This is an extremely important topic that touches on rebellion, reliance on faith, judgment, the work of God, blessing and more. A proper understanding of Spiritual Authority is critical to submission thereto. Most important is an understanding of the sovereignty of God for without this one may experience confusion, restlessness, and openness to deception by… Continue reading Spiritual Authority
Author: steve2525
God’s Word
Every word of God proves true. (Prov. 30:5). We may not understand His every word in its entirety, today. However He is able to make Himself known and we have no excuse for failing to acknowledging Him, even though our understanding may be shallow. Relying on the truth of His Word will bring light to… Continue reading God’s Word
The Works of God
Good works have been prepared in advance for believers to do. (Eph. 2:10). No amount of good works will save a man. "If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.' Now to… Continue reading The Works of God
The Prophetic Gift
The Old Testament Scriptures includes many prophets of God leading to John the Baptist. The prophets of old spoke much of the Messiah and His coming, with amazing specificity. All prophecy was given by God, and it is to be tested to make certain. There were and remain false prophecies and false prophets. A message… Continue reading The Prophetic Gift
Made In The Image Of God
God is a three-part person, one God of three inseparable, yet distinct parts. We are made in God's image, we look like Him, and that image encompasses the trinity. (Gen. 1: 26-27; Gen 5:1; Gen. 9:6). It might be that we are unique, as are other heavenly creatures and it may be that the human… Continue reading Made In The Image Of God
Wrath and Fear
"John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?" (Luke 3:7) Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan is the most read book besides the Bible. It was published in 1678 and has never been out of print. It is an… Continue reading Wrath and Fear
God Can Be Inconvenienced
I have wondered about Yeshua's reply to His mother, "My hour has not yet come." (John 2:4). Yes, God is perfect and His timing is perfect, but He is also forbearing, patient, and compassionate. His forbearance is seen everyday as he supplies all the needs of the righteous and wicked alike. God is patient… Continue reading God Can Be Inconvenienced
When Yeshua Enters
Our preacher gave an excellent sermon from Mark 1, which I cannot quote, but what I heard were two things. First, what happens when Jesus enters the house? It is transforming, uncomfortable, good to the core of our being, truthful, and what we need most desperately. Yeshua, proclaims the truth that is fulfilled in your… Continue reading When Yeshua Enters
What The Church Needs
Today in America there is a wide variety of Churches. Many non-denominational community churches have been organized since the 1970's Jesus People Revival. Some churches have exchanged their denominational name for a generic community name, yet they remain within their denomination. Several entire denominations have split into a liberal branch and the traditional branch. Many… Continue reading What The Church Needs
It Is There In Heaven
C.S. Lewis wrote, "No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each time. We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home. But the bathrooms are all ready, the towels put out, and the clean clothes in the airing cupboard." This… Continue reading It Is There In Heaven
God Is…
Numbers: 23. 19. God is not human. Deuteronomy: 4. 7. God is near us. Deuteronomy: 4. 24. God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy: 4. 31. God is a merciful God. Deuteronomy: 6. 4. God, the Lord is one. Deuteronomy: 7. 9. God is God; he is the faithful God. Deuteronomy: 10. 17.… Continue reading God Is…
New Answers
Psychology is a favorite college class for many students, irrespective of their major field of study. I have found it interesting; management, sales, and other fields incorporate aspects of it in their textbooks. I discovered why this is true recently, when I wrote a book on my life story and asked my three children if… Continue reading New Answers
The Diligent Disciplinarian
As parents we have to discipline our children and it is not a pleasant task, but we know it is necessary, at least generally. There are times when we can be deceived or mislead to a different conclusion. As a grandparent this is far more frequent. My son, speaking of my grandson, said, "He's smarter… Continue reading The Diligent Disciplinarian
Repentance
What an old-fashioned word, so religious, so pious, so self-depreciating. Does this word have meaning in our current society? John the Baptist came with a message of repentance to make way for the Messiah. " 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'...Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan… Continue reading Repentance
The Sky Is Falling
"The sky if falling." Chicken Little uttered these words over and over and some began to believe her. The lost (an acceptable biblical term referring to those who do not currently believe in God) spew forth a seemingly endless list of pending doom for this world. Here is a brief incomplete list: - Nuclear Destruction… Continue reading The Sky Is Falling
God’s Temple
Israel is an example to us today; all that happened, their choices, their delivery from enemies, their falling away from God, the building of the Temple, the Ten commandments, and all the rest. We see in Israel God's ideas delivered to them in great specificity and detail. In regard to the temple, perhaps it seemed… Continue reading God’s Temple
Your God Is Too Small – Part 2
This is a book by J.B. Phillips, a completion of comments about the book, specifically, Constructive. Phillips takes a very apologetic approach assessing the characteristics necessary to validate the truth of his person as well as, His character. An adequate God is in sufficient size and focus, meaning in sufficient detail for those who see.… Continue reading Your God Is Too Small – Part 2
Yeshua’s Purpose, in Part
I've been thinking of a question once posed to me, "Do you think, Yeshua came to start a new religion?" I think the question left off an unspoken premise, "Didn't he just clarify and qualify Judaism, such that if we merely follow Judaism, as it was intended, we will be saved." Here is my answer,… Continue reading Yeshua’s Purpose, in Part
Holy Spirit Basics, Part II
The gift of speaking in tongues is a lesser gift, (1 Cor. 14:5) but it seems to create more debate than any. Nevertheless scripture says, "...do not forbid speaking in tongues." (1 Cor. 14:39). Also, "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret."… Continue reading Holy Spirit Basics, Part II
Holy Spirit Basics, Part I
When we consider the Holy Spirit we need to remember that God is one inseparable God, such that there is no conflict or discrepancy between the Spirit, the Word - Yeshua, and the Father. (Deut 6:4). However, there are vast differences among those who make up the church, about the Holy Spirit. There are fundamental… Continue reading Holy Spirit Basics, Part I
Two Responses to Yeshua
"Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?' they asked. 'Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where… Continue reading Two Responses to Yeshua
Faith and the Drink Offering
Think about Yeshua's first public miracle, turning water into wine. "When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, 'They have no more wine.' 'Woman, why do you involve me?' Jesus replied. 'My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' " (John 2:3-5). Mary's faith… Continue reading Faith and the Drink Offering
Holy Spirit In Prayer
Agreement is important in prayer. Agreement first must be with God's will. Agreement is also available from the Word of God - when we pray scripture. Recently, I had a need in my family, it was known by others and seemingly getting more urgent. I didn't have faith to say anything, and I knew… Continue reading Holy Spirit In Prayer
The Near Future
When I get to heaven, I'm going to be able to play the heavenly instruments and write some music and sing songs that flow from the Lord. Heaven will be populated with the redeemed saints, spirits of righteous men made perfect. (Heb. 12:23). God will be there, nothing will separate us from Him and we… Continue reading The Near Future
Differences in Felt Needs
I have several married friends where the husband has recently retired and the wife continues to work. I'm currently in that situation, as I was required to take early retirement, so I'm really rather young, good-looking, wise beyond my years, humorous, and possess a vivid imagination - Ha-Ha, just kidding about all that, except retirement. … Continue reading Differences in Felt Needs