John Young

Knowing we will reap what we sow, Solomon encourages us to diligently and faithfully sow things that will last into eternity rather than wasting time on things that will not last. He also cautions us to sow wholeheartedly in the prescribed way so that we can get the full reward of our labors. In this passage he contrasts those who sow correctly with those who sow in the wrong ways. He shows us that if we are faithful to the ways of God we will have joy and strength for the work and enjoy many years of fruitful service. Proverbs 10:24-32 24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

There are doctrines that have been developed systamitized and refined over time that are now considered core baptist beliefs (or of your particular group as it is today). But you can't apply those as they are today to all of those generally identified as independent in the past. You can even take the refined distinct doctrines of the catholics today, look back into history and you see catholics weren't really catholics by today's standard of a catholic! Rather you have to look at the distinction that history required, that of baptizing Adults and independence from the state/universal church. Those distinctions included doctrinally correct and incorrect churches, all independent of each other. Therefore you cannot use the doctrines of a few churches to claim the whole to be heretical. We know the true churches were among them though they each had diverse beliefs.

A good farmer will have a threefold sure method of receiving, storing and sowing seed in order to maximize the growth of a cash crop every year. It is not a mystical or misterios process. So too it is with God's seed (the Word of God) being planted year after year to bring forth a large and Godly crop for years to come. For the local church to survive and grow year after year, it must follow God's plan for managing his good Seed, which includes proper: Receiving and Selecting, Storing and Maintaining, Giving and Sowing, of that seed. (Preached by Brother John Young on Wednesday 10-4-2023 at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church, Kalamazoo MI)

Another book that I like is the one by D.B. Ray called, "Baptist succession : a hand-book of Baptist history" written in 1871. What is unique about it is that it tracks Baptist history through Baptism records. A copy can be found here: https://archive.org/details/baptistsuccessio00rayd/page/n5/mode/2up

One need only look to the N.T. churches from those in the bible, and man so called baptist today and ask the same thing. Hence why each it to be independent. Its also easy to look from without a group and make overly generalised comments about the whole while overlooking the fact that independent churches grouped among them were better adherence to the doctrines of scripter than were others within that same general grouping. Much of what made them "part of that group" were not necessarily their perfection as a people but rather their independent nature from the state and universal churches. Books like "Trail of Blood' are less about groups with "perfect Baptist doctrine" and more about allegiance to Christ and the local church as the pervar of that doctrine. Its from that vein and not from the state beast that baptic come from is the point of these books.

If Christians only have a warrior mentality and are not diligent for the harvest then no matter how skillful we are with our words the church will starve. It is very critical to always be mindful for the harvest by sowing, nourishing and growing each other with our words rather than fighting and tearing at each other. A true Son of God will always be a caring farmer first and a farmer who can fight second, taking care never to hurt the crop in the process of trying to defend it from harm. In this passage we show the mentality each of us should have in the care of God's Words so that there will be an increase. (Preached by Brother John Young on Wednesday 8-27-2023 at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church, Kalamazoo MI)

As Christians we have been given the task of the Great Commision. In his direction Christ showed us how we are to go about our task is similar in the way a farmer and his family prepares their fields for the Harvest. Such a task does not happen by accident but rather requires a diligent hand focused on the task. In this passage we see that the results of our task is no arbrtachary but rather is corrilated with the effort we put into it to get the expected harvist results that we want. Those that are diligent to the task will always get results but those who are slack will always miss out. Proverbs 10 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. (Preached by Brother John Young on Wednesday 8-2-2023 at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church, Kalamazoo MI)

That's the general point of 11b. Wither its a deliberate falsehood, wrong belief, a conspiracy theory, or etc. People love sharing ideas for the mere fun of it. withwere the idea true, has some basis of truth, or a complete fabrication, it makes no difference to them.

