Life's Inanities and Ironies

 Today, I want to invite you on a profound spiritual journey—a journey that takes us back thousands of years, into the very heart of ancient Israelite worship, and then catapults us forward to the eternal truth of our salvation in Jesus Christ. We’re going to explore Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, and discover how this solemn observance illuminates the glorious work of our Savior. Now, as Christians, we live under grace, not under the Law. This is a foundational truth of our faith, and it’s a truth that sets us free! Yet, to dismiss the Old Testament, to ignore the rich tapestry of God’s dealings with Israel, would be to miss the very blueprint for understanding our redemption. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, the Law, its rituals, and its sacrifices were but a "shadow of the good things to come, and not the true form of these realities" (Hebrews 10:1). The shadows always point to a substance, and for us, that substance is Christ. Yom Kippur: A Day of Holy Awe Y...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where challenges to our faith seem to lurk around every corner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As fundamentalist Christians, we cling to the literal truth of Scripture as our anchor. Today, I want to dive into a lesser-discussed chapter from the life of David—a man described as being after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). In 1 Samuel 27:1-12 (from the Complete Jewish Bible), we see David in a moment of weakness, fleeing to the land of the Philistines to escape King Sha’ul's relentless pursuit. This isn't the victorious David we're used to; it's a raw, human portrait of doubt, compromise, and deception. But through it all, God's sovereignty shines through, offering us timeless lessons for standing firm in these end times. Let's start by setting the scene. David, anointed by God to be Israel's future king, has been on the run for years. Sha’ul, driven by jealousy and paranoia, won't stop hunting him. Exhausted ...

As followers of Christ in a world rich with biblical history, it's valuable to explore the feasts and festivals outlined in Scripture. One such observance is Rosh Hashanah, also known as Yom Teruah or the Feast of Trumpets. While we as Christians are not bound to observe it under the New Covenant, understanding its origins, customs, and ongoing significance can deepen our faith and point us toward the fulfillment we find in Jesus. In this blog post, we'll delve into what Rosh Hashanah is, its biblical foundations, traditional practices, why it's still celebrated, and most importantly, the profound meanings it holds for believers today. The Biblical Origins of Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Its roots trace back to the Torah, where it's described not as a New Year celebration but as a solemn day of rest and trumpet blasts. In Leviticus 23:23-25, God instructs Moses: "S...

In the shadowed corridors of biblical prophecy, few passages evoke as much awe and terror as Revelation 9:13-21. This vivid depiction of the sixth trumpet judgment, known as the second woe, serves as a stark reminder of God's unyielding justice against unrepentant humanity. Drawing from a recent homily delivered to a gathering of faithful believers, we'll delve deeper into this scripture, expanding on its elements, historical context, varied interpretations, and profound implications for our world today. As we unpack this apocalyptic vision, remember: the Bible is not a book of myths but the inerrant Word of God, foretelling literal events in the coming Tribulation. Understanding the Passage: A Divine Command and Demonic Onslaught The scene opens with the sounding of the sixth trumpet, one of seven angelic blasts that unleash escalating judgments during the Tribulation—a seven-year period of divine wrath following the Rapture of the Church. A voice echoes from the four horns of...

 In a world increasingly marked by chaos, moral decay, and environmental crises, the prophecies of the Bible offer both warning and hope. Drawing from a recent homily delivered to a group of fundamentalist Christians, this blog post delves into the Third Trumpet Judgment described in Revelation 8:10-11. We'll explore the scriptural details, expand on its meaning, historical parallels, scientific possibilities, and profound implications for believers and the world at large. As we unpack this sobering prophecy, remember: God's Word is not mere symbolism but a literal foretelling of future events in the end times. Understanding the Passage: Revelation 8:10-11 The Book of Revelation, penned by the Apostle John under divine inspiration around AD 95 while exiled on Patmos, unveils God's plan for the culmination of history. It details the seven-year Tribulation period—a time of unprecedented judgment following the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). In chapters 8 and ...

In a world increasingly marked by chaos, natural disasters, and moral decay, the prophecies of the Bible stand as an unshakeable anchor for those who believe in its literal truth. As fundamentalist Christians, we hold to the inerrant Word of God, interpreting passages like Revelation 8:7 not as mere symbolism, but as a foretelling of real, future events that will unfold during the Great Tribulation. This blog post dives deep into the first trumpet judgment—what it is, its biblical context, and its profound implications for humanity. If you're seeking to understand how God's righteous wrath will manifest and why it demands our urgent response, read on. Understanding Revelation 8:7: The Scripture Unveiled Let's begin with the verse itself: " The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up ...

For many, the struggle with lust and addiction is a deeply personal and isolated battle. It's often waged in silence, hidden in the dark and fueled by shame. The silence in our culture and even within the church can lead us to believe we are alone in our sin—that our struggle is unique or unforgivable. This profound sense of isolation and brokenness often creates a cycle of guilt and despair, where the very shame of the sin prevents us from seeking help or experiencing God's grace. This article is not an act of condemnation, but a pastoral call to freedom. It is an invitation to move from the darkness of secrecy into the light of the Lord. The core message is one of grace and forgiveness, offering the assurance that while sin is a serious matter, you have not committed an unforgivable sin. The ultimate purpose is not to punish but to provide a path to sanctification and a life of purity and freedom. The journey is about transformation, and it is grounded in the truth that God c...

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred act of worship—a moment to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, proclaim His gospel, and unite as His church. However, the Bible provides a sobering warning about participating in this ordinance improperly. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul declares: “ Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. ” For those who hold the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, this passage calls for serious reflection. What does it mean to partake in an “unworthy manner”? What are the consequences? And how should we prepare? Let’s dive into Scripture to find the answers. The Corinthian Context: A Church in Chaos To grasp Paul’s warning, we first ne...

Have an extra post today. God laid this on my heart earlier today and just felt the need to get it out.  So please, if you've already read my first posting today, take the time to read this one also.  _---_----_-----------___--------------------------_-------------------------- In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where headlines scream of uncertainty and cultural currents pull us in every direction, where do we find our anchor? For believers, our steadfast hope is found in the unchanging Word of God. The Apostle Peter, in his second letter, addresses us as "beloved," a tender reminder of God's deep affection for His people. He wasn't introducing new ideas, but stirring up our "pure minds by way of reminder" —a call to awaken our spiritual senses and rekindle our zeal for divine truth. ​Our anchor for this vital reminder comes from 2 Peter 3:2 (NKJV): " that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, ...

The Book of Acts, chapter 2, verses 14-41, records a defining moment in Christian history: Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. This passage reveals the literal fulfillment of God’s promises, the undeniable truth of Jesus’ resurrection, and the birth of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. For those who hold to the authority of Scripture, this account is not just history—it’s a call to faith, repentance, and transformation that echoes into our lives today. The Event of Pentecost On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in a dramatic and miraculous way. They began speaking in tongues, proclaiming God’s wonders in languages they had never learned. A crowd gathered, amazed and perplexed, and some mocked, saying, “ They have had too much wine” (Acts 2:13, NIV). Peter quickly corrected them: “ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ” (Acts 2:15, NIV). He pointed to the prophet Joel, declaring, “ In the last days...