WE MAY NOT AGREE ON WHEN OR HOW – WE DO AGREE ON WHAT – JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!

CREATION  –  THE FALL  –  SIN  –  DEATH  –  REDEMPTION  –  TRIBULATIONS  –  THE DAY OF WRATH  –  JUDGMENT  –  BOOK OF LIFE  –  LAKE OF FIRE  –  A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH.

One of the prevalent eschatological teaching (study on the matters of the end of the age) is the Pre-tribulation Rapture and Premillennialism. It was originated by John Nelson Darby in 1833. Darby is considered to be the father of modern Dispensationalism and Futurism. Pre-tribulation rapture theology was popularized extensively in the 1830s by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethren, and further popularized in the United States in the early 20th century by the wide circulation of the Schofield Reference Bible.

Other eschatological views include:

Preterism (1554–1613)

Historicism (mid 1500s)

Futurism (mid 1500s)

From these views spring major theological positions of

Premillennialism,

Pretribulation Rapture,

Mid-tribulation Rapture,

Post-tribulation Rapture,

Postmillennialism,

Amillennialism, and the

Pre-Wrath Tribulation Rapture.

Because there are a myriad of Church denominational and doctrinal positions, it is understandable that so many differing eschatological views have emerged.

But, with the passage of time, historical events and particularly religious, social, economic, and political developments are revealing the frightening accuracies and the realities of Biblical prophecies which are coming to life and are bringing Biblical prophecies into focus. A reassessment is under way.

In the meantime, however, most theologians and Bible teachers doggedly adhere to their seventeenth century, long-held denominational-based views of Biblical eschatology, despite the clarity of the scriptures when viewed outside denominational bias and when examining the emerging evidence to the contrary.

Other examples are of those who call themselves Bible teachers or theologians who teach and claim that all Biblical eschatology is metaphorical, and idiomatic, analogical or parables used to explain natural events and their outcomes. This puts Jesus and His Teachings in the category of fantasies, fairytales and lies – although the Bible clearly warns otherwise.

Some other so-called teachers have been teaching that is no literal 2^nd coming of Christ although, again, the Bible clearly and plainly teaches otherwise.

Others teach there will be a 2^nd advent of Christ, however, they would have you believe that the second coming will be ‘in secret’, and that Jesus’ visible and actual 2^nd coming will not occur until the battles of Armageddon.

And if that isn’t enough, others teach that there will be BOTH a visible 2^nd coming as described in Matthew chapter 24, and a visible 3^rd advent (coming) of Christ when He will defeat Satan at the battle of Armageddon.  And, things get even more convoluted when it comes to the various denominational doctrines of The Millennium.

Most of these same preachers, pastors and ‘bible teachers’ will tell you that the entire tribulation period is a yet-to-be experienced, future event, putting you at ease when Jesus clearly teaches the very opposite thing. Jesus warns that you must be on the alert, standing at the ready at all times, during “these last days”! (See Matthew 24:36-44)

Many are well-intentioned, dedicated Christians and devoted students of the Bible and of eschatology. So what are we to think? How are we to know?

There is one thing in the five major views which we all agree on:  Jesus is coming again to get His Church and to defeat Satan, the beast, and to judge the living and the dead.

If you are alive when the sixth tribulation seal is opened, one of two things will happen to you:

(1). If you are counted among His Elect (A Christian and a devoted follower of Jesus):  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet-call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

(2). If you are not counted among His Elect (Not a Christian and a devoted follower of Jesus):  “There will be a great earthquake, and the sun will become black as sackcloth, the full moon will become like blood, and the stars of the sky will fall to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. Then the sky will vanish like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island will be removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, (including you) will hide themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Furthermore, if you are not killed by these events, you stand to face even greater and more terrible events of God’s judgments spanning a seven-year period!)

If you are not alive when the sixth tribulation seal is opened, one of two things will happen to you:

(1). The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. And we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

(2). The sea will give up the dead who are in it (who are not in Christ), and Death and Hades will give up the dead who were in them (who are not in Christ), and they are judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, they too are thrown into the lake of fire.

You have absolutely no control over the sequence of events, nor over any of the events themselves.  But you do have control over your preparation for what is coming.

PREPARE NOW

Surrender yourself to God through faith in Jesus. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (See Romans 10).

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his great mercy, will cause you to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (See 1 Peter 1).

Who then is the faithful and wise servant of God? It is the one whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (See Matthew 24).

IN THE END

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

“And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.“

If you never know the different denominational tribulation views and have no clue about the coming millennium, (over which you have no control), these things I have mentioned are all you need to know to be saved – “sozo” – made safe, rescued from eternal harm, made whole and made well this very day.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Millennial Views by The Gospel Coalition – an excellent resource).

WHEN DOES “FREEDOM” LEAD TO CAPTIVITY AND SLAVERY?

Freedom vs Anarchy?

Increasingly, you hear people say, “You can’t tell me what to do. I’ll live my life the way I want!” This kind of remark used to be recited mostly by the young and foolish or the older renegade types who were disobedient to parents and authority or liked living outside the restraints of civil society. But no more.

Today this has become the all-too-frequent battle cry of our youth being trained by the Left’s Marxist-Leninist agenda by the extreme and progressive left – which, incidentally, makes up about 28% of our society. However, when it comes to voting numbers, about 51% of registered voters lean left. What is more troubling is that when voters VOTE for Leftist, progressive and radical extremist issues, they are unwittingly (or wittingly) being played. The LEFT then employs three important strategies to capitalize on the manipulated voter and their support.

#1. A large number of those voting for the Left, are “one issue voters”. They vote for the one thing they want (i.e., “I’ll live my life the way I want – and I want abortion-on-demand, or free healthcare, or more social handouts, etc.), and ignore (or are ignorant) of important issues and ideologies included in the Left’s platform. Another way of saying is that ‘they sell their birthright for a bowl of pottage’.

#2. So, the pols and strategists aggressively promote the in-demand and various ‘one issue’ or hot button topics, and minimize the advertising of more onerous or radical agenda issues. Thereby, the Left gets the vote and then implements their full radical agenda.

It seemed to have started as a defiant, in-your-face challenge to authority and tradition, which incidentally, has been taught by the Leftists in our schools for the last fifty or so years. It is now the prevalent attitude of about forty percent of registered American voters.

#3. We now live in a ‘Wikipedia society’ — where anyone can change the meaning of a word to satisfy some misguided or politically correct social engineering goal.