(Bonus Point) 11. Ulterior Motives: Up to this point we have assumed errant but sincere motives in the harts of those hindered by the previous ten points and the desire on all to come to agreement on the truth. If we in honest and sincerer hearts deal with the above hindrances to clearly understanding the scripture there will be a greater consensus and good will on the subject of End Times. Yet we must also acknowledge the hindrance of those who are not interested in coming to the truth but rather prefer to keep them in place for one reason or another. Most of the reasons are self serving in one way or another and are held knowingly to some degree. They can include but are not limited to some of the following: 11a. Fear of Going Beyond the Group: Generally we do not learn our doctrine in a vacuum. We learn with others and tend to adopt the particular views held by our teachers and peers. We have a natural tenancy to want to be part of the group. Group learning is wonderful and helps ensure you are placing your education on a strong foundation of truth and consensus. For basic education this typically is a must and there is safety in the consensus to ensure your foundation is correctly laid. Such things as the alphabet, arithmetic, dates of events, etc are not controversial in the main. Yet when it is time to construct true ideas from foundational truth and apply them that it becomes controversial with the Group. The Group by nature does not like new or different yet without these error cannot be challenged and truth cannot advance. Not going beyond is safe and endears you to the group but does nothing to purify or refine our doctrine. We often chose to stay and tow the party line rather than make waves. We see this in scripture with Jewish groups such as Pharisees and Sadducees, Herodians, Essene, etc. All were fundamentally Jewish yet had differing ideas. To go beyond your group in that time often meant joining an opposing group, and this is often the tenancy today. To trade one group for another and then adopt their ideas rather than going alone. Yet Jesus challenged them to go beyond their Fear and group think to that of Love and Scriptural truth. 11b. Love of Novel Ideas: Greek Individualists mindset, as in Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) is the foundation for most Western secular study. Paul encountered such in Athens at Mars Hill. Often this is thought of going beyond the group, being an individual, yet it is the opposite error, from fearing the Group, to having ideas merely for the sake of ideas. Rather, Paul called us to unity (1 Cor. 14:26). To use our study to edify the group rather than to merely have something “new”. Our ideas must be grounded in truth and be for the edifying of our group. To grow the group in truth. (Acts 17:11) 11c. Personal Notoriety: Becoming known as a teacher of a particular idea or as a leader of an established group will often hinder change from an errant line of thinking as you are now considered it’s champion. To promote the idea or group will be to promote yourself, amassing a following and influence that would be lost if it were abandoned for the truth. 11d. Personal Profit: Ideas are big business and when its tied to your livelihood you are prone to protect the it the best you can. Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 11e. ….. What would you add to this list of Ulterior Motives?

I agree to a point. Yet many fail to realize how much the principles of biblical stewardship actually play into their practical ministry. Its principles are the foundation of any successful endeavor. While Systematic theologies such as covenant, dispensationalism, Calvinism, etc. re primarily of the mind and much of the systems are theoretical in the sense they cannot be tested or are simply constructs to help convey a perspective of study, the principles of stewardship are tested and tried every day in practical ministry and everyday life. Such are the principles conveyed in the Book of proverbs, parables and throughout scripture itself. Practical theology is often neglected as it is not noval or overly exciting or debatable in theological circles. Its just there working.

These are all examples of substitution by assertion. There is no verse that indicates they were called sons and several that indicate they are never called sons. There are only assertions made by teachers. No verse actually shows this and one passage as shown above that clearly shows He is not. This shows the power of assertion even in light of clear passages to the contrary. And many of us are guilty of it in some way or another because we just assumed it was so. Until we can deal with all the scriptures as they are written, (not just about angels and God's sons) our doctrine will be lacking.

As the original example so too are the assumptions and substitutions in regard to the angel of the Lord. "Because it fits" is not sufficient reason. Particularly when Hebrews makes it clear that no angel is a son. There needs to be more than that to build doctrine on. In regards to the angel of the Lord, it is more appropriate to simply consider him the Lord's personal representative angel, as Matthew 28 shows plainly they are not the same. Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Matthew 28:1-5 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

What I am saying is that it is an example of substitution theology. The book is clear that it is speaking of angels throughout. Yet the word "pastors" fit the person's theology better so it is substituted. Such substitutions are not in the text yet it is made to fit through through sheer will of the teacher and, statement as if a fact. Sure there is attempt made at justification through reasoning and allusion to messengers being the general meaning of the word angels so ergo it must be pastors, yet it is substitution nonetheless, which breaks the picture scripture is making in the use of Angels in each stage. 7 church angles, 7 trumpeting angels, 7 pouring angels. That's not to say there is no justification for substitution imagery if scripture makes it in the process of symbolism and allegory which it clearly does in other instances. Yet it needs contextual basis and not mere assertion due to the fact what is clearly presented is inconvenient for the teacher.

