COULD THIS BE THE BEGINNING OF THE END?

January 21, 2026March 23, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

… You won’t see this in the Mainstream Media

Matthew 24:3 says, “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Verse 4, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

Verse 5, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

Verse 6, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

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

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

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

So, when will these things happen?

I. Many will come IN MY NAME:

This can be someone literally saying ‘I am the Christ’, but it is proving to be those who consider themselves as an emissary of Christ – such as ‘ordained pastors’ – who speak for Christ, but are blindly following ‘new age’ or errant doctrines; or, as we are clearly seeing, now, in our day, ‘institutional deception’, where entire denominations fall away from the clear teachings of Jesus and lead millions astray. (Also see“Shipwrecked”).

So, how can we know ‘which of the false Christs‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

II. WARS and rumors of war:

There have been thousands upon thousands of wars and conflicts since the time of Christ. Most notable for their scope and breadth are the

- Religious Crusades (1095 – 1291, Muslims vs Latin Church, almost 2 million dead),

- WWI (1914 – 1918, 17 million dead), and

- WW2 (1939 – 1945, over 70 million dead).

Current wars and conflicts 2018: Interactive global conflict tracker.

So, how can we know ‘which wars and rumors of wars‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

III. EARTHQUAKES & VOLCANOES:

Earthquakes are nothing new. In fact, they are so numerous that I can only give you a web link by period of time and let you view what has been recorded. But, Jesus did warn they would come.

Lists of earthquakes by period. (use the links below).

- Before 1901

- 1901–2000

- 2001–present

Seismic Event List Index

Volcanoes are nothing new, either, but it would seem that seismic events (volcanoes) are on the rise.

Figure 1. Graph lines showing the number of volcanoes reported to have been active each year since 1400 and 1800 C.E.

At first glance the nearly exponential increase through recent centuries suggests that the planet may soon be overwhelmed by volcanic activity, but this increase tracks the striking growth of global population that has spread potential observers of eruptions over much of the Earth and the technological advances that have facilitated reporting of those eruptions. Global Volcanism Program, 2013. Volcanoes of the World, Smithsonian Institution. January 2020.

So, how can we know ‘which EARTHQUAKES‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

IV. FAMINES:

Famines have taken hundreds of millions of lives since the time of Christ, so this is nothing new, either.

Famine-victims-and-world-population-sinc

So, how can we know ‘which FAMINES‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

V. PERSECUTION:

Jesus tells us there will be a worldwide persecution of Christians. A look at history shows us that In the first few centuries, Christianity grew quickly. By A.D. 325, an estimated 7 million people were Christians, with as many as 2 million killed for their faith in Jesus.

However, according to a Christian think-tank. The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) says 900,000 Christians have been ‘martyred’ in the last decade, equating to 90,000 a year and one every six minutes.

This may be the most dangerous time in history to be Christian

At least 327 million Christians face persecution, according to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which released its biannual report on Religious Freedom in the World in November 2018. That is 7 percent of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians, estimated by Pew Research Center in 2015.

245 million Christians in the top 50 countries on Open Doors USA’s 2019 World Watch List experience high levels of persecution (i.e.: torture, rape, sex-slavery, for conversion to Christianity, murder and genocide), an increase of 14 percent from 2018. Sixty percent of those enduring persecution are children; women and girls are most violated. Release International, a UK-based human rights watchdog in operation for the past 50 years who partner with U.S.-based “Voice of the Martyrs” said they expect global anti-Christian persecution is set to rise ‘sharply’ in 2019. – (Read the report here)

So, how can we know ‘which period of Christian Persecution‘ Jesus is referring to, WHICH WILL MARK THE ‘END OF THE AGE’?

So, where does all of this lead?

1. You will know when ‘The End of the Age’ is near, not when one or two of these events occur, but when ALL of ‘these things’ occur and converge concurrently, as Jesus said they would; then these things are the harbinger of ‘those things’ which have come to pass. (Also, see “The Tribulation of Those Days’).

2. The phrase “the beginning of birth pangs” is a statement made by Jesus in or around the year AD 30 and is a translation of the Greek archē _ ōdin . The meaning of the phrase, translated in the KJV as “the beginning of sorrows” is a direct reference to preliminary birth pangs that ultimately lead to the full scale contractions and travail, which leads to the actual birth.

Recognizing the Old Testament reference that Jesus was hearkening to is an essential, but often overlooked key to determining the timing of the prophecy. Jesus was pointing his disciples to two key passages from the prophet Isaiah.

The first passage is Isaiah 26, a portion of Scripture found in the middle of what is sometimes referred to as “Isaiah’s little apocalypse”. There, the Lord speaks through Isaiah, specifically contrasting the expectations of the Jewish people regarding deliverance, redemption and physical resurrection with the reality of the pain, suffering and travail that they had corporately experienced. In verses 16-18, the complaint of Israel is raised that despite having endured the great suffering of labor, the expected “birth” of deliverance, redemption and resurrection had not arrived.