Leftists, Progressive radicals have become masters of vocabulary manipulation and are constantly changing the traditional meaning of words to fit their political agenda.

Socio-political Left has co-opted the meaning of words to deceive the uninformed, uneducated and apathetic public. This is not a new concept and it has been in practice for decades. It has, however, become a more prominent tactic of the political Left in recent years.

In the 1990s, President Clinton famously defended his conduct with Monica Lewinsky by stating, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is”. I think most people who completed high school English commonly understood the definition of the word to be the third-person singular present tense of the English language verb “to be.” Its meaning was clear to everyone except Democrats.

Liberals have hijacked many words. For example, the word gay originally meant feelings of being “carefree,” “happy” or “bright and showy.” Now, the most commonly accepted use of the word gay primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual.

The term illegal immigration is no longer politically acceptable because it might reflect negatively upon some poor, misunderstood “migrant” who entered the United States illegally seeking a better life. The liberal left now identifies them as undocumented immigrants, and sometimes called unregistered Democrats.

Recently, Congresswoman Lois Capps, D-Calif., along with more than two dozen Democrats have come together and proposed legislation to remove the words “husband” and “wife” from federal law. The leftists want to replace them with more “gender-neutral” terms like married couple, spouse, or some other non-offensive term. The current social engineering requires leftists to continually change public perception of reality. Same-sex marriages are relatively rare, so they need new terminology to make it seem not-so-rare and socially unnoticeable.

A common language, with commonly accepted and understood words, are a reflection of unity, cooperation and the mores of a society. It creates stability. Commonly understood words not only give definition but carry images of legacies, thoughts and ideas of how things should be.

The lack of stability undermines the very foundation of a stable, moral and civil society. Disrupting the status quo is the aim and goal of progressive Democrats because without conflict or turmoil, they cannot advance their drive to a Paganistic, amoral and socialist society.

In the words of Vladimir Lenin:

• “We can and must write in a language which sows among the masses hate, revulsion, and scorn toward those who disagree with us. “
• “The press should be not only a collective propagandist and a collective agitator, but also a collective organizer of the masses. “
• “Give me your four-year-olds, and in a generation I will build a socialist state. “

In the words of Karl Marx:

• If you can cut the people off from their history, then they can be easily persuaded.” (Revision and redefinition of language, revision of text books, historical data, historical sites.)

The Globalists and Marxists cry “Freedom” from God. Freedom from capitalism, Freedom from social restrictions. Freedom from the slavery and drudgery of hard work. But the alternative is a dungeon of poverty, sickness and want.

History has shown us that Godless Marxism, and all of its variant forms, has always exacted its toll in death and destruction of life and means. It inexorably leads to captivity, slavery of the masses under an elitist, brutal and murderous task master. Always!

FROM A HIGHER PERSPECTIVE

Difficult Times Will Come. (2 Timothy 3:1-9, Amplified version.)

“But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come, [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. (This is a narcissistic society of evildoing, lawlessness, chaos and anarchy.)

(NOTE: Many so-called ‘pastors’ love the moniker but avoid and neglect the work and calling of a Biblical pastor. They are not called of God. You know them by their fruit. The above remarks in 2 Timothy aptly describe the new-age of pastor-CEO, pastor-visionary, pastor-leader, pastor-etc., etc., etc.)

“Avoid such people and keep far away from them. For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate morally weak and spiritually-dwarfed women weighed down by [the burden of their] sins, easily swayed by various impulses, always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

(NOTE:  The term “morally weak and spiritually-dwarfed women” as it is used here, may seem to be specifically aimed at women and to the exclusion of men. That is incorrect. This description is anachronistic. It must be understood in the social context of that day. Women, in general were considered to be second class members of society when these verses were written. Women’s lives and value were defined almost solely in relation to men: their fathers and husbands. This description is being used contemptuously to define anyone, and specifically a man who would be considered to behave in such a way. (It could be said, in a contemporary and derogatory way, “he acts just like a silly old woman” or “he is such a Nancy”.)

“Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith. But they will not get very far, for their meaningless nonsense and ignorance will become obvious to everyone, as was that of Jannes and Jambres.”

Dear Friends, as for us, let’s continue in the things that we have learned and of which we are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them, that being God, the Bible and the Holy Spirit, and how we know the sacred writings (Scriptures) which are able to give us the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness].

Let’s remember that all Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately–behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man, woman, boy or girl of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Let’s stand firm in these (last) days! His return is near.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]. Galatians 5:1.

WHY THE HATRED FOR JEWS?

What is the reason for anti-Semitism?

Besides the normal tensions that exist between different cultures and governments and discounting petty national jealousies, what causes long-running international hatred for Israel and Jews?

One can read current headlines and see what reasons are being given for the current day or even for this 21st century. But this problem of Jew-hating goes back for centuries.

Rabbi Benjamin Blech, professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University in New York, says, “It is the Jews’ acceptance of a higher law of morality and ethics that is responsible for the world’s enmity.

“Jews were the first to preach the message of the Ten Commandments, that worship of God includes the second tablet of respect for fellow mankind. As the mother religion of both Christianity and Islam, Judaism pioneered the ideal of the holy and the human need for acting in accord with divine law. But anti-Semitism stands in opposition to the very idea of civilization. It detests Jews because it acknowledges that Jews are the conscience of humanity and the lawgivers of ethical and moral behavior.

“Amazingly enough, Adolf Hitler dared to verbalize it as justification for his plan for genocide of the Jewish people: “Conscience is a Jewish invention like circumcision. My task is to free men from the dirty and degrading ideas of conscience and morality.

“As Jews prepare to celebrate the reception of the Ten Commandments, anti-Semitism ought to be viewed as a badge of honor. Jews are hated not because they are bad, but because they persist in reminding the world of what it means to be good. Anti-Semitism is nothing less than a visceral reaction to the cry of a guilty conscience.”

I believe there are two other and deeper reason for this type of genocidal pathology that infects so many minds around the world.

Reason #2. The Jews seem to be gifted with an above average ability to excel. I could cite examples, but you do the work. And, like anyone who lags behind, jealousy, resentment and hatred sets in toward those to seem to ‘scoop up all the good stuff’ and leave the rest of us ‘groveling in the dust’, or so the idea goes. This is the same kind of resentment shown toward America by so many other countries, nations and peoples. We are accused of taking from them and their nations for our benefit and wealth, without sharing that wealth with them, when in fact the generosity of America is legendary. However, American business or government makes a deal with a nation, create the desired profitable results and the other side cries foul! They become jealous and angry when they see fantastic results derived from materials that have been under the feet of a host nation for centuries, but had gone undiscovered or undeveloped. So, when the profits are made, they hate America.

