JUST IMAGINE

You come to a particular church and decide it is the church you want to join. You go to the pastor and tell him your decision, and he says, “I am glad you want to join this church. Let me be clear about the main requirement for membership. You will have to surrender your eldest child (and if you do not have children, then you or your spouse) to a certain foreign legion military group for service, where the fatality rate is rumored to be near 100%.

Can you imagine your astonishment? You might think the pastor has lost his mind, is making a bad joke, or the church is some kind of cult? But he reassures you that is the main requirement.

Of course, this proposition is beyond ridiculous. No pastor or church would ever imagine or allow such a thing. But this is similar to what God has done for you.

But listen to this: God sent His son to seek and save and to die for the lost – you and me. And by that act, Jesus set the framework for the establishment of His Church. The main prerequisite was that God gave His only Son as a sacrifice. Our main requirement is to believe in faith that God gave His only son as a sacrifice for many, and that if we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.

Thankfully, the only sacrifice we have to make is putting our mortal flesh, our old life to death. But that is not an end, it is just the beginning of a new life, so we can live in and with Him forever!

So, why all these requirements of death in trade for life? There are three ways to view this. One is complicated and two are simplistic.

(1). The idea and practice of exchanging or sacrificing a life of one for the life of another – in other words, one must die so another can live, is this: Before there was a Law (the knowledge and boundaries of right and wrong) humankind was sinless. Then at some point they gained the knowledge of right and wrong, and they chose to do wrong and experience the pleasure and the pain of sin. (See the story of Adam, Eve, Satan and the apple of the fruit of knowledge). Then came death. First the death of animals so Adam and Eve could begin to clothe themselves. Then the son of Adam and Eve, Caine, killed his brother Able in a fit of jealous rage. And so sin progressed.

In the Jewish Law (Old Testament or the more accurately, the Torah) God established a law that said that lawlessness, rebellion and sin could be forgiven and the effects could be erased or mediated only if the sinner (the perpetrator) died or paid an equal price for his or her sin. This was supposed to relieve the anger and the pain and soothe the grieving conscience of the offended parties. But in the mind of the Jew, God needed to be satisfied and ameliorated also.  The Jew correctly believed that since God is perfectly sinless He cannot tolerate sin in His presence nor among His people. So, in order to satisfy God and the Law, someone had to die in order to keep the presence and peace of God with His people.

Therefore, this Law said that animals would be sacrificed each year so as to satisfy the unseen sins or lesser sins of the people in general. Additionally, the High Priest of Israel prayed over a goat (the “scapegoat”) designated to bear the sins of the people during the Yom Kippur ceremony, which occurred once a year. This ritual involved confessing the sins of the people over the goat before it was sent into the wilderness.

(2). God put an end to the endless, repetitive and largely ineffective sacrificial system with the sacrifice of His Son Jesus for all the sins of all humankind. The only difference being is that only those who confessed their sins and would confess Jesus as their risen Lord would be washed clean of their sins, forgiven and saved from a coming final judgment of the sinner.

Even for the Jew, it wasn’t until 70 CE when the Roman army destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem that sacrificial system ceased. The Temple was the only place where sacrifices were permitted according to Jewish law. Today, no Jewish community practices animal sacrifices. Instead, prayer and good deeds have taken the place of sacrifices in seeking forgiveness and drawing closer to God.

(3). On a more practical level, God created a conscience in all of us. Some may call this the heart or soul of a person (pseuche), where our emotions reside and from which they emanate. When we feel that we have been injured unjustly, treated unfairly or mistreated in any of hundreds of ways, it is built within us to want justice or for things to be made right. We want a sense of being made whole again, to be repaid physically, mentally and emotionally for any and all harms. Without things being put back into balance, we may very well carry a sense of a need to get even or to pay someone back (an eye for an eye) for what has happened to us. Or perhaps these emotions stem from anger, greed, vengeance or selfishness or dozens of other responses. In any case, and as strange as it may sound, they can and do lead to sexual immorality and addictions, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, murders, wars unless they are satisfied or recast in the mind of the beholder.

Can you see it? Do you get it? Any kind of betrayal, disappointment, failure, or harm must be put right in the heart and mind of any individual. Without that, we cannot live a productive, useful, satisfying and healthy life. This is simply how we are made – as a faint copy of the image of God.

God has made a way, if you are willing. God sent His Son, Jesus to speak directly to you, that is to your mind, heart, soul and spirit. The very mind, heart, soul and spirit He created and put within you. He is saying your sins – all of them, no matter what you have done – can be forgiven you, and you can be made whole, safe, healthy and well with a new start in a new life with Him. He was sacrificed on your behalf. He repaid the debt that you owed God. The same debt you may have felt you were also owed. But you must first step away from the tangled mess of the power, pleasure and pain of sin that has entrapped and enraged you for so long.

You can now be set free to live, maybe for the first time. Leave all that behind and God will satisfy your need for revenge. Believe me when I say that He will repay the vilest of offenders. (And if you could see it, you would wish you had not seen it. You would feel compassion on them for the severity of their punishment if they do not also repent of their great offenses).

Just like Adam and Eve, we all have been deceived at one time or another. It isn’t our fault! But now that it is done, it is our responsibility to turn to God and make things right once again. It is our responsibility to accept the balance that God brings. It is our right and our responsibility to become whole, safe, healthy and well at last.

In the simplest of terms, just turn to Jesus, right now, and ask Him to show you the way. Give Him your past and accept His future for you.

Just remember that you cannot bring your past with you. You cannot pass through that “eye of the needle” with the baggage and burdens of the past. You just will not fit through the “narrow gate” with all the additional baggage and weight of the past.

There is only and just enough room for you, empty-handed, unburdened and free.

Come now.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CALL ME RELIGIOUS IF YOU MUST

BUT MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR – IN JESUS NAME

But I say, (if you) walk by the Spirit (that is according to the characteristics and leading of the Holy Spirit of the Lord God of the Bible, on this Christmas and New Year, then) you will not carry out the desire of the flesh, (which are hedonistic, self-serving and destructive to a healthy, self-controlled, moral, purposeful, useful, and giving way of life). The reason being is that the desire(s) of the flesh (the self-centered, self-destructive, hedonistic ways work) against the (desires of the) Spirit (of God which are life giving and life preserving), and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another. (The two work are in conflict with one another, holding you captive and chronically indecisive. Thereby keeping) you from doing whatever you want.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under (a set of manmade religious Laws).

Now the deeds, (the proclivities and urges) of the flesh are (self) evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Examples of this kind of person might be Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin or Pot Pol – all of whom created chaos, poverty, wars and led hundreds of millions to their death.)

But the fruit, or the outcome of the (indwelling) Spirit (of the Lord God), that is for those who live according to the Spirit, is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no (set of manmade laws that can be imposed upon you lead you or cause you to live in the misery of a failed life). (Examples of these kinds of people are Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Billy Graham).

Now, ( here is “The Way” or the secret for) those who belong to Christ Jesus, (that is those who submit themselves to His teachings and following His ways by calling Him Lord of their life: You) will have crucified the flesh (so-to-speak, that is they deny the hedonistic, selfish and destructive ways of living) along with its passions and desires (and turn your life Jesus, to His ways and His teachings).

FURTHERMORE

Here are 10 guarantying steps for a successful life – not as the world considers success – but true soul, mind, body and spiritual success – and the process for a better life for some and a greater life for others. This way you will prosper even as your soul prospers.