This makes clear that the Last Days and the opening of the tribulation Seals began in our around A.D. 30. Other references which confirm this date are.

- Acts 2:14-17,

- 1 Corinthian 10:11,

- 2 Timothy 3:1,

- Hebrews 1:2,

- Hebrews 9:26,

- 1 Peter 1:20,

- 1 Peter 4:7,

- 2 Peter 3:3.

- 1 John 2:18.

- Revelation 1:9
- (Also see “The 5th Tribulation Seal”)

as spoken by Jesus and the Apostles Paul, Peter and Timothy.

(You can also see a teaching by Pastor and Teacher, John Piper on the timing of the End Times. But, one of the first, most accurate, and persistent advocates of the Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church can be found at Zion’s Hope, with videos on this site.)

3. You must ask yourself, “why would Jesus warn His disciples (and subsequent disciples or anyone who would eventually read His Words in the Bible) about these coming events if they would not experience these events? Said another way, if we would have been Raptured before the tribulation, why warn us? Why warn His disciples and followers about something they would not experience?” The anwer is, “HE WOULD NOT HAVE WARNED US UNLESS WE WOULD ENDURE THE FIRST 5 TRIBULATION SEALS, AND WOULD NEED TO BE PREPARED!”

NOTE: The first five tribulation seals have been opened progressively since around A.D. 30. These seals overlap (occur concurrently and converge), and are increasing in intensity, which will lead to the future 6th Tribulation Seal, which is the begining of the Day of God’s Wrath, cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun, the Rapture, the multitude of people out of the tribulation before the throne of God, the Sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel.

4. How can we tell WHICH ‘wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes’ were the result of the breaking of the first Seal of the tribulation, because there have been thousands of them since Jesus said these words.

5. I say again, Jesus, the Apostles Paul, Peter and Timothy, plus direct, clear and obvious scriptural references in Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 9:26, Acts 2:14-17, 2 Timothy 3:1, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:3. 1 John 2:18, and Revelation 1:9.confirm that these events began in or around the year A.D. 30.

6. Was Jesus wanting to ‘scare’ listeners into believing by warning them ahead of time? (I think not. Trickery just doesn’t fit Jesus Character, and He tells us “do not be frightened” by these things.)

7. Jesus tells His disciples (and subsequent disciples or anyone who would eventually read His Word in the bible), in Matthew 24:6 that “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. Verse 7. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. Verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”

And a few verses later, Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

If we will have been “Raptured” and out of harms way when these things begin, then why would He be telling us these things?

Why is Jesus telling us that we should not be frightened by the WARS, Rumors OF WARS, NATIONS RISING AGAINST NATIONS, FAMINES, EARTHQUAKES, and that we must ENDURE TO THE END TO BE SAVED if we would not be affected?

Again I ask if we will have been “Raptured” and out of harms way when these things begin, then why would He be telling us these things?

5. When you compare Jesus’ Words in the book of Matthew with John the Revelator’s account of the ‘End of Days’ in Revelation, why do you get the very real sense that something about pre-tribulation evangelical or reformed doctrines of the end times don’t line up with or doesn’t fit with what you read IN THE BIBLE.

Look at it this way: When Hurricane Irma hit the U.S. it was a category 5 storm; As Irma progressed up the peninsula of Florida, it became a category 4 storm; then as it entered Alabama it became a category 3 storm; and finally as it entered Georgia, Irma became a tropical storm; and later as it entered Tennessee, it became a rain event.

To those in the various states which hurricane Irma entered, it would have appeared to them that Irma might have been 5 different storms, occurring consecutively; first a Category 5 storm, then, a Category 4 storm, then, a Category 3 hurricane, then, a Tropical storm, and, finally, a rain event. But if viewed “From Above” it was ONE CONTINUOUS STORM, progressively unfolding to its conclusion

Next: “How We Should Prepare and Respond in These Last Days”.

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

Go to these links. Study. Learn.

WHEN WILL THE TRIBULATION BEGIN – OR HAS IT ALREADY BEGUN?

THE END OF THE AGE – a short, and to-the-point, series about the Last Days.

CONCURRENCE OF EVENTS POINTING TO THE END OF THE AGE – a short and to-the-point-series of concurrent and converging events in these days.

GLOBAL MARXISM-AGENDA 2030-THE U.N. – THE DESTRUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES – Episode 6

January 16, 2026January 17, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

This Episode will bring us up-to-date (through the year 2022), and the daily news (in 2026) tells the rest of the visible story.

The groundwork has been laid for a coming global conflict of unimaginable terror and destruction. The earth is groaning and something new and terrible is about to be birthed. I will reveal the source of this “last days” apocalypse and what we can expect to happen, in the next episode.

The sides and factions of the ideological global war are established, and it would appear there are several. Some in opposition, others in an alliance. China (Chinese Communism), Russia (global ambitions), Iran (Islamic Jihad) and the United States.

