We are in Galatians chapter 6 and finishing up this wonderful book. The focus of the chapter is on practical Christian living. Paul encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in their times of need, showing compassion and mercy just as Christ has sho…

Sixty-six Books; Forty different scribes; one Author: this is what our Bible is, a collection of Books attributed to different writers, but authored by a single entity. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God" to these 40 writers. Literally, it is God-breathed unto them. . .…

Since Satan's fall (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 2:11-18), Satan is actively battling with the angelic host, and with believers (Daniel 10:12-13; 1 Peter 5:8). Believers must be Aware and Alert to all of his schemes, giving him no opportunity to weaken our faith and testimony to the world (Ephesians 4:27). We are to resist him (James 4:7). The future b…

Paul reaches the climax of this epistle, stating what can properly be called the theme of his letter: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." He follows with dire warnings about the consequences of seeking to be circumcised and justified by the Law. He then remind…

Today we will be finishing up the rest of chapter 14, verses 7-20 in the book of Revelation. John’s attention now points to three angels who deliver urgent messages from the Lord. The three angels deliver messages of warning and prophecy, predicting God's impending judgment on sin and evil. There is a specific warning to those who take the mark of …

Word tenses and definitions in the Bible are interesting to study, even as languages “evolve” in the process of time. The meanings become apparent even from passages written long ago. In spite of language differences, faithful translators have brought us God’s Word in its most accurate form, without taking us to the original tongues. Today’s title …

As we finish up Galatians 4 this week, Paul continues to emphasize that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law. Because of the false teaching the Galatians had been listening to, they had begun to see Paul and the gospel he preached as untrustworthy. Paul exposes the motive of false teachers, and that is that they only wa…

In the last several years, we have watched the movement to defund the Police. Bail reform laws have followed. Our inner Cities are now the strongholds of violence and death, and those that oppress others who simply want to live in peace. The Apostle Paul has been teaching the churches about a balance between . .…

In Galatians 4, Paul begins by highlighting the transition from slavery to sonship that comes through faith in Christ. He reminds the Galatians that they are no longer slaves but heirs of God's promises. This shift in identity is crucial for believers to grasp, as it shapes how they live out their faith. By emphasizing their new status as sons and …

The traditional understanding of the location of Mt. Sinai has for the most part been one of several locations on the Sinai Peninsula. None of them are positively identified as Mount Sinai by evidence. Archaeologists have searched and searched without finding evidence of the location until they dug into God’s Word and found what we will read today.…

We have witnessed in the media a wonderful example of what it means to train up children. From the days of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, there are lessons to learn from then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, to now just King Charles as he raised up Prince William, and Prince Harry. The training and grooming took to Prince William, and was rejected by…

As we continue our study in Galatians chapter 3, Paul continues to explain to the Galatians, that Christ redeemed believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them, and that those who have faith in Christ are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. The law, introduced later, didn't invalidate the promise but rather served as a temporar…

Inherent within The Law is a problem that is nearly insurmountable. While it adds some substance to the Jewish faith, it also obliterates “faith!” The Abrahamic Covenant is integral with the Jewish faith. It is impossible to separate the two, but not because the Law has added anything to God’s promises within the covenant. . .…

With a defense of his apostleship behind him, Paul spends the next two chapters defending the gospel he received by revelation. It is a gospel which proclaims justification by faith in Christ, not by keeping the works of the Law.

In last week’s teaching, The Apostle Paul exposed the hypocrisy of the Apostle Peter when Judaisers from Jerusalem came to Anteeok, dispatched from the Apostle James. The cultural morals held by the Jews at that time were to not eat or share a meal with non-Jews. But Peter, as well as Barnabas, Paul’s companion in ministry, both fell away from the …

This week, we are finishing up in Galatians Chapter 2, beginning with verse 14. We will explore Paul’s powerful message about the true gospel of grace. In Antioch, a significant event unfolded involving Apostle Paul and Peter, recorded in Galatians 2. Paul confronted Peter for his inconsistent behavior regarding Gentile Christians. Peter initially …

In the Seven Letters to the Churches which were in Asia, recorded in Revelation 2 and 3, we read that each church had unique problems that warranted correction. But one thing becomes clear in every church, that is, that loving faith through grace leads us to correct doctrine. . .

