"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right." Truly, righteous lips are the delight of both him that begets, and all those that are begotten of HIM. For we know that every one that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. And truly, the righteous LORD loveth righteousness, but him that loveth violence his soul hateth. What are our hearts and souls and minds filled with? Because ultimately, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth sp... [Read Full Article]

Let us arm ourselves once and for all. If we are going to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, we SHALL suffer persecution. Persecution is not something just of ancient times or for foreign lands that are outwardly hostile to the gospel. Persecution comes from the hearts and mouths and flesh of all unregenerate men and women who will not repent and is something every believer and follower of Jesus Christ shall suffer during his earthly pilgrimage. There is no way to avoid persec... [Read Full Article]

Pride is like a castle or fortress. We are convinced that what we have on the inside is so much better than what others have on the outside; so we bar the gates, and build up the walls, so that nothing external can get in - not even the grace of God. I am great. I am strong. I am self-sufficient. I am, I am, I am… God said, "I AM THAT I AM." (Ex. 3:14) No greater boast could be made, than to declare that he is who and what he is: the eternal God (Deut. 33:27), the true Light (John 1:9), the... [Read Full Article]

We often think of the gospel of Christ from the perspective of condemned sinners: All have sinned; the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. If we are saved, we inherit heaven and eternal life; if not, we are condemned already to hell and everlasting punishment for our sins. This view is very man-centric; it’s about what WE get it of it. Christ came so WE can get life, so WE don’t have to go to hell, so WE can be saved. Most people are f... [Read Full Article]

I meet many people that say that they are trusting in God for the eternal salvation of their souls. In fact, many seem to think that the whole of the gospel is to get someone to just trust in Jesus to save their souls from the penalty of their sins. However, the more I read the scriptures, and the more I walk with the LORD, the more I clearly see that God wants us to trust in HIM for everything in our life (both in this world, and in the world to come). It is easy for someone who doesn't ful... [Read Full Article]

Psalm 62:7-8 "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Devotion: There is nothing as glorious and beautiful upon this earth as a man who finally is brought to the point/place where his only hope and help is from the living God. When God truly becomes the only One that is turned to and called upon for salvation, deliverance, strength, grace, mer... [Read Full Article]

Years ago, I was caught up in so many theological systems and debates. Studying and putting so much energy into things that I felt were so important; trying so hard to convince others of this or that persuasion. About 8 or 9 years ago, I took notice of one man that would regularly post a comparatively simple message: “Love God and stop sinning.” This simple message changed my life. The simplicity and purity of it made me pause and consider. I knew in my heart that life was that simple... [Read Full Article]

Blessed be the name! Blessed be the name! Blessed be the name of the LORD! There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we MUST be saved! Truly, only salvation comes from the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! For the Father hath blessed HIM, and given HIM a name that is above every name! That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow (of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth), and EVERY tongue should confess that JESUS is LORD to the glory o... [Read Full Article]

As I was reading through Numbers recently, I came across this phrase that really caught my attention: “…and ye shall know my breach of promise.” It was God who said that. The context is Numbers 14. The spies, in chapter 13, had searched out the land that God had promised. All twelve spies found it to be a good land; however, all but two gave an evil report of the land, because its inhabitants were strong. Not being mindful of their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt ... [Read Full Article]

No matter what you are going through; no matter what obstacles you face; no matter what trials you are facing, TRUST IN GOD! If you are weak, fall upon your face and lean into his strength. If you are strong, rejoice in HIS name and praise HIM. If you are sorrowful, cry out to HIM and pour out your heart before HIM. If you are happy, give him all the honour and thanksgiving. In all things, whether you are brought low or high, stay humble before the LORD ALMIGHTY and trust in HIM. Continue... [Read Full Article]

How beautiful and how wonderful is the word of the living God?! How gracious and how true are the pure words of his mouth?! Everyday I just sit and read the scriptures and I marvel at how faithful and true the testimony of these words are indeed; how spiritual and how deep and penetrating they are to the heart and soul! Let us daily come to the scriptures as children to sit before our Father in heaven. Let us drink deep of the fountain of living waters that proceed from his throne by his et... [Read Full Article]

