Why Shepherds?
"And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds." Luke 2:18 The shepherds were the most unlikely men to receive such a glorious message. They were considered the lowest rung of society. They [...]
AI and the Meaning of Life
CLICK TO WATCH “This looks good,” said the robot ready to be entertained. Narrator:"A software company in Denmark wanted to use AI technology to try to answer the age old question. What is the meaning of life? They had their [...]
No More Temple — Jesus, the Final Offering for Sin
Click to Watch Hebrews 10:17-18 says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. Where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” Christ is the final offering for all sin for [...]
Radical change when we believed in Jesus
When we believed in Jesus Christ, we became "a new creation" — a new man. 2Co 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [...]
The Key to the Christian Life
CLICK TO WATCH What does God want to do today in your life and mine? 2nd Peter 1:5, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control [...]
No Greater Love
CLICK TO WATCH Sometimes loving others is the most difficult thing you’ll ever be called on to do. John 15, verse 13, “Greater love has no one than this to lay down one's life for His friends.” Jesus is talking [...]
God’s Pearls of Care for You
CLICK TO WATCH The Jews used a method of teaching called Charaz. It's the string of pearls together in which they would take parts of several verses, and they would put them together. I have strung together some verses for [...]
What Compels You?
CLICK TO WATCH 2nd Corinthians 5:14-15 gives us the divine motivation for our life. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus that if One died for all, then all died, and He died for all, that [...]
Should I Confess My Sins?
CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO SHORT If you can't say, “I am filled with the Spirit, I am walking in the Spirit” and you say, “Well, how will I know? Am I going to see lights going off and music playing [...]
5 Circles of Faith around Jesus
Fellow Bible Student, The five circles of faith are described for us in the scriptures. We begin with the circle of the 500. You remember in 1st Corinthians 15:6, the apostle Paul talks of the 500 who had witnessed the [...]
The 4 Points of the Cross
Fellow Bible Student, The four points of the cross are instructive. Click on the picture to watch the short video. LEFTWARD: The arm pointing left is pointing to your past, and your past has been paid and forgiven and paid [...]
Jesus Christ in the Tabernacle
The Gospel was taught to Old Testament believers by the priest so that the children of Israel would look forward to the coming of the Messiah—the coming of the Savior, the Lamb of God, who would take away the sin [...]
The Ultimate Father
Click to watch The story of the prodigal son is the most popular, because the road of the prodigal is a picture of what every one of us does in self-will. We say to God, “Give me your gifts. Give [...]
How Does God Choose People for Salvation?
Click to Watch How does God choose people for salvation? 2nd Thessalonians 2:13 says, “… because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth.” Jesus illustrates this very [...]
Devotion that Leads to Promotion — Daniel 3:26–30
Click to watch the video Clich HERE for a printable version of this document. Click HERE for the original full audio lesson and notes. Thanks to "The Book of Daniel" 2013 movie for some of the scenes. Tonight, we're going [...]
Our Two-part #Calling
Click to access the lessons Recently, Gene addressed the students and staff of Nagaland Bible College in a five-part series regarding principles of ministry. Those lessons are on the website HERE. We've posted several associated short videos derived from these [...]
Daniel Chapter 3 —Nebuchadnezzar’s Ragtime Band
Click to watch the video Clich HERE for a printable version of this document. Click HERE for the original full audio lesson and notes. Thanks to "The Book of Daniel" 2013 movie for some of the scenes. We're going to [...]
Daniel 2:36–49
Click to watch the video lesson Click HERE for a printable version of this document. Click HERE for the original full audio lesson and notes. Thanks to "The Book of Daniel" 2013 movie for some of the scenes. In Daniel [...]
Finished with Taxes? Catch up on short videos
Take a break. Celebrate finishing taxes. Watch the latest video shorts by clicking on its picture to see it on YouTube. Consider giving each a "thumbs up," adding an encouraging comment, and sharing them with your friends and family. Find [...]
What does the Resurrection mean to you?
Fellow Bible Students, Gene taught "What does the Resurrection mean to you?" at Living Truth Prescott church on Wednesday, April 3rd. The original video lesson can be found here: CLICK HERE The original printable class handout can be found here: [...]
2nd Thessalonians Chapter One
Nan Cunningham taught a women's Bible class studying Second Thessalonians Chapter one on March 19th, 2024 at Living Truth Church Prescott Arizona. The full video is here: https://youtu.be/1X72TbzBPFE Obviously, this is Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. It was written [...]
Daniel 2:17-30
This lesson is a distillation and video vignette of parts of the 6th audio-only Daniel lesson. Click here for the full audio of Daniel lessons ("listen") and access to class handouts: https://basictraining.org/all-audio-messages/?enmse=1&enmse_am=1&enmse_mid=2621&enmse_av=1 Review You'll remember that Nebuchadnezzar has his dream. [...]
Daniel 2:1-16
This lesson is a distillation and video vignette of parts of the fifth audio-only Daniel lesson. Click here for the full audio of Daniel lessons ("listen") and access to class handouts: https://basictraining.org/all-audio-messages/?enmse=1&enmse_sid=275 Click to watch Youtube Video Vignette Daniel 2:1 [...]
The Five Crowns
Click on this to see all the Crown videos Believers often question the mention of rewards as a basis for motivating us to live faithfully/ victoriously. However, remember in Revelation 4:4, 10–11, the twenty-four elders, who represent those believers who [...]
Daniel 1:9-16
This lesson is a distillation and video vignette of parts of the third audio-only Daniel lesson. Click here for the full audio of Daniel lessons ("listen") and access to class handouts: https://basictraining.org/all-audio-messages/?enmse=1&enmse_sid=275 Click to watch Youtube Video Vignette We’ve seen [...]
5 Cycles of National Discipline
This lesson is a distillation and video illustration of parts of the second audio-only Daniel lesson. Click here: https://basictraining.org/all-audio-messages/?enmse=1&enmse_am=1&enmse_mid=2614&enmse_av=1 Click to watch How did they get to the point where the people of God are now a captive nation of [...]
Daniel 1:1-8
The lesson notes can be found here: https://basictraining.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Book-of-Daniel-Jan.-2024-Lesson-1.pdf IntroductionDaniel was contemporary with both Ezekiel and Jeremiah. As young men, it is likely that both Daniel and Ezekiel would have heard Jeremiah preach in Jerusalem. Daniel, as he was being put [...]