Galatians 2:1-13 is describing Paul's second visit to Jerusalem after his conversion. The purpose of this visit is to meet with the leaders of the church to ensure to those questioning his ministry, that the gospel he preached to the Gentiles aligned with the same gospel the apostles preached in Jerusalem. Paul addresses his concerns about the incl…

Paul’s controversy with the Judaisers continues into Chapter 2 with decisions that must be made regarding the election of the Gentiles. Many years pass before the debate comes to a head for resolution. We read today of the First Council of Jerusalem, 46 AD. The heads of Christ’s Church in Jerusalem recall how Jesus taught from the Law, and so thoug…

In the second half of chapter one, Paul is defending both the gospel he preaches as well as the authority by which he preaches. He reminds the churches in Galatia of who he was before Christ and how he was saved. When God revealed himself to Paul and commissioned him to proclaim the gospel among the Gentiles, that’s exactly what Paul did. Without c…

Galatians 1 sets the stage for the letter's overarching defense of the true Gospel. Paul's transformation from a fierce persecutor of the Church to a fervent apostle reinforces the transformative power of God's grace. This chapter serves as a potent reminder to remain grounded in the true Gospel, be wary of distortions, and continuously praise God …

Paul has been traveling in this second section of Galatians 1. He gives testimony of the changed life he has received, and gives us an abbreviated overview of how he ended up teaching of Christ, rather than persecuting Him. He assures the readers of this letter that this change has come about because of the wonderful works of God. His knowledge of …

The Epistle to the Galatians that we begin today is not just a for a single Church. Asia Minor, which we refer to as Turkey today, was at the time of the letter called Anatolia. The region known as Galatia covered a large area of central Anatolia. There in that part of the country we find cities that we have read of in Acts of the Apostles: Antioch…

Romans 16 emphasizes the power of personal connections and unity in the body of Christ. It is a testament to the many unsung heroes who worked with Paul in the spreading of the gospel. It also serves as a warning to maintain unity and stay alert to divisive influences. The final doxology serves as a reminder that it is God who strengthens us, as we…

This final chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is in three parts. The first part takes us through verse 16, as Paul provides an introduction for Phebe, the courier of the Roman Epistle, and then offers greetings to friends, and family alike who are in the Church at Rome. The Roman letter introduces us to some of Paul’s family, who were also Bel…

In chapter 15 of the book of Romans, Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong (mature) are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he plead…

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans was written while he was yet in Corinth. He’s ministering to two churches at once, hundreds of miles apart. The grass did not grow under Paul’s feet! We learn in this passage that Paul is planning on taking the Gospel to Spain, and along the way, planning a stop in Rome to see those of the Church there. He kept moving f…

In chapter 15 of the book of Romans, Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong (mature) are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he plead…

On Thursday of this week past, we witnessed a new Pope being voted into his official position as Bishop of Rome. As head of the Roman Catholic Church, his outreach is world-wide. Of his many titles, he is also referred to as the Vicar of Rome, and the Vicar of Christ. Though it is the Anglican Church where the title Vicar is most often used, it is …

Romans 14 is a profound chapter in the New Testament that addresses the themes of Christian liberty, the importance of love and unity within the body of Christ, and the necessity of living out one's faith with a clear conscience. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul speaks to the Roman Christians about the need to accept one another despite difference…

We are back in Romans today, and in spite of the title “First Amendment,” the message is not about the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but about the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus! If we were to “reverse think” the premises for the Bill of Rights, we might well find its basis right here in Romans 12, 13, and 14. Romans 12:1-2 may even supp…

Today's message is a character study on one of the apostles. Didymus, also known as the apostle Thomas was a doubter. He simply could not believe in the risen Christ unless he saw with His own eyes. Jesus showed His hands and side to “doubting Thomas” and called him to stop doubting and to believe. Thomas immediately responded to Jesus, “My Lord an…

It was about ten days ago that Christians around the world acknowledged Good Friday. Quite literally, “The Word of God” was executed and put to death. I use that phrasing because of what John wrote: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14)...