1. Rise up (from your current life, your current ways of thinking and living), and cross (your) “Jordan” (river – the dividing line between your selfish base desires and passions that only create poor life habits, self-serving behaviors, inane pleasures and spiritual fatigue). (Decide to go) into “the land” which (God) has given (those who will believe and follow Him. For those who will, then) every place the sole of your foot treads, He will (have given) to you. Just as God did for Moses. (Then), from the wilderness (and your misdirected hedonistic heart desires, reaching) as far as the “great river, the river Euphrates” (which is your new beginning of a prosperous, meaningful and successful life, throughout)  all the land of the Hittites, (that is all the low and terrifying places you have or will have encountered), and as far as the “Great Sea” (the new horizons of a new life) toward the setting of the sun (of your old life) will be your (conquered) territory. (You will overcome all these things, and), no one will be able to oppose you (in any of your efforts) all the days of your life. (Just as God has been with) Moses, (He) will be with you; He will not desert you nor abandon you. (You must decide to) be strong and courageous, for you shall (possess) all the land which God sworn to (the forefathers of Israel and their descendants and all those Christians to follow. He has given all this to) them. (Again, just) be strong and very courageous; (And) be (diligent) and careful to do according to all the (Words and Ways) which Moses, God’s servant commanded; do not turn from it to the right (- that is in your own strength) or to the left (- that is do not get wrapped up in your own ways or ways contrary to what God says, or your life will take on that form and failure), so that you may achieve success wherever you go. This Book of the Word of God shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, (and that way) you will be (able to be) careful to do according to all that is written in it; (It is) then (that) you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success. (Now) God is commanding you – (do you hear) Me? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (see Joshua 1:1-9)
2. Always find a way to show love to others – even those who behave badly and do not deserve love – find a way.
3. Find the joy of life, especially in the face of troubles, so others see it and will reward you for it.
4. Learn to be at peace, practice being at peace and demonstrate peace, and you will be rewarded with peace from others.
5. Show patience to all people at all times and others will return the favor as you work toward your successes in life.
6. Be kind and show kindness, always. What you give, you will receive if you persevere in kindness.
7. Do good and give goodness to all people at all times and they will pour goodness into your lap until it runs over.
8. Be faithful and show others your faithfulness. Make good on your word. Make your yes, yes and your no, no and nothing more or less.
9. Be gentle and create an atmosphere of gentleness.
10. Exercise and show self-control so all these other things will have their effect on your life and on other, and then your successes will be great and very great. (see Galatians 5:16-24).

Now, let’s please pray for one another and make this Christmas day, today, all of 2026 and the rest of our lives the merriest of Christmases and Happy New Years!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE GREAT ESCAPE

The Great Escape was a true-to-life movie made in 1963 about the mass escape of 76 Allied airmen from a Nazi POW camp in March 1944. Allied officers in a German prisoner of war camp during World War 2 make a daring plan for a mass escape by hundreds of POWs, hoping to draw German personnel and resources away from combat operations. 200 were in on the planning, but only 76 escaped and of those, 50 were executed by the Nazis for their attempt. Three men actually made it to safety.

THE GREATER ESCAPE. God created the heavens and the earth and all its inhabitants. Lucifer, (also known as Satan) once an angel of light, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven and condemned to Hell and became a destroyer of nations. His prideful evil work would continue as the prince of the air of earth. Through his armies of demons, he kills, destroying lives and steals all that is good.

There is an ongoing escape from this present age greater than the one depicted in the great escape of World War 2.

THE GREATER ESCAPE FROM: Ungodly stress, unnecessary poverty, demonic sicknesses, unreasonable fears, confounding doubts, wounding hate, bewildering and isolating divisions, soul tearing perversity, deadly deviancy, monstrosities of witchcraft, satanic evil, spirit killing drunkenness, murders and the like.

THE GREATEST ESCAPE TO: A peace that passes all understanding, a love that transcends reason, Joy that lifts you above all your troubles, a Kindness that sustains, a Goodness that gives, Patience that heals, long-suffering that sustains, Faith that brings hope, self-control that proves what is good and acceptable in those who are being tested.

THE ESCAPE ROUTE: Romans 10:9-10, Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

2 Timothy 2:19-26, 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 keep away from wickedness.

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

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Break free and run! Run to Jesus. He has made a way and is waiting for you.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“The 8.3”

One in Twelve

Salvation is an exacting matter. So, could there have been any significance to the fact that one of the twelve initial disciples of Jesus betrayed Jesus and was thereby condemned? Perhaps not, but I will coin a new term, “The Eight Point Three” as a new moniker for an old category.

1. The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and 
2. Andrew, his brother; and 
3. James the son of Zebedee, and 
4. John, his brother; 
5. Philip and 
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael); 
7. Thomas and 
8. Matthew the tax collector; 
9. James the son of Alphaeus (James the Less), and
10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James); 
11. Simon the Zealot, and 
12. Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him. 

Regarding Judas Iscariot, Jesus said, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him. (John 6:70-71)

The Traitor – a devil. Nothing is known about Judas’ background. His encounter and call by Jesus is not recorded in Scripture. He was not from Galilee, that much is known. He obviously became a follower and stayed with Jesus for three years. Judas gave Christ three years of his life, yet he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:15), and became an “8.3 percenter”.

The Calvinist and the Reformed believer and theologian (Baptist, Presbyterian), would most likely say that although Judas followed Jesus and seemed to be a ‘believer’ and was named, by Jesus, as His disciple, he was never truly saved. (see GotQuestions.Org). But others who hold an Armenian view (Methodists, Nazarenes, Wesleyans, General Baptists, Pentecostals), will say that he fell away or in a certain vernacular that “he lost his salvation”.

Certain scriptures, such as Hebrews 6:4-6, tells us that “It is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”

Others scripture verses, such as Ephesians 1:13-14, explains that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, ensuring their eternal security. And, Philippians 1:6 assures that God will complete the good work He began in believers.

Both views use scriptures to make their point, but the people making their point do so as humans attempting to decipher the true meaning of God’s Word from an anthropomorphic point of view, through human logic and human reasoning.

Jesus said that He would lose none of those Whom God has given Him. Yet on another occasion He said “Depart from Me, for I do not know you workers of lawlessness” speaking to those who follow Him, calling themselves Christian.

Let’s please step back and look at the full picture, trying to reconcile these two points of view on salvation.

The Bible implies that there is confusion from a human perspective of who is really saved versus those who only thinks they are saved. Or those who persevere in the belief they are saved versus those who lose their faith.

The Bible says there will be wheat, true Christian believers – true followers of Jesus, and tares, or false believers; these are the “8.3 Percenters” in the Church, and that we are to let Him sort them out – “First, at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into My barn.”  (see Matthew 13:24-30).

Now, factually, there are no ideas about an “8.3 Percenter” in the Bible. It is just made up to make a point. But in the case of Judas, it is true. He was chosen as disciple – One of Twelve who were chosen – he represented 8.3% of the total, and He was lost and condemned, although He followed and walked with Jesus. He became a sad statistic.

But for the believer reading this, please keep heart. God is not mocked. God knows every person’s attitude, intention belief and faith and holds you tight.

There are those who are believers and followers of Jesus whose faith is genuine, and they are truly saved (made safe, made well, made whole). This salvation given by God through faith in Jesus and His redemptive work, produces a salvation that delivers a person from sin and its consequences, allowing believers to attain eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses both spiritual and physical aspects, emphasizing God’s grace and the transformative power of faith. And still, some of these believers will suffer physical and emotional scars or consequences of sin while living in their fleshly bodies and may begin to doubt is they are truly saved. Therefore, many of the believers live in fear and shame because of mental or emotional disabilities such as trauma induced afflictions or chronic habit or substance addictions. They live in a repeating cycle of sinful behavior and abuse – both in their thought life and in their actions.

I say to these believers, never give up. God knows your heart and your dilemma, and He is faithful. He will deliver you. But you must join Him and seek help as He directs you to overcome these adversities. It may be, and in fact it most likely will be a life-long battle of recovery or restoration, but it is “the one who endures to the end who will be saved.” God knows your heart. Continue to pursue God, pursue righteousness and pursue holiness. Whether Satan has afflicted you directly or you have stumbled into his trap, unaware, or if, God forbid, others have caused this affliction in your life, one day you will see victory. One day, you will be delivered from this torment, and you will be set free.

 TO OTHER BELIEVERS: Never cast a brother or sister aside. Pray for them. Encourage them. There may be times you need space from them, but continue in prayer and encouragement.

Listen, please. Here is a key:

Hebrews 6:4-6, tells us that “It is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt”, and they may seem to say you can inadvertently, helplessly or deliberately fall away from God’s saving work.

