingly, “roughly 174,000,000 million people, those between the ages of adolescence to the age of 40 years, are the largest un-reached people group in the US today. About 152 million of these people do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. One in five high schoolers have never been in church. (Paraphrased from a presentation by author, pastor and teacher, Dr. Robert Petterson.)



It would appear that our Nation goes as goes our witness of the Gospel of Christ. It is disappearing. It would also appear that we are on a steady march into the slavery of godless communism.

It need not be this way. But, we, the people of God, must take up our banner, make our stand and be His soldiers of the cross!

https://whitestone2020.com/2020/11/16/i-have-the-armor-of-god-now-what/

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  I have these cards for conversations starters.  I will give some to you on request. 

AMERICA UNDER SIEGE

Going on the Offensive, Part II

“I Have the Full Armor of God – Now What?” 

(Please note: There is no ‘shortcut’, no easy 1-2-3, to defeating our enemy. It takes discipline and training and preparation.  You need to read, study, pray and prepare.  And, you cannot get the complete detail or a complete understanding of the steps we can and must take, unless you read the related links on each of these pages)

A war to resist and overcome the evils enveloping America and the world can be fought in three basic ways:  (1). Conventional or guerilla warfare, using conventional weapons of war, economic weapons, psychological warfare, the weapons of the media; (2). Political weapons; (3) Changing and winning the hearts and minds of the people through Spiritual Warfare.

The first two methods have been in use since creation and have had brought only temporary periods of peace or limited prosperity for the few.  But, the “unsaved” people among us who are share our Christian ideals, but have not received Christ as their Lord and Savior, are still our allies and co- conspirators, and they will continue to wage war against our enemy using traditional methods.  However, we have been fighting wars throughout our history, which have murdered billions of people and cause destruction at unimaginable costs in dollars and human suffering, so the first two methods have not brought any measure of lasting peace or prosperity, except to a few.

The last method mentioned, Spiritual Warfare, the spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the pulling down and destroying the strongholds of rulers, authorities,  cosmic powers, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places, is the only way to defeat and eradicate evil and usher in worldwide lasting peace and prosperity. 

Spiritual Warfare and spreading the Gospel is the method, mission and ministry to which God has called us.  It is through Spiritual Warfare, that, in the end, God will judge the entire world, defeat the forces of evil in the bloodiest of all battles.  It is through this warfare that Satan and the Anti-Christ will be cast in the lake of fire for all eternity.)

If you cannot, or will not, believe that this is your mission and that He will  accomplish these things through you, then you are not yet His disciple.  And you cannot know how and are unable TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE THE EVIL ENVELOPING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

Engaging in the Spiritual War raging across America and the world, requires that you know Jesus as your Lord and knowing what He requires of His disciples (a.k.a., Christians).  It is the indwelling presence of God that enables you to understand what God is saying and to gain the wisdom and abilities to fight this war.

Our relationship with God requires more than just knowing about Him. We must know Him, believe Him and we must follow Him, which requires our FAITH in ACTION. 

Pastor and author Henry Blackaby points out, in his study “The 7 Realities For Experiencing God”, what we should know about God’s ways, His plans and His purposes. It illustrates how we can follow Him. :

1. 1. 1. God is always at work around you.
      2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
      3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
      4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
      5. God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
      6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
      7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

I.   JESUS’ MINISTRY IS OUR MINISTRY

Our relationship with Jesus is more than ‘Just Knowing’; it requires Believing and Doing.   Jesus has

(a) The plan for us to follow,

(b) The purpose which becomes our purpose, and

(c) The ministry for us as His disciples.

For example, in Matthew 10:2, we are told that “Jesus sent these twelve out after (a) instructing them (b) He gave them authority

• • • over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to
    • heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness
    • “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
    • “Heal the sick,
    • raise the dead,
    • cleanse the lepers,
    • cast out demons.
    • Freely you received, freely give.
    • “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.
    • “And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. “As you enter the house, give it your greeting. “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.
    • “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. “Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

If you cannot, or will not, believe that this is your mission and that He will  accomplish these things through you, then you are not yet His disciple.  And  you cannot know how and are unable TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE THE EVIL ENVELOPING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

II.  JESUS’ MISSION IS OUR MISSION

After Jesus’ death and resurrection and just before His ascension, He said:

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

So, Jesus was sent by His Father and was on The Mission of His Father.  If you are a disciple of Jesus (His follower) this is your mission, and He will do this work through you. 