(As a conservative and a Christian, I applaud achievement and success of others. But if I think you have stolen from me to gain your advantage or if I feel your success has unfairly cost me financially, socially or personally, I too could become resentful and jealous. I can understand that reasoning. But, not enough to kill or commit genocide on a national scale!)

Reason #3. Hypocrisy. Interestingly, the Bible tells of gross Jewish religious hypocrisy, which, according to the Bible, stems from sinful rebellion toward God. The Jews present the world with the Ten Commandments and a higher level of law and morality, and it is the Jews who defy, ignore and transgress these very Commandments.

 

Jewish religious leaders, Rabbis, and priesthood, at various times and epochs, have obediently and strictly followed the laws of their Talmud; only to fall away from that practice and incur the wrath of God on their nation and people. This might seem to be an internal issue. But with the Jew’s extensive influence and profound interactions with surrounding peoples and nations, it was made a public issue.

Combined with the example cited in Reason #2, this has created jealousy, resentment, animosity and even an intense hatred for the Jew, their laws and their practices.

Unfortunately – or should I say, tragically – a percentage of Jews are innocent of these hypocrisies and behaviors. But, like in so many instances, the entire group is painted with the broad brush of a majority.

The perception of this hypocrisy and greediness of the Jew had spread worldwide. And the resentment has become so intense, that many people will ignore (or privately applaud) the butchering of innocent Jewish men, women, children and babies but condemn a Jewish military response to stem the murderous atrocities aimed at Israel and Jews, (and tens of thousands more similar incidents), and call out even more loudly for the complete annihilation and total destruction of Israel.

This issue, this problem of hatred of Jews, is as old as recorded history, and for the same or similar misguided political, economic, religious and social reasons.

Admittedly, there have been, in the past, and are nowadays, some really ‘bad’ influential and powerful Jews in the world; but there are also some really ‘good’ Jews in the world. And, so it is with any race or nation. But this is no justification for the eradication of an entire race of people – to think that way is a pathological madness. A mental disease of uncontrolled hatred.

I would like to add that there is not one person or nation on this earth that haven’t done the things Israel is accused of, and much worse things. Yet, only Israel is perpetually demonized. (Frankly, it is written in scriptures. There is a purpose – a Purpose so grand and unimaginable, it could only be ordained, initiated and complete by God: The giving of a Savior through the Nation and bloodlines of Israel.)

In conclusion, similar resentments and hatreds have been and are being expressed toward Christians, and for some of the same reasons. And these resentments are also growing in numbers and in their intensities. This should serve as a wake-up call and a warning for Christians everywhere to firmly adhere to the teachings of love, peace and justice toward all peoples – and to prepare for what may be coming.

The Jews are bearing the brunt of genocidal racial and religious discrimination and hatred, but it may not stop at that point for people who resent a higher law of morality and ethics, the principles of the Ten Commandments, and the worship of God which includes respect for fellow humankind.

Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well”. They killed Jesus for religious, social and political biases. Prepare yourself.

I am presenting a message by pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia titled “STOP LISTENING TO THE MAJORITY” taken from the book of Acts 27:1-25, which can help us all prepare ourselves.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE UNITED STATES OF WHAT?

Many people, in addition to Bible commentators, Bible teachers and theologians are asking, “Is the United States mentioned in Bible prophecy?”, specifically in the End Times, (also known as The Last Days which precede the End of the World).

If you are not acquainted with End Times scenarios or are not familiar with Bible eschatology, it is a time in which the age we live will cease. According to some traditions, the world will not cease to exist, but will be radically altered. According to the general Christian view, it is a time when Jesus Christ will return from heaven, gather His ‘believers’ and take them to heaven, whereupon, God will judge the earth with horrific and cataclysmic cosmic and terrestrial judgments. He will defeat Satan and his armies of demons, wipe away all the evil on earth and sentence Satan, the Beast of Revelation all those who do not follow Christ and have received the “mark” of the Beast, (which is the symbol 666), to be sentenced to hell – a lake of fire and brimstone – for eternity.

The United States of America is never explicitly mentioned in the Bible, and there are no biblical prophecies that point with certainty to the United States. As far as we can tell, the United States of America is not mentioned in biblical prophecy.

The answers given to what happens to the United States of America in the End Times are most universally:

1) Perhaps in the end times, the United States will be weakened to the extent that its influence in the world suffers, and America does not play an important role in end-times events.

2) Perhaps in the end times, the United States has ceased to exist altogether.

3) Perhaps the United States is simply one of the other nations of the world that reject God in the end times and becomes one of the select nations to rule under the one world confederation. (see Revelation 10:11; 11:18; 12:5; 14:8; 15:4; 16:19; 17:15; 18:3,23; 19:15).

If any of these scenarios are true, what does that mean for us, the people who live in the United States? That is unclear and uncertain. But if you extrapolate the current political and social declining trends in the U.S., there is a good chance of a national collapse, or of external forces invading and conquering America; or that America becomes so decadent and weak morally, spiritually, politically, economically and socially, that we descend into an irretrievable internal chaos and become irrelevant. (see Brookings Institute, or The Guardian).

Additionally, there are forces rising across the globe, and they are uniting in an increasingly successful effort to reshape and remake the world into a one-world system. The Commission on Global Governance has publicly stated that when their Agenda-21 plan (which has been renamed in its final stage as Agenda 2030 – and the 2030 represents its completion date), 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.”

What are we as Christians to do in response? We are to stand firm. Stand firm in our beliefs and convictions. Which sounds a lot easier than it must be to really do. I say that because very precious few Christians actually live according to what the Bible teaches. Christians are pretty good at parroting scriptures, but not so good and actually living them, according to Pew and Barna research.

The time has come, however, that the Church is being shaken. God is preparing His Bride (The Church) for His return. When this shaking (or judgment) begins, it will begin in the Church before spreading to the rest of the world.

Church members have largely been convinced that God will protect them from any of the coming judgments ‘just because we say we are Christians’ and have prayed some insignificant recitals of acceptance and then gone on to live in some modified version as we have always been.

Salvation is radical. It is a death. It is a rebirth. It is a submission to the teachings and life of Jesus.

