Life's Inanities and Ironies

Scripture text: Hebrews 9:13-14 Today, we turn to the infallible, inerrant Word of God, found in Hebrews 9:13-14, which declares: "For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." This is not a suggestion or a metaphor—it is the literal truth, breathed by the Holy Spirit, revealing the foundation of our salvation. The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant  In the Old Testament, God established a system of sacrifices—blood of goats and bulls, ashes of a heifer—to temporarily cleanse His people from outward impurity. But let’s be absolutely clear: these sacrifices were powerless to save. The Bible itself testifies in Hebrews 10:4, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins....

 Dear readers, today we turn to the timeless truth of God’s Holy Word to explore a vital lesson: the difference between "faith the size of a mustard seed" and " oh ye of little faith." These phrases, spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ, are not mere words—they are a divine call to examine our hearts and align our lives with the unchanging standards of Scripture. In a world drifting from biblical values, Christians must hold fast to the truth that even the smallest faith, when rooted in God’s promises, can accomplish great things. Yet, we are also warned against a faith weakened by doubt. Let us reflect on this today: do we trust God fully, or do we falter when the storms of life arise?   What Scripture Teaches About Faith The Bible, God’s inspired and inerrant Word, reveals the power of true faith. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says , "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will b...

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 28:7-20 Today we turn to a sobering passage in God’s Word—1 Samuel 28:7-20—where we see King Saul, once chosen by God, spiral into desperation and disobedience. In his fear and rebellion, he seeks out a medium to contact the dead, turning from the living God to the powers of darkness. This passage is a stark warning for us today: when we reject God’s guidance and turn to forbidden paths, we invite judgment and despair. Let’s dive into this text and let the Holy Spirit teach us how to walk in obedience and trust in God alone. Saul’s Rebellion: Turning from God’s Word In 1 Samuel 28, we find Saul at the end of his rope. The Philistines are gathering for war, and Saul’s heart is gripped with fear (v. 5). He inquires of the Lord, but God is silent—no answer through prophets, dreams, or the Urim (v. 6). Why? Because Saul had long been disobedient. He failed to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), and he rejected the word of the Lord t...

 Scripture Readings: Revelation 7:1-8, Revelation 14:1-5, Matthew 24:14 Today we turn our hearts to a powerful and urgent truth from God’s Word—the 144,000 sealed servants of God in the Book of Revelation. In these last days, as the world grows darker and the signs of Christ’s return draw near, the Bible reveals a special group chosen by God to shine His light amidst the chaos of the tribulation. Who are these 144,000, and what can we learn from their mission? Let us dive into Scripture and prepare our hearts for the work God calls us to, even now.   The Identity of the 144,000: God’s Chosen Remnant In Revelation 7, we see a pause in the unfolding judgments of the tribulation—a moment where God’s mercy shines through. The angel declares, “ Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads” (Revelation 7:3). These servants are 144,000, with 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel—Judah, Reuben, Gad, and so on. ...

Today, we hear a sobering message from the Book of Revelation, chapter 3, verses 1 to 6, where Christ speaks to the church in Sardis: “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” These words cut deep, don’t they? They’re not just for Sardis long ago—they’re for us, here, now. The warning is stark: “Your church WILL die…” unless it awakens to the life God calls it to live. Imagine a church bustling with activity—services packed, programs running, a name known in the community. Sardis had that reputation. They looked alive. But Christ saw the truth: their faith was a hollow shell. They were going through the motions, but their hearts were far from God. Their works were incomplete, lacking the fire of true devotion. Does that sound familiar? How often do we, as a church, settle for looking alive while neglecting the deeper call to l...

Text: Ephesians 6:4 (KJV) "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."    Today many of us will gather to celebrate Father’s Day, a time to honor the men God has placed as leaders, providers, and protectors in our families. But let us be clear: Father’s Day is not merely a cultural holiday; it is an opportunity to reflect on God’s design for fathers as revealed in His holy Word. The Bible sets a high standard for fatherhood, rooted in the character of our Heavenly Father. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul charges fathers to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Today, let us explore the biblical perspective on fatherhood, drawing from the Old and New Testaments, and challenge every father to walk worthy of this sacred calling. The Father as a Reflection of God’s Character Scripture teaches that earthly fathers are to mirror the attributes of our Heavenly Father. In Psalm 103:13, we read, “Li...

Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 1:10-18 (Old Testament), Matthew 6:7-8, Philippians 4:6-7 (New Testament) Today we reflect on a powerful truth rooted in the unchanging Word of God: when we pray and surrender our requests to the Lord, we do not need to keep reminding Him, for He is faithful, all-knowing, and sovereign over all our needs. In the Old Testament, we see a beautiful example of this in the story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-18). Hannah, barren and deeply distressed, poured out her heart to God, pleading for a son. She prayed with such intensity that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. Yet, after presenting her request, what did Hannah do? She left the temple, ate, and her face was no longer downcast. She didn’t return day after day, repeating the same plea as if God had forgotten. She entrusted her burden to the Lord and walked away in faith, trusting His will and timing. God heard her prayer, and in His perfect time, He gave her Samuel, a prophet who would serve Him mightily. Han...

Text: Psalm 40:1 (KJV) "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” In a world that demands instant gratification, where men chase fleeting pleasures and quick fixes, the Word of God calls us to a higher way—a way of faith, trust, and patient endurance. Psalm 40:1 stands as a beacon of hope and a challenge to every believer: "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." Waiting on the Lord is not a passive act; it is an active, faith-filled surrender to the sovereign will of God. Today, let us explore what it means to wait on the Lord, drawing from the unchanging truths of both the Old and New Testaments, and let us be stirred to trust Him more fully. The Meaning of Waiting on the Lord To wait on the Lord, as David declares in Psalm 40:1, is to place our confidence in God’s timing and His promises, even when our circumstances scream for us to take matters into our own hands. The Hebrew word for “waited pat...