If you cannot, or will not, believe that this is your mission and that He will  accomplish these things through you, then you are not yet His disciple.  And  you cannot know how and are unable TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE THE EVIL ENVELOPING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

III. JESUS’ PURPOSE IS OUR PURPOSE

1 John 3:8 “The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.”

These are the WORKS of the devil, the thief comes only to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY (John 10:10)

The devil is the accuser, a liar, a thief, a murderer, the author of disease, pain, despair, loss, lack, fear, hopelessness and the like.

IV.  JESUS’ METHOD IS OUR METHOD

Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him (the devil) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word (logos) of their testimony (Maturia -> Martus), and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

Here is how Jesus destroyed the works of the devil.  And, how He will continue to destroy the works of the devil, though His yielded and obedient disciple:

• Condemns a Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-22
• Feeds More than Four-Thousand People Matthew 15:32-39
• Stills the Storm
• The Catch of Fish
• The Second Catch of Fish
• The Temple Tax Money Obtained from a Fish’s Mouth
• Walks Upon Lake Galilee
• Water Converted Into WineCleanses the Leper
• Cures a Man With Dropsy
• Cures the Woman With the Issue of Blood
• Healing of the Immobile Man
• Heals a Demoniac
• Heals Peter’s Mother-In-Law
• Heals the Daughter of the Non-Jewish, Syro-Phoenician Woman
• Heals the Demoniac
• Heals the Ear of Malchus
• Heals the Epileptic Boy
• Heals the Nobleman’s Son
• Heals the Paralyzed Man
• Heals the Woman With the Spirit of Infirmity
• Opens the Eyes of a Man Born Blind
• Restores a Blind Man
• Restores Sight to Two Blind Men Near Jericho
• Restores the Centurion’s Servant
• Restores the Deaf-Mute Man
• Restores Two Blind Men to Sight
• Restoring the Withered Hand
• Throws Demons out of Two Men of Gadara (Gerasa)
• DEFEATED DEATH
• Raises Lazarus from the Dead
• Raises the Daughter of Jairus from the Dead
• Raises the Widow’s Son to Life at the Village of Nain
• “Miracles in the Name of Christ”

If you cannot, or will not, believe that this is your mission and that He will  accomplish these things through you, then you are not yet His disciple.  And  you cannot know how and are unable TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE THE EVIL ENVELOPING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

V.  OUR THREE-FOLD RESPONSE & OUR MISSION

1. Philippians 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus,

2. John 14:12 “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.

3. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

When you ‘hear His Voice’, submit yourself to Him, obey and spring into action!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The new US National Team Olympic Weight Lifting coach?

Naw.  Just kidding.  But, what if this fellow was hired to such a position?  What would you think or say?  (I think we can guess)

Nobody and no Olympic selection committee, in their right mind would even consider a guy who looked like this, would they?  And, do you know why?  (come on, you know!)

Then, why do we consistently see guys who look like this in our church pulpits?

(This is not a real preacher;  just an exaggeration to emphasize a point)

But, these guys are real preachers…

And, we see way too many, overweight, tattooed,

sloppily dressed preachers,

lecturing and sermonizing the rest of us on how to think, how to act, how to live, how to have self control, etc.? 

(One Sunday, I visited a church, and the ‘very overweight preacher’ was lecturing about overeating!  He feigned embarrassment and admitted he had a problem with doughnuts.  Oh, really?  The rest of us healthy folks didn’t notice!  I did not return)

I am talking about preachers and pastors who are supposed to be representing Jesus and His Gospel, not some worldly image!

I thought, “maybe it’s just me?  Maybe …”  Then, I came across this article on The Gospel Coalition website, asking the same question:  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/so-why-are-pastors-fat/.

 

So, it’s not just me wondering “why”?  Why is this so prevalent?

• • • They preach self control, but they lack self control. 
    • They preach peace and love, but they don’t demonstrate the same thing. 
    • They preach being a good steward of the money God has provided you, but they and their church organizations are deep in debt with little or no reserves. 
    • They preach honoring your word but they and their church organizations frequently don’t pay their bills, walk off on bankruptcies, etc. 
    • They preach trust, faithfulness, honest and fairness, but they rule their churches and families like control-freaks and tyrants.

How do they get away with it?

YOU and ME!  We are the reason.  We stay at these church organizations and support this hypocrisy.  They may mean well, but good intentions are just not good enough!   They spread their personal brand of religion.  But, Jesus said, “they (hypocritical men) travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell (hypocrite) as yourselves.”

Are you thinking that maybe I am just full of sour grapes?  Well, check these articles and think again!

What if Jesus acted like you?

