Exegesis or Eisegesis?

True of False?

Exegesis is “the process of careful analytical study of the Bible to produce useful interpretations of those passages.” (The word “exegesis” comes from the Greek term, exegeomai, which means “to explain” or “to narrate” or “to show the way”.

The process of exegesis involves asking questions of the text that might unearth new insights. However, The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary is clear that the goal of exegesis is “to know neither less nor more than the information actually contained in the passage. Exegesis places no premium on speculation or inventiveness” and “novelty in interpretation is not prized.”

Simply put, exegesis is not about discovering what we think a text means (or what we want it to mean), but what the biblical author meant. It’s concerned with intentionality; what the author intended his original readers to understand.

The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.

Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words.

Second Timothy 2:15 commands us to use exegetical methods: “Present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” An honest student of the Bible will be an exegete, allowing the text to speak for itself. Eisegesis easily lends itself to error, as the would-be interpreter attempts to align the text with his own preconceived notions. Exegesis allows us to agree with the Bible; eisegesis seeks to force the Bible to agree with us.

The process of exegesis involves, (1), observation: what does the passage say? (2), interpretation: what does the passage mean? (3), correlation: how does the passage relate to the rest of the Bible? and (4), application: how should this passage affect my life?

Eisegesis, on the other hand, involves, (1), imagination: what idea do I want to present? (2), exploration: what Scripture passage seems to fit with my idea? and, (3), application: what does my idea mean? Notice that, in eisegesis, there is no examination of the words of the text or their relationship to each other, no cross-referencing with related passages, and no real desire to understand the actual meaning. Scripture serves only as a prop to the interpreter’s idea.

First, “the interpreter-teacher” decides on a topic. Let’s say, for purpose of this example, today, the sermon will be about “What is heaven like?” The interpreter reads Colossians 3:1, “Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God”. And the point the interpreter-teacher wants to make is that “we are already in heaven”.

He then goes on to use a story known as “The Allegory of the Cave”, which was presented by the Greek philosopher Plato to compare “the effect of education and the lack of it on our nature”. It is written as a dialogue between Plato’s brother Glaucon and his mentor Socrates and is narrated by the latter. In the allegory, Plato describes people who have spent their entire lives chained by their necks and ankles in front of an inner wall with a view of the empty outer wall of the cave. They observe the shadows projected onto the outer wall by objects carried behind the inner wall by people who are invisible to the chained “prisoners” and who walk along the inner wall with a fire behind them, creating the shadows on the inner wall in front of the prisoners. The “sign bearers” pronounce the names of the objects, the sounds of which are reflected near the shadows and are understood by the prisoners as if they were coming from the shadows themselves.

Only the shadows and sounds are the prisoners’ reality, which are not accurate representations of the real world. The shadows represent distorted and blurred copies of reality we can perceive through our senses, while the objects under the Sun represent the true forms of objects that we can only perceive through reason.

Socrates explains how the philosopher is like a prisoner freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall are not the direct source of the images seen. A philosopher aims to understand and perceive the higher levels of reality. However, the other inmates of the cave do not even desire to leave their prison, for they know no better life. (this color print is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)

He concludes by alleging that Christian’s current view of heaven is like that of the people trapped in the Allegory of The Cave. It is a sweeping assumption, overly broad in its accusation, and breathtakingly inaccurate, incomplete and totally inadequate. He goes on to hypothesize that only heaven is real and the earth or the natural world is just a shadow, like the shadows on the wall of a cave, reflected by the light of a fire. I suppose one could find some similarity in the Bible verse found in 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal”, but even this verse and the surrounding verses are Paul telling us about his own life and ministry and NOT about what heaven is like. In the world’s eyes, Paul’s life was an incredible failure. At the height of a career that would reach much higher, he left it all for a life of hardship, suffering and persecution, with eventual martyrdom. Paul recognized that the world only sees the outward, not the unseen eternal things. When we look at the things which are seen, all we see is our light affliction, and then it doesn’t seem very light! But when we look at the things which are not seen, then we see and appreciate the eternal weight of glory.

Paul isn’t saying that all afflictions automatically produce glory. It is possible to allow suffering to destroy us and to let affliction make us bitter, miserable, and self-focused. However, if we will look to the things which are not seen then our affliction will work in us an eternal weight of glory.(Comment in this color is taken from David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary). But, even 2 Corinthians 4:18 is not about what heaven is like.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with preaching about what heaven is like. And a cursory reading of Colossians 3:1 seems to support that passage as an apt illustration. However, the above interpretation is totally wrong. First, using a secular philosophical teaching to illustrate and illuminate a Biblical truth is speculative at best and errant at its worst.

This interpreter-teacher (or others) may point to the many parables, allegories and idioms used in the Bible as justification for using Plato’s the Allegory of the Cave. However, when the Bible uses such methods to tell a story, the characters and-or events are symbols representing other events, ideas, or people, they are based on pre-existing and familiar people, places and things. They are NOT secular-philosophical assumptions, or presumptions.

Our interpreter-teacher is using an eisegesis to skillfully syncretize Biblical truth and scriptures verses with philosophical teachings which come from the imagination of man, in order to lend some religious credence to his remarks.

For example, our interpreter-teacher says, “the author of The Allegory of the Cave is telling us to step out of the cave and to see the brilliance of the sun. But the captive in the cave says, “And be blinded by the intensity of the sun? No thank you! We have lived in this cave for decades and centuries, and if it was good enough for my grandpa, it’s good enough for me!”.

Our interpreter-teacher then goes on to allege that the Apostle Paul, based on 1 Colossians 3:1, in many ways is calling us, as Christians, to step out of our cave and into the light of the sun; in other words we should come out of our darkened minds of ignorance and simplicity and become enlightened. (Thus the transition – the eisegesis – the syncretism). The Apostle Paul is calling us to set our minds on heavenly things, not on things of this earth. He goes on to state “that we go on to explore the message of this passage in Colossians, we are going to do it through three points:

The first point is that you are already in heaven, whether you know it or not.

Secondly, heaven is for real.

And, thirdly, heaven is a world of love.”

Our interpreter goes on to cite verse one, that “you have been raised with Christ”;

Verse three, “you have died with Christ”;

And then in a reference to Ephesians 2:6, “You have ascended with Christ”.

All of this to further his personal interpretation that heaven is real and our current existence is just a shadow.

Then in a slight-of-hand movement, our interpreter-teacher, goes to Ezekiel 10:9 and sarcastically uses several complex symbolisms from the Bible to explain what heaven looks like, saying “and remember, this is oh-so crystal clear”, know that it is NOT clear at all. (This is an effective deflection to confuse the listener-student about thier own view of heaven so they will lay their old “caveman, cave-like, neanderthal beliefs” aside, and enter into the light of this new revelation” about what heaven is really like.

A problem for our interpreter-teacher arises if the Christian-listener is a Bible student and will read and study Ezekiel chapter 10, only to discover that Ezekiel 10 is not meant to be a description of heaven. It is The Vision of God’s Glory Departing the Temple. Our interpreter-teacher is misleading the listener a false teaching.

Ezekiel 10 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s righteous path. The departing Glory of the Lord from the Temple, however, doesn’t signify an eternal absence, but a call to repentance, encouraging us to invite God’s glory back into our lives by living in obedience and faith.

The Themes of Ezekiel 10 are:

God’s Majesty and Power,
Divine Judgement,
Divine Presence and Absence,
Prophet’s Visionary Experience,
Symbolism of Cherubim.

The Topics of Ezekiel chapter 10 are:

Ezekiel’s Vision of God,
The Glory of the Lord,
The Cherubim,
The Wheel within a Wheel,
The Departure of the Glory of the Lord from the Temple,

The People:

Ezekiel,
God,
Cherubim.

The Locations named in Ezekiel chapter 10 are:

The Temple in Jerusalem,
The threshold of the temple,
East gate of the Lord’s house.

Our interpreter-teacher further confuses the student-listener by using a “dietetical” approach by having omitted the real intention of Ezekiel chapter 10.

It is a skillful presentation with a the intention of ‘salting the oats’ of the listener to come out of their ancient and archaic cave which is a metaphor for our ‘old way of thinking about heaven and scriptures’ and to come into the light and thirst for this new way of thinking, this new revelatory view of God and heaven.