It is a transformation of extreme proportions. And don’t be deceived – it can be frightening at times. But it is the only way out of the ‘curse of sin’ which can and will condemn even the nicest and most sincere person to ‘an eternal darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth’.

We are now to stand firm, protected by the Blood of the Lamb and by our testimony!

So, where is America headed? Let’s be clear: DOWN.

Where are you headed? Just because you say you believe, but do not do the things He has command you, why do you think you will be saved from the wrath to come?

 

Jesus spoke directly to this matter in Matthew 25:31-46. It is time.

Please consider watching this video sermon by pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia titled “STOP LISTENING TO THE MAJORITY” taken from the book of Acts 27:1-25.

Additionally, here is an introduction taken from Pastor Hamrick’s and Cornerstone Chapel’s web page:

“There is a lot of cultural pressure today to conform to the latest majority opinion. Groupthink can be intimidating, and the “majority consensus” often causes people to either go silent in order to avoid ridicule, or to conform in order to fit in.

But Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” In other words, we can’t be a God-pleaser and a man-pleaser at the same time. Godly men and women in the Bible have always been willing to stand alone when necessary. Join today’s Bible study as Pastor Gary encourages us to stop listening to the majority and to start honoring God”.

Dear Friends, if you have been following this website, Whitestone Fellowship 2020 for any time you have seen my pleas and warnings that we must Get Ready and Stay Ready, to be found doing what Jesus has directed us and commanded us upon His return.

Pastor Hamrick emphasizes that this can be costly but is the price of being a Christians and a disciple of Jesus – or as many churches like to say, ‘becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus’.

The time has come and is upon us when we must pick up our banner and follow Jesus into the spiritual battle.

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart), and having [c]strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

“With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [e]God’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18, Amplified version).

Your Brother and Friend in Christ Jesus,

Mike Young

I am reposting a ‘sermon’ by pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia titled “STOP LISTENING TO THE MAJORITY” taken from the book of Acts 27:1-25. (click on the image above or the green text above here to view).

Here is an introduction taken from Pastor Hamrick’s and Cornerstone Chapel’s web page:

“There is a lot of cultural pressure today to conform to the latest majority opinion. Groupthink can be intimidating, and the “majority consensus” often causes people to either go silent in order to avoid ridicule, or to conform in order to fit in.

But Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” In other words, we can’t be a God-pleaser and a man-pleaser at the same time. Godly men and women in the Bible have always been willing to stand alone when necessary. Join today’s Bible study as Pastor Gary encourages us to stop listening to the majority and to start honoring God”.

Dear Friends, if you have been following this website, Whitestone Fellowship 2020 for any time you have seen my pleas and warnings that we must Get Ready and Stay Ready, to be found doing what Jesus has directed us and commanded us upon His return.

Pastor Hamrick emphasizes that this can be costly but is the price of being a Christians and a disciple of Jesus – or as many churches like to say, ‘becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus’.

The time has come and is upon us when we must pick up our banner and follow Jesus into the spiritual battle.

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart), and having [c]strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

“With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [e]God’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18, Amplified version).

Your Brother and Friend in Christ Jesus,

Mike Young

 

JUST TRYING TO MAKE OUR WAY – THE SOURCE

We, that is, all of us, are just trying to make our way. And most of us know the difficulties we will face every single day. Most of us put on a brave face and try to muster hope as we struggle to get through this life. There are a few of the privileged who don’t deal with or worry about such things, but even they will face the ultimate test – and they know it – as we all know it. The question that remains is HOW? How or what is the best way to move forward? How are we to successfully proceed in life? Which way will give us the most safety, sanctuary and some modicum of peace and success?

We Live In A Jungle

A cursory look at history will tell you about the wild swings between humanity’s proclivity for savagery toward one another and brief attempts at civility, decency and peace. I would suggest that reading a contemporary worldview (anything less than several thousand years old) of how to attain or achieve peace among people would be very shortsighted and myopically flawed.

On the other hand, a credible source of immense value would be a study covering tens of thousands of years with the main stated goal of discovering and finding a way for humanity to live in a truly peaceful coexistence – as impossible as that sounds, that is such a ‘Source’.

This “Source” as I shall call it for now, has gained widespread attention and millions of adherents over the centuries seeking to appropriate the grand promises of peace, safety and health.

Unfortunately, it has been misused and abused by many so-called leaders and teachers for selfish and self-appointed reasons, which ended by largely discrediting this “source” and harming millions of people in the process.

These men and women who would interpret this “Source” by their own standards and frail human worldviews, will do so, sometimes out of sincerity, sometimes out of ignorance and sometimes for personal gain. Whether it is for financial, political or social advantage, some will deliberately twist the teachings of this “Source” in an attempt to appeal to the masses while hiding their selfish, ignorant or dark agenda.

This ‘Source’ has been physically traced back over 2,700 years by ardent and dedicated followers and disciples of the “Source’, and the history recorded in these scribe’s and disciple’s writings has shown that when the principles and teachings of the ‘Source’have been correctly understood, applied and followed, success in terms of peaceful coexistence, material and financial success, social and racial integration, political and geopolitical, religious, educational and health reason have seen remarkable advances.

This “Source”, as you may or may not have guessed, transcends the physical and psychological realms and originates in the unseen spiritual world. This ‘Source’ is not from some ‘spooky, hocus-pocus world’, but is from the realm of what is known as the Kingdom of Heaven – the Kingdom of God.

Let there be no mistake, however. Simply reading, knowing and applying principles is not enough. It takes complete submission and surrender of one’s own attitudes, ways and even one’s own life to gain entrance to this Kingdom – this Realm.

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”. (John 3:5)

Again, the Bible in Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This is a Realm that benefits every person who believes in “The Source”, which is Jesus Christ and the written version, which is the Bible. It is found by the earnest seeker, by their faith, that He exists and is willing to follow and obey His teachings.

“There is a way that that seems right, but in the end leads to death”, (Proverbs 14:12).

The Bible is clear that a person must not change ‘one dot or iota’ of its teachings and fully receive the promised results. These teachings are really instructions on a way of thinking, acting and living. They must be followed, by faith, first in Christ Jesus, then in the way they are written and spoken.

It should be said that the results gained may come instantly for a few, but for most the results will manifest over a longer period of time.

You see, the main objective is not in the ‘getting of the promises’ but the primary outcome is to prepare you, the waiting recipient, to be able to receive the promises.