The Christian Betrayal of Jesus in America

Church Scandals and Abuse

SHIPWRECKED

Jesus model of ministry is this:

1.  He SAID the WORD.  He went about preaching and teaching the Word.  And AT THE SAME TIME…

2.  He SHOWED the Word.  He lived it out.  He live according to all that His Father has told Him.  He did this for us to see what that looks like – so we would imitate Him.

3.  He SENT the Workers.  He made disciples who then made other disciples, following the same model.

Many good men have followed and are following Jesus over the decades and centuries since Jesus was on earth, and some are still implementing His Plan of Salvation through Disciple Making.  But they are harder and harder to find.

So, now I am asking where have these men gone?  Where are the real “Men of God”?  Those men who will REALLY give all to Jesus and not just lecture the rest of us on “how”?

Share your view.  Do you know of a

(1)  Bible Preaching / Jesus Preaching Church and pastor 

(2) A Bible Living / Jesus Living Church and pastor 

(3)  A Bible based / Jesus centered Disciple Making Church? 

Tell us where!  Share you testimonies about these MEN and CHURCHES.  Please!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

This morning a friend commented that he had heard that in Job 2:9 the word “curse” (“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!”) actually means “to bless”.  My friend said that made no sense to him and asked what did I think?

Here is what I found:

This word “curse” in the Hebrew when it was written, is barak  (pronounced baw-rak’) and is used in the Bible, interchangeably as

• bless (302 times),
• salute (5 time),
• curse (4 time),
• blaspheme (2 times),
• blessing (2 times),
• praised (2 times),
• kneel down (2 times),
• congratulate (1 time),
• kneel (1 time),
• make to kneel (1 time),
• miscellaneous (8 times); for a total of 330 times

A cultural understanding of the word literally means “a sandy mixture” or “both”.  In other words, it can mean either “bless” or “curse” depending on the context.

CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING

Job 2: 1 ¶  Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD.

2  The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”

3  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. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

4  Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.

5  “However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.”

6  So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”

7 ¶  Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

8  And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

9  Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Consider

• the context of Job’s condition,
• Satan’s access to and cursing of Job,
• God’s permission for Satan to test Job,
• the condemning remarks of Job’s friend,
• Job’s wife’s remark,
• Job’s response to his wife and
• the fact that “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

 It is easy to see that a better translation would be that Job’s wife’s remark was in the context of sarcasm and mocking.  She was saying, in essence, “What’s the point, Job?  Look at you, covered with boils and sores!  God isn’t hearing you, so just go ahead and “Bless your God, you foolish man –  and you are still going to die”!

Job replies to his wife in verse 10,  “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

She has, in essence, called Job a fool, but Job replies that she is the one sounding like a fool.

1.  For you and I to “get it right” we must know and understand God’s Word – in the context it was written so we get the right understanding.

2.  It is already decided.  It has been written. Read to the end of the book of Job:

Job 42:10 ¶  The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold.

16  After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations.

17  And Job died, an old man and full of days.

3.  Don’t fall into the trap of despair.  It is a trick of the devil.  Remember with me…

Psalms 34

      15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
            And His ears are open to their cry.

      16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers,
            To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

      17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
            And delivers them out of all their troubles.

      18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
            And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

  19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
            But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

      20 He keeps all his bones,
            Not one of them is broken.

      21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
            And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

      22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
            And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

 Be assured.  God has the whole world, including you and me, in His Hands!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Have you ever read a good book or watched a good movie and at some critical point, held your breathe in anticipation of the outcome and thought, “Come on, you can do it!  Don’t let me down now!!”

Perhaps you were rooting for the good guys to prevail over bad circumstances or to defeat the “bad guys” or to succeed in the face of trouble.

Maybe, in that instance you wished for a certain outcome.  Maybe you imagined how the book or the show would end or should end in a climax of victory for good!

But, you know what?  The book or the movie already has an ending.  It has already been written.   The ending is just waiting for you to arrive.  It has been predetermined and no amount of wishing or hoping and no matter now great your imagination, the outcome has been decided.

So, why bother watching or why don’t we just go to the end of the book or movie and watch the ending, first?  Because we want to enjoy the journey of the story and we love to anticipate the end of the story.  We have decided the story is worth it even if we have to live with the outcome.  We can rate the movie or the book, later.  Until then, enjoy the adventure if you can.

So it is with the destiny or fate of our world.  God has predetermined how this world is going to progress until is reaches its end.

In this case, however, you are encouraged to read about the outcome, at any time.  And no amount of wishing, cajoling and no matter what you think or imagine is going to change the outcome.  It has been written – literally – in the Bible.

