Bible Study
Wanted: Jawbone of an Ass for Israel
Uh oh here we go again! This time Obama is sending Israel in search of a ‘Jawbone of an ass’ to fight with. He has set up the modern-day Philistines in a position to regain wealth and weapons. Yea! This sounds like a great idea! ‘NOT’
He accomplished this with his Iran nuclear deal. It’s great that he secured the release of five American prisoners as a part of the deal. But, “Has he made a Deal with theDevil?”
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Another ‘suicide’ of Christian soldier in Egypt’s military
Egypt’s largely Muslim military ruled that the mysterious death in 2015 of a Christian soldier within their ranks was a suicide, despite clear signs he was murdered, his family said.
It was the third questionable death of a Christian within Egypt’s military in the last year.
Bishoy Natei Kamel, 21, was bullied in his unit to the point he could stand it no more and stood up for himself. The ensuing fight resulted in his being jailed and put on trial, but before the outcome of the trial, his family was notified of his suicide and called to bury their son, according to the World Watch Monitor (WWM).
“His body bore signs of torture and extensive violence,” his father told WWM. “His forehead was protruding from swelling. He had an injury to his nose, clear bruises under his arm, his right ear and his right cheek, and other bruises to…
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What’s the difference between Apocalyptic Islamic eschatology & Biblical eschatology? And why does it matter? (Video & sermon notes)
NOTE: I am so grateful to God that four Iranian-Americans were released from prison in Iranover the weekend, including a Washington Post reporter and an Evangelical pastor. Click hereto read more about how God was using Pastor Saeed Abedini to preach the Gospel inside the worst prisons of Iran.
(Riverside, California) — Yesterday here in Southern California, I did a Q&A session and delivered a sermon on the differences between Apocalyptic Islamic eschatology (End Times theology) and Biblical eschatology.
I explained why this topic matters, and why it’s particularly important right now.
This was the first of a series of messages I will be delivering as part of our month-long book tour for The First Hostage,and I’m very grateful to my friend, Pastor Greg Laurie, for inviting me. My intention is to post notes and the video or audio of each message along the way. I hope you find them…
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Day Three hundred and Fifty
What do I want for Christmas?
I want a righteous man to be the President of the United States of America. One who loves God, loves God’s Word, loves God’s people called Christian, and loves righteousness, justice, and peace.
When we have a godly, righteous leader, through Christ Jesus we will be blessed again.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 352
What do I want for Christmas?
Are you annoyed by my continued Christmas question when we are into the New year the 9th day of it? Good. So am I. However I am committed to take this through to Christmas of 2016, and have Christmas every day.
My want for today is that I might increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God and His Word; and that the Body of Christ would do the same.
To do so would change our hearts, minds and lives and affect the rest of the world in a dramatic way.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Day 353 – What Do I Want For Christmas
What do I want for Christmas?
That all evil and wickedness be done away with; all wicked politicians, presidents, despots, dictators, all evil rulers; and all the evil among all people, including myself.
Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.” Psalm 37:34-36 (NKJV)
Also look at Psalm 37:28, 38.
I thank GOD for His daily mercy, and His grace displayed through His Son Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.
Day 354 – What Do I Want For Christmas?
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to not want or lack anything that God has for me; and for all who will walk with Him.
Hear the heart of David;
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:8-10 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 355
What do I want for Christmas?
Whenever I am prosperous, or whenever I am afflicted, and mourning, and without the material blessings of God; that I will always be before the “face of God”. That all those who are called Christian might always be aware that we are always “before the face of God”.
Many times, even as King David, when we are blessed we forget God; and it can be so when we are grieving too.
Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.” Psalm 30:6-7 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 356
What do I want for Christmas?
At Christmas time; from about mid November through December 25th each year we suddenly begin to be generous in our heart toward others. Christian, that is the way we ought to be 365 days of every year, except when it is leap year; such as 2016; then it is 366 days of the year.
What do I want for Christmas? I want there to be peace in Jerusalem; and when there is peace, genuine peace in Jerusalem, there will be peace in the Middle East, and the rest of the world.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122:6 (KJV)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Romans 5:1
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 357
What do I want for Christmas?
I want every pastor who believes the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible word of God, and that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God; and God the Living Son to begin writing on a weblog [Blog] such as this; and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the possibility of reaching millions, maybe billions of souls for the name of Christ.
Jesus said,
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 358
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to be more like Jesus in that I not be a “respecter of persons”, and to learn to be just, and merciful to all no matter their economic, living, health, or cultural situation in the world; to be faithful to the Lord in all situations dealing with them.
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” James 2:1ff
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 359
What do I want for Christmas?
Like my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; I want to be a friend to the friendless, the oppressed, the fatherless, the poor, the hopeless, and the helpless, and by His grace and provision do what I can for them.
LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.” Psalm 10:17-18 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 360
What do I want for Christmas?
I want for all those who call themselves Christians to see God for who the Scriptures say He is, and not who they make him out to be by their own emotion, will, or personal design. For in doing the latter they make God in their own image, which is a false worship.
