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The Importance of Acquiring Knowledge from the Word of God

The prophet Hosa wrote these words of God, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [of My law, where I reveal My will]. Because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.” in Hosa 4:6

This just as well could be said of us today. It is amazing how easy information can be share today. It is just as amazing how low the test scores in schools across America are. We have information readily available at our fingertips, yet still have no knowledge.

Just look around at the world around you and you will see such wickedness that should not be in a country that has sent out so many missionaries to other countries. This country was originally founded on principles from the Bible.

It is easy to see that most people haven’t a clue that they should be obeying anything from God’s Word. Just have faith seems to be the only knowledge that many have about God or his Word. Most are unaware that Jesus said, “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15. How can anyone keep Jesus’ commandments when they are not known, taught, or preached.

It is past time to wake up and realize that we have to read and study the Word of God for ourselves. I don’t mean speed read as is the custom of some many. The idea of reading the Bible in 1 year sounds great until the rubber meets the road. Unfortunately, there is no way to actually understand and learn what you are reading that fast.

So how should we get the knowledge that is lacking in us today? Try reading the Bible slowly making sure to understand each part before moving on to the next part. The Bible explains itself if you take the time to really study. The Old Testament tells what will happen. The New Testament is the fulfilling of the Old Testament. Every part of it is in complete agreement. The Word of God is alive. Let is speak to you. Don’t just take anyone’s’ word that it says anything. Investigate. Make sure that you are reading it in context. Many new doctrines have come from 1 person taking the scripture out of context. Most importantly Pray as you study the Bibe. Jesus promised that “..when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.” John 16:13-15.

If we don’t wake up and get knowledge, we will be destroyed. I pray that everyone starts acquiring knowledge before we reap the rewards of the wicked.

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Living a Life of Prayer: The Importance of Consistent and Persistent Prayer

Prayer

According to Jesus, His House is to be a house of Prayer. You can read this for yourself in Matthew 21:13 Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” He was quoting from Isaiah 56:7 All these I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]?
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour your body becomes the house “temple” of the Lord. He says that his house shall be called a house of prayer. 
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it says “be unceasing and persistent in prayer;” in the Amplified Bible. In the King James is says “Pray without ceasing.”  and the NIV says “pray continually,”
Continually is G90 in the Greek. G90 means: ἀδιαλείπτως adialeiptōs, adv. [4] [√ 1.1 + 1328 + 3309]. constantly, unceasingly:– continually (3), constantly (1)
according to the NIV Exhaustive Concordance Dictionary. Copyright © 2015 by Zondervan.
So, what does this mean for you? It means that you should live a life where you pray consistently, daily, and frequently. When problems come your way, your first thought should be to pray. 
Every time that the Apostles had a difficult time, they turned to prayer. 
When Paul and Silas got thrown in prison, they prayed. See Acts 16: 25-26, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
When Peter was thrown in prison, there was prayer. See Acts 12:5-17, ”  So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church. The very night before Herod was to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries were in front of the door guarding the prison. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands. The angel said to him, “Prepare yourself and strap on your sandals [to get ready for whatever may happen].” And he did so. Then the angel told him, “Put on your robe and follow me.”  And Peter went out following the angel. He did not realize that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.  When they had passed the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. Of its own accord it swung open for them; and they went out and went along one street, and at once the angel left him.  When Peter came to his senses, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting [to do to me].”  When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of [a]Mary the mother of John, who was also called [b]Mark, where many [believers] were gathered together and were praying continually [and had been praying all night]. When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gateway. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel!”  But [meanwhile] Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were completely amazed.  But motioning to them with his hand to be quiet and listen, he described how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.
According to Paul in Philippians 4:6 said, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
We are to live a life of Prayer. When problems come, Pray! In Good times Pray!  

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The Power of Prayer: Biblical Insights and Personal Practice

 Have you Prayed Today?