His presentation completed, our interpreter-teacher concludes with an invitation for his listeners to accept Jesus’ free gift of heaven, which is without cost. Of course this can be practically irresistible to the ‘heavy burdened and weary traveler of earth’.

Of course Jesus does call, and does encourage each and every person to put down his or her burdens of this earth and to look to Him for relief. And the Bible is abundantly clear that this greatest of Gifts cannot be earned nor can it be purchased for any price. However, Jesus also makes abundantly clear that we trade in or sacrifice our old life for a new life with Him. And indeed, the salvation of one’s soul begins immediately for the person who accepts these terms, and lasts eternally. It is upon these conditions that we will live with Him in heaven, forever.

But let’s be clear: The gift is NOT heaven. Heaven is only the result of the Gift. The Gift is Jesus. The gift is His mercy and forgiveness. He gift is the eradication of power and the penalty of sin and death. The result of The Greatest of all Gifts is an eternity with Him in heaven.

Our interpreter-teacher’s first point is that you are already in heaven, whether you know it or not, is true, however, it is positional.

Secondly, our interpreter-teacher says heaven is for real. True.

And, thirdly, heaven is a world of love. Oddly put, but true.

Our interpreter-teacher goes on to cite Colossian 3:1, that “you have been raised with Christ”; and, in verse three, “you have died with Christ”; and finally, in a reference to Ephesians 2:6, “You have ascended with Christ”. This is to point out that these verses sound as if they were written in the present tense, suggesting that they have already come to pass. However, all three verses cited are in the aorist tense, which means they are positionally true in the past, as well as in the present and will be true in the future. This is what is known as “positionally” true, and “progressively true” in its application. One day it will be “practical” and true.. God has said it, we are in the process of getting these, so it is as good as done, but not just yet.

Our interpreter-teacher has some very creative thoughts and ideas and is very entertaining in his Osteen-esque way of preaching. But, in the meantime, I say let’s leave the inerrant Word of God as it is presented in the Bible. It is written to all people in a way to be understood by all people. Now, as Paul instructed Timothy, God instructs you, “therefore, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work”.

Until He returns!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 28

Jesus is Risen, The Great Commission.

There is so much that has been made about Jesus’ death, burial and His resurrection. Some of it from first-hand witnesses, some from speculation, and some from doubters. But, in the end, it is up to you to decide. Pray, ask God for insight and wisdom. Search, study and glean the scriptures. All of this was foretold. It occurred with uncanny and frightening accuracy. Even the enemies of Jesus knew it was coming and tried to prevent it. Despite all the evidence and the world altering results, it is still accepted only by faith, and this faith is not blind. It is the hallmark of a true believer who has eyes to see.

Jesus Is Risen!

Matthew 28:1, Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Verse 2. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. Verse 3. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. Verse 4. The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men. Verse 5. And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. Verse 6. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Verse 7. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

(Commentary Break): There are scores of commentaries for you to read which will go into dizzying detail about the day, the time, the earthquake, the witnesses, the angel, the guards and these events. Go read them. But the final point is that Matthew spoke to first and witnesses and recorded what occurred. And if this is not enough, then look at the prophecies, the events leading up to Jesus’ mock trial, His execution, burial and resurrection; consider the sighting of Jesus and His interactions with people after His resurrection. All first-hand witnesses. And still, it’s up to you to believe, and that, only by faith. And, as Jesus has said, ‘if you don’t believe the words, then believe by the Works that preceded His death and those that followed Jesus’ resurrection’. Believe by the millions upon millions of lives that have been changed for the better. (also see GotQuestions.org). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 8. And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. Verse 9. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Verse 10. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

(Commentary Break): The Bible contains over 63 commands to “fear not” or “do not be afraid” in the context that God is over all and working in all things. In fact, He promises that He will work all things to work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). Now listen to what faith and obedience to His Word brings when God says, “fear not, bring word…and they will see Me”. In this specific case, the disciples, Jesus Christian brothers, were to leave for Galilee and there they will see Him. Now you, brothers and sisters, take action: You need not fear. Bring Word, go to Him, and you will see Him! This is both a promise and a prophetic command. Do it! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. Now, while they were on their way, some of the men from the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. Verse 12. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, verse 13, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were asleep.’ Verse 14. And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and keep you out of trouble.” Verse 15. And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

The Great Commission

Verse 16. But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. Verse 17. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. Verse 18. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Verse 19. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, verse 20, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Commentary Break): Notice that the 11 disciples proceeded to Galilee, and they worshiped Him when they saw Him. And even standing there, worshiping the visible living Jesus, SOME WERE DOUBTFUL. As unbelievable as that seems, Jesus still sent ALL ELEVEN of them, even the doubters, to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that He has commanded. (End Commentary Break).

Please, dear friends, the time of His return is drawing near. Let’s stop standing around looking skyward, as the angel said. It is not ours to know the day or the hour, but He will return at the right time, in the same manner He left. Ours is to be ready and found doing all that He has commanded us.

In the meantime, we have been called and sent. It is past time to stop playing religion and stop just attending church and take these Spiritual Gifts He has put within us and use them profitably according to His purpose, mission and calling to us!

Living your life for Christ is your testimony and witness to what God has done. You, being full of the Spirit, full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in all you do, and when the time comes tell them about the reason for your Hope. JESUS!

Amen and Amen.

Your Brother and friend,

Mike Young

Previous:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 27, Judas’ Remorse, Jesus Before Pilate, Jesus Mocked, The Crucifixion, Jesus Burial.

Next: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 1, Dedicated Service, The Ascension, The Upper Room.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

Come, Let us Reason

“TIP OF THE SPEAR”

What does that phrase mean to you?

The “Urban Dictionary” puts it this way: “An American idiom commonly used in military operations to mean the first soldiers to go into a war zone. In common usage, it means the first to venture into a new endeavor. A trailblazer.”

The Bible uses a similar term to describe relationships between Christians in general and between husbands and wives in particular. The word is “Hupotasso“.

You will never find that word spelled, as such, in your Bible, though. It is the Greek word ‘hupotasso’ used for “Submit to” or “be subject to”.

The King James uses the word “submit” but, it reads this way in the New American Standard version of the Bible:

Ephesians 5:21, “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Verse 22. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Verse 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Verse 24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

The word “Hupotasso” literally means:

1) to arrange under, to subordinate;

2) to subject, put in subjection

3) to subject one’s self, obey

4) to submit to one’s control

5) to yield to one’s admonition or advice

6) to obey, be subject.

HUPO – arrange under; TASSO – mutually agree upon

The intention of “submission or subjection” is found in the CONTEXT of the words in this chapter of Ephesians, which encourages us to be wise and moral, kind and pure, gentle and forgiving.

The context is also found in the meaning of the words in these verses.

Specifically, “Hupotasso” comes from a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”.
These troop formations were called a Phalanx. The Phalanx was the formation, usually in triangular form, in which The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order.

Hoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation in order to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths.

The hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields.

Those at the front were, what we would call today, THE TIP OF THE SPEAR or the POINT MAN. They presented the first defense against the enemy and were the first to engage the enemy and the first to take casualties.

The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy. Making frontal assaults against it very difficult.

It also allowed a higher proportion of the soldiers to be actively engaged in combat at a given time, rather than just those in the front rank.

This word, “Hupotasso”, in non-military use, is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

The Bible gives this as an example for husbands and wives to cooperate and to successfully navigate life and in waging wars against ‘their common enemy’, Satan.

The wife is fully engaged in the marriage relationship, but, God says the husband is to be the Tip of the Spear in order to protect and preserve and, if necessary, the first to fall.

Interestingly, Ephesians 5:22, “be subject to your own” uses the word “idios” which means, uniquely one’s own, peculiar to the individual. It is “stronger than the simple possessive pronoun (‘own’). This emphatic adjective means ‘private, personal’ “.

God gives each husband a wife, designed by God, Himself, to fulfill a role specifically for that husband. God gives the wife gifts, talents, abilities and a calling uniquely designed to serve God and to compliment and to complete the husband.

This is why the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself”.

It is also why God says “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord”.

Neither, the husband nor the wife, can be made complete as persons when finding refuge, protection and provision. But as a God given ability, you can mature and sustain one another, until you understand this Spiritual principal and follow it.

Marriage has mutual strength through commitment and cooperation with one another under God’s Steady Hand.

Please take this to heart, dear ones. This message is so important.