But appearances can be deceiving. The greatest of all prophecies says otherwise and gives us a clear and precise description of the parties involved and the driving force behind each one. There will be only two dominant forces in opposition with a myriad of allies and accomplices and only two driving forces (which I will reveal in a coming episode).

But first, as I stated, in the last Episode, that I would address each stated goal of the U.N. initiated and U.N. controlled Marxist-Globalist Agenda 2030 and uncover their actual goals, methods and results. Because Agenda 2030 Goal #3 is so broad and includes all the goals, I am doing a panorama of all 17 goals and will point out the REAL OBJECTIVE and METHODS of each goal. (You can click on photos to see the webpage source).

Goal #3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

There is a social and political war raging in America between ‘Conservatism’ and the ‘Radical Left’, and it is for the life or death of America.

Better said, the war is between Capitalism and Marxism, Democracy, (in the case of America, a Constitutional Republic) and Marxist-Communism, prosperity and severe lack and poverty; between slavery and freedom, between Christianity and Atheism.

The Leftists and Marxist have a well-defined game plan and a simplified strategy, while the Right has a confused defense and no effective game plan. It seems the Conservatives, Christians and most Republicans are furiously fighting the myriad brush fires being ignited by the Leftists, while ignoring the source – or should I say, ignorant of the source.

If you don’t stop the problem at its source, you will always fight the endless brush fires, until you tire and collapse.

What is ‘The Source’? Liken ‘the source’ to flying a kite. You can know all about the materials of the kite, the construction of the kite and the kite’s aerodynamics. But, until you know what is DRIVING the kite, you will always deal with the failure of an earth born kite or kite tangled in trees or high electrical wires.

‘The Source’ of the kite is the wind. It is the wind that drives a kite.

It is a combination of the Socialist-Communist-Marxist hatred, resentment and envy of Western prosperity and values, greed and the dream of a Communist Utopia, (which is the absence of the latter), that drives the political and social war in America and around the world.

COMMUNIST UTOPIA: A place of ideal perfection, especially in laws, government, and social conditions.

Adherents of Marxism, (into which I am lumping Socialism, Communism and all other variants of these ideologies) truly believe that they can achieve

1. World Peace and the end of wars by eliminating gun ownership and by creating one global police force, a one world court system and a one world government. (Click on photos for website referenced).

2. The end of hunger by controlling worldwide agriculture, food production and distribution, but scarcity is the result.

3. Good health and well-being for all of earth’s inhabitants by way of the World Health Organization directing which medical practices are allowable, pharmaceuticals, medicine production and distribution; making unilateral decisions on abortions, assisted suicides and euthanasia (i.e., world population control).

(Life in Cuba)

4. Quality Education through tightly controlled state sponsored education programs which teach or indoctrinate government policies and practices of Marxism.

(Life in Cuba)

5. Gender Equality by promoting and protecting aberrant behavior and lifestyles which are counterproductive for social and psychological stability and population growth – not to mention the destruction of women’s sports programs.

(Transgender Lia Thomas)

6. Clean water and sanitation by rationing the availability of resources.

(Water pollution in China)

7. Affordable clean energy by eliminating all fossil and nuclear fuels and through rationing.

(High wire electrical workers in China)

8. Decent work and economic growth as determined by Elitist policymakers in the highest offices of a One World Government. (This is so ill-defined and subjective that no further comment is needed.)

(Labor conditions in China)

9. Resilient Infrastructure.

(Venezuela’s weak infrastructure)

10. Reduced inequalities is another way of saying, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” is a slogan popularized by Karl Marx in his 1875 Critique of the Gotha Program. The principle refers to free access to and distribution of goods, capital and services according to Marxist Doctrine.

11. Sustainable cities and communities as defined by Marxism.

12. Responsible consumption and production as defined by Marxism.

13. Climate action by eliminating all fossil fuels and any production method with emissions of any kind. Funded through taxation and redistribution of wealth.

14. Cleaner oceans according to Marxist doctrine, which usually mean restricted use.

16. Peace and justice according to Marxist doctrine by strict dictatorial rules.

How effective is China's criminal justice system? - Quora

17. Partnerships for these goals – though a One World Government.

The U.N. and their surrogate-partnerships are simply a front for a One World Marxist-style Government. They have accomplished what they endeavored to do. Agenda 2030 has publicly and brazenly stated they will have achieved all their objectives by the year 2030. They are ahead of schedule.

The ideological war is drawing to a close. The terror and suffering will soon begin. Get ready and stay ready!

(Since writing this article in 2022, President Donald Trump has changed the political landscape around the globe in an effort to counter the growing global Marxist and radical Islamic menaces. The dictator in Venezuela has been removed and hope given to her people. Cuba has been put on notice. The terrorist Islamic leadership in Iran is falling into shambles, Israel is exerting great influence and control around her borders, and the U.S. commitment to Israel is stronger than ever. This strengthening of the Western commitment to global democratic freedoms is encouraging but is also creating a global tension that many fear will erupt into a global conflagration).