But in reality, these verses are literally speaking of a person who seems to be “a fully devoted follower of Christ”, but is in fact only ‘dabbling around the edges’, inspecting the idea of being saved and having faith. They take a‘taste’, of the heavenly gift here and there, and sample a momentary share in the Holy Spirit, but never make up their mind to made it their own. They continue to argue with themselves about the veracity of faith in Christ and the reality of being saved. Metaphorically, they ‘wrestle with their faith’ (the picture given from the Greek language in these verses is of a Greco-Roman wrestling match) until they grow tired of this “wrestling match”, and the argument throws them to the ground, and they are pinned to the mat in failure! And they are defeated. They are called out!

It could be said they had “lost their salvation” or that “they were never saved in the first place”. It matters very little how you say it, because either way, the end result is the same: They are eternally lost. God says this person is irrevocably lost. What a terror!

The lesson to be learned? Fully embrace the promises of God. Believe in faith. “Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (see Romans 10:8-10). Know this: the person who holds fast to the promises of Christ and perseveres, is saved. Even while you may struggle, God knows your heart and mind, and He will hold you tight in His Mighty and loving grip while He makes a way for you. Join God as He does His mighty work.

And finally, scriptures tell us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Never take anything simply for granted. Beware lest you become a statistic like the 8.3%.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

For the rest of the matter:  Separated from God?

GOD and THE BIBLE:

“In A Nutshell?”

1. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? The Bible is the Word and Breath of God. It is the inerrant, infallible, perfect, eternal Word of God. It is creative, causative, instructional and prophetic. It tells the Truth to you, and when you consume it, it will tell the Truth through you.

2. WHAT IS THE PLAN?: God created with an eternal plan already in place:
   1. A beginning (without form and void),
   2. The middle (the act of salvation and the process of sanctification),
   3. An end, and,
   4. A new and eternal beginning.

3. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?: Perfection. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

4. WHAT IS THE METHOD? God allows trials, tribulation and persecutions and our faith to squeeze us in order to transform us into the image and likeness of Christ. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

5. WHAT IS THE TEACHING? When Jesus had finished instruction His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Please note that each link opens a detailed description of the subject. This is meant to be ‘an overview from 50,000 feet’, so-to-speak.

I have visited scores of churches and have been a ‘visiting member’ of several. Additionally, I have been ‘on staff’ at a few churches and even established a small church. And what I have found is that the great majority of Christians who are ‘church attenders’ do not want to actually follow in the steps of Jesus. Allow me to explain.

Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him. (Matthew 4:1-3).

Most, if not all, new Christians (pastors and leadership included) fail to recognize, embrace and endure the earliest first steps of God’s sanctification, which is the process of being set apart for God’s special use and purpose, which involves moral transformation and growth in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. It signifies both a definitive status received through faith in Christ and an ongoing journey of becoming more like Him in character and actions. It can be difficult and bewildering at times – so most will turn away from it and simply ‘go to church’ for the benefits. They take the easy road, and enter through the wide gate.

From that time, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17).

Jesus’ first sermon, both a message of instruction and the example for the rest who would follow, is only 9 words in length., but transformative and eternal in its intent and effect. When it is ‘unpacked’ these nine words change the world, but of the hundreds of millions of sermons preached from thousands of churches every week, this is the least preached sermon. It is just too hard and distasteful for most Christians. (Use this link for a deeper explanation of this verse, Matthew 4:17).

Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people”. (Matthew 4:18-19).

Jesus preached and taught that He is on mission to preach the Gospel and to make disciples. His last few words to His then current and all future followers, (i.e., disciples), before ascending to the Right Hand of the Father, were to “go and make disciples” But, again, few if any followers of Jesus, follow in these steps of Him Who called them.

Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.(Matthew 4:23).

This is the example Jesus sets before us. He repeated these instructions to His disciples in Matthew chapter 10. Jesus’ life and Words are prophetic and eternal. They were never ‘casual remarks’ or suggestive requests. Yet few to very few ever follow Him in these steps.

We ‘say a little sinner’s prayer’, congratulate ourselves, and go to church – all of which is a good start I guess. Then the most churches begin the “pandering“, giving what the ‘congregation’ wants. And we want to be comforted, entertained, motivated, affirmed and served.

We don’t want to ‘get our hands too dirty’ so rather than go and make disciples, we give and send. But Jesus never said that. He said go.

There is more that could be said about how Christians, pastors and churches have redefined what it means to “follow Jesus”, but anything more said here may be just beating ‘a dead horse’?

Please, dear friends. Hear this. Jesus said that the very first symptom or sign that we have entered the Last Days would be deception. The world has always been full of deception, but the Church – deception in the Church is the first sign. And it is well under way.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

For many will come in My name, (saying they represent Him) saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people.

And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

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

The one who endures – Strong’s concordance #5278 depicts the voluntary choice to “remain under” pressure rather than escape it. In Scripture, this endurance is never stoic resignation; it is confident perseverance grounded in the character and promises of God. The term gathers ideas of steadfast loyalty, patient waiting, and unwavering courage.

To tarry behind. To persevere: absolutely and emphatically, under misfortunes and trials, to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ. Enduring ill-treatment bearing bravely and calmly, absolutely. Following Jesus.

To the end:

Strong’s #5056 (telos, plural telē) embraces the ideas of completion, goal, outcome, fulfillment and consummation. Scripture applies the word to taxes (the due paid at the completion of a commercial transaction), to prophetic fulfillment, to moral consequences, to the believer’s perseverance, and ultimately to the eschatological climax of history. Each sphere enriches the others, presenting a single divine storyline that moves from promise to consummation.

Hebrews repeatedly ties telos to enduring faith: “We are His house if we hold fast our confidence and the hope in which we boast until the end” (Hebrews 3:6); “We have become partakers of Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first” (Hebrews 3:14). Paul prays that God “will also keep you strong to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:8). Revelation 2:26 promises authority to the one “who overcomes and continues in My work until the end.” Telos serves as both the horizon and the incentive for steadfast discipleship.

Please. Let’s pray for one another as that day draws evermore near.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS – CAN AMERICA BE SAVED?

Politics will not save you and will not save America.

There are pastors, evangelists and Bible teachers who openly and blatantly preach politics from their pulpils and their perches. But, that is not our fight. The Bible clearly teaches that “There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (see Romans 13:1), and “we are to submit ourselves for the Lord’s sake, to every human institution, to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as ones sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right”. (see 1 Peter 2:13-14). Preach the Bible becuase the Bible defines our politics.

Weapons of war will not save you and will not save America.

Jesus clearly teaches that, “They who live by the sword will perish by the sword”. (see Matthew 26:52). “But our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”.(see Ephesians 6:12).

Going off-grid, storing up food stuffs, water, medicines, ammo, seeds and raising animals will not save you and will not save America.

SO, WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 Pray? Yes, pray. And by the way, there are many Christians who are claiming  2 Chronicles 7:14, which says “If My people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”, thinking it will be effective in saving America. This is a worthy prayer, but this instruction to pray was specifically spoken to Solomon and for the people of Israel for that specific time.

It is not that God cannot or will not hear this prayer today, and show pity or mercy. But, our world and our nation is at another specific place and time on God’s eschatological clock. We are in the Last Days as described by Jesus and the Apostles Paul, John, Peter and the disciple, Timothy. (see “Did They Really Say This?”)

Concerning these matters;

Jesus warns that we are now in that day – the day of His Return and the commencement of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb, distinctive from “the tribulation birth pains” as described by Jesus in Matthew 24:4-14. The “tribulation birth pains” are the first five tribulation seals: false christs, wars and rumors of war, nations rising against nations, famines and earthquakes. Then will come an increase in martyrdom, apostasy, divisions within the church, a rise of false prophets, an increase in lawlessness and hatreds. Following this, between the Fifth tribulation seal and the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal, and the sun will be darkened, the moon will fade and turn dark red, and there will be astronomical calamities as “the stars fall from the skies”. Then the “Son of Man”, (Jesus), will appear in the clouds and every eye will see Him and will mourn. Then comes the Trumpet blast, and the angels will gather His elect from all four corners of the earth and from one end of the sky to the other which marks the commencement of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb and the final Seven Years of Great Tribulation (the final two tribulation seals, the Seven Tribulation Trumpets and the Seven Tribulation Bowls).

