Revelation 2:10   Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. There are three resurrections found in the Old Testament: Resurrection of the widow’s son in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-22) Resurrection of the Shunammite widow’s son (2 Kings 4:18-37) Resurrection of the unknown man thrown into Elisha’s grave (2 Kings 13:20-21). Jesus raised three persons, plus Himself: Resurrection of Lazarus (John ..read more

Looking at Hebrews 6:4-8 Introduction The Question: "In my Bible study this week we are discussing Hebrews 6: 4-8. Man! Talk about confusing! I guess I am in good company because as I research what others say about it, there are lots of different opinions. Being a very literal person it really threw me at first, but I got over that. LOL. Is the writer talking about non believers who have been around Christians and learned of Christ but have rejected Him? If so, can't they repent later and receive salvation later? Is this about those who say they are believers but are not "truly" believers? Or ..read more

Always begin by praying for the Lord's guidance throughout your Bible study time and that you will be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Have a journal or notepad with you to write down people, places, and things you do not understand. Also, write down words you do not know the meaning of. It has been shown that you increase your retention by 300% if you take notes. Mark / highlight Bible verses that really speak to you. Read each passage before you begin your study time. If you can, read the passage in a different translation ..read more

Through my years of preaching and teaching the Bible, I have developed, what I consider, essential tools to aid any Bible student in their quest for learning. My list has changed over the years as digital format has entered my Bible Study Toolbox. A word of caution. Only the Word of God is perfect. Each tool I use falls into the “not perfect” area. The goal should be to surround yourself with trustworthy resources. Just because an author is on the “Best Sellers” list does not mean the resource is trustworthy. Some will suggest that the Bible is all you need for Bible study. I would ask them t ..read more

I am currently writing a bible study/commentary on the Gospel According to Mark. As I was studying I found that in the King James Version of the Bible, the phrase “Holy Spirit” is not used. Instead, the term “Holy Ghost” is used. The use of Holy Ghost in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is predominant. The term “Holy Spirit” is only found in Luke 11:13. When looking at the English Standard Version, the predominance of Holy Spirit has been inserted. The Spirit of God, at least in the King James Version is identified as Holy Ghost. However, the same Greek words “hagios pneuma” are translated as “Ho ..read more

A Simple Way to Share Your Faith. It is my opinion that the reason most people do not share their faith in Jesus Christ is because they are not prepared to do so. And, once again it is my opinion, that the second reason that people do not share their faith in Jesus Christ is that it is difficult to make the transition from a casual conversation to the Gospel. The Apostle Peter wrote in his epistle 1 Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being pr ..read more

What did the Apostle Paul believe concerning the Gospel of Grace as the one and only means of Salvation? It is very important to understand the history of Paul. In his own words, he describes himself as: “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and al ..read more

"consistency" is defined as "steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc." Every year I look back at the previous year. As I do, I begin to formulate goals for the coming year. Those goals normally affect every area of my life. One of my goals for 2021 was to systematically lose twenty pounds. I lost eighteen…close enough. I will once again set a weight-loss goal for 2022 that I am sure will give me a few “brownie points” with my doctors. As I get older, my goal setting becomes more inward focused. I desire to be a better, “Husband. Father. Grand Father. Great Grand Father ..read more

Luke 2:6 (KJV) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. When Immanuel took in His first breath, the angels were ready to announce the greatest birth of all time. I find it very interesting of where the announcement of the angel of the Lord was NOT made. The angel of the Lord did not go to the “city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)” (Luke 2:4). The announcement didn’t go to his family in Bethlehem that had come f ..read more

Romans 8:31-39 Key Verse: Romans 8:39 Introduction: Recently I have had a rather disturbing discussion with a pastor and several of his followers concerning eternal security. In recent years this point of view, in my mind, is becoming more mainstream. The question is often "there are too many verses that talk about losing your salvation in Scripture to be avoided." I basically ask two questions. “Who is doing the saving and keeping?” and follow that question up with, “Is it you are or is it God?" To me, the answer is quite clear. I could never be good enough to keep myself in salvation. Only ..read more