Life's Inanities and Ironies

The book of Zechariah , one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament , offers a rich tapestry of visions, oracles, and promises centered on the temple. Written around 520-518 B.C., during the post-exilic period when the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity , Zechariah's ministry overlapped with that of Haggai and the events described in Ezra . His prophecies served to encourage the remnant of Israel as they rebuilt the physical temple under leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest . However, Zechariah's words extend far beyond the immediate reconstruction, pointing to spiritual renewal, the coming Messiah (often called " the Branch "), and an ultimate eschatological temple that symbolizes God's eternal presence among His people. For a conservative Christian audience, these prophecies underscore God's faithfulness to His covenants, the centrality of Christ as the fulfillment of temple imagery, and the hope of His future reign. To explore ...

 In a world that increasingly turns away from the timeless truths of Scripture , it's more vital than ever to anchor our faith in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ . One of the most enduring and transformative gifts He bestowed upon us is the Lord's Prayer , found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 . As conservative believers who hold the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, we recognize this prayer not as a mere ritual, but as a divine blueprint for communion with our Heavenly Father . But why was it so crucial for Christ to pass this on to His disciples—and by extension, to us? Let's explore this together, drawing from the Scriptures to uncover its deep significance. A Model of Humble Reverence Before God First and foremost, Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer to show us *how* to pray, correcting the empty, showy practices of the religious leaders of His day. In Matthew 6:5-8, He warns against praying like the hypocrites who seek public acclaim or the pagans who babble...

In these trying times, when the entirety of creation seems to drift further from God's eternal truths, let us turn our hearts to the Scriptures for encouragement and instruction. Today, I want to share with you the remarkable story of the Apostle Paul – a man whose life exemplifies the boundless grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As  Christians , we hold fast to the inerrant Word of God, and Paul's testimony in the Book of Acts and his epistles reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. Let’s delve into his origins and the divine providence that led him to stand before the emperor in Rome, all for the glory of God. Paul's Humble Yet Privileged Origins Paul, originally named Saul , was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), around A.D. 5-10. As described in Acts 22:3, he was "born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city [ Jerusalem ] at the feet of Gamaliel , and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers." Sau...

As a devoted follower of Christ in these tumultuous times, I've often found myself pondering the tension between our heavenly calling and our earthly responsibilities . In a world increasingly hostile to biblical truth , it's easy to long for the glory that awaits us. Yet, Scripture reminds us that our time here is purposeful. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's heartfelt words in Philippians 1:23-26 , let's explore this profound theme: being ready for heaven while remaining needed on earth. This isn't just ancient wisdom—it's a blueprint for fundamentalist Christians navigating modern challenges like cultural decay , persecution , and spiritual apathy . Paul's Torn Heart: A Desire for Christ Above All Imagine Paul, chained in a Roman prison , facing uncertainty and suffering. He writes to the church in Philippi : "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in t...

 In these last days, as the world spirals into materialism and discontent, we fundamentalists must cling ever tighter to the unchanging Word of God. Today, I want to share a message that cuts straight to the heart of biblical living: "I had everything I ever needed and most things I wanted." This isn't some feel-good mantra from self-help gurus—it's a profound testimony rooted in Scripture, calling us to reject the lies of consumerism and find true satisfaction in the Lord alone. Let us begin with the Apostle Paul 's unyielding declaration in Philippians 4:11-13 ( KJV ): "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Brothers and sisters, Paul wasn't lounging in...