“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given... Continue Reading →
On Wednesday evenings, we’ve been covering the Gospels in Chronological Order and we’re now examining the things the Lord says to the disciples after they leave the Upper Room and walk down that dark road toward the Garden of Gethsemane. He tells them how He’s the true vine and they must abide in Him. He... Continue Reading →
In Pastor Hal’s message on Sunday, I loved the discussion about “another Jesus” in 2 Corinthians 11:4. He made the point that this not about a different name but about a different identity, mission, and message being attached to the name Jesus. He said, “Can I preach Jesus out of the Bible and preach a... Continue Reading →
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Eph 4:7) Let’s try to exegete this passage expression-by-expression. “But unto every one of us.” I’d say this is a contrast to the “seven ones” that preceded it. We shift from one body, one Spirit, one hope,... Continue Reading →
Paul uses the word hope more than any other writer in the so-called “New Testament.” I thought this would be a great opportunity to put together a panoramic overview of the Pauline doctrine of hope. So here is a list of seven major points Paul makes about hope. 1 - Hope saves us. Paul said... Continue Reading →
Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee... Continue Reading →
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Eph. 4:1) Here’s a monumental point to be made about this verse: A worthy walk is fundamentally one that embodies the values found in the Gospel that called you to salvation. Paul's arguing that the... Continue Reading →
Before we were justified, saved from the penalty of sin, we had a dire need, deserved wrath, and were considered to be ‘the Lost:’ “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in this world.”... Continue Reading →
As I’m sure many know, Dr. James Dobson passed away last this week. He was 89. Millions knew him as the host of Focus on the Family. He was the child psychologist who “answered hundreds of thousands of parenting questions and urged Christians to fight in America’s ‘civil war of values.’” Hmm. “A civil war... Continue Reading →
One would think that no one would be their own ‘worst enemy,’ but many oftentimes, we could be those who could by our own decisions, cause life changing circumstances that could shape our lives. And those who are in Christ have been given the provision by our Father to protect us from the snare of... Continue Reading →
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Notice how Paul begins with the word “For.” This word connects this verse to what came before it in verses 8-9. Vs. 8 also begins with For, which connects it... Continue Reading →
Hello, saints! We recently overhauled our church's website, and we have a new Beginner's Guide for anyone who just got saved or is new to the Grace Movement. Plus, we offer A Guide Through Scripture, a comprehensive overview of the entire Bible through the lens of time past, but now, and ages to come with... Continue Reading →
[This is an excerpt from my Sunday message and new series on Ephesians. PTL! -Joel] Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Notice that we have in this one verse, blessed, blessed, and blessings, all variations... Continue Reading →
Rom.5:3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. At first glance, the word tribulation... Continue Reading →
There is a monumental shift in your thinking and how you live your life when you have reckoned that you have a perfect standing in His grace, when you know who you are in Christ. From that moment onward, you rest in those truths. You don’t worry about upsetting God because, say, you ate something... Continue Reading →
[These are some of the notes from my recent message at the 2025 Florida Regional Grace Conference. -Joel] Eph 6:18. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” This is the one and only time Paul mentions perseverance. Paul never really defines... Continue Reading →
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1Co 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity. 1Co 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the... Continue Reading →
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8 In the closing of the Book of Philippians is... Continue Reading →
666 is, arguably, one of the most symbolically rich numbers in the Bible. Bullinger would write, “666 is very far-reaching, and is filled with a meaning deeper, perhaps, than anything we have yet discovered. One thing, however, is certain, and that is, that the triple 6 marks the culmination of man's opposition to God in... Continue Reading →
Psa. 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Is this not a fascinating verse? "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." That's amazing! Does this verse remind you of anything... Continue Reading →
SUPPLY OF GRACE 