Unless one is properly grounded in faith and in mature spiritual humility, they cannot possibly receive all that God has promised. God is a gracious, loving and forgiving God, but He will not be fooled. Your commitment to Him must be genuine.

(Please note that this is not a ‘system, a procedure or a formula’. There is nothing magic. This is about becoming a child of God, and He will make you a brother, a friend and a joint-heir of Jesus Christ – provided for by a loving Father.)

It Is Not About Gratification – It Is About Sanctification

Again, the getting and receiving from God, Who is The Source of all things, is not the main point in successfully living your life. Receiving the promises and gifts of God are merely a means to aid you as you travel your brief time on this earth.

It is vital to know that by way of your life’s journey, you are either being made into the image of Christ, (Who is the perfect and exact representation of the Father), or you are perishing.

It is by seeking and following Him that you are being prepared – made suitable and ready – for a home which the Lord has prepared for you ahead of time. A home where you can spend all eternity with Him, in a wonderful and remarkable new heaven and new earth.

Now it is your turn: THINK.

Are you the one who says, “I am not here for a long time. I am only here for a good time!”

Or, are you the one who says, “I will be here for a short time – and the best of time is yet to come!”

So, should you ‘pay now’ and get the greatest of rewards, or squander your time now and lose it all?

Please, please, please dear friend. Choose wisely and join The Rising! You have heard it before: Jesus is The Only Way, The Life and The Source. Run to Him. Collapse in His Arms. Give yourself over to Him. He is eagerly waiting for you.

Your Brother and Friend in Christ,

Mike Young

        IS CURRENT DAY ISRAEL the same as the BIBLICAL ANCIENT ISRAEL?          

There are many convincing and credible essays, sermons and commentaries asserting, or claiming, that ancient Israel is not the same – and cannot be equated with – the modern nation state and geographical land of Israel.

This can be, and is a controversial topic especially in light of world conditions and the appearance that we may be near the End of Days as spoken of in Bible Prophecy.

I believe these arguments which say modern Israel is not the same as Biblical ancient Israel are correct on many points. However, there is one glaring element that is being ignored which cannot and should never be ignored.(click green text for a detailed Bible reference): The destruction and restoration of Israel, as foretold in prophetic scriptures, which occurred, the first time in 586 B.C., (the destruction of the first Jewish Temple) and served a dual role as a foreshadowing of the destruction of the second Jewish Temple, which also serves as a foreshadowing of the rebuilding of a third temple which is neceeary for the ‘abomination of desolation’ to occur.

Then most importantly was the regathering of Jews from all over the world for the reconstitution of Israel as a nation within the boundaries of their ancient homeland, which occurred in 1948, IN JUST ONE DAY, as was also prophesied in  Isaiah 66:8.

(Please note: the colored text contains important links in the matters being put forward or you can read the reprint fronm Biblegateway.com at the end of this article.)

Regardless, neither a temple nor a geographic piece of land proves or disproves that ancient Israel is or is not the same as current day Israel. Besides no Temple, as of this date, has been rebuilt, but scriptures say it will be rebuilt, and when that  happens, according to the Bible, the sacrifices will be re-instituted and there is strong suggestion within scriptures that Israel (or at least a part of the population and government) will re-enter a covenant relationship with God – as it was with ancient Biblical Israel as the groundwork for the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah within Israel and the acceptance of the final covenant given by God through the Son.

I am saying that we are seeing the formative stages of (#1), Israel returning to a covenant relationship with God, (#2), the government of Israel will once again become a Covenantal theocracy, and (#3), the nation will come to recognize Jesus as their long awaited Messiah. It would seem this must occur to correctly set the state for the events of the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and specifically the 3 ½ year period (the first half of the Great Tribulation period) prior to the 6th tribulation trumpet which will mark the second 3 ½ years of the Wrath of the Lamb, the blowing of the 7th tribulation trumpet followed by the pouring out of the wrath of the seven tribulation bowls.

Theologians and Bible teachers have often prematurely connected Bible prophecies to current day events, only to revise or recant their predictions as the day of fulfillment drew closer and more facts were known. And, I believe that is the case here.

These things are coming to pass. Where does Israel fit in? Is it just the ‘Bloodline Jews’ who are the Biblical Israel? Or is it the state Nation of Israel? Or is it the Spiritual Israel? Or is it all who have confessed the Name of Jesus and have been grafted into the Olive Tree?

Your Brother and Friend in Christ Jesus,

Mike Young

(I realize that this short essay needs additional citations, footnotes and references, which I have omitted for brevity, but are available upon request. If you have any comments or questions, please use the reply or comment box and let’s talk.

REPRINT of detailed information on the ‘final element’ proving that the ‘current-day Israel will be converted to a Covenantal Theocracy once again:

THE FLOOD GIVES THE PATTERN FOR OUR SALVATION

Now after Noah was five hundred years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Genesis 5:32.

Noah: The Hebrew word for Noah is “Noach”, which means “Rest”. (The Ark came to rest on a mountain); a patriarch who survived the flood. (God had given Noah his name before the flood. This was preordained to happen. I.e., God planned this and knew of this before mankind became manifestly corrupt. THIS WAS GOD’S PLAN ALL ALONG!)

His sons were named Shem = Memorial; Ham = Hot; Japheth = Opened. They were given these names BEFORE the flood. THIS WAS GOD’S PLAN ALL ALONG!

(A rainbow was given as a memorial (Shem); They landed in a place warmed by the sun (Ham); The doors of the ark were opened (Japheth).

How is it possible that God planned for mankind’s corruption and destruction from the beginning? God created mankind (men and women) with a deliberate flaw in their character and nature.

AN ODD THING

In the midst of His creation work, an odd thing occurs.  This is an event, an occurrence in the creation of mankind, which is completely overlooked by the vast majority, if not all, Bible teachers. This is a bit technical, but please pay particular attention, as this is a game-changer.

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

The wording of this verse, as it was written in the original Hebrew language, would be aligned as such:

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

So created = bara’ = to shape, create, a formative process, to make fat.

 God = Elohim = God; very great, mighty; Plural of ‘elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used in the plural. Signifying, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

 man = adam = from ‘adam’; man, mankind. ruddy, i.e. A human being (an individual or the species, mankind.

 In Him own image = tselem = an image; a mere, empty, image, semblance; image, vain show, from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e., an illusion, a resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol, an image, a vain shew, of dubious character.