While stopped at a red light yesterday, I saw this interesting message on the license plate in front of me: IF YOU THINK YOU’RE PERFECT TRY WALKING ON WATER This immediately got me to thinking about Matthew 14:25-31. The Bible says that Jesus walked on water. Any Christian will tell you that Jesus was and is perfect. The connection makes sense, right? Who else could walk on water, beside him? But there’s another man who walked on water: Peter. How’s that possible? Jesus called Pet... [Read Full Article]

I hope this title doesn’t make sense to you. God said in Leviticus 24:22: “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.” Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate… strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matt. 7:13-14). He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in ... [Read Full Article]

Do you desire to truly draw closer to the LORD? Do you desire, like Paul, to count everything else in your life but dung? Do you long to be crucified with Christ, so that it is no more you that liveth, but Christ that liveth in you? Do you long to abide in his presence, and for him to abide in you? May the LORD ever deepen our heart's desire to draw closer and closer to the living God. May our heart and even our flesh long for the living God; may we thirst for the fountains of living water... [Read Full Article]

Psa 78:36  Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. Psa 78:37  For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. May these words never be true of me nor those of my household. May Christ's word be as a fire that purifies our hearts, our minds, our consciences, our reins, our wills, our desires, and even our longings. May our hearts ever be true and right before him, and may we walk wo... [Read Full Article]

Today I read in the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 10, the account of a rich man often called "the rich young ruler" (the same account in Matthew refers to him as "young", while Luke mentions that he was a "certain ruler"), and his encounter with Jesus: "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one... [Read Full Article]

At the start of 2023, I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! Then I began to think, What is a happy year for the people of God? What does the Bible say about being happy? I did a little search-study today and found that the Bible uses the word "happy" 25 times in 21 contexts, giving us essentially 20* straightforward reasons to be happy: 1.) Gen. 30:13: "And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed" You will be happy if the Lord has blessed you. 2.) Deut. 33:29: "... [Read Full Article]

What are the “oracles” the Bible talks about? The scriptures. Speaking of the OT scriptures:Moses received them from the Angel of the LORD (Acts 7:38)They were committed to the Jews (Rom 3:2)They contain principles which must be taught (Heb 5:12), some of which are enumerated in Heb 6:1-2 In the OT, the word “oracle” is used to refer to the most holy place in the temple (and before the temple, 2 Sam 16:23, the tabernacle). The oracle was not the word of God; it was th... [Read Full Article]

Many times I have tried to show somebody an important truth in the word of God only to have the person basically completely ignore the scripture I have shown them and then quote another Bible verse to me as if to attempt to disprove the scripture that I have just laid before their eyes. Let us not deal thus with the word of God. The scriptures are perfectly woven from beginning to end by the Spirit of God. And they are not to be used to fight against each other. Such attempt... [Read Full Article]

I hope these articles have been a help and a blessing to you. In this series of articles I am attempting to help believers become more solid in the word of God through tips and pointers for reading the Bible more effectively. In the last 2 articles we spoke of paying careful attention to what the Bible actually says and beginning to dig into the meanings of the key words and key phrases in a text. If you just learn how to be a good detective and researcher when reading the Bible, this will g... [Read Full Article]

In the previous article we discussed the importance of paying attention to what the text ACTUALLY SAYS. This may be the most important key to coming to solid understanding of the word of God. If you are willing to unlearn everything that you have learned that is wrong and really pay attention to what the word of God actually says and allow the Spirit of truth to guide you into truth, you will be well on your way to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The next tip I'd like to dis... [Read Full Article]

Today I want to get into actually reading the Bible. We have discussed key things to understand ahead of time and prepare our hearts and minds to approach the scriptures in the past 3 articles, but now let's get to the TEXT itself. As I have stated before, many people read the Bible for years and years and still after years and years have very little understanding of what God is actually revealing in his word. They seem unable to uncover the many riches of Christ and the kingdom of God ... [Read Full Article]

In the first 2 articles of this series we discussed the importance of our attitude and approach to the word of God and of ways how we can prepare our hearts before HIM in prayer. While many unbelievers and skeptics come to the Bible without either the right approach or any spiritual preparation, God's word and Spirit are still so powerful that God can reprove, convict, convince, and convert them. However, these articles are written for believers on how to best (ideally) approach and read the ... [Read Full Article]

