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 →
In our studies of God's Word, we often grapple with the tension between our positional identity in Christ and our practical, day-to-day walk. As believers, it is evident, we are called to a higher standard - one that reflects the new man as children of God. But what does this look like in practice? The... Continue Reading →
Sermon on the Mount was a message that I’m sure many people, especially His disciples, had been anticipating ever since the Lord began His ministry, because they want to know what’s the kingdom going to be like? How will people get into the kingdom? “The Chosen,” for example, had Jesus thinking through what He was... Continue Reading →
John 15:13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Rom. 13:14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. By the doctrine which is according to godliness, we are taught that our love... Continue Reading →
The epistle to the Ephesians offers a deep and rich understanding of what it means to live as a follower of Christ. As we step into Ephesians 5:1-2, we are met with a call that encapsulates the essence of Christian living: "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as... Continue Reading →
Personal conviction is becoming fully persuaded in your heart and mind, about something. This often takes time and study, thinking about the topic or issue and turning ideas over and over to assess it from different angles. Study of things from the Word of God is imperative and not just for students or teachers. In... Continue Reading →
We’re going to consider a Psalm that does not have a title. David is not mentioned either. Bullinger would write, “…for we have no more right to insert the name of ‘David’ where it is not written, than to take it out where it is.” The common thinking is that this Psalm was written by... Continue Reading →
Take a moment right now to stop and think: The time we have on earth is truly a precious resource. Life is a training ground for eternity; an opportunity to put into practice what we learn. Paul is our example: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16) One way to view life... Continue Reading →
Eph 6:18. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” We all know the context is the armor of God. While you are putting on the armor and after you’ve put on the armor, you are praying always. Before you get on... 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 →
As we seek to live as who we are in Christ, God reveals His desire to dwell in us: “…I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (II Corinthians 6:18b) To dwell means to reside in or inhabit. The Spirit dwells in... 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 →
God has set in place the vocation for all saints to be able ministers in the Body of Christ. In this role as ambassadors (II Cor.5:20), our Father is to be our total provision: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also... 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 →
A new believer can have many challenges. First, he needs to grow to understand sound doctrine. Ideally, a stronger believer will walk beside this new saint to help. Many new believers believe that since they’re forgiven and saved from the wrath by the blood of Christ, that they’ve arrived and then, just kick their feet... Continue Reading →
[This is a continuation of our look at the Fall of Satan] Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will... Continue Reading →
Our Father is the Most High God; He is Wisdom, and so much more. (Prov. 8:12) We can step out from under fear and anything this world has to offer that creates anxiety or distress to be a servant. Recall who we have residing within us. So, what is there to fear? “What shall we... Continue Reading →
Exek. 28 is a chapter with parallel stories. The section about Tyre and Satan is in the context of broader prophecies about the downfall of a variety Gentile nations after Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem. God’s cleaning house! We’re going to look at the downfall of the Prince of Tyre, whose fall is so similar to... Continue Reading →
I love the comparison between Genesis vs. Revelation, the beginning vs. the end. J. Sidlow Baxter in his work, Explore the Book, said, “A comparison of Genesis to Revelation proves that this book is a completed revelation of God to man. They complement each other. “In both, we have a new beginning and a new... Continue Reading →
2nd Tim.3:15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man... Continue Reading →
SUPPLY OF GRACE 