What does Christmas mean?
What is Christmas all about? Nan and I have seen Christmas celebrating all over the world in some very interesting and very strange places, both by those who are Bible believers and by those who are not. What [...]
What will heaven be like?
>>>Click here for a printable version of this<<< Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5 Just try to [...]
Scriptural Proof of the Pre-tribulation Rapture
This document was derived from an audio lesson transcript at a small-group Bible study. A printable version is >>>CLICK HERE<<<. Many people are not able to distinguish the two times in the Bible that Jesus is prophesized to come back. [...]
Title Deed to Everything
CLICK TO WATCH Who is worthy of owning everything? Who is worthy of claiming the title deed to the earth? Jesus Christ, of course. Revelation 5:1 starts, “I saw in the right hand of Him the sat on the throne.” [...]
“He that has an ear” — Revelation Chapter 3
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO In this video, we finish the message to the last three of the seven churches. Sardis—Revelation 3:1–6 The word “Sardis” means “remnant” or “those who escape.” This church has a name that it is “alive” but [...]
“He that has an ear” — Revelation Chapter 2
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO As we study the message of Christ to the seven churches, we will do well to keep in mind four interpretation aides given by Dr. C. I. Scofield: Local meaning—these are seven actual churches existing in [...]
Revelation 1:10-20
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Notes for Revelation lessons are >>>HERE<<< The original, complete audio for Revelation Chapter 1 can be found >>>HERE<<< John was banned to the Island of Patmos and was given a vision in which he was told [...]
Revelation 1:1-9
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO >>>Notes for Revelation can be found HERE <<< The three-fold outline of the book Revelation one is found in verse 1:19. Notice that Jesus says, talking to John, “Write the things that you have seen, the [...]
What Does Jabez’ Prayer have to do with Jesus’ birth?
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO This video was extracted from original audio "The First and Last Christmas" We rightly love the Christmas Story. We know that God arranged the whole scene, but few know the connection to Jabez’ prayer nearly two [...]
A Hero, a Maiden, and a Dragon
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO “In every great story, there are three things: a hero, a maiden, and a dragon.” G.K. Chesterton. The Maiden In Luke 1:26-29, Mary has had an appearance of an angel that calls himself Gabriel and tells [...]
The Gifts of the Magi — Christmas 2022
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO It's Christmas time again—the time when we commemorate the birth of our Lord with celebration and the giving of gifts. Matthew 2 gives us the account of the Magi that visited Jesus as a baby; [...]
“Blessed are you among women”
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO You might not believe it, but Luke Chapter One is one of the most theologically, doctrinally, and prophetically packed passages anywhere in Scripture. To thoroughly exegete it would involve going from book to book, passage to [...]
If Christmas is pagan, should Christians be involved?
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a "pagan holiday," that we the [...]
“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” — Mission Forgotten
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO (on YouTube) This video was posted on YouTube. Please watch it, give it a "Thumbs Up," share it and subscribe to the YouTube channel to increase its visibility and impact. We have a few brief hours [...]
“I will bless those who bless you” — Mission Forgotten
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO This video was posted on YouTube. Please watch it, give it a "Thumbs Up" and subscribe to the YouTube channel to increase its visibility and impact. This video and the previous two describe the context and [...]
“until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO This video is a follow-up to the previous “Rapture of the Church: Goodness and Severity.” These two videos, along with the next, discuss a little-studied rapture passage found in Romans 11:11 through Romans 12:2. References to [...]
The Rapture — Goodness and Severity
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Most people would never look at Romans Chapter 11 to find the rapture of the church, but it's there and we learn a great deal by considering it within the context of the passage. We find [...]
Jesus’ Roadmap for the Future
CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES This series of short lessons attempts to detail Jesus' Roadmap for the Future. It starts with the last lessons Jesus gave the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and ends with teachings [...]
Degrees of Eternal Rewards
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Why Strive for Rewards? Believers often question the mention of rewards as a basis for motivating us to live faithfully/ victoriously. However, remember in Revelation 4:4, 10–11, the twenty-four elders, who represent those believers who have [...]
Eternal Reward: Seated with Christ
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO 1. All who are believers in Jesus Christ are overcomers by virtue of union with Christ (John 16:33; Rom. 8:37; 1 John 5:4–5). 2. All unconditional promises made to “overcomers” in the message to the seven [...]
Eternal Reward: A Named Pillar
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO 1. All who are believers in Jesus Christ are overcomers by virtue of union with Christ (John 16:33; Rom. 8:37; 1 John 5:4–5). 2. All unconditional promises made to “overcomers” in the message to the seven [...]
Eternal Reward: Walk in White with Jesus
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The Church of Sardis, Revelation 3:1–6 • Commendation—none! Both Sardis and Laodicea are without any commendation! • Rebuke/Correction, vv. 1–3 Rebuked for spiritual deadness, imperfect works, called to be watchful (spiritual wake–up), strengthen what remains, remember [...]
Eternal Reward: Co-ruler with Christ (corrected links)
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The Church of Thyatira, Revelation 2:18–29: • Commendation, vv. 18–19 Good works, love, service, faith, patience—greater than before • Rebuke/Correction, vv. 20–24 Tolerance of Jezebel, sexual immorality, unrepentance by her followers, certainty of judgment unless they [...]
Eternal Reward: A New Name
CLICK TO ADD VIDEO The question arises, based on what has been written above: Do the promises to the overcomers then belong to all Christians, or only to those who actively overcome? To which the answer is: “Yes.” The Church [...]
Eternal Reward for Suffering
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The Church of Smyrna, Revelation 2:8–11:• Commendation, vv. 8–9 Good works, suffering, poverty (spiritually rich), resistance to the Synagogue of Satan • Rebuke/Correction—none! • Promise to Overcomers, vv. 10–11 Please note carefully that a challenge and [...]
Eternal Reward: Tree of Life
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Since our study has to do specifically with eternal rewards, we cannot deal with all the points made to each church. We will try to hit the high-points and zero in on the promises to the [...]
Eternal Rewards for Overcomers
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO When we come to the seven churches of the Revelation, our theological “sacred cow” will inevitably affect our interpretation. This is critical in regard to our identification of the “overcomer.” We will either see the “overcomer” [...]