The world and the Devil are deceiving the family in to thinking ‘what works for you is OK”. It is NOT OK. God’s design, His plan and His Word is what gives life, and life more abundant. Stop following the world and REASON through God’s Word. Understand it and live!

So, how does this apply to women in the church, and specifically women as pastors in a church? In this instance, it is much simpler to explain from Scriptures and even easier to understand than the first half of this article. Allow me to lay the groundwork:

First, all Scripture is the Breathed-out Word of God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible tells us that the Word of God is without any error, is dependable, revealing, powerful, piercing, and eternal. It is the lamp unto our feet and the light upon our path. John 14:14-18 tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and that Jesus is the Word! Additionally, Jesus tells us that He came to tell the truth (John 18:37), and that He in fact is The Truth (John 14:6). So, it is safe and wise to believe and to do whatever the Bible says – especially the plain things!

Therefore, when the Bible says, “As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.”

I have read the numerous opinions and commentaries on this matter of women being ordained as a pastor. Reading the pros and cons doesn’t take one long to determine what the varying authors believed before they wrote their opinion. One such opinion, found on Bible.Org, written by a Sandra Glahn, who holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a PhD in The Humanities, Aesthetic Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas, tries to frame the Apostle Paul’s words in the context of spiritual gifts, specifically prophecy and speaking in tongues. I find her attempt clumsy and severely biased at best, and the use of eisegesis, a deliberate distortion of scriptures, at worst, connecting dots that don’t align, so to speak.

The context of Paul’s remarks are about orderly worship but come under the heading of submission to authority as a protective covering as described throughout the Bible

1 Corinithians 11:2-3, “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

The rebellious and feeble attempts to change the meaning and the context of this matter and these verses, should cause the rebel to remember these words: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say…?

His Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. God sent His Son to seek and to save – to make safe, to make whole, to make healthy and sound, with a great purpose and direction in life! And to as many as received Him by faith, He has given them the right to be the children of God.

For your own sake and safety, don’t change even one letter or iota of His Word! Believe and Live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: A great article and some excellent resources for marriage at Focus on the Family – Marriage, preparing for marriage – marriage means leaving home and cleaving to each other.

Here is an addendum to claify this position: Addendum.

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 27

 Judas’ Remorse, Jesus Before Pilate, Jesus Mocked, The Crucifixion, Jesus Burial

The central theme of the Bible, of course, is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit, but it is also a comprehensive and extensive spiritual document about the creation of humanity, the cosmos and their ultimate end.

The Bible is also the longest ‘breathed out’ love letter ever written and it is written to you by God, which is about you and for you. His Words are spoken to you and if you will consume His Words, (that is to ‘eat His Body and drink His Blood’), He will speak His Words through you! You will have become His instrument to effect His plan, purpose and mission on the earth.

Therefore, it is beyond important to know what he Bible is saying to you so you can come to know God in an intimate and personal way. Then you can gain an understanding of what He is saying to you, about you, for you and through you. Please don’t get lost in the narrative; focus on Him and what He is saying to you.

Judas’ Remorse

Matthew 27:1, Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; verse 2, and they bound Him and led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.

(Commentary Break): Please re-read Matthew 27:1-2, and cast them in the light of Ephesians 6:12, “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”. There are two realms. The Spiritual realm and the realm of ‘flesh and blood’, or the natural realm. These verses are comparing and contrasting these realities. Our battle is not against people, but against the rulers, and the powers, and against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places which possess and influence people of flesh and blood to do their evil and wickedness. Which realm is at work in the hearts and minds of the chief priests and the elders? And why would these spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness influence these priests and Elders to confer against Jesus, and to put Him to death?  And, why would they eventually hand Jesus over to Pilate?

By understanding these things, you can see and get a better understanding of the battle that rages for your and every man, woman, boy and girl’s heart, soul and mind. These verses, when correctly understood and personally applied, can tell you the deeper meaning and motives of the spiritual forces of darkness and of wickedness. They have come only to kill, steal and destroy! The Bible and these verses in particular, can instruct you and empower you to resist and overcome evil. This is personal. Very personal! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. Then when Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, verse 4, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You shall see to it yourself!” Verse 5. And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and left; and he went away and hanged himself.

(Commentary Break): Here is the continuing example of a person, (flesh and blood), having been influenced and possessed by the rulers, the powers, the world forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, to do their evil works.

Read again the cold, heartless and wicked response to Judas repentant cry when he bemoans “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And look at the result; Judas hanged himself. These are the forces which are crouching outside your door, waiting to influence you, to whisper lies to you, to kill and destroy you.

This is not just a story about Judas or a drama about betrayal and murder. This is the cosmic and spiritual battle we all face. This is about life and death and eternity. This is about you and me. This is very personal!  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them in the temple treasury, since it is money paid for blood.” Verse 7. And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. Verse 8. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Verse 9. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “AND THEY TOOK THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, THE PRICE OF THE ONE WHOSE PRICE HAD BEEN SET by the sons of Israel; Verse 10. AND THEY GAVE THEM FOR THE POTTER’S FIELD, JUST AS THE LORD DIRECTED ME.”

(Commentary Break): True to form, the chief priests follow their manmade laws above all else, even above their Torah. They “tithe mint and dill and cumin, while neglecting the weightier provisions of the Law, such as justice and mercy and faithfulness”. They are, as Jesus has called them, “blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel, and hypocrites! They clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence!”

Dear ones, please listen. Just like these religious scribe, Pharisees and chief priests, many churches today have these same the rulers, and powers, and world forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness influencing pastors, elders and teachers, who ardently and stubbornly follow the laws of their own denomination or of their own making while neglecting the weightier provisions of the Law, such as justice and mercy and faithfulness. They too, are blind guides and hypocrites full of robbery and self-indulgence.  Do not their bidding, point them out and flee from them. Jesus has warned that these days would come. It began in His time on earth and has intensified in these Last Days. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus before Pilate

Verse 11. Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “So You are the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” Verse 12. And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not offer any answer. Verse 13. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?” Verse 14. And still He did not answer him in regard to even a single charge, so the governor was greatly amazed.

Verse 15. Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. Verse 16. And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Verse 17. So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” Verse 18. For he knew that it was because of envy that they had handed Him over.

Verse 19. And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “See that you have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” Verse 20. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. Verse 21. And the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Verse 22. Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” Verse 23. But he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” Yet they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”

Verse 24. Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; you yourselves shall see.” Verse 25. And all the people replied, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” Verse 26, Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

(Commentary Break): These things had to be accomplished to fulfill the scriptures. I hope you have read these things with this one thing in mind: Jesus is innocent. You and I are the guilty parties. But He was silent when the accusations and the charges were being made. He knew what He was doing, and it was out of love for you and me that He endure this shame and punishment.

Psychologist might say that crowd hysteria had taken over, but they would have been blind to what was truly at work. Satan had released rulers, and powers, and world forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness and they were now influencing and speaking through the crowds. Undoubtedly, a frightening sight.

Pilate, however, saw through the subterfuge and declared Jesus as innocent. He tried to distance himself, making the feeble statement, “I am innocent of this man’s blood”, but he still condemned Jesus to death.

Then, prophetically, all the Jews in the crowd replied, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” And so it has been, throughout the ages, on the Nation of Israel.

However, the Apostle Paul explains and warns, in Romans 11:20-24, “That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him]; for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either. Then appreciate the gracious kindness and the severity of God: to those who fell [into spiritual ruin], severity, but to you, God’s gracious kindness, if you continue in His kindness [by faith and obedience to Him]; otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they [the unbelieving Jews], if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and against nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier will it be to graft these who are the natural branches back into [the original parent stock of] their own olive tree? (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Is Mocked

Verse 27. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort to Him. Verse 28. And they stripped Him and put a red cloak on Him. Verse 29. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Verse 30. And they spit on Him, and took the reed and beat Him on the head. Verse 31. And after they had mocked Him, they took the cloak off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.

Verse 32. As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they compelled to carry His cross.

The Crucifixion

Verse 33. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, verse 34, they gave Him wine mixed with bile to drink; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink it.

Verse 35. And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among themselves by casting lots. Verse 36. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. Verse 37. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Verse 38. At that time two rebels were being crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. Verse 39. And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him, shaking their heads, 40, and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Verse 41. In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, verse 42, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. Verse 43. HE HAS TRUSTED IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE TAKES PLEASURE IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Verse 44. And the rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way.