Today we turn our hearts and minds to a subject that echoes through the pages of scripture and resonates in our world today: the nation of Israel. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals Israel as more than a historical nation—it is a cornerstone of God’s prophetic plan. As fundamentalist Christians, we believe that the events unfolding in Modern Israel are not mere coincidences but fulfillments of God’s promises, pointing us toward the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I invite you to explore why Israel matters, what the Bible says about its role, and how we are called to respond in these prophetic times. The Biblical Basis for Supporting Israel Let us begin with a foundational promise from God, found in Genesis 12:3, where He declares to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This covenant, given to the father of the Jewish people, carries a timeless weight. It extends to Abra...

From a fundamentalist Christian perspective, the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, revealing His sovereign plan across both the Old and New Testaments. The story of Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch in Jeremiah 38:7-13, is not just a historical account but a divinely inspired narrative that points to the gospel of Jesus Christ and challenges believers today to live out their faith. Today we will explore Ebed-Melech’s story, draw connections to the New Testament, and apply its timeless truths to our lives.  A Hero in a Dark Hour Imagine the scene: the prophet Jeremiah, faithful servant of God, has been cast into a cistern by the corrupt officials of King Zedekiah of Judah (Jeremiah 38:6). The muddy pit is a death sentence—dark, cold, and hopeless. But God, in His providence, raises up an unlikely hero: Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the king’s court. With courage, he pleads with the king to spare Jeremiah’s life, and with compassion, he personally pulls the prophet from...

Today, we gather to reflect on a simple yet profound verse from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus " (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Paul wrote these words to a young church, encouraging them to live in a way that pleases God. As part of his final instructions, he offers this call to gratitude—not just in moments of joy, but in all circumstances. What does this mean for us today? How can we live out this command in our own lives? Let’s explore this together. What Does It Mean to Give Thanks in All Circumstances? First, let’s unpack the verse. To "give thanks in all circumstances" doesn’t mean we have to be grateful for every hardship—like sickness, loss, or pain. Instead, it’s about maintaining a heart of gratitude toward God no matter what we’re facing. It’s an act of faith, trusting that God is good, that He is in control, and that He is with us even in the darkest times. This kind of...

For Christians, the arrival of red heifers in Israel and the ongoing preparations for a Third Temple in Jerusalem are more than mere religious curiosities—they are profound signs of God’s prophetic timetable coming to fruition. Rooted in the infallible Word of God, particularly Numbers 19 and prophecies in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation, these developments point to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This article explores the biblical significance of the red heifer, the anticipation of the Third Temple, and the urgent call for believers to prepare for the end times, all from a conservative Christian perspective grounded in Scripture. The Red Heifer: A Biblical Mandate and Prophetic Marker In Numbers 19:1–10, God commands the Israelites to offer a red heifer—a cow without blemish, never yoked—whose ashes, mixed with water, purify those defiled by contact with death. This ritual was essential for temple worship, enabling priests and worshippers to approach God’s presence in holiness. T...

 Today, we open God’s Word to Revelation 11:3-19, a passage that pierces through the veil of time to reveal the literal events of the last days. As Christians, we stand on the inerrant, unchanging truth of the Bible. This is no allegory or symbol to be twisted—it is a prophecy of what will happen, straight from the mouth of God through the Apostle John. It speaks of two witnesses, divine judgment, and the triumphant return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us hear this Word with sober hearts and respond with unwavering faith. The Two Witnesses: God’s Anointed Prophets God declares in verse 3: “I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are not vague figures but real individuals, chosen by God to testify during the Tribulation—a time of unparalleled evil yet to come. Many believe they are Moses and Elijah, returned to earth, for their miracles echo those of these Old Testament prophets: fire from their mouths to consume ene...

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)  Today, we gather to reflect on a simple yet profound verse from Psalm 100, a song of joy and gratitude that calls us to approach God with hearts full of thanksgiving. This verse, “ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name ,” is not just a poetic line but an invitation—a roadmap for how we are to come into God’s presence and live lives that honor Him.   Let’s begin by picturing the scene the psalmist paints. In ancient Israel, the gates and courts referred to the temple, the sacred place where God’s people met with Him. To enter those gates was no small thing—it was an act of worship, a moment of connection with the Creator. But the psalmist doesn’t say to come with fear, or with heavy burdens, or even with perfect lives. No, we are to come with thanksgiving and praise. Why? Because gratitude is...

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (KJV)  "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."   Praise God for His holy Word! Today, we stand on the solid ground of Scripture, where the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, unveils a mystery that ought to set our hearts ablaze. In 1 Corinthians 15, God gives us a glimpse of His glorious plan—a day when every born-again believer will be changed, transformed in a moment, and made ready for eternity with our Savior. Hallelujah! This is the promise of the resurrection, the hope of every soul washed in the blood of Jesus.  Paul says, “Behold, I shew you a mystery.” Now, when the Bible talks about a my...

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17   Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 92:14, Joshua 14:10-12, James 5:14-15  Beloved in Christ, As we gather under the authority of God’s holy Word, we face a reality many of us know: the infirmities of age. Aching joints, fading strength, and lingering ailments can weigh heavily, tempting us to despair or give up. But the Bible, God’s perfect and unchanging truth, speaks directly to this struggle. Does it tell us to surrender to the weaknesses of age? Never! Scripture commands us to stand firm in faith, trust God’s power, and live for His glory, no matter how frail our bodies become.  In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, the Apostle Paul declares, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Hear this truth: the infirmities of age are temporary, bu...