Eternal Rewards for Endurance
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The theme of “holding fast to the end” and of “patient endurance” runs through the book of Hebrews (3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:12–15; 10:35–39; 12:1–3). Time and space do not allow us the ability to cover this [...]
Eternal Rewards Acquired Today
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The Challenge to “Enter into His Rest” (Hebrews 4:1–16) This passage is worthy of careful consideration lest we fail to grasp what “rest” means. In chapter 3, it spoke of failure to enter into Canaan. In [...]
A Rewardable Life
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO The warning sections of the book of Hebrews set forth the truth that how we live our lives after our initial salvation will result either in eternal gain, or in eternal loss. The examples of both [...]
Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness Here
CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO Believers often question the mention of rewards as a basis for motivating us to live faithfully/ victoriously. However, remember in Revelation 4:4, 10–11, the twenty-four elders, who represent those believers who have gained crowns, cast [...]
Two Little Hobbits
Perilous Times Primer #47August 13, 2022Two Little Hobbits “The battle for helms deep is over. The battle for Middle Earth is about tobegin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits, somewhere inthe wilderness.” – Gandalf >>>CLICK HERE FOR [...]
Are You Ready to Go Down?
Perilous Times Primer # 46July 22, 2022 Are You Ready to Go Down? >>>If you'd like a printable version of this click here<<< We (Nan and I) had an interesting readiness test on our flight back from Montana camp. I’ll [...]
Tremble Before God/Triumph in Disaster
Perilous Times Primer #45 March 31, 2022 Tremble Before God/Triumph in Disaster “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor the fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; [...]
The Battle for Middle Earth
Perilous Times Primer #44March 18, 2022 The Battle for Middle Earth “Sauron’s wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle for Helms Deep is over.The battle for middle earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie withtwo [...]
Faith is the Victory
Perilous Times Primer # 43 January 5, 2022 Faith is the Victory “By this I know that You are well pleased with me, Because my enemy does not triumph over me.” Psalm 41:11 “But the people who know their God [...]
Out of the Shadow of Death into the Light of Life
Perilous Times Primer #42January 25, 2021Out of the Shadow of Death into the Light of Life >>>Click here for a printable version of this<<< “But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which [...]
“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN”
Perilous Times Primer #41January 9, 2021“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN” >>>Click here for a printable version of this<<< “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN …God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it … You have [...]
The LORD of Hosts Rides on the Storm
Perilous Times Primer #40 Click here for a printable version of this “And when you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb; and the hand of the Lord will be known toward His [...]
Post 2020 Election Blues?
Perilous Times Primer #39 “Why do the heathen rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break [...]
Dark Days and Difficult Times
Perilous Times Primer #38 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”Psalm 11:3 What to Do in Dark Times The question above seems to be a common theme for many believers today. It is easy to see why. [...]
Part 7: The Sabbath of the Soul
Simplicity Series #47Sabbath Series—Part 7 The Sabbath of the Soul “For we who have believed do enter that rest … Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:3, [...]
Part 6: The Kingdom Age Will Be a Millennial Sabbath
Simplicity Series #46Sabbath Series—Part 6 The Kingdom Age Will Be a Millennial Sabbath Review In every Sabbath celebration from the weekly observance to the Year of Jubilee, there are certain themes that are repeated. The first is that of rest. [...]
Part 5: The Sabbaths Reveal God’s Power to Restore What was Lost
Simplicity Series #45Sabbath Series—Part 5 The Sabbaths Reveal God’s Power to Restore What was Lost “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 The Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8–17, 23–34) [...]
Coronavirus Update
Perilous Times Primer #37 Let me start off by saying that I am not (obviously) a health professional. The information that I pass on is “for what it is worth.” Consider and respond as you are led by the Holy [...]
Coronavirus in Perspective
Perilous Times Primer #36 “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you [...]
Part 4: The Sabbath Reveals the Providential Care of God
Simplicity Series #44Sabbath Series—Part 4 continued The Sabbath Reveals the Providential Care of God In our previous three posts we have seen how the weekly Sabbath reveals the love and grace of God, and how the seven annual Feasts/Sabbaths [...]
Part 3: The Sabbath Reveals the Redemptive Plan of God
Simplicity Series #43Sabbath Series—Part 3 continued The Sabbath Reveals the Redemptive Plan of God As we saw in the last post, the seven annual feasts in Israel were designed to reveal and anticipate the plan of redemption through Jesus [...]
Part 2: The Sabbath Reveals the Redemptive Plan of God
Simplicity Series #42Sabbath Series—Part 2 continued The Sabbath Reveals the Redemptive Plan of God The Seven Feasts of Israel Not only did God give to Israel the seventh-day Sabbath, He also gave to them seven Sabbath-feasts. The seven feasts [...]
Part 1: The Sabbath Reveals the Love and Grace of God
Simplicity Series #41Sabbath Series Part 1 The Sabbath Reveals the Love and Grace of God “For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:8 “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the [...]
The Sabbath Reveals the Glory of God
Simplicity Series #40 The Sabbath Reveals the Glory of God “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested [...]
Run with the Horsemen—Part 3
The Never-Ending Battle Perilous Times Primer #35 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage …” Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) It is crucial to note [...]
Run with the Horsemen—Part 2
Gene has recently updated Perilous Times Primer #33 (Run with the Horsemen—Part 1), to exemplify the kind of spiritual battles we are facing today. You can read those updates here. Perilous Times Primer #34 Like Jeremiah, we need to learn [...]
Updated: Run with the Horsemen—Part 1
Perilous Times Primer #33 “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?” Jeremiah 12:5 Question: Are you ready to run with the horses? Thesis: If you are weary of [...]
Entering into His Rest
Simplicity Series #39 Entering into His Rest “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in [...]
The Elements and Ingredients of Culture and the Revolutionary Power of the Gospel
Simplicity Series #38 The Elements and Ingredients of Culture and the Revolutionary Power of the Gospel What is Culture? “For as [a man] he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 Culture is the outward expression of [...]
The Five Essential Elements of the Gospel in Romans
Simplicity Series #37 The Five Essential Elements of the Gospel in Romans “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and [...]
