And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. - Galatians 6:16 The word "Israel" is found 2,576 times in the King James Bible. Of the 2,576 times mentioned, all 2,576 times it refers to physical Israel, or the literal person named Israel,... Continue Reading →
From birth forward, each person learns to serve his own physical needs, progressively developing a passion for a multitude of worldly enticements. Our nature is to hyper-focus on our bodies, becoming addicted and under its power to serve its every need. If we’re hungry, we feed it, and when fearful, we protect ourselves. The flesh... 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 →
Have you ever wondered about some of the terms that we have used throughout the years, such as, “One nation under God,” and “God’s Country?” It’s election time once again, and we are sure to hear these phrases to prop up America, even placing it in “Most Favored Nation” status by God! I am as... Continue Reading →
Gal.3:1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? [2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [3] Are ye... Continue Reading →
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. - Psalm 16:11 A trip down memory lane. My recollection some years later is of a flat rock, that was just outside of the boundary of a ball field. This was... Continue Reading →
People sometimes read my 5,000+-word articles and say, “Joel’s a bit wordy.” I don’t deny it. So, I’m going to start off the new year with a SHORT JOEL HAYES ARTICLE! That's right! It’s a miracle! Have you ever studied all the times Paul writes always? Because of all-sufficiency of the cross, because of the... Continue Reading →
There is one thing that will never change. People will always be people - no matter their personal level of sanctification. We have been given by God peculiar (some more peculiar than others) particular personality traits, which often conflict with the New Man, who is supposed to reflect the image of Christ. Some Believers are... Continue Reading →
I love the contrast between Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Cor. 15:45-49. Adam is the first Adam whereas Christ is the last Adam. Adam was made a living soul whereas Christ was made a quickening spirit. Adam was the First Man, earthly, whereas Christ was the Second Man, heavenly. Sin entered the... Continue Reading →
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. [12] Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. - Job 23:11-12 One thing in life that is so very important is a correct diet. ... Continue Reading →
I have for years been telling Pastor Hal Bekemeyer he needs to write a book called "God Don't Make Junk!" That's a phenomenal title, which he is known for saying on occasion (along with "Words mean things!") Of course, a book with that title would be all about our glorious identification with Christ, who you... Continue Reading →
[This article is taken from Hal's NEW FREE booklet called "God Don't Make Junk!" Download the free pdf. Read it. Smile. It's awesome. I love it! -Joel Hayes] We are New Creatures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all... Continue Reading →
Gal 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: Gal 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. Gal 1:24 And they glorified God in me. In the prior study, we looked at the... Continue Reading →
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. What is true freedom? I suspect most people equate freedom with civil liberties. Freedom of speech. Freedom of assembly. Free exercise of religion. But, see, civil liberties is just a form... Continue Reading →
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 3:14 And above all these things put on... Continue Reading →
This item was written by my dear friend Doug Dodd (now in glory). It speaks to the effect of our new life in Christ as opposed to religion and human effort. Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your... Continue Reading →
Sometimes I don't know exactly what I’m going to write about until I actually sit at my desk, in front of my computer. In this case I’m at my seldom used desk at our actual church building. This is a rare event, indeed! With the advent of the automobile, and electronic communications the church office... Continue Reading →
Marriage between men and women (there is no other way) is an institution which has for it's establishment God, Himself. He created Eve as a helpmeet for Adam, so that he would not be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an... Continue Reading →
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made... Continue Reading →
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 3:14 And above all these things put on... Continue Reading →
SUPPLY OF GRACE 