Michael J Young

NEXT: GLOBALISM AND THE NEXT TOWER OF BABEL – Episode 6.

PREVIOUS: MARXISM, AGENDA 2030, THE U.N., THE AMERICAN DEMOCRAT PARTY – Episode 5

A preview into what is coming – The Prophecies:

Daniel 12:1 says, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”

A visible look into the future:

Matthew 24:29 warns that, “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. Verse 30. 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. Verse 31. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

Matthew 24:21, tells us that, “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. Verse 22. And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”

Additional Reading:

FOREIGN TO AND IGNORES IDEAS PRECIOUS TO THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

WHEN DO THESE FINAL 7 YEARS BEGIN?

MARXIST GLOBALISM – The Empirical Proof of Doom, Destruction and Death.- Episode 4

January 13, 2026January 14, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

As I have explained in the three previous episodes, these articles were written in 2022 at the onset of the Biden administration which was the beginning of the end of the reign of fraud, deceit and treasonous acts of the Bush-Obama- Biden era, as a means to bring you, the reader, up to date on the Global Marxist invastion of America.

I will comple;te this assessment series with a prophetic-like look at what is coming next and what we must do, individually and as a nation, to survive and eradicate this menace from our midst.

(You can listen by audio; pause the audio to follow page links, then, when you are ready, resume the audio. Please note: I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references.)

AGENDA 2030, MARXISM, THE AMERICAN DEMOCRAT PARTY, THE GOALS, THE METHODS, THE RESULTS

(Be sure to watch the video at the end of this page)

The Agenda 2030 Preamble starts this way:

Declaration. Introduction.

We,the Heads of State and Government and High Representatives, meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 25 to 27 September 2015 as the Organization celebrates its seventieth anniversary, have decided today on new global Sustainable Development Goals.

My first point is about the subterfuge, lies and deceit while advancing a One World Government as predicted and coming anti-Christ figure as predicted, (prophesied), in the Bible. The U.N. and the signatory list to the Globalist-Marxist Agenda 2030 is nowhere to be found, that is, they hide their signatory list.

Here is a partial list of the attendees.

Han Zheng, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany; Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy; H.R.H. The Prince of Wales; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain; Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Swiss Confederation; Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; Sebastian Kurz, Federal Chancellor of Austria; Ivan Duque, President of Colombia; Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Lenin Moreno Garcés, President of Ecuador; Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece; Barham Salih, President of Iraq; Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland; Omar Al Razzaz, Prime Minister of Jordan; Khaltmaagiin Battulga, President of Mongolia; Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana; Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway; Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan; Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority; Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Macky Sall, President of Senegal; Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore; Kais Saied, President of Tunisia; Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine; Barak Obama, President of the United States.

My second point is to address each goal of the U.N. initiated and controlled Marxist-Globalist Agenda 2030, but, in this post, I will address just their first stated goal.

Goal #1. End Poverty. This sounds like a glorious goal, but the Socialists methods form ending poverty can be found in the Marxists manifesto and can be seen played out in history in communist Russia, China, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil and dozens of other countries.

The Marxist doctrine on Ending Poverty: How is Marxism related to poverty?

According to the Marxist view, the major cause of poverty is inequality or uneven distribution of wealth and income, a main consequence of capitalism. From one point of view, any society with inequality is bound to have poverty. In other words, poverty is more likely to occur in a society which accepts inequality.

What did Karl Marx suggest was the solution to poverty?

And as is still the case with most of our own intellectual and political leaders today, the only solution that Marx and Engels ever offered to end poverty was to have the government increase its compulsions and prohibitions over the people in their economic activities.

How does this play out in real economies?

Instead of ‘lifting people out of poverty’, everyone is reduced into poverty.

The outcome in Venezuela

With the largest oil reserves in the world, Venezuela was once the wealthiest nation in Latin America. But today, it is experiencing a historic economic collapse that has forced over 2.3 million citizens to flee the country. Since 2013, Venezuela has lost a third of its gross domestic product while inflation rates have soared at a record pace. The International Monetary Fund now predicts that the country’s inflation rate, which is already the highest in the world, could reach 1,000,000 percent by the end of the year.

No matter how you analyze the situation, one thing is clear: socialism is the root cause and the main driver of the tragic fall of a country that once championed democracy and prosperity. Venezuela’s failed socialist experiment serves as a reminder for the United States, where support for socialism has noticeably increased in recent years. The crisis that is on display in the South American nation highlights why socialism is a threat to the freedom that we all deserve.

How Venezuela Got There

The Pre-Hugo Chávez Era: The once-democratic nation did not become socialist overnight. In fact, the process took generations to be completed. During the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela had a significant level of economic freedom. Most sectors of the economy, including the oil industry, were privatized, and the individual tax rate remained low at 12 percent. Furthermore, labor laws were flexible, corruption was kept in check, and foreign trade was relatively unrestricted. However, beginning in the 1950s, politicians began taking away these economic freedoms by installing exchange-rate, price, and rent controls, while simultaneously nationalizing private businesses and forming state corporations and regulatory agencies like Cordiplan. They also tripled the marginal tax rate to 36 percent in the 1960s.