In the image = tselem = an image; a mere, empty, image, semblance; image, vain show, from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e., an illusion, a resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol, an image, a vain shew, of dubious character.

What we see:

1. God, used in plural, representing God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, created, shaped and formed mankind.
2. God created mankind ‘in His Own image’ but, as a mere image of Himself; a vain show, just a shadow of the Original; an image, in icon, a phantom pattern, an illusion, a mere resemblance; a being of dubious nature.  (God has deliberately made man and woman with a flaw, destined them to fail.)

1. • 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.
   • Then God provided a Savior – Jesus Christ, to redeem all who would believe on His Name.

Genesis tells us of

• 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.

THE PATTERN

• The corruption
• The judgement
• The salvation of believers
• The destruction of non-believers
• The creation of a new heaven and a new earth

Matthew 24:36–47, “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left”

Be Ready for His Coming

“Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

“But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

“For this reason, you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”

Give your life to Jesus. The day of His return and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is near.

Get your family ready.

Be found doing what God has instructed when that day comes and inherit His blessing.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

WHAT IT MEANS TO GET READY

GET READY AND STAY READY

AVOID

ESCAPE THE PIT

KNOW THIS – IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR SOUL

We can actually DO this for our benefit – and for God’s glory!

Psalms 103:1-4, (A Psalm of David)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion;

So, what exactly is THE PIT, God rescues us from?

The Bible defines “THE PIT” as

• corruption,
• destruction,
• a ditch and
• a grave.
• It is also referred to as a “pit of hell”.

This definition is from the Hebrew language and comes from a root word or meaning

• “to sink down,

• be bowed down,

• be humbled;

• depression of the mind.

(taken from Psalms 103:4)

What is the PIT we can fall into which become our corruption, our destruction, a ditch a grave and a “pit of hell”? What are these PITS which cause us to sink down, to be bowed down, humbled and depressed in our mind? Here are a few:

The PIT of fear.

The PIT of anger.

The PIT of poverty.

The PIT of hatred.

The PIT of anxiety.

The PIT of lack and want.

The PIT of revenge.

The PIT of selfishness.

The PIT of resentment.

The PIT of addiction.

The PIT of lust and perversion.

The PIT of self-pity.

The PIT of envy.

The PIT of pride.

The PIT of self.

These and many more can become (or have become) a snare to our soul and mind. They can dictate our every thought and act and lead us into daily captivity of depression, destruction. A living hell. An above ground grave.

ESCAPE THE PIT!

Avoiding the PIT takes discipline and work on our part. We must consciously tell our soul to Bless the LORD. The Bible tells us to “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits”

If we follow this command – in other words, actually DO this – God redeems your life from the pit, and will crown you with loving kindness and compassion

Do it now. You will see, if you DO IT NOW. SAY THESE THINGS, NOW!

“I Bless you LORD with my soul,

“I Bless you LORD with my mind, will and emotions.

“My soul says ” I Bless you LORD for you have rescued me, and You give me Your peace.

“You give me Your Joy.

“Today, I am full of Your Peace and Your Joy.

“Today, I am redeemed.

“Today, You have given me a strong and sound mind. I Bless you LORD for You are my redemption.”

I AM FREE

I am FREE of fear.

I am FREE of anger.

I am FREE of poverty.

I am FREE of hatred.

I am FREE of anxiety.

I am FREE of lack and want.

I am FREE of revenge.

I am FREE of selfishness.

I am FREE of resentment.

I am FREE of addiction.

I am FREE of lust and perversion.

I am FREE of self-pity.

I am FREE of envy.

I AM CROWNED

I am crowned with the courage of God.

I am crowned with the peace of Jesus.

I am crowned with all of God’s provisions of plenty.

I am crowned with God’s Love.

I am crowned with the confidence with comes from knowing God.

I am crowned with all the riches of Christ Jesus.

I am crowned with God’s reconciliation.

I am crowned with freedom in from the flesh.

I am crowned with God’s contentment.

I am crowned with a pure heart and a clean mind.

I am crowned with God’s satisfaction in my soul.

I am crowned with the gift of giving.

Bless the LORD, Oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His Holy Name!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

I don’t know exactly how to explain what I experienced yesterday.  So, I will just guess at how to say it. (And I hope this finds a listening ear).

Call me crazy.

Call it an ‘epiphany’.

Call it a vision (I really don’t like that description, but…)

I was simply sitting on our lanai (that’s a screened patio area, for you who are not familiar with Florida patio names) drinking a cup of coffee, taking in the scenery across our pond and thoughts or visions began to flash across my mind.  They were so vivid that they almost seemed visible (notice, I said ALMOST).

These images were reminiscent of scenes from “The Lord of the Rings” movies.  The images were not of the ugly distorted creatures or monstrous figures like in the movies, but they were people with hatred and anger distorting their expressions.  They were charging across a landscape, destroying everything in their path.

But, this was not a movie.  I thought, perhaps these are just images from the news media of the recent riots which my mind is recalling.  Maybe it was as simple as that.

But, I couldn’t shake the realism.  And, it was easy to relate what I was “seeing” to what is happening in our world.  I kept thinking, “How could the people of our nation go from law-abiding citizens to domestic terrorists in such a short time?

How could almost half the population, in the year 2020, endorse a political party espousing godless Socialism and Communist style rule?  How could so many people endorse desecrating our religious institutions, our history and legacies, going about indiscriminately killing our police and first responders?  They are destroying business, killing the owners, looting, stealing and rioting saying it is for justice?  How could the Democrat Senators, Governors, mayors and public officials allow and even encourage this anarchy?  Have they lost their minds? As I pondered on the thought “Have they lost their minds?”, I wondered, “Or, is something more sinister occurring?”

I asked myself, “What would cause so many people to begin to call what been considered as ‘good’, for centuries, now call it ‘evil’ and call evil as being good?

They murder babies for body parts, kill our police out of anger, disparage and attack those who don’t agree with their points of view.  These people loot, steal, threaten, murder for no real reason or for any reason.  Dishonesty is rampant is all areas of society.  Immorality, perversion and pornography is so prevalent and pervasive that one cannot escape it.

I’ll spare the continuing long-winded review of this upside-down world-wide phenomenon, but the one thought that struck me:  “Something is going on that is just not right.  It is not of this world.”

That’s when the lights came on in my head.  “It is not of this world”.

Read Ephesians 6:11-12:

(verse 11)  “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  (verse 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.”