Verse 45. Now from the sixth hour, (which was noontime), darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour (which was 3 p.m.). Verse 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LEMA SABAKTANEI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Verse 47. And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” Verse 48. And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. Verse 49. But the rest of them said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” Verse 50. And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. Verse 51. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Verse 52. Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; verse 53, and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Verse 54, Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Verse 55. And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while caring for Him. Verse 56. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Jesus Is Buried

Verse 57. Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. Verse 58. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. Verse 59. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, verse 60. and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Verse 61. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Verse 62. Now on the next day, that is, the day which is after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, Verse 63. and they said, “Sir, we remember that when that deceiver was still alive, He said, ‘After three days I am rising.’ Verse 64. Therefore, give orders for the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Verse 65. Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” Verse 66. And they went and made the tomb secure with the guard, sealing the stone. (End Chapter 27).

(Commentary Break): This series of events actually began with the birth of Jesus, but take a precipitous turn at the noon hour on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Spiritual Real of the Kingdom of Heaven breaks through to the natural realm for all to see. On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, darkness fell upon all the land, during the middle of the day, from noontime until three p.m., when Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LEMA SABAKTANEI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (End Commentary Break).

The beginning of the Last Days began with the birth of Jesus. The first five seals of the tribulation have been broken from around A.D. 1 through A.D. 95, (see Revelation 6:1-11), and have been overlapping and the effects have been intensifying. These are the harbingers of the coming sixth tribulation seal (see Revelation 6:12-17), which will bring a Great Tribulation such as not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, and never will be again. (see Matthew 24:21).

The next, and final chapter of the Book of Matthew, will put an exclamation point on what had been foretold and has come to pass! Jesus has risen from the dead, conquering death and negating the penalty of sin for all who believe.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 26, The Plot to Kill Jesus, Precious Ointment, Judas, Last Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ Betrayal, Caiaphas, Peter’s Denials.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 28, Jesus in Risen, The Great Commission.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

DEEP WATERS

I would like to wade into some very deep theological waters with you, regarding the Nature and Being or Existence of God. Please.

Reading from GotQuestions.Org we can find that God is,

(1).  HOLY. The most important element of God’s nature is His holiness. Holy means “set apart,” and God is clearly separate from His creation based on His nature and attributes. Holiness is the foundation of all other aspects of God’s character. Revelation 15:4 says of God, “You alone are holy.” Revelation 4:8 describes the four living creatures who sing to God day and night, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” It is God’s holiness that makes Him the “consuming fire” that will judge all sin (Hebrews 12:29). Beautiful doxologies exalting God’s holiness are found throughout Scripture, including Psalm 99:9; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 77:13; Psalm 89:18; Psalm 105:3; and others.

(2).  ETERNAL. It is also important to understand that God is an eternal spirit (John 4:24). He is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) who has always existed as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He does not have a physical body (although the Son became incarnate). A doctrine is false if it denies the Trinity, views God the Father as a man, or denies the humanity and deity of Christ (see 2 John 1:7).

(3).  SOVEREIGN. God is also, by nature, sovereign. He is judged by no one and has absolute authority over the entire universe and everything in it. His sovereignty is expressed in many ways, including His omnipotence. All of His ways are right (Psalm 145:17), and whether mankind believes God’s ways to be “fair” is irrelevant. The Lord God is not constrained by time or place. He has a plan, He has had it from eternity past, and His purpose will be accomplished (Daniel 4:37; Psalm 115:3).

(4).  IMMUTABLE. Another key aspect of God’s nature is His immutability. He does not change, being the same “yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He states outright in Malachi 3:6, “I the LORD do not change.” Because of His unchanging nature, we can depend on His blessings: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

(5).  OMNIPOTENT. The Almighty’s sovereignty speaks to His right to do whatever He wishes, and His omnipotence speaks to His ability to do so. He also knows everything, from eternity past to eternity future, everything we think, do, and say. He has personal knowledge of every person who has ever lived or will live, knowing them intimately in every way. It is encouraging to hear God’s words in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

(6).  RIGHTEOUS. We must not overlook God’s wrath, which flows from His holiness. He has a righteous anger against sin (Psalm 7:11), and, because of God’s impending judgment, mankind needs the gospel message of grace and salvation.

(7).  LOVE. It is also God’s nature to love (1 John 4:16), and in His love for the world, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us (John 3:16). Nothing less than a perfect sacrifice would do. Love is more than an attribute of God; He is literally the essence of love. This is stated clearly in 1 John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” God’s love is eternal. Because He is immutable, His love never changes. His love is perfect and holy.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

Biblestudytools.com tells us that God is

(1). INFINITE. Self-existing, without origin. Jehovah or Yahweh is the most intensely sacred name to Jewish scribes and many will not even pronounce the name. When possible, they use another name.”

(2). IMMUTABLE. He never changes.

(3). SELF-SUFFICIENT. He has no needs.

(4). OMNIPOTENT. He is all powerful.

(5). OMNISCIENT. God is all knowing.

(6). OMNIPRESENT. He is everywhere, all the time.

(7). WISE. He is full of perfect, unchanging wisdom.

(8). FAITHFUL. God is infinitely unchanging and true.

(9). GOOD. God is good all the time.

(10). JUST. Infinitely right, fair and perfect.

(11). MERCIFUL. Infinitely compassionate and kind.

(12). GRACIOUS. Inclined to spare the guilty.

(13). LOVING. Always and forever, He loves us.

(14). HOLY. God is perfect.

(15). GLORIOUS.

Here are some Biblical descriptions that Biblestudytools.com and GotQuestions.org left out:

God is invisible. Romans 1:20.

God is with you in all that you do. Genesis 21:22.

God is not a man, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19.

The LORD your God is the One fighting for you. Deuteronomy 3:22.

God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24.

God is within you. Luke 17:21.

God is near. Luke 21:31.

God is True. John 3:33.

God is Spirit. John 4:24.

God is revealed. Romans 1:17

God is evident. Romans 1:19.

God is for us. Romans 8:31.

God is holy. 1 Corinthians 3:17.

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:3.

God is faithful. 2 Corinthians 1:18.

God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.

God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29.

God is one. James 2:19.

God is light. 1 John 1:5.

DEEPER WATERS

God, Himself, put it most simply and succinctly  when He said, “I AM THAT I AM.” (see Exodus 3:14).

But, What and Who is God, exactly? It is hard to answer that question because, as John 1:18 explains to us, “No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him.” (New American Standard Version).

It is clear that God is undefinable, and we can know Who He is, and that He is describable, but even this is from our weak and finite perspective.

So, I ask again, beyond knowing the attributes and nature of God, is it possible to know What God is? Can we know His Essence? (This is such a revered matter, a holy matter that to the Hebrew Jew, it is impermissible to even utter His Name, as it would be blasphemous to them).

I would like to put forward an idea. And it is just an idea. But it can be considered to be based on what we can and do know about God – but this may be a little ‘out there’, if you will:

Holy Scriptures, the Word and Breath of God tell us “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.”

So, in seeking God, it begins with faith. Furthermore, Scriptures tell us that it is faith that produces belief, and it is through our belief that we can know God exists. A good start, yes?

Furthermore, He tells us that He rewards those who seek Him. So, let’s seek Him.

GOD SAID

 The idea that God has spoken or that God has a voice is mentioned scores of times throughout Scriptures.

Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

The Hebrew word for ‘said’ when associated with God, is ‘amar’, which translates “to utter, say”. This word is found 45 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

Deuteronomy 4:33 says, “Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?”

DEEPER WATERS YET

The Hebrew word for voice when associated with God is ‘qol’, wich translates as “sound, or voice”. This is found two times in the Bible.

In the Abrahamic religions, the voice of God is a communication from God to human beings through sound with no known physical source. In rabbinic Judaism, such a voice was known as a “bat kol”, and was a “heavenly or divine voice which proclaims God’s will or judgment”. It differed from prophecy in that God had a close relationship with the prophet, while the “bat kol” could be heard by any individual or group regardless of their level of connection to God.

