Bible Study May 14, 2024

Philemon 1:15 – 18 (ESV)

15 “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant[c] but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.”

We are all called to forgive but it is difficult to do; we would much more like justice than mercy. Paul asks Philemon for forgiveness to Onesimus, his slave who stole from him and ran away.

It was the custom of the day to deal with slaves who stole and ran away harshly but Pual interceded on the slaves behalf. Paul is asking for him to be received as a “beloved brother” rather than a runaway slave.

Forgiveness is the way of the believer not of the way of the world. People will wrong us, then we have a decision to make. It happens to all of us. In the case of Onesimus Philemon listened to his confession and forgave him. It is a good lesson for all of us. When we forgive we grow in the grace of God.

Is forgiveness the same as forgetting, the answer is no. Some things we need to remember so they do not happen again but we are called to forgive not forget. Is there someone or something that needs to be forgiven in your life? Make that quality decision to act right now, do not wait any longer.

“The only thing harder than forgiveness is the alternative.” Phillip Yancey.

God Bless.

Bible Study May 13, 2024

2 Corinthians 11:3 – 5 (ESV)

“3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.”

Bernie Madoff was best known for operating history’s largest Ponzi scheme, a financial swindle in which early investors are repaid with money acquired from later investors rather than from actual investment income. He caused people to believe something that was  not right.

Satan will do the same thing. He convinced Adam and Eve to question God and he will do the same thing to us today. We must constantly be on guard to avoid being misled by his schemes. He will make us think something that is wrong is right he deceives us.

Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus concerning our weapons of warfare and the offensive weapon he wrote about was the “sword of the Spirit.” Our sword is the scriptures provide by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit upon the writers.

Jesus gave us a good example in scripture when He used the scriptures to ward off the temptations that Satan brought to Him during His forty days in the desert. We can correct the lies of satan with the Word of God.

“No wickedness on earth is more common than the various forms of deceit.” William S. Plummer.

Bible Study May 10, 2024

Revelation 20:7 – 10 (ESV)

“And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Many people look today at wanting justice for those doing wrong. There are consequences for bad actions as well as good consequences for good actions. But the question we must ask our selves is “Do we want justice or mercy for our actions?” I think most of us would choose mercy.

But there is a day coming when the justice of God will be poured out on the sinful world and those who make it up. John wrote in the above verses something that is very interesting but also true.

Remember when God promised Abraham his seed could not be counted “it would be as the stars in heaven.” Look at verse eight above and see these words “Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.” As God promised Abraham something good for his faithfulness he is also promising destruction for the enemies of God no matter how many there are. Gog and Magog are believed to be ‘the bear from the north of Israel” which is Russia.

When the city (Jerusalem) is surrounded the army is consumed with fire. The final victor is Jesus and His followers, no reason to alarmed he has it under control. God’s justice does not turn at our pace, but it turns. Justice will be set to right in due time.

“God is always not a God of immediate justice, but a God of ultimate justice.” John Blanchard.

Bible Study May 9, 2024

Exodus 14:13 – 14 (ESV)

13 “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Israel has faced many difficult issues in it’s lifetime. From being in bondage to the Egyptians, to Moses leading them from their captivity, to walking across barren land headed toward the Promised Land. During their exodus from Egypt they were confronted by the Red Sea which almost meant death to them or the possibility of recapture by the Egyptian army as the Red Sea posed imminent danger to them id God did not intervene.

In spite of their fear (and maybe uncertainty about their future) they were fearful when God said, “Fear not, stand firm.” The Red Sea opened up and the land became dry. Too often we both fear and fail to stand firm when confronted with our enemy. In October of last year Israel again was attacked which has led to bloodshed in the Middle East. Israeli and Americans are being held in captivity if still alive no one knows.

God can and will make a way for everyone to be delivered. Moses added these words in verse fourteen “The Lord will fight for you.” Israel needs our prayerful support during these days as does our country. We cannot stand idly by but we must pray for the nation of Israel as well as other nations suffering under the many issues they suffer from.

Our weapon is prayer and calling on the name of Jesus where there is power to transform people and their lives. Stand firm Moses wrote this word is as valuable for us today as it was for the people of that day.

God Bless.

Bible Study May 8, 2024

Luke 19:11 – 13 (ESV)

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’

What happens if you don’t sleep for 3 days? What happens if I miss any sleep?

Many are unable to stay awake on their own. Going three days without sleep profoundly limits the ability to think, especially executive functions such as multitasking, remembering details, and paying attention. This level of sleep deprivation can make it difficult to see even simple tasks through to completion.