Due to the massive corruption in the government, wealthy elites disproportionately benefited from the government revenue. For instance, the urban population that had strong ties to Democratic Action, a major political party, had access to state resources that were not available to the poorer, rural migrants. The corruption increased when oil prices dropped in the late 1980s and suffocated the country’s economy. By the end of the century, the loss of economic freedom had decimated the Venezuelan middle class and created a massive gap between the elites and the poor. The growing economic divide led to the rise of Hugo Chávez, a populist who campaigned on transforming the partially socialist Venezuela into a full-scale socialist state.

The Hugo Chávez Era

After being elected in 1998, Chávez replaced the decades-old Venezuelan constitution with a new socialist constitution in 1999. The new version declared employment, healthcare, and housing as basic rights that must be provided by the state. Additionally, Section VI of the Constitution stated that the government is responsible for promoting agriculture and manufacturing, among other sectors of the economy. In other words, the new constitution marked the end of the free market in Venezuela.

Chávez’s regime then doubled down and passed additional legislation that redistributed land and wealth.

Final Thoughts

It is extremely difficult to separate the centralization of economic power from that of political power at a large scale. This is why socialism is a threat to the freedom that we enjoy today. It is unlikely that the United States will be in Venezuela’s position anytime soon, but there is no denying that socialism has become increasingly popular in this country, especially among Millennials. To those that support socialism, Venezuela should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting America’s democratic foundations and capitalist economic system. (Berkley Political Review).

More reading on the collapse of Venezuela: The Venezuelan Crisis.

The outcome in BRAZIL

Socialism ruined Brazil. Socialism and democracy cannot co-exist but the people in Brazil thought they could.

Cash transfers and welfare benefits nearly bankrupted Brazil and plunged it into its deepest recession since the 1930s.

In 2006, The Workers’ Party leaders and top officials bribed the legislative members into voting with them on their Socialist policies. Socialists can’t win on ideas but bribery works.

Lula aka Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva , the socialist president, got himself reelected despite scandals and a flailing economy.

The Socialists thought they could go on forever, benefitting from a rise in commodity prices and bleeding the State oil company dry.

Lula got Dilma Rousseff elected as his successor after his terms were over. She was known as the “mother” of the huge infrastructure program Brazil was undergoing. No more than 30% of it has been finished.

To win votes, Rousseff ran up deficits.

Rousseff spent wildly and expanded welfare programs. She won reelection in 2014 by hiding spending. Millions of people now march in the streets against her.

Powerful executives and party leaders in Brazil have funded campaigns and bribed politicians using kickbacks from state-owned oil company Petrobras.

Bleeding the State-owned oil company Petrobras led to a recession and, while welfare helped the poor, there were no new jobs for the middle class.

Brazil is divided like the United States. So-called minorities think they are entitled to reparations owed to them by white, blue-eyed people.

The politicians increased debt, calling it a stimulus, and increased the minimum wage. Civil servants were given increased and unsustainable salaries and benefits. Jobs in government grew and it was called good governance.

Workers are forced to pay mandatory contributions to more than 15,000 syndicates and unions.

It’s the evil wrought by Socialists in Latin America.

Social justice was the buzzword.

The economy began to shrink under Lula but Brazil decided to move further left. They thought big government with politicians picking winners and losers in business was the way to go. These government-backed businesses didn’t succeed as expected; Petrobras did not make Brazilians self-sufficient in oil; and a government-backed credit program sank with the economy.

The Petrobras scandal was the end of Socialism in Brazil. They demanded a payment of 3% of the value of any contract the company would be part of and, legally, the company would be part of virtually every single oil related project in Brazil. The embezzled money was a way to keep the Workers Party in office.

A devastated Petrobras is selling off its shares, the economy has shrunk, inflation is in double digits, and the recession has dragged on for two years.

Latin America has a stake in Socialism succeeding in Brazil and are keeping the pressure on.

Capitalism and limited government are looking a lot better to Brazilians – there is hope – but the damage is very extensive. (The Independent Sentinel)

Michael J. Young

NEXT: (coming soon) MARXISM, AGENDA 2030, THE U.N., THE AMERICAN DEMOCRAT PARTY – Episode 5

PREVIOUS: MARXIST GLOBALISM and THE (now hidden) GREAT RESET- Episode 3

GLOBAL MARXISM – The United Nations – The American Democrat Party – The Subjugation of America

January 9, 2026January 10, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

This article was originally written in January 2022, at the beginning of the Joe Biden presidency, which was also the end of the BUSH-OBAMA-BIDEN triad era. The supposed culmination of the treasonous attempt to transform, subjugate and merge The United States into a One World system of government under the direction and leadership of the United Nations in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Their progress of creating a Marxist style One World Government over the last 75 years has been stunning. Recently, however, the completion of this One World System has been interrupted if not stunted by the most unlikely of people – Donald J. Trump.

Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, was an American businessman, media personality-turned-politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected for a second term starting in 2025. He had been known for his career in real estate, his reality TV show “The Apprentice,” and his significant political influence as a member of the Republican Party.

Now, however, just one year into his second term as president, it is being said by his advocates and the vast majority of conservative pundits that Donald Trump’s influence and impact on American politics and society will likely rank him as the most influential person and successful politician ever in American history. Many conservative leaders and laypeople alike are calling him “America’s political savior”. His impact on the global scene is no less impressive.

His detractors and foes on the liberal and political Left have nothing good to say about Donald Trump and there is little doubt that these are the reasons the Democrat Party, in concert with the Leftists, Socialists, Communists, and Marxists in America and around the world (which I will henceforth call “The Globalists), have used any and every method, legal and illegal, to impeach him, jail him and assassinate him. Nonetheless, to this point, Trump is prevailing in his crusade to reverse the deleterious effects of the Globalists through his “Make America Great Again” ideologies, but not without great effort, and great personal risk.

You may ask, “why would a world-class ultra-wealthy businessman risk his fame, fortune and life” in such a quest? He says it is for his love of his fellow Americans, and his love of America and the American Way. The same as the pledge of the Founding Fathers, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. They pledged to mutually support each other with their “Lives, Fortunes, and sacred Honor.” This reflects their commitment to the cause of independence, knowing they risked everything for it.

This should be the pledge by each of us who love America and the heritage of the American Way.

I am reprinting this article to bring readers up-to-date on the contemporary historical course of our nation by first retracing the steps and ways we have fallen into this Globalist-Marxist snare. I will conclude with an amazing prophetic-like view into the future.

Please subscribe or bookmark this page for future episodes.

(You can listen by audio; pause the audio to follow page links, then, when you are ready, resume the audio. Please note: I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references.)

Globalist-Marxists are known to be the driving force and top echelon of the United Nations, as well as controlling the Democrat Party in America. They and their various adherents and factions around the world say that humankind is responsible for destroying the earth by depleting our natural resources and by polluting the land, the seas, lakes and streams and the air. There is no truth to these claims. It is a political ploy, a lie. Yet the Globalist cabal say it is factual and that they have the solution. It is seductively named “The Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

It began under the name of “Agenda 21”. The Twenty-one is a designation for ‘the 21^st century”. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of UNCED, to monitor and report on implementation of the agreements at the local, national, regional and international levels. It was agreed that a five-year review of Earth Summit progress would be made in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in special session.

The Newest name for this United Nations organization is ‘Agenda 2030’. ‘Twenty-thirty’ designates the year their goals of Global domination will be completed.

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030’.

The Preamble of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (Agenda 2030) says, in part:

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

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

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

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

On the subject of ‘climate change’, a simple line of reasoning will help you undo that lie of the Left. Ask yourself, “Do we have air pollution because of industry and technologies?” The answer is, ‘yes’. But, the earth has created far more air pollution on its own from volcanic activity, release of CH4 by paddy fields and cattle, release of CO by plants and animals, emission of natural gas, O3, nitrogen oxides, cosmic rays, UV-rays etc.

So, why the global outcry about ‘climate change’. It has been found to be an effective narrative for the political goals of the Global-Marxist movement. No one can deny our climate is changing. The climate has been changing for millennia. It has never been stable.

But the Globalist-Marxist have convinced enough of the naive among the earth’s population to believe that suddenly, our fluctuating climate, is our doom. It is all a grand scheme of deception. Behind the cloak and grandeur of lies of Marxism.

About one-half of the world’s population has fallen for this lie. The poor of the world would see the opportunity to take from other countries what their failed systems and corrupted leadership has withheld from them while living lavish lifestyles.

The educated wealthy, the powerful and elitist of the Left are being motivated to ‘join the Globalist’s cause’ through promises of being further empowered and enriched. They will sit atop a One World Government with control over global finances, natural resources, food production, industry, technology, job creation, social constructs and anything that concerns the earth’s population.

I will endeavor to take one item at a time from the Agenda 2030, in the weeks to come, and expose the lies.

(A note to America: The Globalist in your country, at the highest levels of your government, are presently destroying your families structures, perverting your sense of morality, dismantling your legal systems, draining your treasury, corrupting your Constitution while staging the greatest coup d’etat the world has ever seen. If you don’t rise up, quickly and forcefully, you will perish as a sovereign nation. In fact, it may already be too late.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Click here for Episode 2

Related Articles of interest and importance:

Marxism – The United Nations and The American Democrat Party

The Global March to Marxist Communism

Twenty-first Century Globalism and How You Fit In

What Is Globalism and Where Did The Idea Come From?