Watch this sermon by Pastor Trent Casto, senior pastor, Covenant Church of Naples, PCA, on the subject of  “Election 2020: What You Need To Know”

Your Brother and Friend,

SMUG: Having excessive pride in oneself, a high estimation of one’s own ideas or one’s achievements.  Self satisfied, complacent, self-congratulatory, more or less superior, pleased with oneself, self-approving, well pleased, proud of oneself, somewhat better than others, self-centered

Smug is similar to the word proud, found in the Bible.  1) showing one’s self above others, over-topping, conspicuous above others, preeminent.

2) with an overweening estimate of one’s means or merits, despising others or even treating them with contempt, haughty.

3)  describes one who thinks too highly of himself, describing a trait which is simply internal, not referring primarily to external manifestation, although this is implied. It means one who is proud, the external manifestation when it appears being in the form of arrogance in dealing with others.

You see, smugness is the conviction that you are, at least, just a little bit better than other people.

This would be arrogance if it wasn’t also mixed with a pinch of humility.

Smug people know they’re better, and the fact that they appear to be humble about it makes them think they are even better, still.

No wonder they have that annoying smile.

Listen to what Proverbs 6:16 says about smugness or PRIDE:

“There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

#1.  Proverbs 6:17  “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue…”

(there are five more, but we can stop here for now)

So, is there a way I tell if I or someone else is being smug?

Here are a few things we might need to watch for.

1.  If you think your answer is the only correct answer, you might be smug.

2.  If other people annoy you for no reason other than the fact they are there, you might be smug.

3.  If you are always, even a little, critical of the places you go and the people you encounter (or see), you might be smug.

4.  If you struggle with the meaning of humility, you might have a problem with being smug.

5.  If you think you are the humble type, you are probably smug.

6.  If you really dislike smug people, you might have a real problem with being smug, yourself.

7.  If you take pleasure and might even secretly find joy in seeing a smug person embarrassed or humiliated, you might have a problem with personal smugness.

8.  If you are judgmental but don’t see that you are, and ascribe traits you don’t like onto others, you might be smug.

There’s more we could list, but you get the idea.

This is a serious matter, but, here is a funny routine, by comedian Brian Regan, about this matter (funny, if it weren’t so true)

THE ME MONSTER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vymaDgJ7KLg

Let’s pray for one another to rid ourselves anything that displeases God or injures others.

And, while searching for humility, maybe a good place to start would be to remember that “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Your brother and friend,

Mike Young

PS – Here is a great sermon by Billy Graham on this and related matters. It might help us all. https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/september-2011/things-god-hates/

 

   Several years ago, we bought a shiny new car that ran on premium gasoline only.  The difference in cost between regular and premium was significant.  So, after several months, I was tempted to see if the car would run on regular or at least a mid-range gasoline to save some money. 

Before I actually tried the lower grade gasoline, I called our auto service garage and asked about my idea.  The service manager adamantly warned against using anything except high grade premium gasoline or the car’s engine would not run properly and I would soon be in for some expensive repair work. 

His words were, “I wouldn’t even think about it, if I were you! This car was made to run on a specific type of fuel and alternative fuels or deviations from the operating instructions would diminish this car’s effectiveness or render it useless and would void the manufacturer’s warranties.”

The service manager’s remark reminded me of what many parents say when their kids mention doing something stupid or dangerous, “Don’t even think about it”. 

From what I see around me, many of us still need our parents to remind us not to even think about doing certain things.  I have to assume that many of us have gotten older but have failed to finish growing up.

Listen to what he Bible says about these matters when it comes to our personal lives.

Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew5:27–28

In other words, “Don’t even think about it because it is the same as having done it!” 

But, it’s deeper than that.  God know that we are designed is such a way that the things we dwell on, we will act on, for good and for ill.

This matter is so serious that Jesus goes on to say that “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  “If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.”  Matthew 5:29–30

The Bible tells us, hundreds and hundreds of times, to

• think on God’s Word,
• dwell on God’s Words, to
• meditate on God’s Words, to
• hide God’s Word in our heart,
• SELAH (think on this),

Because these things produce the Righteous Fruit of The Holy Spirit.

Is it any wonder, that when we fail to do this daily, that we and our churches look and perform little like what Jesus said we would become?

For example:

• Jesus says that we are not to call anyone in the church, “Father” because God, alone, is our Father.  Yet, many call a priest, their ‘father’.

• Jesus says that we are not to call anyone in the church “Leader” because Jesus alone is our Leader.  Yet, many have appointed entire ‘leadership teams’ in their churches.