According to Pastor Chuck Swindoll, you can’t always tell from Scripture whether God’s voice is audible or “heard” by some other means. When Saul (later Paul) was on the road to Damascus, he heard the voice of the resurrected Jesus talking to him in a vision, and the sound could be heard by his entourage. It was audible. In Genesis 6, God spoke to Noah and gave him specific instructions. We might assume that the voice was audible, that is, he heard spoken words with his ears, but the Lord may have “spoken” to him mind to mind. We don’t know for sure. God’s voice to Daniel sounded like thunder, but centuries earlier to Elijah, He spoke with “a noiseless sound.” In Samuel’s case, God spoke in such a way that Samuel literally heard His voice. He spoke with the voice of a normal Hebrew man so that the boy thought it was Eli calling to him from the other room.

Regardless, when God spoke we do know people heard His voice. At times, God’s voice created an audible sound. And, explained is the very simplest form, it is known through physics, that a voice produces sound, and sound is carried along and measured as sound waves. Sound waves have frequencies of vibration; these frequencies are known as harmonics.

DEEPEST WATERS

When God spoke, audibly or not, He created the cosmos, the worlds, the earth and life! The very elements of the cosmos were created by the creative force of His Voice.

I posit that science is in the process of discovering God and all that God has created. (The great majority of them just do not want to recognize Him or His existence. They want the glory.

However, science recognizes, through disciplines of physics, that a voice produces sound, and that sound is carried along and measured as sound waves. Sound waves have frequencies of vibration; these frequencies are known as harmonics.

In fact, in the 6th century BC, Pythagoras developed the science of harmonics. Legend has it that he was inspired by the sounds emanating from a blacksmith’s shop; producing experimental music with hammers and anvils, Pythagoras realized that the relationship between different musical notes can be expressed in the form of simple mathematical ratios. Pythagoras saw in this a fundamental theory of the universe, and redefined the world, from the motion of celestial bodies to the emotional fluctuations in a human body, as iterations of a kind of cosmic music. More than a millennium later, Johannes Kepler interpreted this musica universalis as proof of Divine splendor, and devoted his career to a description of the geometric and harmonic order of our solar system.

Efforts to chart this celestial harmony can produce strikingly aesthetic images. Kepler’s sketches proved as much in his publications – as does this work by software developer Howard Arrington. Arrington used his own Ensign software to visualize the relationship between pairs of planets, producing a series of intriguing geometric mosaics. Better yet, he shares the program with which he created his images, so that you, too, can capture the music of the cosmos.

Let me be clear that harmonics do not explain or define God. God created all things and harmonics came into being.

God is always speaking. God speaks by the Holy Spirit, through the Bible, through prayer, circumstances and through the Church to reveal Himself, His purposes and His way. This is the nature of God’s voice.

God and His Voice are inseparable. He and His Voice are eternal, omniscient, immutable, and omnipresent. The heavens, (the universe, the cosmos), are speaking and are declaring His Glory.

The heavens were filled with, are filled and shall continue to be filled with the Voice of God. This is the harmonics and the music of the cosmos. This has been the will of God from the beginning.

All things have come into existence by the Will and the Breath and the Word of God.  And, the Bible tells us repeatedly that as Christians we are to know this and do the will of God. This is the key to everything from hearing God’s voice, to following Him, resting in Him finding His protection over our lives, receiving His promises, living in His presence, living and walking in the Spirit of God, to answered prayer.

We must hear and obey His Voice (the harmonics of God) and find live in His Will, which is walking in agreement, as in a symphony, with God!

As James says in Acts 15:14-15, Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. The words of the Prophets agree, (‘sumphóneó’ from the Greek, meaning to agree, to be in harmony, to be of one mind, i.e., I agree with, harmonize with, agree together),  with this, just as it is written.”

Please click this link symphony, and review and study this commentary on this word ‘agree’, as in symphony, from Biblehub.com.

GETTING TO THE BOTTOM

 We are living in the presence of an invisible God. We cannot see Him, and in fact, no has ever seen God. But God sent His Son, as His exact representation so we could know Him.

His presence reaches from before time into infinity. His power is indescribable and undefinable. The sun, moon, the stars in all the cosmos are diminished by His glorious radiance. Yet we are His. He cares for us. He keeps us. God is both within us, and He encompasses us. We are continuously bathed in and by His radiance.

Nonetheless, we can resist Him. We can rebel against Him. We can deny that He is and that He exists, even as we rest and glory in His presence, because He has permitted us the freedom and power of choice. We can choose to acknowledge and submit to Him and be made safe, or we can deny Him and lay claim to our complete annihilation. This is true because He is eternal, and without Him there is nothing. If you are without God, you will have nothing after this life except an eternity alone in a vast darkness, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth.

With all of this in mind, the only real and true benefit from knowing these things about God is to apply what you now know. Choose. Choose to know Him. Choose to become His son or daughter. Choose to stand in His radiance and bathe yourself in His glory. Let His voice, the sound of His voice, the vibrations of His voice and the harmonics of His voice penetrate your mind, soul, spirit and body. Do this purposely. Do this often. Do this continually. Practice the presence of God in your daily life.

KNOW AND DO THE WILL OF GOD – PRACTICE HIS PRESENCE

The Breath and Words of God shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to observe and to do according to all that is spoken; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have insight and achieve success. Has He not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (See Joshua 1:8-9).

He has spoken and says you are to consume His Words, absorb His voice as if they are the flesh of the Son of Man and drink in His presence, His nature, His being and His existence as if it is His blood, and you have life in yourselves.

The one who consumes His Words and Breath as if they are eating His flesh and drinks in His presence as if it is His blood, has eternal life; and He will raise you up on the last day.

For His flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats His ‘flesh’ and drinks His ‘blood’ dwells in and remains in Him, and He in you.

Just as God the Father sent Jesus, and He lives because of the Father, if you consume Jesus and all that HE IS, you also will live because of Him.

Jesus is the bread that came down out of heaven, but not the same bread as the Jewish fathers ate and died; if you eat This Bread, you will live forever. (See John 6:53-58).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  Psalm 1:2 – But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 4:4 – Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

Psalm 27:4 – One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.

Psalm 63:6 – When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,

Psalm 77:6 – I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders:

Psalm 77:12 – I will meditate on all Your work, And on Your deeds with thanksgiving.

Psalm 119:15 – I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.

Psalm 119:23 – Even though rulers sit and speak against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Psalm 119:27 – Make me understand the way of Your precepts, And I will meditate on Your wonders.

Psalm 119:48 – And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.

Psalm 119:78 – May the arrogant be put to shame, because they lead me astray with a lie; But I shall meditate on Your precepts.

Psalm 119:148 – My eyes anticipate the night watches, So that I may meditate on Your word.

Psalm 143:5 – I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your accomplishments; I reflect on the work of Your hands.

Psalm 145:5 – On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

PSS:

1. The quality or state of being relevant; pertinent; applicability.
2. Sufficiency to infer the conclusion.
3. The property or state of being relevant or pertinent.

Many of us are looking for our place in the order of things. We have a desire to be relevant at some level. There are those fortunate few who are content in whatever circumstance they find themselves. But for the rest of us, whether we acknowledge it or not, we are constantly searching for some semblance of relevance, or even, in some small way, a bit of significance.

There are myriads of reasons that people look for relevancy, whether it is for recognition, confirmation, affirmation, the need to feel wanted, appreciated or loved. But the reasons for this are subjects of their own. And I don’t want to delve into why people are that way or how they got there. I want to relate this matter of seeking relevancy to those within the church.

Before I go any further, I will confess that I have been one of those who suffered this malady, and I will tell you from observation, from study and from personal experience, being relevant or receiving recognition, confirmation, affirmation, the need to feel wanted, appreciated or loved does not satisfy this craving. It only stokes the fires of passion within. And unless this is properly dealt with, for the unfortunate, it can go from a need to a craving and for many it can turn into the psychosis of narcissism.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favors or admiration that they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other people may not enjoy being around them. This is a truly serious matter and can have devastating effects, especially in the church.

It can be seen in those who crave positions within the church for visibility, individuality or influence, and recognition for admiration. Some common traits of people with narcissistic behavior that you may be able to spot are:

1. A Sense of Entitlement

A common sign of people with narcissism is the belief that their opinions are superior to others and deserve special recognition. They believe that others should be accepting and more obedient to their views and wishes, and that all the rules don’t necessarily apply to them.

2. Manipulative Behavior

Another common trait of narcissism is manipulative or controlling behavior. A narcissist will at first try to please you and impress you, but eventually, their own needs will always come first.