Before these things occur, Jesus warns that we are to:

• Learn,
• Prepare, and
• Stay ready!

LEARN: (see Matthew chapter 24:32-35). We are to learn from the parable of the fig tree, saying,

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as the as soon as the fig tree’s branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves,

you know that summer is near; so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

(see Matthew 24:3-14 for Jesus’ example of the ‘fig tree’s branch’ , “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”  And Jesus answered and said to them, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains. (This is Jesus’ reference to ‘the summer is near’ when these thing happen ), Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another, and many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. (This is the reference to (He is near, right at the door ) This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.)

“About that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.  For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah”

(see Genesis 6:5-8, (This is Jesus’ reference to (just like the days of Noah ) Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the LORD was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the LORD said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them.”)

 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. (see Matthew 24:29-31, “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, (This is Jesus reference to one will be taken and one will be left ), and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.)

PREPARE: (see Matthew 24:42-51),

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house (The “head of the house” represents individuals responsible for their spiritual well-being of his family, those under his care and tutelage and those within his or her sphere of influence), had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house (The “house” symbolizes one’s life or spiritual state. Allowing it to be “broken into” suggests a failure to guard against spiritual complacency or sin. This imagery reinforces the need for spiritual alertness and moral integrity), to be broken into.

STAY READY: (see Matthew 24:44-51).

For this reason you must be ready as well (The call to readiness is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings about the end times. This readiness involves living a life of faithfulness and obedience, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God. The imperative “must be ready” suggests an ongoing state of preparedness, not a one-time action); for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves (The master represents Jesus Christ, who entrusts His followers with responsibilities. The household can be seen as the Church or the community of believers. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where believers are entrusted with the care and management of God’s resources and people), to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.

Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, and he will cut him in two and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 

SO, WHAT ARE WE TO BE DOING, NOW?

(Jesus demonstrated His Deity – So we would demonstrate our Discipleship) 

HIS DEITY

Jesus says, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9, NASB).

Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30, NASB).

The Bible says, “Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3, ESV).

Jesus says, “Even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:38, NASB).

OUR DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus says, “If you abide in my Word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31).

Jesus says, “Go therefore, and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

What The Bible says we are to be doing in “Last Days”*: “Be strong in the Lord and mighty in His power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand strong against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints.” (see Ephesians 6:10-18).

Dear Friends and fellow disciples, please, let’s be careful that we are not lulled into a sense of complacency. These mighty words from the book of Ephesians are not just metaphors, they are clear instructions that only His elect, His disciples can fully understand, and that only by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the way spoken to us by the Breath of God. Listen. Learn. Prepare. The day is now at hand.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

*Last Days:

The “last days” refer to a period in Christian eschatology that begins with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and extends until his second coming. This time is characterized by significant events and changes in society, often associated with themes of judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Definition of the Last Days

The term “last days” refers to a significant period in Christian eschatology, marking the time from Christ’s ascension to His second coming. This period is characterized by various prophetic events and societal changes.

Key Features of the Last Days

Biblical Context

• Start: The last days began with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
• Duration: This period encompasses the entire history of the church until Christ returns.

Characteristics of Society

• Difficult Times: The last days are described as perilous, with societal challenges such as moral decay and conflict.
• Prophetic Signs: Events like wars, famines, and cultural shifts are often interpreted as signs of the approaching end.

Theological Perspectives

Abrahamic Religions

• Judaism: Refers to the “end of days,” focusing on themes of redemption and the coming of the Messiah.
• Christianity: Emphasizes the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Here is what has happened, how it happened, and what we, as conservatives and Christians, should be doing about it:

America Under Siege – 2025 edition – PDF format

or digital format below…

https://flipbooks.fleepit.com/f-105939-america_under_siege

https://www.facebook.com/reel/824987069965242

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and  for training in righteousness”

(2 Timothy 3:16) 

Consider This

Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that the Bible is the breathed-out Word of God. “Breathed” is from the Greek word ‘theopneustos’ and is also translated as ‘inspired’. ‘Divine Breath’, conveys that the Scriptures do not merely contain divine thoughts; they are the product of God’s own creative breath. Just as God breathed physical life into Adam (Genesis 2:7) and spiritual life into dead bones (Ezekiel 37:5-10), He breathes out His Word, imparting authority that is equal to His own character (Psalm 33:6; John 10:35).

THIS IS THE ORDER OF GOD’S PLAN AND PURPOSE

God spoke the worlds and the entire cosmos into existence. And it was not chaotic as some, (in science), consider chaos. It was formative. As time has passed, we can see that it was orderly and created the order of the universe. God created, with purpose, and on purpose.

Secondly, God’s Word is eternal. It never ceases, or fades. It is like “the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it”. (Isaiah 55:10-11). Consider what this means when “you are in Him and His Word is in you”! (see John 15:5-8)

Therefore, since God is the God of order, (see 1 Corinthians 14:33), you can safely and accurately conclude that God’s spoken and written Word is in the correct and perfect order, and that It creates order.

JESUS SAID, “FOLLOW ME”

From Genesis through The Revelation, every ‘jot and tittle’, each and every sentence, paragraph and chapter, tells us of God’s Grand Design, of His Plan and Purpose – in the order in which it is spoken. It has occurred. It is occurring. It shall continue to occur. We must read it and understand this God-made-order so we can understand how we are to obey and follow Him. We must read The Word of God and understand this, in order to understand the predestined purpose of our life and existence. We must read it and understand this, in order to understand why we exist and how we get the most out of our short lives by following (the Words, teaching and life of Jesus.)

Jesus said, “Follow Me”. Do you understand these two words spoken by Jesus?

Let me assist:

Matthew 4:19, And He said to them, “Follow Me, [from the Greek word, ‘deute’, which carries the force of a warm but urgent imperative: “come,” “come here,” or “come now.” It functions as a summons that demands personal response, never mere observation. It carries with it the idea of drawing very close to Jesus – as looking over His shoulder – in order to observe to learn from Him while, at the same time, being closely identified with Him, as His disciple], and I will make you fishers of men, [from the Greek word anthropos, which means ‘people’].” Verse 20. Immediately [from the Greek word, ‘eutheōs’, translated as “at once,” or “straightway”, gives a rapid, action-oriented pace, yet the term appears in every narrative stratum—from the Synoptics to Revelation—linking decisive divine action with equally decisive human response] they left their nets and followed Him. Verse 21. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father [they left family, friends, their livelihood and everything familiar], and followed Him.

Then what?

If you will simply read, and study to understand) Matthew chapters 4 through 10, you will see the ‘what then’. Jesus, as He always does, said the words, showed the works and then sent the workers – but even before this, they began to ‘follow Jesus’, i.e., they began to do as He commanded and as He had done. They had proved through action that they were His disciples, Christians, the Body of Christ – The Church.

So, after hearing this, would you say you and those around you are truly following Jesus, as a “fully devoted follower of Christ” as we like to say?

The Bible is written in the precisely correct order and presents us with the correct order in which we are required to follow Him.

In the beginning, in the book of Genesis, “God said” and it was done; and in the end, in the book of The Revelation, God speaks and says, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

Everything God says between these two points is thereby ordered,  “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” (see Isaiah 28:10). No word, no thought, no teaching, no command is out of order in God’s Breathed Word.

We cannot just drop into the Word of God and assume you can know what God is saying and instructing if we do not know what came before and what will come afterwards. Each and every verse of the Bible must be kept in context of the entire Bible. Remember, the Word of God is creative, causative, informative and prophetic, and the world and the universe have been framed by the Word of God (see Hebrews 11:3); and without this guiding principal concerning the Word of God, the world and the Church descend into perversion and the evils of manmade chaos.

IS THAT SO?