I would say many things these could be placed under #7. Yet we can also say for your first example that Christ exhorted all who can hear to hear what the Spirit said unto the 7. This means the things for the seven are also for all who are in the Spirit to hear. Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ... Revelation 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. As for the second I would tend to agree with you on a strong likelihood due to the spiritual depravity and strong delusion but not a hard can't. More of a don't want to of Romans 1, as indicated by the words "had pleasure" in 2 Thess 2:12.

Its the same thing as what the bible says about Stewardship. Here is a good video:

I have had a few people mention this as a possible separate point. Yet this list is more for bible believers to make progress on end times and I think learning how to spot and deal with false teachers should be its own separate topic of discussion. I also didn't add it because with a subject like this its too easy to claim everyone with a different opinion is a false teacher. It also could probably be discussed somewhat under 8 and 9 but I'll keep it in mind as a separate point or subject of study. Thanks!

I agree. If we all could get settled on this one then bible theology would be much easier to discuss and understand. Also I was surprised on how many otherwise bible believing baptist would state the apostles were wrong when teaching these passages. The even use Paul's correction of Peter as their excuse to disregard the decision on the matter.

Why there is confusion on “End Times” among Baptist. By John Young, 9-23-2023 The “End Times” is of great interest, yet there is confusion and hindrances which keeps even the most experienced bible believer from properly understanding the subject. Below I show generally and simply 10 hindrances I see. If you can think of more feel free to comment them below. Over time we will expound on each in more detail to show why we believe each is a hindrance to understanding the truth. 1. Bible Theology: Of the three main theologies (Covenant, Dispensational, Stewardship), Covenant and Dispensational wrongly lump all bible covenants into one. The only main difference is Covenant holds to a transfer of ownership from Israel and Dispensational holds to a pause of ownership. Yet the bible holds that Promises, Covenants, Testaments and etc. are held by God and only apply to persons qualified by him to be in them and their regulations are to be considered individually held. 2. Order of Revelation: Many have to split up and re-arrange the book to fit their theology. Yet the book does not call for spitting, retelling, or overlaying its events. Rather it shows a clear progression. Covenant and Dispensationist both try to split up and re-arrange the book while ignoring its structure. 3. Division of Church and State: Covenant reject the teaching and commands of the Apostles, that the church and Israel are separate institutions, as stated in Acts 2:41-47; 15; 16:4-5; 21:19-28 in favor of their own theology. Many adherents, particularity Pre-wrath supporters, state boldly, and without fear, that the Apostles teaching and command for the churches to follow is wrong. This a great concern. 4. Appeals to History: While outside history can compliment the scripture it does not have authority to supplant or justify fulfillment of prophesy. This right belongs only to scripture. So, unless the bible shows or states the event as being fulfilled, then the event is yet future. Covenant and Dispensationalist will often appeal to flawed “customized to the event” version of history to fulfill a particular prophesy, so that the scripture will not interfere with their theology on future events. This is wrong. 5. Confusion of Terms: Intentional intermixing of separate and like terms are used to re-order events to favor theology over the plain reading. Day of “***”, Gathering, Rapture, Return, Resurrection, etc. 6. Substitution Theology: Often when the plain reading cannot be ignored and there is no scriptural justification, they will simply switch out the terms for one that does fit in their conceived teaching. Some examples are Angels to Pastors, Day of the Lord to Day of Christ, Babylon to USA. 7. Assumption Theology: When coming to a seemingly confusing or hard passage, rather than leaving it alone or searching scripture for an explanation (which usually will contradict his theology), the teacher will uphold his theology by appealing to “It seems” or “looks like” or “I think” statements. 8. Opposition Theology: Rather than developing theologies to give understanding and to show the clarity of scripture on a matter, many teachings arise in opposition to another teaching. Over time this develops In a disregard for scriptural context in favor of promoting one flawed theology over another. 9. Vilifying Opponents: Frustrated by opposition theology that lacks the contextual clarity of scripture, the adherence have little choice but to keep followers by tribalism and fear-mongering, leading to willful ignorance and stalled development of the true scriptural position or investigation on a matter. 10. Biblical Context: Rather than a culture of teaching deep contextual study of scripture, in the order and priority of scripture, theology and opinions of men are sought to teach on a topic and treated as if studying a matter, leading to a prioritizing, reordering and systematizing of things scripture does not.