• The Bible teaches us that the debtor is slave to a lender and that we are to owe no man anything except to love one another.  Yet, churches set the example of embracing debt which often ends badly.

• The Bible teaches us that we are not to gossip or spread rumors to injure someone and that we are to control our tongue.  Yet, members and pastors alike, whisper tales regularly.

• The Bible teaches us that women are not to rule over, teach over men, and they are to ‘cover their heads and be silent’ in the church assembly and to stay under the authority of their own husband.  Yet, many churches now openly ordain women as pastors, women brazenly preach and lead in churches.

• The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and many churches openly ordain and marry homosexuals in the church.

Remembering, that it is our attitude about these matters results in these sinful, rebellious behaviors.  What we think, our attitudes comes first and counts most and indict us as enemies God.

How do we claim to be joint heirs with Jesus and called children of God when we disobey Him and live according to our own lusts?  We should not and cannot.  God is not mocked!

The day is coming, and may be at hand, that God will raise His Holy Remnant, He will judge His House first and then the final harvest will come.  The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is at hand.

Let’s spend time, daily, in God’s Word, meditating, dwelling, ruminating, thinking on Him and His Word and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:   I had another troubling dream last night and I heard the words “Isaiah 1:10” repeated.  I am not sure why, but, here is what it says:

10 ¶  Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah.

11  “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.

12  “When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?

13  “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies —  I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.

14  “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.

15  “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

16   “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,

17  Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.

18  “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.

19  “If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;

20  “But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword.” Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Is America ever mentioned or referred to in the Bible?  And, where is America during The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord  (Beginning with the Great Tribulation – the 6th Seal of the Tribulation, and the Rapture)?

There are a lot of questions and discussions about this topic, as there should be.  Your preparation may depend on how you view these matters.

It is a common practice to find what you are looking for in the Bible, whether it is actually there or not.  Is America symbolized by the Eagle mentioned in Daniel 7 or is America symbolized the Great Harlot and her fabulous wealth who will die a horrible death on her bed of harlotry?

Does anyone really know?  And, will knowing change the outcome of prophetic events?  Be certain of this, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is coming, and the ongoing convergence of multiple prophetic events in our day may indicate it is at hand.

You and I can know, and need to know, the ‘seasons’ as Jesus warned, and to be ready.

I have selected five  known Bible teachers and pastors who speak about these matters.  And they do not all agree.  You can click on their names for their views:

1.  S. Michael Houdmann is the Founder, President, and CEO of Got Questions Ministries, the parent ministry for GotQuestions.org.

2.  Irvin Baxter, the founder and president of Endtime Ministries.  A television and radio talk-show host, author, publisher, and international prophecy teacher.  Irvin felt God call him to start traveling as an evangelist at the age of 19. He began pastoring when he was 26, and continued for 34 years until he made the decision to devote all of his time to Endtime Ministries.

3.  Greg Laurie, an American author and pastor who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, Harvest Corona in Corona, California Harvest Woodcrest in Riverside, California, Harvest at Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii, and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California.

4.  Doug Batchelor is an evangelist of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and author of several books including The Richest Caveman.  His primary ministry is Amazing Facts – a worldwide television and radio broadcast ministry based in Sacramento, California.He also pastors the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

5.  Pastor John C. Hagee,  founder and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational evangelical church with more than 22,000 active members. Pastor Hagee has served the Lord in the gospel ministry for over 60 years.

The signs around us are terrifying at times so what a better description of those agent’s of this evil than “terrorists”?  And, these terrors will on intensify as that day draws ever closer.

The GOOD NEWS in all of this is that if you are ready as a true believer, a true disciple of Jesus, you will be spared the worst of what is coming.

Even if America ceases to be “The home of the brave and the land of the free”, your safety and sanctuary will continue to be within the Ark of the Covenant of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!  And then we can say aloud…

As I dwell in the shelter of the Most High, I abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers me from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover me with His pinions, And under His wings I may seek refuge; His faithfulness is my shield and bulwark.

I will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;  Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at my side And ten thousand at my right hand, But it shall not approach me.

I will only look on with my eyes And see the recompense of the wicked.

For I have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall me, Nor will any plague come near where I live.

For He will give His angels charge concerning me, To guard me in all my ways.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

It is distinctly possible to be self deceived.  And to be self deceived in the matters of faith, is of eternal significance. 

2 Corinthians 13:5, says to “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? “

In other words, Paul does not assume that everyone who professes faith in Jesus has living faith in Jesus.