According to Jesus, His House is to be a house of Prayer. You can read this for yourself in Matthew 21:13
Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” He was quoting from 
Isaiah 56:7 All these I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”
 
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]?
 
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour your body becomes the house “temple” of the Lord. He says that his house shall be called a house of prayer. 
 
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it says “be unceasing and persistent in prayer;” in the Amplified Bible. In the King James is says “Pray without ceasing.”  and the NIV says “pray continually,”
 
Continually is G90 in the Greek. G90 means: ἀδιαλείπτως adialeiptōs, adv. [4] [√ 1.1 + 1328 + 3309]. constantly, unceasingly:– continually (3), constantly (1)
 
according to the NIV Exhaustive Concordance Dictionary. Copyright © 2015 by Zondervan.
 
So, what does this mean for you? It means that you should live a life where you pray consistently, daily, and frequently. When problems come your way, your first thought should be to pray. 
 
Every time that the Apostles had a difficult time, they turned to prayer. 
 
When Paul and Silas got thrown in prison, they prayed. See Acts 16: 25-26, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
 
When Peter was thrown in prison, there was prayer. See Acts 12:5-17, ”  So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church. The very night before Herod was to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries were in front of the door guarding the prison. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands. The angel said to him, “Prepare yourself and strap on your sandals [to get ready for whatever may happen].” And he did so. Then the angel told him, “Put on your robe and follow me.”  And Peter went out following the angel. He did not realize that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.  When they had passed the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. Of its own accord it swung open for them; and they went out and went along one street, and at once the angel left him.  When Peter came to his senses, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting [to do to me].”  When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of <span class=”footnote” data-fn=”#fen-AMP-27350a” data-link=”[a]” style=”display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;”>[a]Mary the mother of John, who was also called <span class=”footnote” data-fn=”#fen-AMP-27350b” data-link=”[b]” style=”display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;”>[b]Mark, where many [believers] were gathered together and were praying continually [and had been praying all night]. When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gateway. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel!”  But [meanwhile] Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were completely amazed.  But motioning to them with his hand to be quiet and listen, he described how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to <span class=”footnote” data-fn=”#fen-AMP-27355c” data-link=”[c]” style=”display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;”>[c]James and the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.
 
According to Paul in Philippians 4:6 said, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
 
We are to live a life of Prayer. When problems come, Pray! In Good times Pray!  
 
 
 

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The Seven Days of Creation Explained

Creation Week

(From Genesis chapter 1)

Day 1

God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. He then divided the light from the darkness. Even from the beginning, God made a distinction between light and darkness. 

Day 2

God divided the waters from the waters. In other words, he put in the firmament (sky). This means that at one time there was water above the sky. 

Day 3

On this day God caused the water on earth to be gathered together so that dry land could appear. At this time God gave boundaries to the water. “And marked for it My [appointed] boundary And set bars and doors [defining the shorelines], And said, ‘This far you shall come, but no farther. And here your proud waves shall stop’?” Job 38:10-11

Day 4

This rest of the solar system was created on this day. God created the sun, moon, stars, and what we now call planets. However, he even had a purpose for creating all of this. In Genesis 1:14-18 it says, “Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years;  and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens].  God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.” 

Day 5

This day saw the fish and birds being created. Then God said, “Let the waters swarm and abundantly produce living creatures, and let birds soar above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.”  God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.  And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

Day 6

This day was very busy. On this day all the other animals on earth were created. After God had created the various animals that live on land, he made man in his own image. Humans did not come from animals. To teach such is to degrade humans. When you teach that humans are just highly evolved animals, the results are going to be that humans start behaving worse than most animals. We are to be an image bearer of God Almighty.  

At this time the animals and the humans ate plants. There was no death. All was good. 

 

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Understanding the Old Testament’s Four Time Periods

 Introduction to the Old Testament

Time Periods

In the Old Testament there are 4 major time periods. These 4 time periods span a time period of around 3600 years. 