Let’s read Matthew 4:1-2, as an example of how each and every verse is in the context of the entire Bible, that is what came before and what comes after defines a particular verse or chapter:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said…”

If, from these verses you conclude that this event, when Jesus is tested by the devil, “serves as a precursor to His ministry and a demonstration of His sinlessness and obedience to God”, as most reliable Bible commentors assert, then you would have an opinion of many commentors. And, I suppose, you would have an idea of what one might assume about this testing or temptation of Jesus. But, you would actually be missing the main point and you will be left defenseless when your time of testing and temptation comes – because that is exactly what these verses are meant to do. They are meant to inform you, to warn you and to prepare you to follow Jesus and to prepare you for your day of testing; for if you follow Him, you will be tested – sorely tested.

It is important, even vital, to know what led to the purpose for this testing of Jesus as found in Matthew 4:1-11. And to know this you must go back to Genesis 1:1 and follow the “Scarlet Thread” through to Matthew, chapter 4. Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”:

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

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

By this we can know that man is created with a sin flaw – a “dubious character and mind” as the Hebrew translation gives it. And from the beginning of the time of the creation man sinned. He was bound to fail and he was in need of a Savior, being reborn and transformed by being purified, cleansed and refined by trials (see Daniel 12:10). As 1 Peter 1:6-7 puts it, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Hence, God sent His only son to seek and to save those who were lost. And Jesus leads the way by teaching and demonstrating how this rebirth and transformation – purifying, cleansing, refining, and testing by fire is to take place, as seen in Matthew 4:1-11, by His own testing and temptations.

 To recap and further illustrate the point that Scriptures, the Word of God, is perfectly ordered, here is a linear timeline of how God foretells of a coming Redeemer, a Savior, the coming redemption of humankind and God’s sanctifying of His people:

THE PROPHECIES

Additional Insights

• Many of these prophecies are fulfilled in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.
• The Messiah is seen as a deliverer who will save people from sin and establish a kingdom of peace and justice.

These scriptures collectively paint a picture of the anticipated Messiah, highlighting His lineage, birthplace, and divine mission.

Tracing our “Crimson Thread”, what came next?:

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11, around the years 6 to 4 B.C.)

Then:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said…”, (Matthew 4:1-2.)

TO REPEAT:

God created the worlds. God created man and woman, but with a ‘sin flaw’, in need of redemption and of a Savior. God shapes his creation through trials and tribulations. God sends His Son, The Savior of the world. Jesus tells of and demonstrates how we will encounter and endure our coming temptations and trials which will lead to our new birth and to our transformation. Those who believe in, obey and follow Jesus are being made into a new creature, a new creation, being shaped into the image and likeness of Jesus through many trials, tests and temptations. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Hebrews 10:14 and Romans 8:30)

You see, everything recorded in the Scriptures that preceded the “Temptation and Testing of Jesus” (Matthew 4:1-11), were necessary precursors. It was in the proper and correct order. (This is known as a “Kairos moment”, (from an ancient Greek word ‘kairos’, meaning “the right or critical moment”, which signifies a qualitative time for action, contrasted with ‘chronos’, which refers to chronological or sequential time. “Kairos” is a frame of time which is passing, and the window of opportunity will last only for a specified period. You must ‘go through that window of time when it is presented, or the opportunity is lost.) As it was, it is and forevermore shall be. Now you know.

God’s Word says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). And, that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” And Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Within these words are the instructions that we must follow Him, in His steps, adopting His mindset, His attitude, approaching life as He approached life. Do all things as He does them. “Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

And we know that the Word became Flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (see John 1:14), and that the life of the flesh is in the blood to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’ (Leviticus 17:11).

It is not enough to just know His Words. Jesus has said that we must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, [i.e., we must abide in Him and His Words in us] otherwise you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink [true  nourishment for the body, mind, soul and spirit]. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, the one who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died; the one who eats this bread will live forever.”  

CHURCH?

CHRISTIANITY?

What was it then?  What is it now?

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal church or as the local church.

The universal church consists of everyone, everywhere, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. All those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ comprise the universal church.

The local church is described in Galatians 1:1–2: “Paul, an apostle, and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—they had a localized ministry and were scattered throughout the province. They were local churches. A Baptist church, a Lutheran church, an E-Free church, etc., is not the church, as in the universal church; rather, it is a local church, a local body of believers. The universal church is comprised of everyone who belongs to Christ. Members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church.

In summary, the church is not a building or a denomination. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ – all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Local churches are gatherings of people who claim the name of Christ. Members of a local church may or may not be members of the universal church, depending on the genuineness of their faith. The local church is where believers can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 – encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christianity began roughly 2,000 years ago, shortly after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Acts 11:26b says, “It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.” “Christians” means “Christ’s people.” Early Christianity consisted of a group of loosely connected local bodies of believers who gathered together on a regular basis, usually in each other’s homes to fellowship and worship together (Acts 16:15; 18:7; 21:8; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). These churches generally had the organization of pastors, elders, and deacons within each individual congregation.

This early New Testament church lived communally and often shared resources such as food and money (Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-36). Their services consisted mainly of preaching (during which time they might also read letters from missionaries such as Paul) and the singing of songs. They took offerings to support the journeys of their missionaries, and they performed baptisms. Also, the early Christians celebrated the Lord’s Supper each time they gathered together.

But, soon, early Christianity was challenged by Roman persecution. The majority of the persecution began with the great fire in Rome that destroyed much of the city and devastated the economy. In an attempt to absolve himself, the Roman Emperor Nero claimed it was the Christians who tried to destroy Rome and its pagan gods. From that point on, the Christians were blamed for many of the misfortunes befalling the Empire. Persecution and martyrdom was quick to follow. Because of this persecution, the early Christians were forced to meet in the catacombs, which were long, dark galleries under the city of Rome. There they continued their meetings, baptisms, and even burials for their dead. As a result of the persecution, many of the early Christians were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, expediting the cause of evangelism and fulfilling the Lord’s commands to make disciples of all nations (Acts 8:1, 4-40; 11:19-26; Matthew 28:18-20).

The early Christians had a pure, simplistic approach. The people were able to concentrate on the study of God’s Word, service and dedication to one another, hospitality, benevolence (within the church), and missions (Romans 1:8; 15:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Acts 13:1-26:32).

(The foregoing paragraphs are from GotQuestions,Org, in part or in their entirety.)

The programs and technology present in many churches today can be useful tools in helping us emphasize the same things, but are also often distractions. Compared to the structured organization of the church today, the early church looked more like the informal settings of one of our Bible studies or small groups. The church today looks more like a presentation of an idealism, entertainment to elevate an emotional response complete with appreciative applause, an oratory and a collection of funds for the support of the incorporated church through a 501-c-3 tax shelter.

Jesus never taught about starting a building program, incorporating, seeking government assistance or control, involving the unsaved, the marginally saved, or the un-tested in church leadership roles of any kind in His day. They were the tares! And this still applies in our day. Churches have allowed and even encouraged the tares to lead our churches. And you should know them by their fruit. And, they do not have the spiritual gifts necessary. And please don’t suggest that “that was then and this is now” nonsense. Our technology is far above the first century, but technology does not improve the nature and character of humankind.

The result of this religious drift of the Christian Church and of Christians has created a vacuum or a void which is naturally being filled with the antithesis of Christianity – which is evil. Satan (the devil) and his force of demons and their demonic darkness of evil is spreading across the globe infiltrating every home, institution and darkening the minds of billions; bringing wars, rumors of war, disease, sickness, famine, hate, murders, violence and anarchy.

There is an intensifying of this conflict which will culminate with the intervention of Jesus the Christ bringing the Messianic judgment, the Wrath of the Lamb upon the rebellious. He is bringing an end to sin, and end to the rebellion against God and will deliver the fatal and crushing blow to Satan and his evil.

The church has been infiltrated and compromised. The Apostles, and the Apostle Paul in particular, fought against the same things, such as the Judaizers, the Gnostics, false teachers and the false gospels, in the early church. Almost immediately after the Apostles died, the drift away from the clear teachings of Jesus had begun, but particularly during the era and reign of Constantine.

OKAY? What are we to do as these events come to pass?

We are to “follow Jesus” and do exactly as He has said and exactly as He has done.

