To accurately interpret and present 2000 – 4000-year-old Scripture written in ancient languages, critical analysis must be observed on a consistent basis. Special attention must be given to the grammatical expression of the original signature; the historical setting; the religious, cultural, and political environment; and the original receiving audience. The Old Testament begins with man in the image of God…
FROM HEAVEN WITH LOVE This message comes from heaven above It’s written to you with all my love The Lord called me home, but your grief must change ‘Cause I no longer suffer sickness and pain Listen to my words and be of cheer As I tell you what’s happened since I arrived here I was immediately ushered before…
PRAYER IS THE EXERCISE OF FAITH WHY PRAY? “I feel better when I pray.” “I feel better after I pray.” “Somehow, I am reassured when I pray.” “Somehow, I know God hears me and He will do what is best.” These statements are perhaps how we all feel when we pray, and maybe the answer to why pray? is no…
FOOD FOR THOUGHT, PRAYER, AND MEDITATION “Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10). Let us walk honestly in the day, not in strife and envying, but let us walk together with brotherly love and Christian integrity. You cannot dislike a brother and pretend to his face that you love…
When the foundations of earth were poured On what were the footings formed Who set in place the cornerstone Who divided the waters from the land Who measured the way or the distance of existence Tell Me, if you truly understand. What is in your heart? You, Lord! It was you who did these things, and I was not….
Run Silent – Run Deep Read the silence – hear the view Laughing, weeping without you Silence runs deep – see the sound Read the silence – hear the view Laughing, weeping without you Run silent – run deep – C. S. Craig September 1, 2014
Please open God’s Word of Truth to 1 Peter 5:5-11 and peruse these verses in your very own Bible. The idea of Bible study is just that – study. Study of Scripture is for your edification and your own personal benefit – it is listening to the Holy Spirit as you do so. Bible study is a very serious undertaking….
1 Thessalonians 2:10 gives us three spiritual examples of our witness (the example we set) during afflictions: Holy: spiritual, God-ward. Justly: socially, man-ward. Unblameable: personally. Trials, and especially suffering, form a necessary discipline in our walk with the Lord. They prove the reality of where we are in our faith (1 Peter 1:7). They enable us to comfort others who…
From generation to generation, history, vocabulary (word definitions and usage), education (or a lack of education), philosophy, new scientific discoveries, and technological advances all contribute to change the future and the history of the way we think and develop our intellectualism. Having said this, there is and always has been three basic systems of human perception: Empiricism – reality through…
By way of introduction, Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, had a classical background. Luke was an exponent of Hellenistic culture. The first three verses of Acts are classical Greek, and the only illustration of classical Greek in the new Testament. All of the New Testament writers were influenced by their culture and background…
You can be at peace with God, right now, right where you are: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Thank you, Father for sending Jesus Christ, your uniquely-born Son, to die in our place on the…
Someone once wrote: “Who can understand the motives of love? Love does not do according to reason: love has its own reason for loving that even reason does not understand.” The love of God watches from a distance His unfaithful children. The love of God chose to go to the cross of shame and be disgraced, and die for you…
UNDERSTANDING DIVINE DESIGN – GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU AND ME Please open the Word of Truth to Isaiah 58:11. The pastor-teacher’s primary function is to communicate God’s Word to the congregation. God’s Word is Divine Viewpoint. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to transform the believer’s human viewpoint to divine viewpoint. As we learn God’s Word, we also learn how…
A SUMMARY OUTLINE Before you begin any Bible study, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, be focused and under the control of the Holy Spirit, and take the time to absorb and meditate on the Word of God. If you have not yet decided to trust Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then that is the only thing…
Our primary function as believers is spiritual growth through the inhale and the exhale of God’s Word (studying and meditating upon His Truths, then applying what we learn to every detail of life) and its constant application to the details of life. When hardships, difficulties, and even suffering cause us undue pressure or pain, we are to draw upon God’s…
History repeats itself because human nature is the same in every generation since Adam. National freedom in every civilization is dependent on two primary characteristics: virtue and respect. The rise from bondage to freedom and prosperity is a costly one. The fall from prosperity to bondage is even more costly. Everything in life has a price. Men must be willing…
Inspiration from God is subtle, but sometimes it can be a wonderful experience. Have you ever considered keeping track of your meditations? You must be on guard to recognize God’s inspiration, against your own desires. Write down your meditations and keep them as a sort of ‘diary’ of your personal and quiet walk with the Lord. Review them often. Compare…
Open the Word of Truth to Matthew 28:1-8. The resurrection accounts of Jesus are found in Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-9; John 20:1-10. (This study is not exhaustive.) “Resurrection” is taken from a Greek word for resurrection which means “to stand up.” Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday (Eight Days That Changed The World Forever) The greatest eight days in…
PRAYER IS TALKING TO GOD – MEDITATION IS LISTENING TO GOD God communicates with man through His Word, by His Holy Spirit, by prayer, and especially through meditation. “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). “Call unto me, and I will answer you,…
Withdraw into spiritual silence Kneel in your soul-temple Sense the Lord’s spiritual perfection Behold the Lamb of God Take refuge in God’s love Inhale God’s eternal breath In the presence of God’s divine glory Linger and be still. – C. S. Craig