  • Innocence
  • Conscience
  • The Patriarchs
  • Law and Prophets
        1.  
1. The time of Innocence was the time that Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden. 
2. The time of the Conscience spans the time from the fall of man to Abraham.
3. The time of the Patriarchs goes from Abraham to Moses.
4. The time of the Law and Prophets goes from Moses to Jesus. 
 
Every event in the Old Testament can be placed into one of these 4 big time periods.  Knowing these time periods can help us to organize everything that we are learning into a logical order. 
 
Books of the Old Testament
There are 36 books in the Old Testament. They are organized into the books of the law, history, poetry, and prophecy. 
 
Inspired by God
  • But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.  2 Peter 1:20-21 
  • All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 2 Timothy 3:16
  • You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you. Deuteronomy 4:2
  • Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar. Proverbs 30:6
  • I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from or distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new Jerusalem), which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19
All of God’s word is from God Almighty. All of it is useful for us to learn. None of it should be altered, changed, or taken out of context. All of it should be studied as the true word of God. 
 
 
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Journey of Faith: From Child to Adulthood

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I watched Rev. Charles Stanley on television. At that time, my family only had three channels. Many times, I would wake up on Sunday mornings and watch television while eating peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter and crackers.  Two of the channels only had news on it. The other channel had preaching. Therefore, the preaching was more interesting to me. I have never liked watching news.One memorable Sunday, I was sitting in the recliner eating peanut butter sandwiches while listening to Rev. Charles Stanley. He must have been preaching a sermon about repentance because I remember that he gave an analogy concerning heaven and hell. I do not remember it word for word, but the main idea has stuck with me. According to the analogy, people are on a journey. They can only go two directions. One direction is hell. The other direction is heaven. When you are born, you start out facing the direction of hell because of Adam’s sin. When you get older you can decide to continue towards hell, or you can repent and ask Jesus into your heart. As soon as you repent and ask Jesus into your heart, you turn around and start going towards heaven.  After you turn towards heaven, you stop doing those things that Jesus does not like. At that time, I “played” with the idea. I likened hell to the back of the armrest on the recliner and heaven was the front. The back of the armrest looked dark, and the front was light. I started walking my fingers in the middle. In my mind, everyone starts in the middle. At first, I started “walking” my fingers towards “hell”. Then I thought, “I want to go to heaven; therefore, I need to turn around.” So, I started “walking” my fingers towards heaven. Thinking back on this, I believe this is called child-like faith. Now that I am an adult, I liken this journey to a number line. If you keep going towards one direction, you are heading towards negative infinity or “hell”. The other direction is positive infinity or “heaven”. Everyone will live forever. You will be in either negative infinity or positive infinity. The chose is yours. To continue this analogy, when you are born you are at zero. In mathematics zero is neutral. A baby does not yet have the knowledge to know right from wrong. Therefore, they are neutral. As a baby grows up, either they learn about Jesus and heaven, or they learn evil. I watched preaching on television as a child. What are your children watching? Remember they learn what they see and hear. If they watch violent shows, they learn violence. If the watch good shows, they learn to be good. This also shows that children can understand the basic message of the gospel.
Thank you, Dr. Charles Stanley, for preaching the word of God so  plainly that a child could understand.

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Lessons from My Great-Grandpa Berry’s Life

My great-grandpa Berry did many things in his lifetime. Such as being a son, a husband, and a father. Berry served in the army. In addition, he worked as a farmer, sales representative, and a night watchman. In addition, he worked to start a church. Berry and his family went to church. He went to the same church for more than 60 years. He married a lady, and they were married for over 60 years. He was sick off and on much of his life. He was a good bench warmer all of these years, but he was not saved. Outside of the church is where he showed his true colors. Some of the other things he did included making, selling, and drinking white lighting. White lighting is a type of illegal whiskey.  Later, he moved up to taking and selling drugs. He even injected the needle that overdosed his neighbor. This neighbor died from the overdose. By being a hypocrite, he hindered his family and community. Everyone knew that he was at church every time the doors were open. They also knew what he did outside the church doors. This gave a bad testimony. In his upper 80’s he seemed to start to change for the good. Then one day he had a heart attack and was in the hospital for a few days. He seemed to be improving. However, he asked to see his whole family. They came and he told them that he loved them. He also talked to his pastor privately. After doing all of this, he got quiet for a few minutes. Everyone thought that he was getting tired and needed some rest. In Church, he loved the Song “Beulah Land”. At this time, he raised his hand and pointed to the ceiling. Berry then started singing, “Beulah Land, I am longing for you”. His hand fell and he was gone. No matter your life, it is never too late until you stop breathing.