James says it is entirely possible to listen to the Word and not hear the Word and therefore be self deceived.  That is one who does not have a compassionate heart, a clean life or who lives a humble life, then they might want to reexamine themselves and test themselves again.

Just to consider oneself as within the framework of being a Christian is not sufficient.  Since James loves those to whom he is writing, he warns them about what is a clear and present danger.

Speaking for myself, I have, personally experienced, on more than once instance, pastors and groups of people in churches (a.k.a., congregations) who exhibited little in the way of Fruit of the Spirit of God but who were very good at discrediting anyone and everyone who did not fit their mold.

They are very good at appearing good and doing good works on full public display and for public consumption, but, privately were troubled by envy, pride and even resentment.

Their public display of faith was carefully but primarily and ostensibly emotional.  Frequent outbursts of emotions, such as speaking in tongues, proudly announcing their accomplishments, ranking themselves in order of achievements compared to others is their habit.  If these things were, perhaps, intermittent behaviors, one could let them pass.  But, when they are the staple, one has to wonder, “Is this the behavior of Christ, Himself?”

Here is a sermon by Alistair Begg address this issue.  It was a great reminder to me for my conduct.  Maybe it would be helpful to others?

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/false-faith/

The reason I bring this up is for the same reasons Pastor Begg presents in his sermon.  Please, do not be deceived.  These days are dangerous enough.  Find your refuge in Christ, and Christ only – hide His Word in your heart and it will become your hiding place!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vDEeS60IVIfsdFbVEF5V4

Before you click away from here, please consider…

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, according to the Bible, is to be transparent, loving, joyful, peaceable, known by its patient kindness and its goodness.  The Leaders and Membership of Jesus’ Church are welcoming people, gentle people, faithful people, forgiving people, and they marked by self-control. 

According to the Bible the Leadership and Members of Jesus’ Church are not the the jealous type;  they do not brag, they are not arrogant, and they do not act unbecomingly;  they do not seek their own, they are not provoked, do not take into account a wrong suffered, do not rejoice in unrighteousness, but instead, they rejoice with the truth; 

According to the Bible, the people of Jesus’ Church bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.  This is THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.

There are to be no secrets kept and no secret dealings.  And if trouble within the membership arises, church discipline is administered with great caution and care and love for the Body of Christ.  It is to be completed in public, not in secret meetings, remembering that Jesus warns us to forgive seventy times seven.

Some so-called churches, however, rely heavily on the unquestioned “visionary leadership” of one person or a select group.  Some so-called churches require obedience to this leadership ‘without question’.  And, some so-called churches follow an unbiblical and worldly corporate management model and use disciplinary practices to control growth and to discourage dissent. 

They use opacity or secrecy in planning, budgeting and finances.  Are these really “churches”, according to the Biblical model?

Compare the patterns shown below, to the situation you, a family member, or friend is currently involved. This list may help you determine if there is cause for concern. Bear in mind that this list is not meant to be a “cult scale,” or a definitive checklist to determine if a specific group is a cult;  this is not so much a diagnostic instrument as it is an analytical tool.

• The group displays a pronounced commitment to its leader, regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.
• Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished by public discrediting, shaming, ridicule.
• Thought-altering practices such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, or work routines are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).
• The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel e.g., members get detailed directions on how to date, change jobs, or marry.  Leaders prescribe what to wear, where to live, how to discipline children, and so forth.
• The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s), and its members and proudly, publicly, announces its accomplishments and congratulates itself.
• The group has a polarized, us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
• The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered questionable or unethical before joining the group, e.g., concealing practices, facts or withholding important information from family or friends, or collecting money for questionable charities.
• The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and control members. Often this is done through peer pressure, marginalization and subtle forms of persuasion.
• The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
• The group is preoccupied with making money.
• Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
• Members are encouraged to live and/or socialize primarily with other group members.
• The most loyal members feel there can be few meaningful relationships outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear alienation for themselves or others if they leave—or even consider leaving—the group.

Concerted efforts at influence and control lie at the core these groups, programs, and relationships. Many members, former members, and supporters of cults are not fully aware of the extent to which members may be manipulated, exploited, or even abused. The following list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cult environments may help you assess a particular group or relationship.

• Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
• The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel.
• The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s), and its members.
• The group has a polarized, us-versus-them mentality.
• The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence members. Often this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
• The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
• Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.

Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.