(Read, with new eyes, Matthew 4:1-25 through Matthew 10:1-42, Matthew 28:16-20.)

So, GO to church if you will. But most importantly you must BE the church wherever you go. Know that a building does not constitute a church. If it is a convenient place, then I guess I would say “use it”. But do not lose the intimacy and the close fellowship you will find in someone’s home. You will lose the sense of belonging and of co-ownership in the Church Body. And if you are not careful, you will become a Sunday, (Wednesday, etc.) member visiting the church’s edifice. And instead of sensing the wonders of being a member of God’s immediate household, you will just sense being a member.

(Jesus said he considers His followers as His brothers, friends and joint-heirs in the Kingdom of God, and we should consider one another likewise.)

Acts 2:42 tells us that, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. A network of homes are more ‘organic’, quick to respond to one another and by their nature, more transparent to one another – and by the way, it makes it harder for the government or the adversary to interfere.

It is true that we are commanded not to forsake the assembling ourselves together, but when the Apostle Paul said, “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”, he was speaking in the first century to first century Christians who met in homes or anyplace they could intimately and safely gather.

(Remember that Paul’s admonition is the Word of God. And this word is still true today.)

Jesus never said, to any of His fully devoted believers and followers, “GO to church”. Never. He did say “GO and make disciples, of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” And becoming a fully devoted and mature disciple of Jesus is both taught and “caught”.

Yes, please do as the Lord leads and commands you to do. But remember that His Word was written and is written to you, for your instruction, teaching, for your rebuke, correction, and your training in righteousness; so that, you, the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for each of the good works (that He prepared ahead of time that you should walk in them). And in this case innovation has gone too far and has not been good for the Church and the mission of Jesus.

You are the “Called Out Ones” the Ekklesia – The Church. Now go get it done!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

More on this subject:

The Church – The edifice

The Church – Believe, Do, Be

Building The Church

Intro to a Church Plant / Revitalization

Many in the American and Western Christian Church are either deliberately or unwittingly preaching, teaching and practicing a form of religious humanism, better known as Marxism, cloaked in the garbs of the Gospel of Christ. Either way, the effect on the church is damning.

We can trace the roots of this demonic theory, or Marxism, an anathema to the Church, to Karl Marx. Interestingly, Marx called religion the “opiate of the masses”. He meant that it acts as a mind-numbing painkiller, dulling the suffering of the oppressed working class by providing a comforting illusion of a better afterlife and preventing them from confronting the root causes of their exploitation and suffering in this world. He believed this distraction, or “false consciousness,” served the interests of the ruling class by discouraging revolutionary action and maintaining the capitalist status quo. 

I, as a Christian, vehemently disagree with and refute Marx’s philosophies, writing and teachings. They are satanically inspired and demonic in their application. History has shown it is the root of evil. It murdered hundreds of millions who resisted its grip and has enslaved hundreds of millions more in hopelessness, poverty disease and death under despotic regimes around the globe.

• By focusing on spiritual comfort, people are distracted from the concrete, temporal issues of exploitation and class struggle in their daily lives. 

(This can be seen in our postmodern era as being free from the constraints of any personal disciplines, code of ethics, or morality as defined by Christianity or Judaism.  in other words you can be and do anything or anyone you choose, regardless of the consequences to the society or the people around you. It is the belief that no one has the right to tell you right from wrong or good from evil. You can be heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, or any other variant of a species you choose, regardless of how it affects those. This kind of thinking also says you have the right to force this on others and if they do not agree, you have every right to resist them to the point of violence and even murder. Anarchy and lawlessness are the trademarks of this world . It is like in the example of the tower of Babel, man has decided that he will determine his own fate, and he will build his own man-made tower to the heavens in rebellion of and in spite of God.)

Three Spheres of Right: Hegel develops his concept of right through three stages:

AS A CHRISTIAN

I AM SUPPOSED TO DO WHAT!?

I am watching a movie on TV.  The name of it isn’t important.  It is a satire or a parody of the war in Afghanistan and, then president Obama, and his deliberate mockery of America’s military, his misuse of our national resources, his disrespect and demoralization of our military and its leadership.  Again, it was a parody of real events and real people.

In one scene, the commander of the forces in Afghanistan, an army general, is giving a ‘pep talk’ to a company of marines on the front lines.  This general has been instructed by the White House representatives that the military is there to clean up the mess Obama has made, wind the war down, under the guise of “nation building” and to install a democratic style of government.

During his speech, the general says that “we cannot help these people if we are killing them.  It ain’t humanly possible.” And, he says, “they cannot trust us if we keep killing them.  So, we need to stop killing them so we can help them.”

He noticed this group of marines were not responding with the enthusiasm as he had hoped for, so he solicits remarks from them.  One marine responded with something like, “this is all bull, sir!”

The general look surprised and growled, “What do you mean by that, marine!?”

The marine said, “You are telling us we are here to help these people?”

The general says, “That is right, marine.”

“And we are not supposed to kill any of them?”

“You’re getting it, marine.”

“But, I am a marine, sir.  I am in a war.  I kill people, sir”, the marine continued.

The general responded with, “Not anymore, marine.”

“No disrespect sir, but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me?  How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me, sir?  I am a marine, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself.  I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir.  I am confused, sir!”, the marine pleaded.

“Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused, son”, the general replies.

THEN IT STRUCK ME

We are not to kill them either. Neither by weapons nor by our words or our actions. (That is the people who are enemies of God). We are supposed to help them and build the Kingdom, even when they are trying to kill us!

Listen to the Apostle Paul as he wages his earthly war for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

2 Corinthians 11:23:

(I am out of my mind to talk like this.)  I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

• Verse 24. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
• Verse 25. Three times I was beaten with rods,
• once I was pelted with stones,
• three times I was shipwrecked,
• I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
• Verse 26. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
• Verse 27. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
• Verse 28. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Although I am a Christian, reflecting back on the movie I am compelled to say, “No disrespect Lord but, you are telling me that I am supposed to, somehow, convince these people that, deep down, I am really a nice guy – that I care about them?  That we are here to build their country and help them become prosperous?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of every three or ten people here are trying to kill me?  How am I supposed to not kill them when they are trying to kill me?  I am a Christian soldier, and I am trained to fight a war and defend myself.  I just don’t understand how that is supposed to work, sir.  I am confused Lord!”

To which the Christians is told, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself unconfused son.”

The Apostle Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:24:

• “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
• Verse 25,  with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
• Verse 26,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

And, again, the Apostle Paul says, in Colossians 4:5:

• Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 
• Verse 6.  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

I have to ask, “How am I supposed to do that, sir, when they are defying our laws, burning our cities down, destroying our businesses, killing our people, attacking our way of life?  How am I supposed to do that when one out of three or five or ten of them want to kill me?  I am confused, sir!”

To which the Apostles Peter and Paul and our Lord Jesus seem to be saying, “Then you are just going to have to get yourself un-confused son!”

When we are being mocked, spit upon, beaten, robbed, and assaulted, how are we to do as the Apostle Paul says?

We do it by following the Words and example of Jesus as found in Matthew 4:1-11 when Jesus is tempted (tested) by the devil, but He resisted the devil, drew near to the Father through the Word and the devil left Him. (Notice that James 4 :7 also says that we are to draw near to God and Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We do it by “resisting the devil so he will flee from us”!

We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a person says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time-consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness, they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment, and this coat is not worth my time.”

The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance in order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holding the door open to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!

Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.

This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.

I am thinking that if we stay busy doing what Jesus called us to be doing, we will have our attention diverted away from the temporal to the things that really matter.

Our war is not a war of flesh and blood, and our weapons are not weapons of this world.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, we are to take up the full armor of God, so that we will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

We are, therefore, to be on the alert, for we do not know which day The Lord is coming.

But we can be sure of this, that if we had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, we would be on the alert, and we will allow our households to be broken into.

This is the reason we must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when we do not think He will.

So then, who is the faithful and sensible follower of Jesus, whom Jesus has put in charge of His household to give them their “food” at the proper time?

Blessed is that disciple, that Christian, whom Jesus finds so doing when He comes.