This has already been foretold. The Bible has warned us this was coming. Inform yourself. THE JOURNEY TOWARD PERFECTION.

THE ENTIRE WORD

January 2, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

THE ENTIRE WORD

Why do so many people, including pastors, bible teachers and even theologians read and teach the Bible’s instructions, prophecies, precepts and meaning without regard to the context of the entire Bible? It is as if they have myopia. The way they teach and preach the Bible, one might think they assume that God’s mind wanders from event to event, topic to topic and subject to subject. As I read various highly regarded Bible commentaries, it seems as if those authors might think that God had to change His mind from time to time in order to correct Himself.

Even those who preach or teach the Bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse often fail to connect their chosen verse with the overall context of “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1) and “Yes, I am coming quickly. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Isaiah 28:10 would explain this well and in the simplest of ways when it says, “For precept must be on precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little”.

Furthermore, God is not a God of disorder or confusion. Consider that God has said, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the Pre-existent One. This reveals God’s self-existence, eternal presence, and unchanging nature. He is omniscient (all knowing at all time), omnipresent (everywhere, all the time) and omnipotent (all powerful). God never ‘has a thought’ or ‘changes His Mind’. He is and always has been and always will be.

So, when you read the Bible, from Genesis 1:1 (the beginning) through Revelation 22:20 (the end of all things old and the new beginning of all things new), make it your goal to discover the context of the entire Bible. For example, if you are to determine “if, when and how” God created all things, read the Book of Genesis (chapters 1 through 3, sort of like reading the topic sentence and paragraph of a well written book). Then, if you want to know why God created all things, read the last three chapters of the book of the Revelation. (Sort of like reading the epilogue or concluding sentences and paragraphs of that same well written book). Then it is fair to conclude that everything written between these two points supports the topic sentences and paragraphs and the concluding chapters.

This way, you will discover God’s Plan and His Purpose for all creation. And in that you will find His Methods and discover His Nature.

And, if by chance someone says that the Bible says that “God has a plan for your life” you will discover that God has both a universal plan (the same for everyone) and a personal plan (just for you). You will then find that you have a choice to make. You will either choose to follow Him and His Plan or you will reject Him, rebel and go your own way. Furthermore, you will either find peace and enter into an eternal rest with Him, or you will wander into an eternal torment without Him. Either way, you cannot make an informed decision in plans for this eventuality if you do not know the His Plan and The Way.

If this seems confusing, then let’s simplify this matter and get some assistance from Jesus. He has said, “I am The Truth and The Way and the Life. There is no other way to the Father except by Me.” In a colloquial vernacular, we might say, “Hey, folks. Over here! You are lost, and the path you are on leads to the destruction of your soul and an eternity in darkness and fire. Come and follow Me. I know the way out of this mess. I know the way out of your dilemma. I know the way to life. Come on. Follow Me – or you will perish.”

(Just as a footnote: from before time began, even before time existed, God exists. So for us to say that God had a plan is pathetically ignorant of God. God Is and always has been. God is the Plan, Purpose, The Way and The Method. It is the infinitesimally small and limited mind of mankind that needs to define, draw boundaries, analyze and explain God in order to gain some understanding. And even our pathetic attempt to define God is from a flawed human perspective. But we try and we fail. But we can take heart because God has said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” So by faith we fear God and gain wisdom and understanding.) (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 14:27, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 15:33, Psalm 19:9).

Finally, let me say that even from a secular point of view, science and scientists are just beginning to peer at things they admit they do not understand. They call this quantum physics. Strange and wonderful and often frightening things. But, when put in the context of the even stranger language of the Bible, it would appear that science is peering into the Eye and the Mind of God, so-to-speak. Just as it is written: “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.(2 Corinthians 2:9-13). This phrase refers to the idea that the wonders and plans God has for those who love Him are beyond human understanding or imagination. It is often cited in the Bible, emphasizing the mystery and greatness of God’s promises.

Let’s trust Him. Take Him at His Entire Word and give your soul rest while we busy ourselves preparing for His return.

Glory!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“What does it mean to get ready?”

A MAN’S RACE

December 31, 2025January 2, 2026 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

This message, “A Race Worth Running” by pastor Trent Casto, Covenant Naples Church, Naples, Florida, is a message for all people – men, women, boys and girls.

But I title this post, “A MAN’S RACE” because if you are a man and feel like church is pretty much ‘feminized’, then this may be just right for you.

Jesus was a man. In fact, the Bible often refers to Him as the “Son of Man”. Jesus was, in the vernacular of the beloved, respected tough man’s man, John Wayne, “One tough Hombre”. He is the toughest of Hombres.

It’s time, we as men, stop “pussyfooting around” and re-take our responsible place as leaders and defenders, as Christian Men willing to do what it takes to love, serve and protect as Christ has done!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

JUST IMAGINE

December 31, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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

December 25, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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.