The Gospel and Culture
Simplicity Series #36 The Gospel and Culture In May, I will be speaking at a large Theological Conference in Asia, and I have been asked to present a series on the impact of the Gospel message on culture along three [...]
Around the World in Prayer and Thanksgiving! December 2018
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 You have joined us many times this year as we have journeyed together “around the world in prayer.” Our hearts are filled with appreciation for your faithful prayers and [...]
Living Thankfully
Simplicity Series #35 Living Thankfully “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service [worship]. And do not be conformed to this [...]
The Glory Road and the Path of Victory
Simplicity Series #34 The Glory Road and the Path of Victory “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life [...]
This Grace in Which We Stand
Simplicity Series #33 The Grace in Which We Stand (Romans 5) Our Security and Blessedness in the Love of God Introduction Paul has carefully laid out his teaching in Rom. 3:21–4:25 on the doctrine of justification. As we have seen, [...]
The Father of Believers and the Focus of Faith
Simplicity Series #32 The Father of Believers and the Focus of Faith “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus … Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness … For [...]
What of Those Who Have Never Heard?
Simplicity Series #31 The Gospel for the Nations What of Those Who Have Never Heard? “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise, so as much as is in me, I am [...]
The Glorious Message of the Gospel
Simplicity Series #30 The Glorious Message of the Gospel “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son [...]
Faithful Living in Perilous Times
Faithful Living in Perilous Times “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it [...]
The Victorious Homecoming of the Saints
The Victorious Homecoming of the Saints Hebrews 12:22–24 “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God … to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant …” In Memoriam This post is dedicated to [...]
The Resurrection of Christ and the Vanity of Pascal’s Wager
The Resurrection of Christ and the Vanity of Pascal’s Wager “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins! … If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are [...]
Building for Eternity
Simplicity Series #26 Building for Eternity “If anyone’s work which he has built on it [the “foundation,” v. 11] endures, he will receive a reward.” 1Co 3:14 Review from Simplicity Series #25 We each choose to be either a [...]
Building the House of the Soul
Building the House of the Soul “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Mat 7:24 I recently taught this class in [...]
Six Principles of Spiritual Power
Six Principles of Spiritual Power “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; the rain also covers it with [...]
You Shall Call His Name Immanuel
You Shall Call His Name Immanuel “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Mat 1:23 An Ancient Sign to Israel (Isa 7:10–17; [...]
The Shepherd-King
The Shepherd-King “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will [...]
The Free Gift of God—An Insult to Man’s Pride
The Free Gift of God—An Insult to Man’s Pride “… being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Rom 3:24 The Righteousness of God The basic theme of the book of Romans can [...]
Your Battles Belong to the Lord
Your Battles Belong to the Lord “Then all of this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1Sa 17:47 [...]
Complete in Christ?
Simplicity Series #18 Complete in Christ? “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col 2:9–10 A Faulty Conclusion Many believers [...]
Sauntering Through the Land, Looking to Eternity
Sauntering Through the Land, Looking to Eternity “Lift your eyes now and look … northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever … Arise, walk in the [...]
Eating and Drinking in the Kingdom of God
Eating and Drinking in the Kingdom of God “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber [drunkard, NASB], a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by [...]
Are You Living in the Kingdom of God?
Are You Living in the Kingdom of God? “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Rom 14:17 A Kingdom Not of this World Paul is addressing [...]
The Hour of Trial or the Tribulation?
Simplicity Series #12 The Hour of Trial or the Tribulation? “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who [...]
The Foolishness and the Weakness of God
The Foolishness and the Weakness of God “We preach Christ crucified … because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1Co 1:23–25 The Divine Comedy, 1Co 1:23 Whenever man, [...]
We Serve a God Who Hears
Perilous Times Primer #32 - We Serve a God Who Hears “May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you … Call upon Me in the day of trouble; [...]
Beware of the Billionaire Preppers
Perilous Times Primer #31 - Beware of the Billionaire Preppers “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mar 8:36 Billionaire Bunkers I have read a number of articles recently [...]
The Question that Rattles the Gates of Hell
The Simplicity Series #10 The Question that Rattles the Gates of Hell “But who do you say that I am?” Mat 16:15 The Contradiction of Eternal Consequence Jesus and the disciples had crossed over Galilee and traveled north for about [...]
Spiritual Warfare in Heavenly Places
Spiritual Warfare in Heavenly Places An Urgent Call to Arms “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age …” Eph 6:12 The Tale of Two [...]
Spiritual Rebellion and a Hate-Filled Generation
The Simplicity Series #9 Spiritual Rebellion and a Hate-Filled Generation “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, [...]
Biblical Standards and Divine Institutions
Perilous Times Primer #29 - Biblical Standards and Divine Institutions It is a pleasure for me to post this guest article by Ken Buck, offered as the next installment in our Perilous Times Primer series. Ken has been involved in [...]
Peace in the Midst of the Storm
The Simplicity Series #8 Peace in the Midst of the Storm “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever …” Isa 26:3–4a This passage is [...]
Christ Reigns in the Midst of His Enemies
Christ Reigns in the Midst of His Enemies The Real Peril in Perilous Times “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’ … rule in the midst of Your enemies.” [...]
The Sower and the Botanist
The Simplicity Series #7 The Sower and the Botanist “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed … fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who [...]
The Commission We Have Not Kept
The Simplicity Series #6 The Commission We Have Not Kept “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them [...]
Setting the Boundaries of the Gospel Message
The Simplicity Series #5 Setting the Boundaries of the Gospel Message “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as [...]
The Critical Role of the Father in the Home and Nation
The Simplicity Series #4 The Critical Role of the Father in the Home and Nation “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Eph 6:4 The [...]
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth-Part Three
Perilous Times Primer #27 Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth—Part Three In our last post we used the article, The Student, the Fish, and Agassiz, as an example of the law of critical observation. Anyone who has ever puzzled over [...]
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth-Part Two
Perilous Times Primer #26 Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth—Part Two In my last post, I listed twelve principles or laws of biblical interpretation. One thing I should have added to the Law of Context (#9) is the importance [...]
Thanksgiving in Perilous Times
Thanksgiving in Perilous Times “In the LORD I put my trust; how can you [the unbeliever] say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’? For look! The wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow [...]