In the last article we talked about the importance of having the right mindset as we approach the word of God. The mindset we must have is to give the Bible the highest honour and regard as the true word of God. Many people base their entire lives off of prophetic words that they receive from people or off of counsel that they get from men. However, we must always give the highest honour to the truth of the scriptures as it is what we are to judge/test everything else by. In Isaiah 8:20 the... [Read Full Article]

To read the Bible is one of the greatest things you could ever do in your life. There are many different people from all kinds of cultures and backgrounds that begin reading the Bible for different reasons. Some reasons are pure, while others are self-serving or even with the purpose of disproving the word of God. Thankfully, God is mighty and his word is sharp like a sword that is able to turn evil hearts towards him and shut the mouths of his enemies. So God's word will never return void.... [Read Full Article]

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4) "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (Matt. 18:21-22) I... [Read Full Article]

In another paper, I have outlined the scriptural proofs against Dispensationalism. I believe they can be clearly seen by anyone who is open to seeing the truth. What I find, however, is that those who have subscribed to Dispensationalism as a system of Bible "understanding" have defined their core doctrine by it. (I once did myself.) They are so used to looking at scripture through the lens of Dispensationalism that they are lost and frightened and unable to function without it. Dispensationali... [Read Full Article]

Satan is intelligent, crafty, and wise, and he’s got 6,000 years of experience. He’s what you might call an “expert”. He’s also a liar, a murderer, a blasphemer, and a destroyer. The scripture calls him “the devil”, “the god of this world”, “the prince of this world”, “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”, and “a king over all the children of pride”. The children of the flesh are not the children of God. They are ignorant of God and his ways... [Read Full Article]

We must understand that we are dealing in the spiritual realm. Our issues and problems are not issues with flesh and blood, they are spiritual issues. Even when dealing with problems and conflicts with people, we are really dealing with the spirits behind or controlling those people (and even ourselves). Many Christians today live in a restricted form of bondage and fear and double-mindedness but cannot seem to get free. They come to church once or twice a week and feel uplifted and feel tempor... [Read Full Article]

The first Adam was made a living soul. He was soulish in nature and thus bound to the earth. Man was not made for heaven, but was made for the earth (which God gave to the children of men according to Psalms). And as we know, through the male and female both partaking in sin and disobedience (one was deceived, one was not deceived) death passed upon all men. In this nature we are all born. God testifies of man that our imaginations are evil from our youth. Due to all of our disobedience, God ha... [Read Full Article]

The last verse of John 17 Jesus Christ prays to the Father and states that he has declared "thy name" (the Father's name) to his disciples and will declare it. In Hebrews 2:12 Paul quotes a prophesy from the Psalms regarding Christ that he would "declare thy name unto my brethren" (again, implied that Christ would declare the Father's name unto his disciples). So I began thinking and praying, what "name" did he declare to them? The immediate answer might appear to be: "Jesus Christ"! The name a... [Read Full Article]

New wine will eventually go sour if it sits for too long. New wine is not meant to sit. It is meant to be served and drunk. It is meant to bring nourishment, joy, pleasure, sustenance, and health to those that partake of it. While each glass of new wine is not meant to last for ever, the great thing about new wine, is that as long as you have a healthy vine with healthy branches, fresh grapes will be regenerated constantly and consistently for ever! The potential for new wine is always there. F... [Read Full Article]

When Paul admonished us that we “look NOT at the things which are seen, but at the things which are NOT seen”, what was he trying to get us to realize and focus on? If true communion was truly eating a cracker and drinking some grape juice, then why would we be commanded to NOT look at those things which constitute true communion? But if true communion was the true breaking of bread unto eternal life, then is not his admonition fulfilled? When Paul said that our communion is the body of Chr... [Read Full Article]

The Lord has exhorted me to exhort you all to CONTINUE in the word which you have begun in which is able to BOTH make you disciples INDEED (not just in word and tongue) AND make you FREE INDEED. (For whosoever committeth sin is the SERVANT of sin but if the Son shall make you free, you shall be FREE INDEED.) And our beloved brother Paul confirmed this testimony of Christ in Romans 6 that “…sin shall NOT HAVE DOMINION over you: for ye are NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under GRACE!... But God be tha... [Read Full Article]

Some verses stress the repentance and don't mention the faith; that doesn't mean faith is not necessary!"And they went out, and preached that men should repent." (Mark 6:12)"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32)"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3&5)"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:" (Acts 17:30)"But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jeru... [Read Full Article]