The Scripture says,
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ” Genesis 1:1
“And God said, Let Us make man in our image, after our likeness…” 1:26a
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” 1:27
‘Black Hawk Down’ hero found a better way to transform the world than ‘kicking in doors and slinging lead’ with enemies
What impacted Jeff Struecker most was NOT the thousands of hostile Somalis swarming his Humvee, nor the hailstorm of bullets and RPGs as he attempted to rescue fellow Rangers in the ill-fated 1993 raid of Mogadishu made famous by the movie Black Hawk Down.
What impacted him most was the next October morning back at base when his buddies one by one asked him about death and afterlife.
“It changed my life forever,” Struecker said. “I would still be a sergeant in the ranger regiment today if it wasn’t for what I saw the morning after the firefight. It wasn’t really the blood and the bullet holes that had an impact on me. It was back at the base the grown men, some of the toughest warriors on the planet, with tears in their eyes. They said, ‘Jeff, what happened to my best friend who just died last night?…
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What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 362
What do I want for Christmas?
For the Christians of the United States of America to know, understand, to see, and recognize the judgment of God when His judgment is here and present with us.
Part of our getting right and being right with Him is recognizing His judgment, and falling on our knees in repentance, and asking His forgiveness.
“Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel, For the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: “There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land.” Hosea 4:1 (NKJV)
Blogging Report for 2015
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What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 363
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the sins of every charlatan Christian leader (especially in the U. S. of A.) to be exposed; their false teachings to be exposed, and the rebellious hearts of all who profess Jesus Christ to be exposed; that God may show Himself strong among those who love Him.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:11-13 (NKJV)
Since it is the ministry of every Christian pastor to preach the whole counsel of God’s word; to make God feel good; not themselves, and not any individual but the Lord Jesus Christ.
See also Psalm 119:126.
Christian Persecution
There are a few people I know who have jail, and prison ministries. They do it because they believe God has called them to go to the places where men and women are incarcerated for crimes against God and humanity. Yet, these minister to the men and women who are willing to listen to the message of Christ; the hope for all mankind; even the murderers and rapist and child molesters.
The event from Acts which we read today is not of criminals who have violated God’s laws, but violators of men’s laws which are against God. The apostles had preached when they were ordered not to preach in that name of “Jesus”; yet, they did. Hear what they said:
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32 (KJV)
This takes place following their arrest, and imprisonment. An “Angel of the Lord” has come to them in the “common prison” and opened the doors, and sent them to preach in the temple. They went, and that is where they are found the next morning. Doing as they had been told by God.
When men’s laws are against God’s law, then Christian men and women are to continue their practices of being Christian; obeying God’s Word, His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments. I do not think we Christians should be surprised by persecution in a dark world. We ought rather, be surprised that we are not; because the apostle Paul has written, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV). Now, I do not want to be persecuted, but really, if I am not; am I really living a godly life? The apostles were.
As Peter stated above; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. That begins through our faith; trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; obeying Him in our lives; being His witness.
One thing this passage of Scripture teaches is that the freedom of speech is from God, not men; therefore men cannot take it away. Let our speech be always with words that glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Greatest Need the World Has; that You Have Today
There is nothing new about evil. It has been in the world from the beginning of Creation. Since Adam and Eve fell in the garden of Eden there has been evil in the hearts of humankind.
We are a fallen race. We are born into the world separated from God; and our hearts are evil. The words of the prophet Jeremiah; “The heart is deceitful abouve all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The words of the apostle Paul, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But God has intervened, and sent us His Son.
The apostle Paul speaking to Jews in a synagogue said,
“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” Acts 13:47-49 (KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ was meant to be a light to the Gentiles; all the rest of the world; as well as to the Jewish people. The Gentiles of Paul’s day rejoiced in that.
O, people, the world needs Him today. We do not need our own conception of Him; we need the Biblical Jesus. The One who came to die for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of the grave alive.
We Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God, God the Living Son. You need Him today if you have not fallen on your knees and face before Him. Believe Him today.
This Man will Receive You
One of the things that causes jealousy in the hearts and minds of men and women is when someone else gets more notice, and attention than we do.
This jealousy is quite evident among the religious leaders of Jesus’s time on earth with us; walking, talking, teaching, living for the Father, and His glory. The way He lived, the words He spoke, the kindness in His voice to the weak, the lame, the sick, the poor, and the outcasts was what drew these people to Him.
Luke the Historian of the life of Christ writes:
“Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (KJV)
Why do the religious always want to seek after those who have? Why do those, even, who profess themselves to be Christian go after the same? Jesus had no ill motive of seeking what the wealthy, religious leaders had to offer. He came to save souls (Luke 19:10).
The publicans were the most hated of people. They were the tax collectors of the day. Hebrew people who were collecting money from their own to give to the Roman government; therefore very despised, and hated; yet, Jesus would sit with them speak with them, and treat them with dignity and respect.
As Christians in the world of 2015 we must be as Jesus and treat all people; no matter their race, their economic level; their political affiliation; their illnesses; or transgressions; must treat them with the love and respect that Jesus would. Yes! That would include the muslim religion, and any other religious sect.
In loving them; we still confront sin; and its crippling, killing affects on those who are enslaved by it.
Draw near to Christ today. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.