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth-Part One
Perilous Times Primer #24 Preparing for Persecution Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth—Part One This is being presented as part of our “Perilous Times Primer” series in the hope that it will aid each of you in your personal Bible [...]
Are You Ready for Legalized Persecution?
Perilous Times Primer #23 Are You Ready for Legalized Persecution? “When the wicked increase, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.” Pro 29:16 NASB Governmental Corruption Complete In this last week, we have seen the stage finally set [...]
What Difference Can One Person Make?
Perilous Times Primer #22 What Difference Can One Person Make? “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psa 11:3 The Question Today, I see many who are asking, in essence, this very question. There is no doubt [...]
Open Doors for Overcomers
Perilous Times Primer #21 Open Doors for Overcomers “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not [...]
Delivered from What?
Perilous Times Primer #20 Delivered from What? “Because you have kept the message of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the [...]
The Hour is Upon Us!
Perilous Times Primer #19 The Hour Is Upon Us! “That very hour the word was fulfilled …” Dan 4:33 “… but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people [...]
Watchman, What of the Night?
Perilous Times Primer #18 Watchman, What of the Night? “Watchman, what of the night?” Isa 21:11 “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes [...]
The Most Critical Element in Prayer
Perilous Times Primer #17 The Most Critical Element in Prayer “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way ...” [...]
Be Advised, and Be Wise!
Perilous Times Primer #16 Be Advised, and Be Wise! “Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? ... Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching [...]
Never Quit!
Perilous Times Primer #15 Never Quit Recently, I have received several emails asking for guidance and direction. These questions relate to the recent election, what the future may hold, and how we can prepare for the uncertainty of the future. [...]
Who Is That Woman and Why is She Screaming?
Perilous Times Primer #14 Who is That Woman, and Why is She Screaming? “Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the [...]
Does Preparing for Perilous Times Demonstrate a Lack of Faith?
Perilous Times Primer #13 “Does Preparing for Perilous Times Demonstrate a Lack of Faith?” I recently received a very polite question on our website from a lady who was concerned regarding the above issue: Is it evidence of a lack [...]
Omnous Warnings
Perilous Times Primer #12 Omnous Warnings “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near … looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and savior [...]
Fasting as a Means to Spiritual Power
Perilous Times Primer #11 Fasting as a Means to Spiritual Power “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Mat 17:21 The Effects of Spiritual Inconsistency At first, it may seem a long stretch to [...]
I Like the Depression
Perilous Times Primer #10 “I Like the Depression” Recently, at the local farmers' market here in Prescott Valley, Arizona, I found a book entitled, “We Had Everything But Money,” a book of memoirs from the Great Depression. As I leafed [...]
Survival Preparations According to Scripture
Perilous Times Primer #9 Survival Preparations According to Scripture "Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." Isa 3:10 I have always been a keen student of survival [...]
How to Adapt to the Unthinkable
Perilous Times Primer #8 How to Adapt to the Unthinkable “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in [...]
Government Amateur Hour
Government Amateur Hour “For behold, the Lord God of hosts is going to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support ... and I will make mere lads their princes, and capricious children will rule over them, and [...]
On Becoming Children
Perilous Times Primer #6 On Becoming Children “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mat 18:3 “An innocent child is a man who [...]
The Elijah Option
Perilous Times Primer #5 The Elijah Option “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Jam 5:16b In this post, I want to discuss what I firmly believe to be the single most significant and essential step [...]
No Accidents in God’s Plan
Perilous Times Primer #4 No Accidents in God's Plan “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect pilgrims of the dispersion ... according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of [...]
Solid Preparations for an Uncertain Future-Part Two
Perilous Times Primer #3 Solid Preparations for an Uncertain Future Part Two Review: Level One Preparation In my previous posting, we looked at the most fundamental essentials of spiritual preparation. These are things contained in the soul, in the event [...]
Solid Preparation for an Uncertain Future-Part One
Perilous Times Primer #2 Solid Preparations for an Uncertain Future Part One While we were in Papua New Guinea, we were cut off from all news. For two weeks, I taught the book of Romans to the graduate students, [...]
Perilous Times Will Come – First Edition
First Edition—January 2, 2009 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come…” 2Ti 3:1 Well, we have made it to 2009! Judging from what we have experienced in the last year, what might we expect [...]
The Power of Hearing
The Simplicity Series #15 The Power of Hearing “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17 According to Jesus, one must have “ears to hear.” It is not enough to have ears, nor is hearing [...]
The True Disciple – Part Two
Simplicity Series #14 The True Disciple “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luk 14:33 The Cost of Discipleship In the previous post, we looked at Luk 9:23, where Jesus lays [...]
The True Disciple – Part One
Simplicity Series #13 The True Disciple “Then He [Jesus] said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” Luk 9:23 Recently, I have been working [...]
The Fail-Proof Plan for Divine Guidance in Life
The Simplicity Series #3 The Fail-Proof Plan for Divine Guidance in Life “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Pro [...]
Christ, our Passover
The Simplicity Series #1 Christ, our Passover “… For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread [...]
The Relationship of Simplicity and Purity
The Simplicity Series #2 The Relationship of Simplicity and Purity This new series will present some of the best-loved texts of Christians throughout history and around the world. It is amazing that the best-known verses among Christians in America are [...]
The Paradox of History
The Paradox of HistoryJesus came in the fullness of time. The stage of history was set, but the world was not ready for how He came. In the Roman Empire, all the hopes and dreams of the human race met [...]
The Essence of God
The Essence of God Thus says the Lord, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who [...]
Raw Material
Raw Material A five-pound bag of iron made into horseshoe nails is worth 5 dollars and 50 cents. Made into needles, it is worth 3,000 dollars. Made into main-springs for watches, it is worth up to 250,000 dollars. We are [...]
Available People
Available People Moses (Num 12:3; Heb 11:25–26). To Moses, availability meant self-denial and great hardship to accomplish the plan of God. David (2Sa 10:11; 1Sa 16:13; 1Sa 17:37). In the battle with Goliath, there was only one person available for [...]
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts "The Gift of the Spirit" and "Spiritual Gifts" The phrase, "the gift of the Holy Spirit," relates to salvation and has to do with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the believer's relationship in God's family (Act [...]
Three Functions of the Believer
Three Functions of the Believer God does not save us and then turn us out to wander aimlessly around the cosmic system until He returns. The instant we are saved, we are given three assignments that define the purpose of [...]