When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance in order to maintain control. They may even exploit others to gain something for themselves.

3. Need for Admiration

One of the most common signs of a narcissist is a constant need for praise or admiration. People with this behavior need to feel validation from others and often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition. They also like to feel appreciated in order to boost their ego.

In the church, this is manifested in their superiority of Spiritual abilities, Spiritual gifting and leadership skills and accomplishments.

4. Lack of Empathy

Lack of empathy is another sign of narcissism. This means that the narcissist is unwilling or unable to empathize with the needs, wants, or feelings of other people. They prefer to be in charge without collaborative groups. This also makes it difficult for them to take responsibility for their own behavior.

5. Spiritual Superiority or Arrogance

People with narcissistic behavior already see themselves or their opinions as superior to others, so they may become curt, rude or abusive when they don’t receive the treatment or recognition they think they deserve. While they hold themselves superior, they may speak or act rudely toward those that they deem as holding faulty views or are spiritually inferior.

Other signs include:

• A sense of self-importance, exaggerating their achievements and talents.
• A preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, or brilliance.
• A belief that they’re more special or unique in particular areas than others and should only seek out other high-status people for associations.
• Envy of others or the belief that others are envious of them.
• Insisting they have the best views of everything.
• Feeling they deserve certain privileges and treatment.

This is sometimes seen in the leadership of a church. But it is particularly dangerous when it comes from the pulpit or from the pastor. This type of narcissism is sometimes considered as spiritual abuse.

Sometime misnamed as “visionary”,  “a controlling personality” or a “strict leadership”, narcissism is a psychosis and is usually well hidden behind what seem to be good intentions by the perpetrator.

Spiritual abuse is when a spiritual leader, such as a pastor, uses their power and influence to manipulate and control people.  A spiritual abuser is not concerned with promoting the well-being of those he serves. Rather, he’s only interested in how people can further his plans and agenda.

Few things cause Christians to become disillusioned more than being ripped to pieces by spiritual abuse in the church. Few things do more to sully the name of Jesus more than abusive spiritual leaders.

There are few things more dangerous to a church than a pastor who is extraordinarily endowed on the gifting side and extraordinarily deficient on the character side. That guy is a decaying tie rod waiting to break. The progress can be impressive until the character collapses.

Here are six bright red warning signs of spiritual abuse.

1. He surrounds himself with “yes” people.
2. Critics are isolated.
3. Loyalty is prized over diversity.
4. Refusing accountability.
5. Leading by force of personality.
6. Refusing to believe anything is wrong.

There are ways to cope with a narcissistic person whom you cannot avoid, like a close family member or a work associate. But within the church, it becomes difficult to improbable. If you try to avoid a narcissist in a close community, like a church, they will seek you out to correct you publicly, by any and all means necessary. So, avoidance rarely works there. In these situations, if you are confronted by a narcissistic person, be polite, do not engage in conversation, just move along. They will eventually move on to someone else.

If it is a pastor in the church, you probably should find another church. Your church is suffering from a psychosis.

You cannot “fix” a narcissist. DO NOT TRY. Don’t condemn them. Don’t argue with them. Don’t try to befriend them to win them over. Do not try to socialize with them. Do not talk about them.

Do pray for them, privately. Do love them from afar. Do be polite to them. Do keep your distance.

If you have been negatively affected by someone like this, feeling of betrayal, disappointment, hurt, anger, sorrow and distrust are normal, but you must get healing and move past them. If you do not, the effects will continue to wear you down.

1. Pray to God for relief and wisdom.
2. It is natural to grieve. But, it is also natural to get past this stage and end it.
3. Seek Counselling.
4. Find a confidant who does not know the offending parties or the church.
5. Forgive as you are able.

If you find any of the traits mentioned in your own life, here is what you can do.

1. Begin to pray honestly to God for wisdom.
2. Get counselling.
3. Deliberately avoid seeking any position or opportunity for recognition or praise.
4. Find, study and memorize Bible verses about servanthood of the believer.
5. Go to a confidant or your pastor and talk about your concerns.
6. Trust God. He has this and He has you.

Having done these things, you have taken the step necessary to putting Jesus back on the throne of your life. I know it is much easier to give this advice than it is to do these things. But you can and you will.

“Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond servant.”

Your Brother and friend,

Mike Young

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous

This is a Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away. David was on the run. He was a fugitive from Saul and could find no refuge. David went into a cave at Adullam where many desperate men joined him, and he wrote this psalm and sung it in the presence of those men.

(The structure of this psalm is acrostic, the purpose of which serves to encourage learning and memorization.)

When you find yourself feeling like a fugitive in this life, emotionally or mentally on the run, pressed on every side by troubles and unable to find refuge or rest, and hiding away. Then sing this song aloud. Sing it as if nobody is watching!

Psalms 34:15-19

(New American Standard Version)

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous,

And His ears are toward their cry for help.

The face of the LORD is against evildoers,

To eliminate the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears

And rescues them from all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The afflictions of the righteous are many,

But the LORD rescues him from them all.

Embrace His Word. Let it live in you, and you in it!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PSALMS 34:15-19

(Personalized – with Hebrew Translations for Keywords)

The eyes of the LORD are toward me, And His ears are open to my cry.

The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

When I cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues me from all my distress and troubles.

The LORD is near to me when I am heartbroken, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront me, but the LORD rescues me from them all.

Amen.

HUNDREDS OF TIMES

What is really driving American and Global politics?

I have spoken, and I have written, hundreds of times, about what is REALLY the ‘hidden-in-plain-sight’ driving force behind much of Global politics and the politics of the American Democrat Party. This may seem simplistic to some, conspiratorial to others, but my prayer is that an important few will get it and will share and tell others.

If you can get this, and view all Global politics within this framework, you will be amazed how it all makes sense, now. You should also be amazed at the clear and frightening picture that will emerge.

Sadly, most rank-and-file democrat voters have no clue as to what is coming upon them if the Dems continue to have their way, and I see no reason they won’t.

The rank-and-file Democrat voter, as I call them, are not particularly stupid. Quite the contrary. Many democrat voters have a college degree.

Around two-thirds of registered voters in the U.S. (65%) do not have a college degree, while 36% do. But the share of voters with a college degree has risen substantially since 1996, when 24% had one.

Voters who identify with the Democratic Party or lean toward it are much more likely than their Republican counterparts to have a college degree (41% vs. 30%).(see Pew Research).

But, a college degree doesn’t make a person particularly smart, either. They may have knowledge or information about a particular subject they studied in college, but considering their overall I Q or from observing their day-to-day lives, I have to say they are neither intelligent, smart nor wise, and they aren’t particularly well-informed on facts. Most of what I have observed and studies show, they accept without question and firmly believe the Democrat party’s public talking points.

I can say pretty much, the same thing about Republican voters, though, and that is a shame.

There is one major difference between Republican and Democrat voters, however. Republicans vote, largely, based on current information they can glean from the media, coupled with the past experiences of any given politician. Democrats vote Democrat, no matter what the case or record. But I digress. Let me get back on point.

(If you don’t get this, then you may well continue to vote based on what the media is telling you and your past observations and experiences with certain politicians; and the world will continue to spiral into chaos.)

What is really driving American and Global politics? Globalism.

The term ‘Globalism’, like so many words used by the political left, has been assigned a new meaning. Let me explain by starting with the idea that Globalism can have multiple meanings.

In political science, it is used to describe “attempts to understand all of the interconnections of the modern world, and to highlight patterns that underlie (and explain) them”.

While primarily associated with world-systems, it can be used to describe other global trends.

The concept of globalism is also classically used to focus on ideologies of globalization. It has been proposed as 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 (C,.S.D.) was created in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of U.N.C.E.D. 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.

This last example is the ideology being presented by these Globalists to mask the methods of their objectives. Since most of the leaders in the United Nations’ Globalist movement identify as Socialists, Marxists, Communists, Leninists and the like, it should be no surprise that their methods, in the end, will be heavy handed, despotic and dictatorial.