Happy Resurrection Day! Today we are going to learn about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Without question, the resurrection is central to everything we believe and is the fountain from which flows all our hope for today and our hope for the future. We serve a risen Savior. The empty tomb is proof that Jesus has the victory over sin and evil and…

As we enter into this wonderful week of remembering the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that it all began with what is commonly called Palm Sunday, that Sunday in which Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and did so to the waving of palm branches and a hailing of him as King. And, of course, it ends with the resurrection. This is a great …

We open today with the first of the Messianic Psalms, Psalm 2. In twelve short verses it covers the history of God and His people. It is truly The Psalm of the King: His rejection; His establishment of His Kingdom; and finally, His reigning over the nations. It does not name Him, but it does describe His ability to bring the Will of God to pass. Fr…

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week for Christians. For the Jews, it marks a return to Jerusalem, particularly for the Feast of Passover. . .

Romans 13 is a call to responsible Christian living. It underscores the importance of respect for authority, adherence to the law, and love for others. Above all, it is a call to action, a call to wake from spiritual slumber, to live in the light, and to clothe ourselves with Christ. It is a reminder that we are on the brink of salvation and that e…

With Resurrection Sunday approaching, our hearts turn toward Jesus’ victory over sin and death. God has made a way for us; it’s a narrow path, not a wide road. Paul’s 13th chapter in his Epistle to the Romans reminds us of the righteous lifestyle that God’s children are to seek out and adopt in our daily lives. But before addressing these issues in…

Paul's letter to the Romans begins with teaching on doctrine and ends with teaching on how we should live because of what is true. Romans 1—11 focused intently on the doctrine of salvation by God's grace and through our faith in Jesus. Knowing those truths, how then should those saved by God's grace live today? How should we respond to the incredib…

Romans 12 – The Apostle Paul has seen both sides of mankind, and he learned more about God and His desires for mankind than even he thought possible. He did not learn these things at the feet of his teachers in the ways of Judaism. He learned them during his wilderness experience with the Holy Spirit. The author of the Scriptures brings a greater d…

Because Paul accepted the OT as God’s word, he had every reason to expect the restoration of his people already announced in the prophets. He addresses this matter most clearly in Romans 11. In this chapter he is clear that God has not rejected his people (11:1-2). That a remnant remains, as in times of Israel’s wider apostasy in the OT, indicates …

Last week’s message from Paul’s letter to the Romans continues, with a warning to Gentiles who might be tempted to gloat that some Jews have been removed from their “Chosen” position with God to make room for new Gentile Believers. No one is being “made room for.” It’s not like God’s heavenly Kingdom has a maximum number that can fit! Can you imagi…

Having considered Israel’s past and God’s sovereign purpose in Romans 9, and then Israel’s present situation and God’s continued patience in chapter 10, one crucial question remains: Is God done with Israel? Has he rejected his people for good? This is what Paul begins to address in chapter 11 as he focuses on Israel’s future and God’s glorious des…

The dogma’s of today’s church are sometimes a bit bizarre. Among them today remains the heresy of “Replacement Theology,” where the Church replaces Israel in prophecy. I say bizarre because of the scriptural evidence against it. It’s therefore quite strange. God’s promise is that all Israel is to be saved, and all Israel in this case means all spir…

In Romans 10, Paul continues his discussion on the righteousness that comes from God, emphasizing faith in Christ as the means to attain righteousness, not adherence to the Law. Paul continues to expound on the necessity of faith for salvation, the universal offer of the gospel, and the importance of proclaiming it. This chapter is crucial for unde…

Today, Paul’s expose’ on righteousness, salvation, and justification takes us into the realm in which faith operates.

Throughout Romans 9, Paul systematically shows that God’s sovereign election has been in force from the very beginning. Reviewing the history of Israel, Paul shows that God chose Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. Just in case anyone thinks that God was choosing these individuals based on the faith or good works they would do in the future, he…

Lately on the media’s world stage of politics, we are confronted with the idea of sovereign nations. The Ukraine, Israel, China, and even the United States. With it, we have also learned the modern term, “Foreign Influence.” The meaning behind sovereignty comes from the French word, “souveraineté,” as a government or an entity becomes the sole ruli…

As we begin chapter 9 of Romans, Paul is heartbroken that his people, the Jews, have rejected Christ. He insists that God will keep His promises to Israel, but that not everyone born to Israel is truly Israel. God will show mercy to whomever He wishes, calling out His people from both the Jews and the Gentiles to faith in Christ.…