Ambassadorship
Ambassadorship An ambassador does not appoint himself. We are appointed by Christ (2Co 5:18–20). An ambassador does not support himself. God supplies all our needs (Eph 1:3; Phi 4:19). An ambassador is not a citizen of the country where he [...]
Seven Figures of Christ and the Church
Seven Figures of Christ and the Church Seven New Testament figures of Christ and the Church illustrate the intimacy of the relationship between Christ and believers in the Church Age. Each picture reinforces the truth that fellowship with Jesus Christ [...]
The Mature Believer and Personal Accountability
An Examination of the Controversy Regarding Confession Opposing Views Two extreme views have entered into the arena of Christian ideas. These views have distracted some, divided others, and created much confusion among the rest of the flock. These views [...]
Knowing the Cost, Expressing the Value (by Nick Bacon)
Knowing the Cost, Expressing the ValueWritten by Nick Bacon Our founding fathers knew that freedom comes with a very expensive price tag. It was going to cost many American lives. They also knew, in July of 1776, when they [...]
Tongues as a Spiritual Gift
Believers are deeply divided on the subject of tongues, and I have learned over the years that once they become devoted to the practice of tongues—as they understand it—there is little chance of changing minds. However, I will do my [...]
The Perspective of Grace
The Perspective of Grace(Rom 5:1-2; Luk 18:9-14; 1Co 15:10) Spiritual growth should do something to our self-image. It did something to Paul's. When he wrote to the Corinthians in about AD 59, Paul called himself "the least of the apostles" [...]
Prophecies of Jesus Christ in the Psalms
Prophecies of Christ in the Psalms There are many fulfilled prophesies concerning Jesus Christ in the Psalms that are explained or amplified in the New Testament: Psalm Prophecy Fulfillment 1 Psa 2:1-12 The coming King and Son of God Mat [...]
Discipleship
Discipleship The Countdown: The combined body of Christ has One all-encompassing spiritual objective. Mat.28:19 "Make disciple. In this are four elements Authority, v. 18. Invitation, v.19. Methodology, v.20. Promise, v.20b. Each believer has Two available sources of power for the [...]
Blessing and Reward
Blessing and RewardFive Categories of Blessing in Time Spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3; Col 2:10) Promotion (1Sa 2:30) Blessing by association (Psa 23:5) Historical impact (Isa 53:12) Dying grace (Psa 116:15) Four Categories of Reward in Eternity Praise (1Co 4:5) Crowns [...]
How to Redeem Time
How to Redeem TimeThe only day we can redeem is today (Isa 49:8; Mat 6:30-33; 2Co 6:2), and throughout Scripture we are continually exhorted to listen to God today (Exo 17; Psa 90,95,106; 1Co 1-10; Heb 3). Every morning God [...]
Dispensations Timeline
I Gentile Age II Jewish Age III Church Age IV Millennial Age Time Adam to Abraham Abraham to Pentecost/ / Rapture to Second Advent Pentecost to Rapture 1,OOO years: Second Advent to White Throne Judgment Scriptures Genesis 1-11 [...]
The Rapture
The RaptureThe English "rapture" comes from the Latin translation of a Greek word used only a handful of times in the New Testament. Harpazo means "to take by force, to snatch out of imminent danger." in the earliest Latin translations [...]
The Day of the Lord and The Day of Christ
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The Good Fight of Faith
The Good Fight of FaithWe fight a spiritual war. The more we understand the spiritual nature of this war, the easier it will be to take, Spiritual struggle is worse than any other kind of struggle, We must fight in [...]
10 Principles of Warfare
10 Principles of Warfare Objective (Luk 19:10; Phi 3:8-10). Why are we fighting and what it is we are supposed to win? We are fighting in the cause for which Jesus Christ came to earth—to seek and to save that [...]
God is Able, God Is Faithful
God is Able Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me? (Jer 32:27) With God all things are possible. (Mat 19:26) God is able to save forever those who believe (Heb [...]
Present Session of Christ
Present Session of ChristAs Christians, we never have to face the enemy alone. We have a defender who has promised "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" (Heb 13:5). He who keeps us never sleeps (Psa [...]
Religion: The Enemy’s Ace
Religion: The Enemy's AceSatan is the father of all religions. He loves religion and religious people and uses both to further his deception of men and nations. "Religion" from the Greek threskeia, is used very few times in the New Testament, [...]
Power In Us
Power in UsEvery believer is a threat to Satan. We may not think of ourselves as much of a threat, but when we consider that the omnipotence of God in the person of God the Holy Spirit indwells us and [...]
Small Things
Small Things Shamgar had an ox goad David had a sling Dorcas had a needle Rahab had some string Mary had some ointment Moses had a rod What small thing do you have That you'll dedicate to God? What can [...]
Five Techniques (to spirituality)
Five Techniques (to spirituality)Just as God gives grace only to the undeserving, He gives strength only to the weak. Until we understand our own weakness, we will not be able to appropriate the power of God that resides in us [...]
Eight Sabbaths
Eight SabbathsThe word "sabbath" is from the Hebrew shabath, which means "to repose, to desist from exertion." Eight sabbaths are described in the Bible. All are designed to be times for men to cease from toil and to celebrate God's [...]
Faith-rest
Faith-rest True rest in soul and spirit is found only in the presence of God (Exo 33:14; Psa 116:7). Rest cannot be found in escaping from our problems. Even David would have liked to have flown away (Psa 55:6), but [...]
Strange Tests
Strange Tests Sometimes God's commands make no apparent sense at all; when that is the case, it is because He does not want them to make sense to us. God does not do anything without a reason, and He [...]
Daily Disciplines
Daily Disciplines Begin each day filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18, the command; 1Jo 1:9, the method; 1Co 11:28-31, the promise) and keep current through the day in confessing sins—mental sins, verbal sins, overt sins. Meet the day with [...]
The Faith-rest Technique
The Faith-rest Technique Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as [...]
Three Sources of Temptation
Three Sources of Temptation Source: The World Tactic: Do not conform to it (Rom 12:2) CONQUER its thinking (Rom 12:21; 1Jo 3:4) Source: The Flesh Tactic: Consider yourself dead to it (Rom 6:11; Col 3:5) FLEE its enticement (Jam 1:14-15) [...]