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)
Always find a way to show love to others – even those who behave badly and do not deserve love – find a way.
Find the joy of life, especially in the face of troubles, so others see it and will reward you for it.
Learn to be at peace, practice being at peace and demonstrate peace, and you will be rewarded with peace from others.
Show patience to all people at all times and others will return the favor as you work toward your successes in life.
Be kind and show kindness, always. What you give, you will receive if you persevere in kindness.
Do good and give goodness to all people at all times and they will pour goodness into your lap until it runs over.
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.
Be gentle and create an atmosphere of gentleness.
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

December 24, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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

One of Twelve Disciples – The 8.3″

December 23, 2025December 24, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

“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.

The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and
Andrew, his brother; and
James the son of Zebedee, and
John, his brother;
Philip and
Bartholomew (Nathanael);
Thomas and
Matthew the tax collector;
James the son of Alphaeus (James the Less), and
Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James);
Simon the Zealot, and
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?”

December 19, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

GOD and THE BIBLE:

“In A Nutshell?”

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.

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.

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

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.”

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

DID GOD SAY, “I will bless those who bless Israel”? And what did He mean?

November 13, 2025November 16, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Did God actually say, “Those who bless Israel, I will bless, and those who curse Israel, I will curse.”?

Yes and no. Let me explain.

Genesis 12:1-2 actually says, Now the Lord said to Abram, (who was later renamed as Abraham), “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

Then, Genesis 12:3 actually says, “I will bless those who bless you (referring to Abram, a.k.a., Abraham), and him who dishonors you (that is, Abram, a.k.a., Abraham) I will curse, and in you (referring to Abram, a.k.a., Abraham), all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

God said He would bless those who would bless Abram (who is also known as Abraham). It could be said that since Jacob was later renamed Israel, that Genesis 12:3 may have been referring to the nation of Israel.

This should lead us to ask who, or which, would God have us bless? Abraham? Jacob? Or, the nation of Israel? And in which of these are we to be blessed?

Read the prophetic verse from Hosea 11:1, to find the answer: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

The meaning of “When Israel was a child”:

This phrase refers to the early stages of the nation of Israel, particularly during the time of the patriarchs and the Exodus. The imagery of Israel as a child highlights the nation’s infancy and dependence on God. In biblical context, this period includes the covenant with Abraham and the formative experiences of the Israelites in Egypt. The metaphor of a child is used to emphasize innocence and the nurturing relationship God had with Israel.

The meaning of “I loved him”:

God’s love for Israel is a central theme throughout the Old Testament. This love is covenantal, rooted in the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is an unconditional love that persists despite Israel’s frequent disobedience. The love mentioned here is not just emotional, but also involves God’s actions in history, such as delivering Israel from slavery and guiding them through the wilderness.

The meaning of “and out of Egypt I called My son”:

This phrase directly references the Exodus, when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is a foundational event in Israel’s history, symbolizing liberation and the beginning of their identity as God’s chosen people.

The term “My son” signifies a special relationship, echoing the language used in Exodus 4:22-23, where God calls Israel His firstborn son. This phrase is also seen as a typological prophecy, later applied to Jesus Christ in Matthew 2:15, where it is fulfilled in the return of Jesus from Egypt, drawing a parallel between Israel’s history and the life of Christ.

Matthew 2:14-15, “And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

The meaning of “This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet”:

This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy, a common theme in Matthew’s Gospel, which seeks to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The use of prophecy here underscores the divine orchestration of events, showing that Jesus’ life was in accordance with God’s predetermined plan. The reference to prophecy also serves to connect Jesus’ story with the larger narrative of Israel’s history. (BibleHub.com).

The meaning of “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”:

This quotation is from Hosea 11:1, originally referring to Israel’s exodus from Egypt. In the context of Matthew, it is typologically applied to Jesus, drawing a parallel between Israel as God’s “son” and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this role. This typology highlights Jesus as the true Israel, who embodies and completes the mission that Israel was meant to fulfill. The calling “out of Egypt” signifies deliverance and the beginning of a new covenant, with Jesus as the central figure in God’s redemptive plan. (BibleHub.com).

Although Jacob was named “Israel”; and although Israel was the name of the Nation of the Jews; In these prophetic verses, “Israel” is referring to the coming Christ, Jesus.

The Abrahamic Covenant, in which God promises Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3), is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, who brings salvation to all nations.

Thus:

“I will bless those who bless you (referring to Jesus the Christ), and him who dishonors you (referring to Jesus the Christ), I will curse; And in You, (Jesus the Christ), all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

We can learn that by putting verses into a personal biased view, or by taking one verse out of context can lead to differing and incomplete conclusions which can bring division, disagreement, strife and even conflict. (see “Is Israel today the Israel of the Bible?”).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS – CAN AMERICA BE SAVED?

November 7, 2025 ~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

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.

“He will give His angels orders concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will lift You up, so that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’” (see Matthew 4:6 and Psalm 91:11).

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” (see Matthew 6:31-33).

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.