Nothing else really matters.  So, we must just get un-confused and get on with His Business!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Please click on this invitation)

AN OLIVE BRANCH IN ONE HAND – A SWORD IN THE OTHER

Girding up for War – Confronting the spirit of antichrist!

In his most recent and provocative book, Letter to the American Church, Eric Metaxas asks, “Can it really be God’s will that His children be silent at a time like this? Decrying the cowardice that masquerades as godly meekness, Eric Metaxas summons the Church to battle.

“The author of a bestselling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas reveals the haunting similarities between today’s American Church and the German Church of the 1930s. Echoing the German martyr’s prophetic call, he exhorts his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil.

“An attenuated and unbiblical “faith” based on what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” has sapped the spiritual vitality of millions of Americans. Paying lip service to an insipid “evangelism,” they shrink from combating the evils of our time. Metaxas refutes the pernicious lie that fighting evil politicizes Christianity. As Bonhoeffer and other heroes of the faith insisted, the Church has an irreplaceable role in the culture of a nation. It is our duty to fight the powers of darkness, especially on behalf of the weak and vulnerable.

“Silence is not an option. God calls us to defend the unborn, to confront the lies of cultural Marxism, and to battle the globalist tyranny that crushes human freedom. Confident that this is His fight, the Church must overcome fear and enter the fray, armed with the spiritual weapons of prayer, self-sacrifice, and love.” (see Eric Metaxas.com – Letter to the American Church)

Here is a ‘must watch’ interview by pastor Gary Hamrick, Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia, as pastor Hamrick and Eric Metaxas discuss how the Church (Christians) must respond to the spreading evil of the spirit of the antichrist which is in the world now.

((Please Note: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics – and politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible.))

((Again, I repeat: I, Michael Young, author of this article, am NOT in favor of advocating politics from the pulpit of any church. I believe that as Christians the Gospel and the Bible will define our politics. Politics should never define our view of the Gospel nor of the Bible. Just preach and teach the ‘unvarnished’ plain truth of the Word of God. ))

Key Verse

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Jesus spoke on these matters more succinctly than anyone, past or present. Hear what Jesus tells us is the ways to confront evil in our day:

WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD?

1. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

John 18:37 “Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”  

2. TO BRING A SWORD

Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35, For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; verse 36, and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.”

3. TO FULFILL THE LAW

Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”  

4. TO CALL SINNERS

Mark 2:17 “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

5. TO SAVE THE WORLD

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

6. TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

Luke 12:49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50,  But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51, Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division;  “

 “WHAT HE REALLY MEANT?”

Jesus has told us, inJohn 14:12, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. Verse 13. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

I have heard so many preachers, bible teachers and detractors alike, try to justify or explain away these Words of Jesus because they just cannot fathom the gentle and sweet ‘dashboard Jesus’ saying such things as we find in the verses cited.  These same confused preachers really get tied in a knot over John 14:12.  They will begin their commentary of teaching it with, “what this really means is…”.

Jesus said what He meant and meant exactly what He said.  He is our model for our counter cultural resistance to the growing global threat of Communist-Marxist-Globalism, And we need to get on with it.

Jesus’ time on earth was spent fulfilling the purpose, and will of His Father (Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:39). Jesus was on a singular mission (John 6 :38) and nothing would stand in the way of accomplishing that mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jesus had a divine appointment with a cruel Roman cross. Read what He said when Peter proposed to get in the way of His mission:

Matthew 16:21- 23, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

We do not literally have an appointment with a crucifixion, but, the Bible is  clear in Galatians 5:24, that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” and again in Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” which must be true for all who follow Jesus because we are on mission with Jesus. Our ‘old self’ must die so our new selves can follow and serve Him.

Jesus always, taught the Will of His Father, then, demonstrated what He taught. He expects us to do the same. Ephesians, chapter six, gives us a clear teaching and picture of the type of preparation and the kind of resolve we are to assume.

Ephesians 6:10-17, tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Stand, i. e. continue safe and sound, stand unharmed: Acts 26:22.

Stand ready or prepared: Ephesians 6:14. One who does not hesitate, does not waver, of one who vanquishes his adversaries and holds the ground, also of one who in the midst of the fight holds his position against the foe, to persist, continue, persevere: (so as not to fall from thy faith).

Jesus’ example of steadfast, unmovable courage; this is our example and our command to do the same:

CONFRONTING THE STORM

Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

CONFRONTING DEMONS

Luke 8:26-33 “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

“Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.”

CONFRONTING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

John 19:8-12  ”Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”

BEFORE THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT

Matthew 24:57-67, “Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?”  But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”  Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy;  what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!” Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him.”  

Jesus did not draw back.  (He proceeded boldly to the Cross and secured our salvation!) We must not draw back. Jesus has all authority in heaven  and on the earth and is with us until the end!

Remember, Jesus came to earth for these stated reasons – and these same reasons are our method and our calling:

TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH. We are to testify to the truth!

TO BRING A SWORD. We are to bring the sword of the Word of God!

 TO FULFILL THE LAW. We are to fulfill the same law!

TO CALL SINNERS. We are to call sinners!

TO SAVE THE WORLD through Jesus. In a very real sense, this, too, is our calling, by lifting the Name of Jesus, telling others and leading them to Him

TO CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH. This, too, is our calling! The Word of God is a stumbling block to those who do not believe, dividing A  MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; (Matthew 10:35-36)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, this is not hyperbole, a philosophy or metaphor. Now is the time to gird ourselves up with the full armor of God and follow our Lord, the King of Kings into battle.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places and must be fought with Spiritual Armament!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: LIES OF THE EVIL ONE – BEWARE

LIES OF THE EVIL ONE – BEWARE

Let’s please stop buying the lies of the devil. He is whispering softly into the ears of the Church and many of the pastors are buying it and have been selling it to you!

Lie #1. We are to love everyone in the world “unconditionally” and equally.

This lie has done more to weaken the church and to tear her from her Moorings of Christ than any overt sin. Such attention to the world and misplaced affections turn into pandering, the type of love that characterizes a sappy, sentimental feeling such as we often hear portrayed. This can cause us to miss the mark of God’s agape love, which is characterized by loving the unlovable and the unlovely, and not because they deserve to be loved or because of any excellence we or they possess, but because it is God’s nature to love this way.

Listen carefully to what Jesus says and think. “For God so love the world (the cosmos signifying the collective mass of people needing salvation), that He gave His only Son. God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose.

(IT’S CONDITIONAL)

that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. The one who believes in Him is not judged, but the one who does not believe is judged already because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God.”

The unbelieving world is already condemned. And every one person ever born, is born into sin as an unbeliever – and they are already condemned.  But God loves us so much that He has sent His Son as a means to forgiveness and reconciliation. Those who accept His gift of reconciliation and salvation are no longer condemned to an eternal death, but those who reject His gift are His enemy.

James 4:4, call the world adulteresses and enemies of God, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (Also see GotQuestions.Org).

(IT IS A CONDITIONAL PARADOX)

We, the Church, are in a spiritual war with this world, but we are to recognize the God ordained an “uneasy truce” we have with the world. We are burdened with the knowledge that in the end, this war will bring total destruction of those who oppose God, those who are enemies of God.

Herein lies our dilemma: The Paradox. Although we are in a war with the world, we, at the same time, are commanded to love this world as God loves this world. We are to bring them the Good News that they can escape their fate of destruction by coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus. We must somehow tell them and show them that they need not perish in the eternal lake of fire at the judgment.

 We must explain to the world that God loves them with an incomprehensible love. We must explain to them that He does not will that any should perish, but that all should come to know His Son and be saved. We must plead with the world to be reconciled to God and avoid their coming judgment and eternal destruction.

THE PARADOX DEEPENS

Since the world is enemies of God, they will be our enemies as well. They will insult us, and say all manner of evil about us. They will lie about us, they will hate us, persecute us, and try to kill us, because of Jesus. (see Matthew 5:11-13).

Finally, God loves the world, not because of who they are  but because they are of His creation and He loves what they can become as His children.