We all need rest time to sit down, relax, and just rest. But in our busy (way to busy) world we keep going and going. Satan will deceive into thinking everything is all right we can continue to go on and on. We should make the best use of our time.

But how do we spend our time awake. Luke wrote we should “engage in business until I come.” Meaning Jesus said to use your time wisely in the Lord’s work after all that is the most important thing we have to do. Do you believe there are times in everyone’s day that we can share a good word, encouragement, hope to one another?

I think that is what in these verses. Make our alert time as valuable as we can.

“Because He is coming, I want to be pleasing Him when He comes. I want to go out and suffer, work, and win souls, and if necessary, die to save some lost one.” R. A. Torrey.

God Bless.

Bible Study May 8, 2024

In lieu of a Bible study today I want us to look back at Genesis 12 for a few moments. This was the subject of my messages of April 21^st and April 28^th. You can find both messages on our Facebook page and if you missed them look at the 21^st before the 28^th.  April 21 is on Jerusalem the message entitled “How Did the World Get In Such a Mess?” is from the 28^th.  

In the verses one through three of chapter twelve these words are found: “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

I said in my message of April 21st that every nation in the world would abandon Israel in the last days. This was prophesized by Zechariah in the Old Testament. passage from Zechariah 12:2-3.

“Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him, ‘behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. it will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. and all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.’”

We are seeing unprecedented demonstrations in our country protesting Israel’s right to defend themselves and eradicate their enemy. There has been condemnation concerning what Israel is doing from our government and just today I heard that the president is withholding any additional military support for Israel. Folks believe it or not we are one of the nations Zechariah spoke about in his prophecy. However, I will say that any person who supports Israel will not be condemned but those who oppose Israel will suffer the consequences.

Also many Bible scholars (which I do not consider myself) have said that Gog and Magog in the scriptures represent “the bear from the north” which is Russia. Gog being the leader of the country Magog. I say that because prophecy further states that God will destroy to world by fire when His final judgement comes. Prophecy is very interesting and I would encourage you get a good commentary and good translation of the scriptures and do some study.

“Vladimir Putin has commanded the Russian Ministry of Defence to execute exercises involving non-strategic nuclear weapons , also known as tactical nukes, escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO .

The Ministry was quoted by Russian media saying: “On instructions from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in order to increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to carry out combat missions, the General Staff has begun preparations for holding exercises in the near future with missile formations of the Southern Military District with the involvement of aviation, as well as naval forces.” (Irish Star).

As we see the days of conflict arising be assured Israel will survive no nation not even the world can defeat this tiny nation. But, I would also encourage you to speak up and speak for Israel not because I said but because Zechariah said it.

Bible Study May 3, 2024

James 3:13 – 18

13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Maybe the most devastating thing that occurs in our world is war. War has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue till the end of time. In fact, the book of Revelation comes to an end with the great and final war.

James talks about peace in these verses. In fact,  in this passage, James has been describing the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom encourages us to be selfish and greedy, and to put our own interests before the needs of others. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, leads to peace, mercy, and sincerity.

James concludes his thought from the previous verse with a beautiful word picture. Imagine fields full and ready to harvest. The crop of this field is righteousness, goodness, and everything those who belong to God would hope to see in the world.

How did it get there? The crop was planted by those who make peace. James elevates the role of peacemakers: ones committed to living peacefully in full confidence that God is providing for them. These are believers who know God is meeting every need, giving many good gifts. Such people don’t feel the need to fight against others for what they need. Their peace-loving lifestyles lead to fields of righteous choices.

That’s the result of living by heaven’s wisdom.

God Bless.

Bible Study May 2, 2024

Revelation 3:10 – 13

10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

When a country or nation falls to another many of the people left are fearful of the regime that may come in and take control of their lives. Many want to leave their homeland for something they hope will provide better for them.

When we leave this earth we will have no fear for the next if we are Christ Followers and keep His commandments. We can be assured of life in the new land will be glorious as the scriptures relate.

However, not everyone will see this new land because of the choice they have made to not give their life over to Jesus. The earth’s inhabitants will one day beg for mercy if they are not in relationship with Jesus. The church will be raptured (taken out of this world) and then all hell will break out.

The question posed by many is a simple one “If I missed the rapture can I still go to heaven?” The answer is only found in a relationship with Jesus. People will find salvation during the tribulation but life will be difficult. But now is the time to make the decision to follow Jesus then you can assured that you will go when the church goes during the rapture.

God Bless.