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Seeking God's Guidance Amid National Disaster: Lessons from Judges 1:1-2

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In times of national crisis —be it devastating hurricanes ravaging coastlines, economic turmoil shaking the foundations of society, or pandemics that bring a nation to its knees—we often feel lost, much like the Israelites after the death of their great leader Joshua . The book of Judges opens with a powerful scene: "After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, 'Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites ?' The Lord answered, ' Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands'" (Judges 1:1-2). This moment, rooted in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land , teaches us a timeless truth: when disaster strikes, our first response must be to inquire of the Lord. Imagine our nation facing a catastrophic event, such as the recent floods that have displaced thousands or a financial collapse echoing the warnings in Scripture about trusting in riches rather than God ( 1 Timothy 6:17 ). In such chaos, human efforts—governme...

How Paradise Was Regained: A Journey from Eden's Fall to Eternal Glory

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In the quiet hush of Eden , humanity's story began with perfect harmony—a paradise where God walked with His creation, and life flowed without the shadow of death. Yet, as quickly as it dawned, that bliss shattered through one act of disobedience. But praise God, the narrative doesn't end there. Drawing from the depths of Scripture, particularly Romans 5:15-21 , we uncover the divine masterpiece of redemption: how paradise, once lost, is gloriously regained through Jesus Christ . This isn't just ancient history; it's the living hope that transforms our lives today. Let's explore this profound truth, weaving in insights from Genesis to Revelation , to see the full scope of God's redemptive plan. The Tragic Loss: Adam 's Fall and the Reign of Sin Genesis paints a vivid picture of paradise in its prime. God formed Adam from the dust, breathed life into him, and placed him in a garden teeming with beauty and provision (Genesis 2:7-9). Eve , crafted from Adam...

Honoring Those That Have Gone Before Us

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 Something different as a bonus today  It has been 80 years this past August since the guns of World War II finally fell silent, a moment that should stir our souls with both gratitude and profound sorrow. Somewhere between 70 million and 85 million precious lives were torn away in that brutal storm of conflict, extinguished by the cruel ingenuity of man's most horrifying weapons—devices that unleashed hell on earth and shattered families forever. Here in the United States, around 407,000 brave souls—soldiers and civilians alike—gave everything, their final breaths drawn by August 15, 1945, when Japan surrendered at last (with the formal papers signed on September 2). Among those last heartbreaking losses were four young Navy pilots from Fighter Squadron 88 (VF-88), heroes aboard the mighty aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) "The Fighting Lady". And it's one of those eternal boys—frozen in youth by time and tragedy—that tugs at my heartstrings relentlessly. Ensign...

How Paradise Was Ruined: A Biblical Examination of Sin's Entrance into the World

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Welcome back to our blog, where we dive deep into the unchanging truths of Scripture. Today, we're exploring a foundational passage from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans—specifically Romans 5:12-14 . This text lays bare the tragic reality of how paradise, God's perfect creation, was utterly ruined by sin. As fundamentalist Christians, we hold to the literal interpretation of the Bible, rejecting any attempts to mythologize or allegorize these events. Let's unpack this verse by verse, drawing in additional Scriptures to illuminate the depth of this doctrine and its implications for our lives today. The Entry of Sin and Death Through One Man Romans 5:12 states: " Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This "one man " is Adam , as described in Genesis 3. In the Garden of Eden , God created a flawless paradise: " The Lord God made all kind...

If Stones Could Talk: Lessons from Jesus' Triumphal Entry

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Hello, fellow believers! In a world that's increasingly hostile to the unchanging truths of God's Word, it's more important than ever to dive deep into Scripture and let it shape our lives. Today, I want to share some reflections inspired by a recent homily I prepared on Luke 19:28-40—the account of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We'll explore this passage under the intriguing title "If Stones Could Talk," expanding on its themes by drawing from other verses throughout the Bible. As fundamentalists who affirm the Bible as the inerrant, inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we know that every jot and tittle is there for our instruction, rebuke, and encouragement (2 Timothy 3:16). So, let's unpack this together and see how it calls us to bold proclamation in these last days. The Scene: A King on a Colt Picture this: Jesus, the eternal Son of God, is approaching Jerusalem, the city of David. He sends two disciples ahead to fetch a colt that...