The Book of Romans ends with Paul the Apostle commending many wonderful believers and ministers of faith who spend their time being faithful examples of the Christian life and doctrine Paul has been presenting in his gospel doctrine. He interjects his commendations with an extortion to be careful not to follow the example of those who divide and hurt or teach doctrine contrary to what Paul and other apostles have taught. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." ~ Romans 16:17-20

It's so easy to get our eyes off of being living vessels of God and instead becoming critical of the Brotherhood by the temptations of our flesh. While it is not wrong to judge with righteous judgement, it is important to use that judgement to help others rather than to merely condemn or complain about them. The "Strong" Brother looks for ways to restore others to usefulness to God. In Romans 15 Paul the Apostle teaches us that Strong Faith is not about being critical or decisive towards those of other convictions or doctrines but rather as opportunities to help edify and unite the weaker brother in the truth and to help them to become better living vessels of God. More important than division of errant or "weaker" brothers is the work of restoration.

The weak in faith tend to get distracted from the main focus and goal of being living sacrifices of God, to that of fixating on doubtful disputations and judging each other's acceptance by God based on their personal convictions or opinions, rather than on the full and complete payment of Christ. In Romans 14 Paul the Apostle instructs them to receive those weak in faith but not to allow doubtful disputations to define their relationship with each other. In this sermon we show what weak faith is and how we can strengthen our faith by receiving and helping the weak in faith by our sacrificial living. By not purposefully offending our brother's convictions and conscience in something we feel that we are free to do, we can take the opportunity to edify them instead of flaunting our rights, to the detriment of their faith.

Wisdom has seven key principles that need to be followed in order for it to be used in a wholesome way. If even one is despised then your place in the house of wisdom will falter. In this message we show the seven pillars and their necessity in our life in order to truly reap all the benefits true wisdom has to offer us.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers." In Romans 13 we are shown the relationship the Christian is to have with civil society as a whole. This includes the government laws, powers, officers, taxes, and civil participation of the nation in which we live. We also speak to the obligation we have toward our civil equals, such as other citizens. In this we also show how the Christian is to work in resolving injustice or properly opposing corruption of those who abuse their civil offices.

If we chose to be living sacrifice (out of gratefulness for what God has freely and richly done for us through Jesus Christ) then we should conduct our Christian lives in a manner fitting that role, by learning how we aught to conduct ourselves to be the best conduits of God's grace. In this message we look at how to transition what we have learned about faith in the Spiritual into practical aspects of living that faith, that God has given us, out in the physical world around us through our bodies. In these practical aspects we can see the true manner of faith we are to exhibit.

Having spent eleven chapters speaking about what God has done for us, Apostle Paul now tells us what "reasonable service" we can do in response to God for what He has done. We should become "Living Sacrifices" by allowing God's faith to transform our lives. In particular, we are to allow God to use our bodies to express and prove to others what God has done for us in the Spirit, by expressing those things through our bodies. God has conformed our Spirit to that of Christ image and all he ask of us to transform that Spiritual conformity into being visible to others through our physical lives as a testimony of God's Gracious work to us and all of mankind who will humbly submit to Him in faith. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.