What we read in Ephesians 6 is nothing new.  But, the trouble seems to be intensifying, just like Jesus said it would intensify.  It has become just like in the days of Noah, before the flood.

Genesis 6:5-6 tells us what was going on in the days of Noah. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”

We read in Genesis 6:11 that “the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Pick up the newspaper, and you will see the hostility that fills the earth.

For those who have read (or have not read) the “White Stone” articles on the Tribulation, maybe this will bring you “to the table”, so to speak.

1.  We MUST recognize where we are in “eschatology“.

2.  We are at the 12th hour, we are seeing the opening of the 5th Tribulation Seal of the “eschatological clock“.  (There is only one more Seal left)

3.  There is only ONE WAY we can deal with what is upon us, until our Lord returns.

4.  And we are called upon to BE READY!

This is URGENT, dear friends.  If you have come this far in this letter, thank you!  Now, please click and read the links. We must be ready.  Please, call, email or text me if you want to talk further.  Let’s join together and get this word out.  Christ is our BEST and ONLY HOPE! Your Brother and Friend in Christ,

Mike Young

Additional Reading:

THESE LAST DAYS

CLUES THAT WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS

Today I was to begin a personal Bible study time in the book of Hebrews (please, no jokes about coffee here 😉)

And, as often happens, I don’t get very far because of the depth of hidden oracles of God’s Word cause me to stop and wonder in awe.

For example, Hebrews 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power…

1. “He is the radiance of His glory”. Think on this. Let it sink in.

Jesus needs no introduction, no external explanation, there is none other and nothing in existence to compare to Him. “He is the radiance of His glory”.

2. “and the exact representation of His nature…” Meditate on this.

There is no doubt, no ‘shadow of turning’, no second guessing:

He is dependable, He is faithful, He is merciful, He is long suffering, He is All Powerful, He is compassionate, He is Loving, He is forgiving, He is gentle, He is humble, He is courageous, He is Holy, He is pure He is all wise He is … “the exact representation of His Nature”.

3. “He upholds all things by the word of His power…” Dwell on this.

(Note: These dependable versions of the Bible say “…by the word of His power: ESV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, Aramaic Bible in plain English, ERV.)

(Note: These ‘easy to read’ versions of the Bible change the meaning to say “…by His powerful word” or “by his powerful command)

These distinctions seem small, but, the change is a huge shift in paradigm.

One version suggests that this is exclusive to Jesus, while One version tells us the power is in His Word and that Word dwells in us.

One tells us that His Power is in His Word = RHEMA, which is the Spoken Word of God (as contrasted to LOGOS)

The Word of God further tells us: “If you abide in Me, and My words (RHEMA) abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

ASK – according to the Word

SEEK – according to the Word

KNOCK – according to the Word

SPEAK – the Word

Matthew 21:21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.

22 “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Let’s draw near to God and He will draw near to us, in these days.

Let’s be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. THE DAY IS AT HAND

THAT THIS WILL BE OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

AND

OUR BEST OFFENSE

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND FOR OUR SALVATION

LET’S DO THIS, TOGETHER!

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

WALK IN THE SPIRIT?

You hear people say things like, “are you in the Christmas spirit yet?” Or, “You need to lift your spirit”.  I suppose this refers to one’s attitude or mood or feelings.

The Bible speaks of the Spirit, and although it does have to do with an effect upon one’s spirits, it is much more.

The Bible says this: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). You might hear some Christian say something like ‘I am moved by the Spirit (emotionally); or, I can feel (or sense) the Spirit, usually in response to a mood, an emotion or feelings. But the Spirit of God is not an attitude, mood or a feeling. The Spirit (of God) is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity of God.

So, what does it mean, live and walk in the Spirit? Is it a metaphor? Is it a simile? Or, is it literal? And if it is literal, what exactly does that mean ? And, how does a person “walk in the Spirit”? And what is the outcome of ‘walking in the Spirit’?

First, Jesus tells us, in John 16: 5–15, about the Spirit of God: “But now I (Jesus) am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, grief has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

“And He, when He comes,

• • will convict the world regarding sin,
  • and righteousness,
  • and judgment:
    • regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me;
    • and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me;
    • and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at the present time.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes,

• • He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak;
  • and He will disclose to you what is to come.
  • He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; this is why I said that He takes from Mine and will disclose it to you.”

Romans 8:9 tells us, that if you are truly saved and a Christian, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

And furthermore, 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own…”

Romans 8:11 reminds us one more time, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

We can know by these verses (and a little study in the Greek) that this is literal, with metaphors and similes used to help us understand.

Jesus is literally saying that The Holy Spirit of God is real; that He literally indwells you (your body, heart, mind, soul and spirit).

We are to literally ‘walk by way of the Spirit’, and ‘walk in the Spirit’.

So, I ask, how are we to DO this?

I believe the answer is that ‘we both DO and DO NOT do this’ in and of ourselves.

We DO this in of ourselves by submitting our lives to God through faith in Jesus and by becoming His obedient followers. It is at that point the Holy Spirit comes into us. (see GotQuestions.Org).

On the other hand, we DO NOT do this in and of ourselves, because we are saved and being sanctified by God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. (see 1 Peter 3-4).

Then we listen, submit our will, obey and learn. The Spirit of God will speak to us in various ways and at various times to teach us, to warn us and to guide us; to convict us of sin, and to comfort us. He will also give us words to say at the right time and in the right circumstances.

It is by our obedient submission to Him – minute by minute and day by day – that we walk in and by the Spirit.

What is the outcome of walking in and by the Spirit of God? (The following is taken from GotQuestions.Org):

The Apostle Paul writes, in Galatians 5:16, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The way in which believers are called to live is can be found in (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:10; 4:1; 5:15; Colossians 2:6).

Apart from God’s saving grace, we could not walk by the Spirit. Indeed, we were spiritually dead and could only “gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16; cf. Ephesians 2:1–3). In this context, the word flesh refers to the sinful state of humanity, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit. This includes things like sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, envy, drunkenness, and other sinful behaviors (Galatians 5:19–21). Paul assures us that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (verse 21; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

Despite our sinfulness and rebellion, God “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5). The grace of God completely transformed our lives. We were dead in sin. Now, we are alive in Christ.

As believers, we are to called to walk by the Spirit: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, KJV). The Holy Spirit gave us new life (John 3:6; 6:63), and we must yield to His sovereign control and influence over our lives. In other words, the Holy Spirit should direct all of our thoughts, actions, and decisions (cf. Romans 12:1–2).