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The True Cost of Materialism

There is a fine line between providing for your family and coveting money. Bible says, “… If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). However, it also says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Yes, we all need food, clothing, transportation, and housing. However, do you need a brand-new car every couple of years? Is it necessary to have the latest fashions? Is a mansion any better at keeping out the elements? There is nothing wrong with nice things. However, it is wrong to work all the time in order to acquire those things at the expense of your relationship with God and your family. Often times people work so hard to acquire the “good life” that they never get a chance to enjoy or live the life that they have. Before you buy the newest item, think about how much it is really going to cost. Also, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Remember you only have one life to live, and your children will only be young once. Take time to enjoy the little things. Remember these words from 1 Timothy 6:7-8, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us there with be content.”
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The Joy of Resurrection: Jesus is Alive

O’ The Joy
No more weeping
No more sorrow
Jesus is alive.
Alive forever more.
The Stone was rolled away.
O’ What Joy
Jesus walked away.
Death could not hold him.
The stone could not block him.
The guards could not stop him.
O’ The Joy
No more weeping
No more sorrow
Jesus is alive
Alive forever more.

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The Truth About Picking and Choosing in Christianity

Why do some many Christians look more like the world than a Christian? It seems that Christians think that they can pick and choose what they want from the Bible. Do they not know that the Bible is not a buffet? In order to go to heaven, you must put your trust in Jesus completely. The evidence of your trust in Jesus is walking in his statues. If you come and simply say some words and then pick the parts of the Bible that you like, you will still go to hell. 
Example the Bible clearly says that a homosexual lifestyle is wrong. God may allow you to live that way because of your disobedience to him. However, that means you will go to hell. Plain and simple. Revelation 21:8 says, “But people who are cowardly, unfaithful, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

Another example, the Bible says that being drunk is wrong. If you have been drunk in the past, repent. Otherwise, the Bible says, “the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”


For those who do not know what orgies are below is the dictionary definition.
wild, drunken or licentious festivity or revelry.
2.
any actions or proceedings marked by unbridled indulgence of passion
3.
orgies, (in ancient Greece) esoteric religious rituals, especially in the worship of Demeter or, characterized in later times by wild dancing, singing, and drinking.
4.
Informal. a boisterous, rowdy party.
 
This means that those who like to have or go to parties that include drinking and wild dancing will not go to heaven, unless they repent. 
Repent means to turn from the sin. In other words, stop doing it. In addition, during this process you ask Jesus for forgiveness. 
 
Notice that this scripture says that you will not inherit the kingdom of God. That means you will go to Hell. Also, notice that sexual immorality is included in this scripture. Those of you will practice such activity will go to hell unless you repent. I would like for everyone to go to heaven that is why I am trying to warn people. I have noticed that some Preachers have started sugar coating the truth. Unfortunately, the same rules still apply. Therefore, sugar coating the truth only causes more harm than good. It is wrong to pat someone on the back and tell them everything is OK, when they are obvious living in sin. 
 
For those Preachers who still preach all of the Bible, keep up the good work. Just remember that Jesus said to love the people. All people need to know that they are loved and cared for. Many people do not like to hear that their lifestyle is not acceptable. Often times they will get very angry with you. That is OK. Just remember to keep praying for them and trying to show the Love of Jesus. 
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Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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