Divine Wisdom
Divine Wisdom Divine wisdom abides forever (1Pe 1:25); earthly wisdom is passing away (1Co 2:6). The world rejects divine wisdom by rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ, the personification of wisdom (Joh 1:14, Joh 1:17; 1Co 2:8; Col 2:3). Divine wisdom [...]
The Value of Wisdom
The Value of Wisdom "How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; [...]
The Royal Code
The Royal Code As members of the royal family of God, we are called to live by a royal code of conduct, a code that sets a divine standard. We will never be able to attain the standard unless we [...]
The Character of Grace
The Character of Grace God set a regulation at the beginning of human history for how He would be worshipped (Exo 20:24-25). Altars to Him were to be made of earth or uncut stones only. They were not to be [...]
The Cross to the Crown
The Cross to the Crown Salvation Is only the beginning of God's plan for man. After salvation, the believer's objective is to advance through the stages of spiritual growth on the path from the cross to the crown. At each [...]
Water and the Spirit
Water and the Spirit Water in Scripture is sometimes a picture of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:17; Joe 2:28–32). Water is an absolute necessity of physical life; the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity of spiritual life. There is no [...]
Spirituality
Spirituality What makes a person spiritual? Some people would look to externals for the answer—they would say a person is spiritual because of the pious way he dresses or talks, the things he does or does not do, the places [...]
Synonomous Terms
Synonomous Terms When Jesus told Nicodemus "that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Joh 3:6), He was drawing a line and saying that everything on one side is [...]
Reversionism and Recovery
Reversionism and Recovery Seven Steps Downward Trifling with sin (Rom 13:14) Yielding to sin (Rom 6:13) Habitually serving sin (2Pe 2:8) Abandoning ourselves to sin (Eph 4:l9) Being abandoned by God to sin (Rom 1:24; Rom 1:26; Rom 1:28) Encouraging [...]
Soul Strengths and Soul Kinks
Soul Strengths and Soul Kinks "Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a [...]
Discipline
Discipline God disciplines His children, but His discipline is never punishment. Jesus Christ on the cross bore the punishment for all our sins. When we get out of line, God disciplines us for the sole purpose of getting us back [...]
Seven Steps of Spiritual Advance
Seven Steps of Spiritual Advance Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true [...]
The Race of Life
The Race of Life The race of life is a source of joy to the one who has built strength, who has trained. A strong man loves the challenge of the race (Psa 19:5). The Christian way of life is [...]
The Will of God
The Will of God How can we know the will of God for our lives? First we have to understand what that will includes. God's will for the life of every believer has three dimensions: the what, the where, and [...]
The Old Sin Nature
The Old Sin Nature Our sin natures, like our fingerprints, are absolutely unique, though they share basically the same structure. Every sin nature is composed of areas of weakness, areas of strength, areas of lust, and basic trends. In the [...]
Energized Prayer
Energized Prayer Prayer is like a lamp. We can turn it on and off, on and off, but if it is not plugged in to the power source, if it is not energized, nothing will happen. Every prayer we pray [...]
Salvation in The Book of James
Bible Insight: “Salvation” in The Book of James How long since your soul has been saved? The automatic response to this question by the average believer would be to state the time in their life when they trusted Jesus Christ as [...]
Salvation: Past, Present, Future. (by Wil Cunningham)
Salvation: Past, Present, FutureReading: Rom 5:1-11,17 In the first five verses of this chapter the author makes three foundational statements. Verse one makes it clear that these foundational statements relate to our past salvation, our present blessing and our future [...]
From Nothing, Everything. (by Wil Cunningham).
From Nothing, Everything. Reading: 1Co 1:26-31 Everything that God does He does out of His own character. God always acts based on who He is. The more that we understand the character of God the more we are able to [...]
How to Have a Fulfilling Life. (by Wil Cunningham)
How to Have a Fulfilling Life.Readings: Rom 6:1-11, Col 2:6-10. The idea of personal death is common in the New Testament. It is repeatedly affirmed that if we are to have a fulfilling life we must ‘die with Christ’. [...]
Abiding: Absolute Thinking
ABIDING: ABSOLUTE THINKING Joh 15:1-10 The word "abide" speaks of perfect provision, supply, sustenance, fellowship -- at home-ness! (Deu. 33:27) "The eternal God is our dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms...(v. Deu. 33:28) so Israel dwells in security...in [...]
Biblical Spirituality
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Spiritual Flexibility
Spiritual Flexibility A MOTTO OF THE ROMAN SOLDIER "You may bend me, but you will never break me." In the spiritual battle, we must develop spiritual flexibility, the ability to adapt, adjust to pressures. We must bend, but not break; [...]
Essence of God Acronym
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Eternal Security
ETERNAL SECURITY Rom. 11:29 "For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable." Joh 6:37 "The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." To understand our eternal security in Christ it is essential to correctly understand [...]
Fellowship with God
Fellowship with God The Biblical idea of fellowship is one of agreement producing communion, unity and compatibility. The word KOINONIA means "joint participation" in something. Fellowship begins with faith in Jesus Christ. (1Co. 1:9) "God is faithful, through whom you [...]
The Words of Jesus
The Last Words of Jesus Jesus on the cross teaches us the necessity of forgiving our enemies. (Luk. 23:34) "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." In His agony, He teaches us to honor our parents, and to [...]
God is Able
God is Able !! THE DECLARATION OF DIVINE POWER. (Mat. 19:26) "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE FOREVER THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST. (Heb. 7:25) "Hence, also, He [...]
God’s Faithfulness
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The I AM Sayings of Christ
The "I AM" Saying of Christ And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ' I AM has sent me to you'" (Exo. 3:14) The above [...]
Imitation of Christ
Imitation of Christ Imitation is the foundation of discipleship, the surest and quickest method of training. (1Co. 4:16) "I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me." The Corinthians could imitate Paul, for he was imitating Jesus Christ. (1Co. 11:1) "Be [...]
Man’s Barrier with God
Man's Barrier with God OUR SIN (Rom. 5:12) "Therefore as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so death spread to all men, because all sinned." (Rom. 3:23) "For all have sinned and fall [...]