• The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and typically fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave— or even consider leaving—the group.
• How are people who left the group treated? What is said about them? Will the group give you names of people who left? Both those who were satisfied and those who were not?
• Are former members willing to speak about their experiences? How do they evaluate their time with the group or person?
• What is the process for filing complaints? Is there a feedback mechanism that is real and honored? Are complaints made public? Is there a money-back guarantee?
• Are your questions answered directly? Are you told time and again to listen to your heart and not your head? Are you told that you are too new, too uninformed, too nosy, and so on, and shouldn’t be asking such questions?
• Is there a leader who appears to be the ultimate authority, spokesperson? Are his or her views challenged by others?
• What is the attitude of the followers toward the leader? Are there checks and balances to hold the leader accountable?
• Is more than one point of view presented? Are other points of view recognized? Are other points of view seen as valid but different?
• What kind of commitment is expected? In time, money, lifestyle changes?
• Does it appear that there are secrets? Is information restricted in any way? Is there some information that you are told must not be shared with outsiders? Is there information that you’re told you can’t get until you’re a member of the group or reached a certain level?  Is there information which is incomplete in detail and details are clouded or concealed without reasonable explanation?

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST is transparent, loving, joyful, peaceable, known by its patience, its kindness and its goodness.  It is gentle, faithful, forgiving and marked by self-control.

There are no secrets kept, no secret dealings.   And any form of church disciple is administered with great caution and care, and it is completed in public, not in secret meetings, remembering that Jesus warned to forgive seventy times seven.

So, which is it for you?  Honestly.  Is your Church “Church-like” or is it being run like a “Religious Cult”?

We are living in dangerous times.  We are to find our peace and safety in Jesus Christ and in His Body, The Church.  He is the Ark of our Salvation.

Do not be deceived.  Do not confuse the “baby with the bath water” as some are inclined to think, and do not fall for such nonsense.  Flee from the counterfeit,

If you want to talk, please contact me.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

It would appear to some, that this world is on the verge of slipping into the clutches of godless socialism, communism or into the clutches of Islam. 

It has been The Gospel of Jesus Christ implanted in the hearts and minds of willing men and women which has been tipping the balance back from the abyss.

Some think otherwise.  One can read all kinds of proposals for saving America and the rest of the world and let me say here and now, that it will not be because of some politician with a crafty scheme which will save the world.  Nor will it be some religious incantation from a ‘holy man’.  Not an ‘anointing oil or potion from a TV preacher, a ‘holy water’ soaked hanky, not a Pentecostal preacher exhibiting a public holy fit and not even a well intended, but wistful, protestant praying some rote prayer which will stay this evil which besets us nor will it slow the demise of civilization. 

It has always been and will continue to be men and women of God who are sold out to the Cause and Purpose of Christ, who are MATURE in their faith, bravely carrying His Banner into battle against this evil.  This is a spiritual battle manifested on earth – it is occurring in our natural realm.

We must be making the next generation of disciples, preparing them to take up His Banner and to continue the fight against the rulers, the powers and principalities of darkness, until He returns and claims our victory.

Here are excerpts and a link to an important and succinct message from Pastor and teacher Alistair Begg on this matter of Making Disciples.  It is titled “Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ — Part One”

EXCERPTS:

“Our text is Colossians chapter 1:28 – 29:  “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

“I was part of a panel of ministers, and in the Q and A session of that particular evening, the questions turned very specifically to the issue of discipleship: “What is a disciple? What does it mean to make a disciple?”.  And the way in which the question was answered by my colleagues, left me with a really empty feeling.   If I were to go by the definitions that were given to me then I would have to conclude that I had been missing the point for the last thirty-six years.   So I left despondent.  I left thinking to myself, “I have to think this issue out.”  Because, if what was being said there didn’t intersect with my own heart and mind and thinking.

“The difficulty, as I reflected on it afterwards, lay in an inference was the idea that it was one thing to be a Christian and it was another thing to be a disciple. In other words, that discipleship was a kind of upper tier, a kind of stage-two dimension of Christian pilgrimage.  In other words, the inference was that only “The Pastor is a Disciple Maker,” a number of things occurred to me.

“First of all, that in the Acts of the Apostles, we discover that the disciples became known as Christians and not the other way around.

“It was the disciples that became known as Christians, not the Christians that began to be called disciples. The disciple band began as disciples. They were the disciples of Jesus. They were the followers of Jesus.

“The other thing that struck me was that the noun discipleship never actually occurs in the Bible at all, and that the verb matheteuo, “to make a disciple,” occurs in the framework, essentially, of a process—a process that involves conversion, baptism, teaching, and development along the line of sanctification. So as I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that in the New Testament, everyone converted to Jesus was a disciple. So I decided that it can’t be an upper tier; it isn’t a second stage. And the danger is that when that becomes a prevalent kind of teaching, as with other kinds of second-stage, upper-tier teaching on the Christian life, it almost inevitably divides people from one another.