In fact, The Commission on Global Governance has publicly stated that when their Agenda-21 plan is fully implemented, “it will bring all the people of the world into a global neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy, under the direct authority of a minute handful of appointed individuals, and policed by thousands of individuals, paid by accredited NGOs, certified to support a belief system which contains ideas that are foreign to the American experience, and ignores other values and ideas that are precious to the American experience.” (see OUR GLOBAL NEIGHBORHOOD, Report of the Commission on Global Governance

(ISBN 0-19-827998-1; Published by Oxford University Press, 1995)

They have assigned the idea that Globalism is simply a ‘world community’, as their raison d’être, which is their ‘branding’ and cover story. They say they are simply on a quest to make the planet a more equitable and safer place to live. (And this is coming from the minds and mouths of Communist-Marxists who have a legendary history of threats, coercion, torture, imprisonment, gulags, and death camps for those who resist their demands.)

However, their Agenda-21, now renamed as Agenda-2030 which matches the year they say that they will have achieved their goals of global ‘sustainable development’, another code-word for Global domination through a One World Government  – which they benignly call ‘a global neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy, under the direct authority of a minute handful of appointed individuals, and policed by thousands of individuals, paid by accredited NGOs’.

Today, the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (U,N,D,E,S,A,) provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues, including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science and technology, the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing States. DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of U.N systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030 Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all stakeholders to implement the global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.

If you, like me, are a simple-thinker, and need visual aids, please watch this short videos produced by the World Economic Forum, a major player and proponent of Agenda -2030, Global Sustainable Development, and the Globalist Movement. It is at least honest enough to tell you that when their plan is completed, ‘you will own NOTHING, and be happy about it’!

You have probably already heard enough. But, if you have it in you, let me tell you where this trend and movement began. It should either chill you or make you shake your head in disbelief.

The term Globalism is now more frequently being used pejoratively by Conservatives and Christians to refer to a New World Order.  This has its roots in Bible prophecy. But because of the time and attention span required, and the space needed to go into any depth, let me offer these weblink that will help start this prophetic journey which is being played out with frightening accuracy.

1. Globalism and the Tower of Babel
2. Now You Know

And, there you have it – or at least part of it.

Pray and Stay! Pray to God for wisdom and safety, and stay on the alert. Jesus is coming, soon!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Related articles:

NEWS FLASH …. THIS IS FOR REAL! – RE-EDUCATION CAMPS BY THE GLOBALISTS-LEFTISTS

FOREIGN TO AND IGNORES IDEAS PRECIOUS TO THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

GLOBALISM AND THE TOWER OF BABEL

THE GLOBAL MARCH TO MARXISM

ADAM’S RIB – THE ALPHA

Where it all started – for all of humankind

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

“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh thereof;” Genesis 2:22.

RIB:  from Strong’s Concordance:  #6763, from the Hebrew word, tsela.

Definition: rib, side. Is also used as: a beam, a board, a chamber, a corner, a leaf, a plank, side chamber.

SECONDLY, and more amazing, is how much more fully we can understand these verses by way of the Hebrew language:

So, let’s look at these following verses and select words, from the Hebrew Language:

“Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being”. Genesis 2:7.

Now let’s see and better understand these select words, from the Hebrew Language: Then the LORD God (El-oh-heem, which is in the plural), formed man (which is the Hebrew word, adam, and means, rubbed red – imagine an image of a newborn baby) of dust from the ground, and, (God) breathed, (which is the word naphach in Hebrew, and means to seethe, and to give up life) the man’s, nostrils (which is the Hebrew word, aph, which reflects an angry facial expression while breathing hard. This tells us that God gave up something extraordinary in this act. He gave up part of Himself to His creation!) the breath of life; and man became a living, (from the Hebrew word, nephesh, which translates as a soul, a self, a living person; a person with an appetite, a mind, with desires, emotions, passions, but with dubious activity of mind, will, and character).

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;”

In the image, (which is the Hebrew word, tselem, which translates as a mere, empty, image, a resemblance, but not identical ; a vain showing; the word tselem comes from an unused root Hebrew word meaning to shade; as a phantom, i.e., an illusion; hence, simply a representative figure, of dubious character.)

Recap What We Have Seen

God, used in plural, representing God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, created, shaped and formed mankind.

God created mankind ‘in His Own image’ but, as a mere image of Himself; a vain showing and just a shadow of the Original; an image, an icon, or a phantom pattern; an illusion or a mere resemblance of the original; and a being of a dubious nature.

(God has deliberately made man and woman with a flaw, and has destined them to fail.)

• • God, has always existed and He is eternal.
  • He is the creator of life.
  • He creates with purpose and on purpose.
  • This creation has all the imagery of childbirth: ruddy, squeezed, passionate, violent, painful, raw and costly.
  • A being of passion with a wild nature and base appetites is created. Mankind is created with flaws, destined to fail, condemned to death and separation of God.
  • But God also made humankind with the greatest potential, being made in His image.
  • Then God provided a Savior – Jesus Christ, to redeem all who would believe on His Name – and the potential God put into humankind would be realized.

The Book of Genesis tells us of THE ALPHA

• The creation of humankind.
• The corruption of humankind
• The destruction of humankind
• The salvation of humankind
• A time which is coming when all the heavens and earth will be judged for humankind’s corruption and those who have not called on the name of Jesus will perish, but those who call in the name of Jesus will be saved.

Revelation 21:1, ”Then, I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Verse 2. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Verse 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, verse 4, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Verse 5. And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

Revelation 22:1, And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, verse 2, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Verse 3. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; Verse 4, they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Verse 5. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever.

The Book of The Revelation tells us of THE OMEGA

• A remarkable time that is coming when God will create a new heaven and a new earth,
  • And His Elect will dwell with Him forever.
  • At that time there will be no more tears, no more death, there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain.
  • At that time a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, will flow from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And on either side of the river there is the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month;
    • And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
    • There will no longer be any curse;
    • And the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it.
    • And His name will be on the foreheads of His servants.
    • And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them;
    • And they will reign forever and ever.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

ADAM’S RIB – The Alpha (video format)

Adam’s Rib, a very short video, is an encouraging overview of scriptures from Alpha to the Omega. A look at this panorama, using brief insights into the Hebrew language to give us deep insights into God’s Plan and perfecting of His Creation.

RIGHTING THE WORLD – TO UPSIDE DOWN

It was said that

“Paul and Silas have turned the world upside down”

(Acts 17 :6)

– Introduction –

The Bible, is unity in diversity, expressing its unique message in a rich variety of literary forms. The literature of the Bible is an aesthetically beautiful interpretation of human experience from a divine perspective. The literary forms found in the pages of Scripture, including figurative language, narrative history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic literature, gospel, oratory, and epistle.

The mystery of the Oracles of the Bible are hidden in plain sight, woven into parables, allegories, similes, riddles and symbols and poetry. Bible.org series page 4 – literary forms bible ).

Matthew 13:44, tells us that “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  The “Kingdom of Heaven” is the Miracle, the “field” is the Scriptures, and the “Treasure” is Key to all the miracles of God.

Throughout The Scriptures, we find the immutable and prophetic Words of God hidden in His Field.

One of the treasures to be found are Miracles. Miracles have always been sought after. Although, there are those who consider miracles little more than coincidences, and others simply doubt. Nonetheless, the idea of miracles have a powerful allure.

The word ‘miracle’ in the Old Testament Hebrew, is ‘mopheth’, pronounced, ‘mo-faith’; it is defined as a sign, wonder, a miracle; by implication, a token or omen.

The New Testament, word for miracle (usually rendered as a ‘sign’), in the Greek language is the word, ‘sémeion’, meaning a miracle, a sign, a token, or a wonder.

Oddly, the word miracle, or the plural – miracles – is used only thirty-seven times in the entire Bible. (The King James Version).

This could be attributed to the fact that God, His creation, the heavens, the earth, all the cosmos, are, of themselves, miraculous.

Separating miracles or the miraculous from the standard or the context of God, would be like running down a rabbit hole in pursuit of what has always been right in front of you.

A task, such as pursuing miracles, can be an amusing or entertaining pursuit, but miracles are only a part of a grander scheme! Creation and life, alike, are the stuff of the miraculous.

If you are a Christian, following and believing Jesus for who and what He is, then, for you to perform or create a miracle would be superfluous. You should be living the miraculous. You are standing before and in the midst of the miraculous. That is, unless you are not.

If you read a verse like John 15:7,  which says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”, and you might say something like, ‘Yes, but it doesn’t mean you can really ask for “anything” ‘. The plain language of this verse says “ask WHATEVER you wish”. Just believe in Him – Ask “Whatever you wish in His Name” – He will do it. (Then, why doesn’t IT happen, “all the time”?)