Still, we must know that there are 7 things God hates and that He hates about the world. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, there are six things the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to Him:

1. Haughty Eyes. A proud or arrogant look is considered hateful by God, symbolizing pride and arrogance.
2. A Lying Tongue. The intentional misuse of words to deceive or harm others is detestable to God.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood. This refers to heartless cruelty, such as murder, and the protection of the innocent is a key aspect of God’s character.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans. The internal scheming and planning of evil deeds within one’s heart is seen as a deep-seated form of sin.
5. Feet That Are Quick to Rush Into Evil. This describes those who show no resistance to sin and quickly engage in evil actions.
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies. A person who gives untrue testimony and spreads falsehoods is seen as a hateful act.
7. A Person Who Sows Discord Among Brethren. This refers to stirring up conflict, division, and disruption within the community.

Still, because God loves the world on purpose and with a purpose, “it is not His will that any should perish”, we love them also, and plead with them. Make no mistake, although all of us were made in His image, we, as Christians, are not of the same family as the world, which brings us to Lie #2.

Lie #2. Jesus’ words were spoken to and for the entire world.

On occassion Jesus would direct His Words at the watching world-at-large, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – not for the world-at-large.

His teachings and instructions were for the House of Israel and specifically for those who would believe in Him.

Read Matthew 13:10-11, “And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.”

Also please Read Matthew 15:24, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel”. (the words of Jesus).

In Jeremiah 50:6, God calls Israel “His people” and “lost sheep.” The Messiah, spoken of throughout the Old Testament, was seen as the one who would gather these “lost sheep” (Ezekiel 34:23-24; Micah 5:4-5). When Jesus presented Himself as a shepherd to Israel, He was claiming to be the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (Mark 6:34, 14:27; John 10:11-16; see also Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; and Revelation 7:17).

Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman also show an awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plan of salvation. God revealed through Moses that the children of Israel were “a holy people to the Lord, a chosen race, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6, NKJV). It was through the Jews that God issued His Law, preserved His Word, and sent His Son. This is why, elsewhere, Jesus tells a Samaritan that “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). In Matthew 15, when the Jewish Messiah says that He was sent to “the house of Israel,” He is simply connecting His presence with God’s purpose in Old Testament history. Christ was “born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5, NKJV).

God includes the Gentiles (non-Jews) in His redemptive plan. Romans 11:17 tells us that “you, being a wild olive (a Gentile who believes in Jesus), were grafted in among them (The Jews who believe in Jesus) and became partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree.

The rich root represent the spiritual nourishment the patriarchs and the covenants God made with them, particularly the Abrahamic covenant. The nourishment signifies the spiritual blessings and promises that flow from these covenants, including salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By being grafted in, Gentile believers partake in these blessings, becoming heirs to the promises of God (Galatians 3:29). This sharing in the nourishment underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

With this merciful act, God now says that “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not (just) of (Jewish) blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.” (see John 1:11-13).

This established the New Covenant House of God, the unified Body of Christ. Now it can truly be said that Jesus words were spoken for the world to hear but they were spoken specifically to and for The entire Household of God.

Please read these examples of God’s Words being spoken which may have been heard by the world-at-large, and on occassion specifically directed at the watching world, but His teaching, His prophecies, His instructions and commands were spoken to and for His believers and His followers – and not for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:13. “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 underfoot by people. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; Verse 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Verse 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:21. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ Verse 22. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Verse 23. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, verse 24, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Verse 25. Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Verse 26. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 5:23 “Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 7:4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15 “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 6:42 “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Luke 17:3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:10 But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Revelation 1:9, I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Lie #3. We are to treat the entire world the same way we treat our Christian brothers and sisters, extending them the same privileges, honors and courtesies.

These few selected verses, of the many to be found, are representative that the Words of Jesus may have been heard by the listening world, but were spoken to and for the believers and followers of Jesus, alone, telling them how they are to treat one another. This is not spoken to nor is it meant for the world-at-large.

Spoken to and for the Christian: Matthew 18:15-20, “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Truly I say to you, whatever you bind (or forbid) on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (or permit) on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

Again, in Matthew 18:21-22, Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times”.

Jesus enlarges the concept of brotherhood to encompass all who submit to God’s will. “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Here biological relations yield to covenant loyalty. After His resurrection He instructs the women, “Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee” (Matthew 28:10), signifying that the risen Lord now counts disciples as brothers, sharing His Father and His family with them (John 20:17). (also see Bible Hub comments)

Please don’t misunderstand. I am not saying that we are to deny our re-birth as Christians nor to deny our Christlike character. We, as Christians, filled, embodied by and controlled by the Holy Spirit still demonstrate His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The world, then as now, was hostile to believers—not incidentally hostile, but purposefully hostile. Wolves are intentional about the harm they inflict upon sheep. In such an environment, the question becomes: “How can we advance the kingdom of God effectively without becoming predatory ourselves?” Jesus taught His followers that to be Christlike in a godless world, they must combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove. In using these similes, Jesus invokes the common proverbial view of serpents and doves. The serpent was “subtle” or “crafty” or “shrewd” in Genesis 3:1. The dove, on the other hand, was thought of as innocent and harmless—doves were listed among the “clean animals” and were used for sacrifices (Leviticus 14:22). To this very day, doves are used as symbols of peace, and snakes are thought of as “sneaky.” But Jesus is telling His disciples who hear (Him), not entangle to themselves with this world and its ways and thereby become distracted (pulled away) from your primary message and the path of safety.

You start by outwardly loving your enemies, and by do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)

So, if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (see Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20).

NOTE: The two foregoing paragraphs and the verses referenced in Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:20 may seem philosophical, parabolic or like a metaphor, but they are not. They reveal the hidden power of how we “resist the devil so he will flee from us”!

We are not to involve ourselves in any kind of dispute or argument that would distract us from what God is doing through and around us. Suppose a persons says to you, “give me your cloak”, instead of being distracted and involving yourself in a time consuming debate, just give them your cloak and stay focused on God’s business. Then, seeing a perceived weakness they may say, give me your coat also. Just give it to them and wave them away, perhaps thinking to yourself, “Take it – be gone and stop distracting me. This cloak and coat mean so little to me in the scope of what God is saying to me right now. I have much more important matters to attend at the moment and this coat is not worth my time.”

The same goes for being mistreated, slapped in the cheek, or having to walk a mile for someone. Honestly, this is not about being weak and timid. It is not about shocking people with your compliance inn order to “look good”. You are not a doormat – you are a doorman. Holdig open the door to the Kingdom of God. This is what that looks like!

Just get it done and over with – dispatch the distracting. Rid yourself of these temporary obstacles and get back to what is truly important, or else the devil in them will keep you endlessly chasing their arguments, and demands, involving you in their emotional chaos. Finish it and save your energy and yourself for God’s service.

This is how our spiritual armor is put to action.

Paradox? Inconsistency? Enigma? Anomaly? Conundrum? None these things. This is the mystery of God pointing to an Oracle of God, a divinely delivered message, the truth, or a command from God, conveyed through the inspired Scriptures of the Bible. (The term “Oracle”, which stems from the Hebrew word “massa”, (“burden”), and the Greek word, logion, (“word”), refers to God’s authoritative guidance and revelation to humanity.)

So, how is this to conclude and what am I to take from this? What am I to do? Please, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not be confused. Do not be deceived.

1. Love the world as God loves the world – on purpose and with His singular purpose.
2. Love what God loves and hate what God hates.
3. Know that the world may have heard what Jesus spoke, but His words were spoken to and for those who would believe in Him and would follow Him. (Know the difference).
4. There is a difference between the world and the family of God, the chosen ones, the children of God. (Know the difference).
5. Be aware that we are already engaged in the End Times War. It originates in the Spiritual realm but is being fought in the natural realm.
   1. Know your enemy.
   2. Know your weapons.
   3. Know God’s strategy. (Know the differences).
6. We act toward and treat our Christian brothers and sisters differently than how we act toward the world. (Know the difference).

“The accuser of our brothers and sister, Satan, has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And the brothers and sisters in the faith overcame the devil because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: AN OLIVE BRANCH IN ONE HAND – A SWORD IN THE OTHER.