“In the New Testament, everyone converted to Jesus was a disciple, setting out to follow Jesus is not a hundred-yard dash, but it is actually, as we discover reading the Bible, it is a cross-country run that lasts for a lifetime.” – Pastor Alistair Begg, Truth for Life, 10/16/2020. From Series: The Pastor’s Study, Volume 8

Colossians 1:28-29  (ID: 3361)

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/#transcript

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/

I hear a lost of excuses from Christians now-a-days about disciple making, and it would seem we are failing and that there will be no one to carry this fight forward!

But, the Word of God tells us He will raise up a remnant, a holy army, arrayed in His Glory, in these Last Days.  God, through this remnant, will put the enemy on the run and He will completely destroy them.  You and I can choose to be part of this Army or sit it out, at our peril.

Do not give in or give up.  Continue to proclaim and believe that our God is before us, over us, with us, in us and is working through us,   God has done and is doing His part and we must do our part.  Let’s join God in what He is doing!

Dear Brothers and Sisters:  Sitting in church won’t get this done, and  if we shrink back or shirk our duties, if we are not engaged with Christ in this historic and cosmic battle, all of us will pay an awful price!

Start now! Pray His Word, carry the banner of God as you go, preach and teach His Gospel, confront evil wherever you encounter it and stand fast in the face of evil!

If you have any questions or want to discuss these matters, please contact me:

Your Brother and Friend in Christ,

Mike Young

 

“Short People” – A song, a parody about some people’s CHARACTER

A song by Randy Newman, popularized in 1977 was song is widely misinterpreted, which generated a great deal of exposure for the song and controversy for Newman. On the surface, the song is making fun of little people, but “short” is meant in a figurative sense, intending to poke fun at people who are short-tempered and small-minded, which is quite the opposite of the literal meaning. A lot of people didn’t get the joke and thought of Newman as a bigot. Many radio stations refused to play it.

At first, Newman sings about Short People as having “nasty little feet,” “stubby little fingers” and “dirty little minds,” but he makes his statement clear near the end of the song when he sings, “Short People are just the same as you and I. All men are brothers until the day they die.”

Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason to live

They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes on their nasty little feet

Well I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people ’round here

(Short people are just the same as you and I)
A fool such as I
(All men are brothers until the day they die)
It’s a wonderful world

Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody to love

They got little baby legs
They stand so low
You gotta pick ’em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars that go “beep, beep, beep”
They got little voices goin’ “peep, peep, peep”
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time

Well, I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people ’round here

Do you know who else was a “short person” that is a person “short on character”?  Napoleon Bonaparte!

Bonaparte was considered a great military stragtegist and leader.  His accomplishments are legends of history and are still being studied and talked about.

His end?  Bonaparte died as an exiled prisoner of war on the small island of Saint Helena off the coast of Africa.

“A close look behind the heroic portraits and beneath the gorgeous uniforms reveals some surprising things about the great little man. (He was small.)

“Perhaps most striking? The number of complexes he suffered from, including

• class inferiority,
• money insecurity,
• intellectual envy,
• sexual anxiety,
• social awkwardness and, not surprisingly,
• a persistent hypersensitivity to criticism.

Taken in whole, these traits drove his stark ambition, undermined his grandiose endeavors—and ultimately crippled his historic legacy.” (This paragraph is an excerpt from the History Channel https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/napoleon-dies-in-exile).

I guess some of you might have guessed that I might go here with this:

HEY, PASTORS and PREACHERS, BIBLE TEACHERS, and Christians, GROW UP!!  Stop being like those people who are “short of character”, who are short-tempered, self centered, controlling, and small minded.

We are looking for GIANTS in our pulpits.  GIANTS we can trust and follow in this postmodern chaotic world.  We are looking for men and women who are GIANTS in faith, EXCELLENT in character and PARAGONS of virtue.

These GIANTS, these people of faith, character and virtue should be found in all our Christian Churches but, alas, there are a few to be found. 

If you will look, however, you can find them and you can identify them because they stand out!  They loom over the myriads of “short people” who have invaded our pulpits.  These GIANTS come equipped with temperaments of mercy, righteous standards of justice, wisdom of the ages and exemplary judgment.

If you are one, your humility probably keeps you from seeing it.  To you I beg, please, stand guard at the gates for the rest of us.

If you are not one, then I implore you to become one.   Then, please follow this adage:  LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY (or, we the people, may just have to move you out of the way).

From your “short, but working on it” Brother and Friend,

Mike Young