Read the entire Guide. Do all of it. Try, try again! It will happen.

John 14:12  “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Verse 13. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Verse 14. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

In this pursuit, I will present “25 simple keys” to realizing God’s Miracles for your life beginning with a riddle and a clue: It is not what you pursue, nor what you can do. It is whose you are that determines how far.)

INDEX

25 KEYS TO MIRACLES

CHAPTER 1.  By Whose Authority?

Matthew 21:23

The chief priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”

CHAPTER 2. The Key of Clean Hands & A Pure Heart

Psalms 24:3

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

(Key #1) The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,

(Key #2) who does not trust in an idol

(Key #3) or does not swear by a false god.

Verse 5. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.

CHAPTER 3. The Key Of The Vine.

John 15:4

(Key #6). If you abide in Me, and

(6 a). My words abide in you,

(6 b). Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Verse 8. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Verse 9. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.”

Key #7). If you keep My commandments,

(7 a). You will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

Verse 11. “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

CHAPTER 4.  The Key Of The Mustard Seed

Matthew 7:20 “And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you,

(Key #8) if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,

(#8a) You will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

(#8b) “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

 CHAPTER 5.   The Key Of The Mountain

Mark 11:22

And Jesus answered, saying to them,

(Key #11) All things for which you pray and

(11 a). Ask,

(11 b). Believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.

(Key #12) “Whenever you stand praying,

(Key #13) Forgive,

(If you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”)

CHAPTER 6. The Key Of Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Matthew 7:1

(Key#15). Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Key #16). Ask, and it will be given to you;

(Key #17) seek, and you will find;

(Key #18) knock, and it will be opened to you.

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Verse 9. “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Verse 10. “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? Verse 11. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

(Key #19) “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

CHAPTER 7. The Key of Works

John 14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

(Key #20). Believe Me

(Key #21) I am in the Father and

(Key #22) The Father is in Me; otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

(Key #23). Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

 (Key #24). Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

(Key #25) If you love Me, you will keep My commandments

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (coming soon). Chapter 1. By What Authority

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

A BAND OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS

I love my Catholic friends. Many of my Catholic friends, often venerate and deify some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.

I love my Protestant friends. Many of my Protestant friends, often esteem and think very highly of some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.

I love my Pentecostal friends. Many of my Pentecostal friends, often adore and put on a pedestal, some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.

I love my Charismatic friends. Many of my Charismatic friends often idolize and hold in awe, some among themselves and others in the church, in addition to God.

Is this just more of the ‘good intentions’ but, in reality, worldly attitudes and behaviors among Christians and among those in the church?

Jesus and His disciples were friends and a band of brothers and sisters.

There is nothing in the world like it!

Let’s Be like Christ

If we are to get anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do yourself and others a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; Don’t try to rule over others; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross”. (Philippians 2, verses 3 through 8.)

“I call you my friends; my brothers and sisters. Follow Me!” – The Words of Jesus to you and to me.

Please. Let’s all be like Jesus; especially you, who are ‘the important ones’ among us.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: I am working on this in my own life, because I need too. Please, let’s pray for one another as He conforms us to His image.

SHOULD I BEWARE OF THESE THINGS?

ROMAN CATHOLICISM          BABYLON                           FREE MASONRY

THE TOWER OF BABEL         THE POPE                          IMAGES of MARY

RELIGIOUS MYSTICISM         OCCULTISM                       THE ILLUMINATI

ASTROLOGY                             JESUITS                              EUROPEAN UNION

THE UNITED NATIONS          PHILOSOPHY                     WORLD WARS 1 AND 2

THE CLIMATE                          GLOBAL FINANCE            THEOSOPHY

MORMONISM                           JEHOVAH WITNESS         THE MEDIA

POP CULTURE                          T.V. and MOVIES               HARRY POTTER

POPULATION CONTROL       HOLIDAYS                           EMERGENT CHURCH

HOMOSEXUALITY                  TRANSGENDERISM          SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

All of these listed subjects, the people and places are addressed, in one way or another, in the Bible, and they are being used to wage the age-old cultural and spiritual war of Good versus Evil; or more correctly stated, God versus the devil.

All the subjects, people and places listed are either being used by or are the manifestation of the evils of Paganism, Secularism, Gnosticism and Satanism. They are, in of themselves, prone to evil, which is just another way of saying that they are being used by the spirit of the antichrist, which is now present among us. (see 1^st John, chapter four, verse 3).

They are being used by ‘the enemies of Christ’ to blur the message of what is right and just; transforming and calling what is good as being evil and what is evil, as being good. (see Isaiah 5, verse 20). It is a counterfeit of the Gospel – the Good News – of Jesus; and millions have been, and are being, deceived.

Why am I pointing this out? It is because more and more, Christians are coming to accept these things, at the least as alternative viewpoints, and at worst, acceptable alternative lifestyles, whether they approve of them or not. More and more Christians are seeing the manifest evils in this world in various shades of gray.

The Bible, in stark contrast, is a Book of ‘black and white’, or as the Bible itself puts it, of “Light and Darkness”. There is no variance or shadow of turning in the Bible.

According to the Bible, the outcomes of these subjects, people and places, are not only unacceptable, but are in rebellion toward and are the enemies of Christ. God clearly states that the day is coming, and is now at hand, that all these things will be judged by the standard of the Holiness of God, and any not found in submission to Jesus Christ, will be found lacking and sentenced to oblivion on that day.

Do you agree or disagree? This is important for you. If you even slightly disagree, (a shade or a shadow or a degree of turning), perhaps it is because you identify with this world’s view. Perhaps you are becoming indistinguishable from this world?

I recently heard a comment by a Christian, stating that he disagrees with the recent Hamas slaughter of Jews and the ensuing anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic riots and the hostile and violent threats against American Jews and American Jewish students at scores of American universities. But at a recent neighborhood get-together, when the subject came up and several people spoke out in favor of this violence, murder and terrorism on American campuses, he did not want to state his beliefs for fear of alienation. He just wanted to “fit in”.

On another occasion, a Christian couple did not want to leave their church when the teaching had veered from Christianity and had begun to embrace obvious and blatant anti-Christian views because ‘they had too many friends there’ and wanted to “fit in”. Imagine that: A Christian wanting to fit in with the world.

One last example is that several Christian friends follow and recommend a self-proclaimed prophet, Dutch Sheets. Sheets, who either unwittingly, ignorantly or foolishly, began to attend meetings with a ‘Charismatic style’  preacher, Todd Bentley. Bentley, who, earlier in his life, had been convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy. Later in his ministry, he was found to be having extra-marital affairs, and in his ‘ministry engagements’, began espousing heretical teachings and had become abusive toward some attendees of his so-called revival meetings, punching them, as a way of showing off his power, one can only suppose.

The problem with Dutch Sheets ‘mistakes and missteps’ is that by the very self-appointed title of being a prophet, Sheets should have known by Devine prophetic knowledge, that Bentley was a fraud. (He could at the very least done some natural, due diligence on Bentley’s background.)

Sheets associations, missteps and mistakes also include his association with the New Apostolic Reformation, and the ‘Dominionism’ movement, Sheets is considered as a Charismatic, has affiliations to the Word of Faith movement, has been part of and participated in the heresy of the Lakeland Church movement associated with heretic apostate Todd Bentley and with practices of Kundalini Spirit worship (video link 1 and video link 2), which Sheets says he has ‘repented from’ and admitted his errors on that one count. Sheets was also part of the Brownsville Revival also known as the Pensacola Outpouring which was later exposed by various news sources as fraught with misinformation, deceit, controversy and alleged fraud of Dutch Sheet preaching at Brownsville.

I have to ask why would these professing Christians follow and recommend such a character as Dutch Sheets – whether he is truly repentant or not? Could it be that some of Sheet’s teachings agree to some of what these Christians believe? Or could it be that they satisfy some of what they would like to believe? It fits in with how the world of Paganism thinks, doesn’t it? Just imagine!

Have you not read where the Apostle, James, asks “Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God?” (James 4 verse 4).

Use discernment. Be Berean. Don’t just imagine!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try
No hell below us, Above us only sky

Imagine all the people, Living for today

Imagine there are no countries, It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too

Imagine all the people, Living life in peace

You may say that I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people, Sharing all the world

You may say that I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will live as one