In Galatians 5:13–26, Paul contrasts the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh is characterized by selfishness (verses 13–15; verse 26), sin (verses 19–21), and death (verse 21; cf. Romans 6:23), but the Spirit is characterized by love (Galatians 5:13–15, 22), righteousness (cf. Romans 6:22) and life (Galatians 5:25).

Because the flesh and the Spirit are opposed to one other (Galatians 5:17), we cannot live according to both at the same time. We must choose one. If we choose to live according to the flesh, we will experience the consequences of sin, which is death. But if we choose to walk by the Spirit, we will produce godly fruit (verses 22–23).

Unlike the works of the flesh, which lead to sin and destruction, the fruit of the Spirit leads to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here is a breakdown of each fruit and how we can walk by the Spirit:

1. Love: Our lives are characterized by self-sacrificial service to God and others.

2. Joy: We will delight in knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him.

3. Peace: We will be free from anxiety and worry (cf. Philippians 4:6–7).

4. Patience: We will not lose our temper – and if we do, there is a remedy to put us back into the proper state and relationship with God and others.

5. Kindness: We will genuinely consider the needs and concerns of others.

6. Goodness: We will be holy as God is holy (cf. 1 Peter 1:16).

7. Faithfulness: When we endure trials and tribulations, we will not forsake God or turn our backs on Him.

8. Gentleness: We will have a spirit (or attitude) of grace and humility.

9. Self-control: We will not be controlled by sinful impulses (Galatians 5:24).

In short, the fruit of the Spirit is evidence that we belong to Christ and are no longer controlled by sinful impulses; instead, we are led by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will (cf. Romans 12:2). We must continue to walk by the Spirit and crucify (or put to death) the desires of the flesh. This is a daily journey that requires consistent effort, but God will complete the work that He began (Philippians 1:6).

(Note: Every Christian, at some time, may find themselves pulled by the desires or passions of the flesh to sin. But 1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. (But) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”

These are not a list of ‘religious dos and don’ts’. This is the power of God, His gift to us as Christians, to live and to be as He designed us to be.

One day, at the end of all things, when we are finally at home with God in the new heaven and the new earth, we will be like Him. Until then, live and walk by the Spirit of God and have the attitude which was also in Christ Jesus – and be truly alive!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  The Holy Spirit will never – I say, NEVER – tell you anything that does not conform to the Word of God (The Bible). Beware of false teachers who say otherwise or come up with “a word from God” that is not found in the Word of God.

One Man

Israel, during the period of 63 B.C. and 135 A.D. described in the simplest of forms, was ruled over by Rome and ruled internally by the Sanhedrin, which the supreme court of ancient Israel. Both Rome and the Sanhedrin were powerful and influential and dangerous groups to cross.

Rome would use lethal means to rule over Israel if they deemed it necessary, and the Sanhedrin were directly responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, His disciples and many thousands of His followers.

Still, one man, without any visible means of financial or political support, stood in the face of Jewish custom, Roman law and the Sanhedrin to proclaim a long prophesied and radical notion that He was the anticipated Messiah. His name is Jesus.

There are many who choose to build grand churches and make millions of dollars to ‘spread the Gospel’.

Stand With The ONE

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

Jesus taught His disciples to be like Him and to do like Him.

For example, in Matthew 10:5 tells us that, “These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near. ’Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support.

“And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.”

“Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

“But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”

Grafted into the Olive Tree

Later, after Jesus was crucified, died, then rose to life and ascended to heaven to reside at the Right Hand of the Father, another man named Saul of Tarsus, later renamed as Paul the Apostle, was commissioned by Jesus to take the Good News (The Gospel of Jesus the Christ) to the entire Gentile world.

Now, by God’s grace and through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, those who were not Jewish by birth could be ‘grafted into the Olive Tree’ and be made part of God’s Elect and become disciples, friends and joint heirs with Christ.

The Meaning of Discipleship

Jesus explains, in Matthew 10, that, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he may become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they insult the members of his household!

 “So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are two sparrows not sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.

 “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father, who is in heaven.”

Peace on Earth?

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

(Note: The idea that Jesus was to bring peace on earth has been lifted from Luke 2:8-14 when the Angels proclaimed at Jesus birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” It is for those with whom He is pleased – i.e., those who come to Him through faith in His Son, but a sword for the world at large!)

“The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.

“The one who receives you receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. The one who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and the one who receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person shall receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

“When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.”

And Jesus leads by example. We have no excuse if we are His disciples.

Now That You Know

Why, would God send His only Son to a world that had become hostile toward Him, to be killed? So that the world through Him could be saved from eternal damnation and destruction? Is that the whole story? It is true, but it is by no means the whole story.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost SO THEY WOULD

1. 1. Have the same mind which is in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)
   2. Do the works that Jesus has done, and even greater works. (John 14:12)
   3. Go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-21)

Jesus came to earth to do the Works of the Father, show the Wonders of His Kingdom and to send His Workers, His disciples into this world so Him might finish His Works through us.

• • We are kept weak in our own flesh for this very reason: When we are weak, He is strong!
  • We are destined to struggle in this world so we do not become self-reliant, but that we remain completely dependent on Him.
  • We are commanded to endure our present sufferings to the end, so that we might be saved by the word of our testimony and by the blood of the Lamb!

If your experience is ‘greater than this’ in terms of possessions, money, recognition, influence, power or fame, you might ask why. Why did are your methods different from Jesus’ methods? Are you comfortable in your ministry? Why is that? Why is your experience different from His? Are you wiser and greater? Or are you bringing worldly results? And, what does that say?

If you consider yourself a Christian, a follower of Jesus, and have no experience to relate to others, why is that? Are you not engaged in the Spiritual war that rages? Have you not put on the mantle of a disciple of Jesus? And what does that say?

When He returns as the Lion of Judah, the conquering ruler, we will be with Him. But for now, Jesus is the suffering Servant. We are to be likewise. Let’s put aside our pride, ego, the parading of our possession, our wealth and our abilities and serve Him. Anything less is failure.

Scriptures tell us to “test ourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Stand With The One. Be The One.

We are entering and have entered the End of Days and the time is short. Let’s be found doing what He has told us – prepared for His Return.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Please. Let’s pray for one another. We are living in treacherous and dangerous days. Let’s hold one another up as these days progress.