Spiritual Rest
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Take up Your Cross and Follow Him
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Him Mat. 16:24, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, ' If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himslef and take up his cross and follow Me.'" THE FOUR POINTS OF THE [...]
The Blood of Christ
The Blood of Christ Part One The blood of Christ speaks of Jesus' voluntary self-sacrifice on the cross for our sins. (1Pe. 1:18-19) "Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way [...]
The Christian Walk
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The Christian Way of Life
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Stages of Spiritual Growth
Stages of Spiritual Growth Salvation is only the beginning of God's plan for man. After salvation, the believer's objective is to advance through the stages of spiritual growth on the path from the cross to the crown. At each stage [...]
The Good Soldier of Jesus Christ
The Good Soldier of Christ 2Ti. 2:1-3 "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, [...]
The Overcomer
The Overcomer Rev. 3:21 "He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne; as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." JESUS IS VICTORIOUS IN OVERCOMING EVERY TRIAL [...]
The Way of Salvation
The Way of Salvation The Need Of Mankind. The Bible teaches that all men are born in Adam, and under the condemnation of his sin. (Rom. 5:12, 1Co. 15:22) Because all men are born with a sin nature (Psa. 51:5), [...]
The Way to be Salt and Light
The Way to be Salt and Light The Blessing of Salvation (Mat.5:3)"Blessed are the poor in spirit…" No man comes to Christ for salvation and eternal life until he recognizes his own spiritually bankrupt condition. "…for theirs is the kingdom [...]
The Work of Christ on the Cross
The Work of Christ on the Cross Christ's work on the cross is described by four key words: Substitution - Jesus Christ bore the penalty for our sins. (Isa. 53:5) "He was pierced through for our transgressions…" (Rom. 5:8) "…while [...]
Seven Steps of Spiritual Retreat
Seven Steps of Spiritual Retreat Eph. 4:17-19 Heb. 10:38-39 "But the just shall live by faith, and if he turns back (retreats), my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who turn back to destruction, [...]
Seven Steps of Spiritual Recovery
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Five Techniques of the Christian Way of Life
Five Techniques in the Christian Way of Life Definition: "Technique" - The mechanical performance or practice of any art; the practical details or methods by which an artist in any line expresses his mental conceptions (theology), mechanical skill in any [...]
Five Commands for Christian Soldiers
Five Commands for Christian Soldiers 1Co. 16:13-14 1Pe. 5:8, "Be sober, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Pro. 28:1, "The righteous are as bold as a lion." BE [...]
Five works of the Holy Spirit
Five Works of the Holy Spirit 2Co 5:17 does not say that if any man is in Christ he ought to become a new creature and old things ought to pass away. It does not say that if any man [...]
Five Factors of Effective Faith
Five Factors of Effective Faith Dan. 11:32-35 EFFECTIVE FAITH IS BUILT ON GENUINE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. This means knowing God, not just knowing about Him. We come to know him as Creator through His creation. (Rom. 1:18-21), He reveals Himself [...]
Using the Physical to Learn the Spiritual
Daily Care for the Soul -- Using the Physical to Learn the Spiritual Jesus called his disciples from the common daily work as fisherman (Luk. 5:1-11). Using their daily occupation as a picture of what they would become, He said, [...]
The Daily Care of the Soul
The Daily Care of the Soul -- Introduction Every day we care for our body. Why do we not have the same care for our soul, which is so much more valuable? No matter what we do for our body [...]
The Doctrine of Sin
The Doctrine of Sin What is sin? Lewis Sperry Chafer writes in Systematic Theology that it "is essentially a restless unwillingness on the part of the creature to abide in the sphere and limitation in which the all-wise Creator [...]
“All things work together …”
All Things Work Together Rom 8:28 does not say that all things are good but that all things will work together for good in the life of anyone who will trust God. He lets things happen to His children that [...]
The Call of God
The Call of God For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to [...]
The Plan of God
The Plan of God ... I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning ... saying, "My purpose will be established." (Isa 46:9-10) The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of [...]
God Revealed
God Revealed No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (Joh 1:18) Jesus Christ is the only visibly revealed member of the Trinity. [...]
Christ’s Work on the Cross
The work of Christ on the cross is: Punitive. It was a payment, a judgment. Jesus took on Himself the judgment for all sin (Gal 3:13; 2Co 5:21). Substitutionary. Jesus Christ died in our place. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah [...]
The Holy Spirit and Christ
The Holy Spirit and Christ The Holy Spirit is, like the Father and the Son, both personal and individual. Though all three members of the Trinity are equal and share the same divine essence (Isa 6:8–9; Jer 31:31–34; 1Co [...]
The Spirit in the Old Testament
The Spirit in the Old Testament While the Holy Spirit has always sustained all life (Job 27:3, Job 33:4), He has worked differently in the lives of individual men and women in different ages. The Holy Spirit is [...]
Ways of Learning
The Ways of Learning All human learning starts with faith. When a toddler sees his first picture of an elephant, he gazes at his mother, with a face that says, "What in the world is this?" When she tells [...]
Hebrew Words for Faith
Hebrew Words for Faith Because the Jews thought in concrete rather than abstract terms, Hebrew words were designed to form mental pictures. There are five Hebrew word-pictures of faith found in the Old Testament. They are progressive, and they [...]
Five Works of the Spirit in Regard to the Word
Five Works of the Spirit Regarding the Word of God Revelation (2Ti 3:16). Revelation is the means by which God the Holy Spirit revealed His message to prophets and apostles. God communicated to man what otherwise could not be known—things [...]
The Importance of the Word of God
The Importance of the Word of God The Bible is the mind of Christ—His thinking on every subject (1Co 2:16). God places the highest priority on His Word and has magnified it above His very name (Psa 138:2). The Word [...]
Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics In his account of the risen Lord's walk to Emmaus, Luke relates that Jesus reproved the disheartened disciples for not believing what the prophets had spoken. "And beginning with Moses, and with all the prophets, He explained to [...]
Dispensations
Dispensations Throughout human history, salvation has always been by faith in the revealed Son of God—Jesus Christ the Savior. But the way in which Christ has been revealed and the expression of faith have differed in the various dispensations. Unger's Bible Dictionary [...]
The Church
The Church Formation. The Church was anticipated by the Lord Jesus Christ in Mat 16:13–18, but the formation of the Church did not take place until the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power who makes [...]