Amazed by the Power of God
We ought always be amazed by the power of God. We ought always realize that God is working, moving, accomplishing His purposes in the world around us and in our own lives.
Previous to the verses we look at today Jesus had been on the Mount called “Transfiguration”, and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah. A wonderful experience for Peter, James and John, and where they heard the Father say, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him”.
Coming down from the mountain they encounter a man who has a son possessed of a demon, and is tormented by the evil one; tearing, tossing, torturing him with great pain, and grief to the father of the son. The other nine disciples have been powerless to cast out the demon. Jesus has come and speaks to the “unclean spirit”, and the demon leaves, the son is healed, and is delivered to his father (Luke 9:28-42)
Jesus knew the time of His death was near. He had spoken to the disciples of His death on previous occasions, but they did not yet understand.
“And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, He said unto His disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask Him of that saying.” Luke 9:43-45 (KJV)
In verses 51 and 53 we can note that Jesus had His “face set to go to Jerusalem”, and that means all the way to the cross, and to death for our sins.
In the words of the text above Jesus wanted the disciples to know and to understand; but it just had not happened yet.
In the Gospel account of Matthew Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus after Jesus has spoken of His coming death (Matthew 16:21-23). A disciple rebuking his Master? I almost laugh at the thought; but Jesus rebukes Peter, and even tells Satan “Get behind me Satan”. For man, or the whole human race to think that they can thwart the power, plan, and purposes of God is even more laughable. See Psalm 2:4.
For the Christian today we can understand what has taken place; yet we must have the heart, mind and soul for hearing it, hiding His Word in our hearts, and obeying it. We can pray for understanding and wisdom in the Word; but if we never read it, and study it, there will not be any of wisdom or understanding. There will also be no growing faith in Him.
O Christian; hear Him. Do His word. Let these sayings sink down into your ears; and your heart. Jesus has been delivered into the hands of men. He died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of that grave, and He ever lives.
Forgiveness and Loving Jesus
Do you love Jesus? How much do you love Jesus? Loving Jesus is a response to His love for us. He loves you. He loves me. He has proven that love by coming as a babe in a manger, living a life solely dedicated to the word, way, walk, and witness of His Father.
He proved His love for His Father and us all the way to the cross of death (Philippians 2:8). He suffered, He bled, He died for our sins. Who will love Him most?
When Jesus had gone home with a Pharisee named Simon; Simon had not been a bit hospitable to Jesus. He had failed to wash His feet; as was the custom of hospitality in that day; neither had he dried them. Then Simon; after a “sinful woman” came in and washed His feet with her tears, and dried them with her hair; begins to accuse her, and Jesus.
That is when Jesus gives one of His short parables with a big heart:
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And He said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” Luke 7:40-53 (KJV)
This Pharisee saw himself as a righteous man, and this woman as a sinner; even accusing Jesus of not knowing about the woman. The apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
The woman did not ask a thing of Jesus. She only sat at His feet washing them with her tears, and drying them with her hair; pouring out her love for her Saviour. She never condemned the Pharisee for his coldness. She only loved Jesus.
“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so” are the words from a precious “Children’s” Hymn. I am a child of faith. I know Jesus loves me; but I often ask myself, “How much do I love Jesus?” May we who are Christians show our love for Him through loving and doing His word, His will, and His way. Putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10ff), and putting off all that is wicked, vile and evil in the world.
Our Need to Pray
Prayer is something many people talk about. Prayer: just what is it? Is prayer not one speaking with God?
Can an unredeemed individual pray to a holy God; and get an answer? The Psalmist has written, “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18).
How important is prayer? It was important to Jesus. It was His time with His Father, and provided solace, strength, and wisdom in decision making. When He was overwhelmed by masses of people; He would go away to pray (Luke 5:12-16). Hear what Luke says…
“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12 (KJV)
Let me just close by adding this comment. If Jesus the Son of God, God the Son needed to pray; so do I. I cannot live, breath or have any being without Him.
To whom do we pray? To the Father through the Son; because He made the way possible into the very throne of His grace; to find help in the time of need. (See Hebrews 4:16).
NOW, Let us go pray, and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Living / Walking in the Power of the Spirit
For the Christian to accomplish any thing for the glory of the Lord, and not for the glory, or boasting of one’s own self; and/or ego; it must be done by the Spirit of God in us.
It is GOD who gets things done. It is God who saves a soul. It is God who opens eyes to His revelation. It is God who gives understanding and wisdom in the ministry of His Word. How did Jesus live?
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” Luke 4:14-15 (KJV)
Following His baptism Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). He then proceeded to go to the synagogues teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord; which by the way was the Old Testament. There was no New Testament written at that time. He taught them things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).
In everything Jesus did or said; He did so by the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit of God. He did not move from one place to the other, except by the Spirit. He did not speak a word, except by the Spirit. He did not do any healing without the Spirit of God upon Him.
Hear what Paul the apostle says of the Spirit of God and the Christian,
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galations 5:16
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galations 5:25
This is living as Jesus lived. It is impossible without the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus. Walk in the Spirit; and we will have the Power of the Spirit.
The Fire and Hammer 