Please join us as our church members share their hearts about God and the bible.
Spirit Inspired writing
-
The only perfecT LAMB
Debborah Dale
Here lies the weight of sins shadowed deed,
A fleeting peace, flocks of lamb's bleed.
A fragile veil, a whispered plea,
To hide the stain, that we could never flee.
The silent bleating, soft and low,
Could only mask, could never know.
The darkest vast, the gulf so wide,
Where guilt resides, and hope has died.
The covering frail, a transient grace,
Could not erase our fallen place.
A constant need, a shadowed fear,
Of judgment's call, drawing ever near.
Yet, Love descended, pure and bright,
The Lamb unblemished, bathed in light.
No temporary cloak He wore,
He took the darkness, evermore.
"It is finished," echoes still,
Across the years, upon the hill.
The risen Lord, in victory's might,
Dispels the shadows, claimed the night.
His grace, a boundless, endless sea,
Surpasses sin's immensity.
Not blind forgiveness, but a love
That lifts the soul, to realms above.
So rest in hope, though shadows loom,
His light will pierce the deepest tomb.
For in His death, and rising might,
We find redemption, pure and bright.
He wrote our names with tender grace.
In the lambs Book of Life He will never erase.
A promise sealed in perfect gold.
Our salvation the precious gift we hold.
-
Woman at the Well- John 4:4-42
Jack tsushima
John 4:4-42 The woman at the well
1 John 2:25-29 Promise of Eternal Life
Why did the Jews and Samaritans dislike
each other. There are a lot of disagreements between the two. They range from spiritual, ancestry, they believe that they have the correct version of the Pentateuch, where to worship, etc. In fact in John 8:48 they accused Jesus of being a Samaritan.
Samaritans only use the first 5 books of the Bible the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) is called what the Samaritan Pentateuch.
Samaritan’s say Deuteronomy 27:4 was changed by the prophet Ezra so that it would be Mount Ebal to worship and not Mount Gerizim where the Samaritans worshipped.
Sometimes we think that Jesus would not be like us. The approximate distance from Capernaum to Jacob’s well or Sychar is approximately 55 miles. Now Jesus travelled by walking. It probably would have taken about 3 days at best. Jesus could have travelled 20 miles a day. With all that walking I’m sure that He was in pretty good shape, but I am sure that He got tired. I think He would never get tired, but after all He was a man and would have. So when He got to Jacob’s Well He would have sat waiting for the Samaritan woman. He had an appointment with her not to her knowledge.
The women from the village would get the water from the well in the cool of the day. She was there the sixth hour(noon). Also it was a social event for them to talk to other women of the village. She was an outcast with her own people. That was why she went in the afternoon when it was hot to get water. She had 5 husbands and was living with the sixth man who was not her husband. So she went to Jacob’s Well by herself. She was ostracized because she was breaking the law of Moses living with a man that was not her husband.
Now Jesus was ostracized from the people of His time not because of sin but because He was the Messiah, the Son of God, He healed people on Shabbat, He done and said things that only the The Son of Man would say and told people that. On top that they thought that He was illegitimate. The religious community (Pharisees, rabbis, Sanhedrin, etc) thought He was breaking the religious law. They thought Jesus was a rebel and a heretic. The people from His own home town people shunned Him. So Jesus could relate to her because He was going through things that she was going through. She was rejected by everyone but not by the Messiah. Not only that but more. He had to be lonely beyond belief.
She had excuses ready of what Jesus was going to tell her. John 4:17-19. She did not want to talk to Him about religion. So she changed the conversation from what Jesus was talking about living water to giving her water so she wouldn’t thirst again and carry water from the well. Isn’t it amazing how good we are at changing the subject from what makes us uncomfortable to something of our own choosing. But Jesus flipped it right back again to get back on point. He is absolutely brilliant how He went back to the subject He wanted to talk about. As Christians we sometimes lose track of where we left off. Consequently the maneuver pays off and the person we are talking to gets what they want and that’s not talking about what is uncomfortable to them.
The verses when the woman changed the conversation to avoid talking about the sin in her life, I don’t think she thought it would go there. But Jesus brought her back to God’s law and to live and worship Him in spirit and truth. The life of unrepentant sin kept her from living and worshiping God in her heart(her spirit). She also was not keeping her life in accordance with God’s law(the truth). God’s requirement for His people to worship Him and to do it in spirit and truth. We need to align ourselves with His truth and if sin goes unrepented it keeps us from worshipping with the spirit(the heart).
In John 16:13 Jesus in short simply tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us through all the truths. The Holy Spirit makes it uncomfortable for us not to talk about our sins to the Father. It is easy for us to change the subject and get away from talking to Him about our sins. We feel like we have gotten away from addressing our sins and diverting it to someone else’s sins. That is what we sometimes do. But our Father gave us an out clause a get out of jail free card and that is Jesus Christ. He died on the cross and took the punishment for our sins. All we need to do is to confess and repent of our sins and claim that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The Son of the living God. We need to worship Him with
God’s gift to us and that is we can repent of our sins. That is all because His Son died for our sins. In her case, Jesus confronted her with the truth of her lifestyle and the unrepentant sin that kept her from worshipping Him with her heart(her spirit). Spirit is “pneuma”
it is breath it is air. Pneumatic tools powered by air.
The Samaritans used the first 5 books of the Old Testament and nothing else. From Joshua to Malachi and all the New Testament they do not use. Deuteronomy 27:4 Samaritans claim that Ezra changed it so that the holy mountain would be Mount Ebal instead of Mount Gerizim. That is why the woman at the well had issues with Jesus. She said by the Jews that the only place you can worship was in Jerusalem. Jesus told her that it did not matter where you worship because there will be a time and that time was now that Samaritans, Jews, and Gentiles would all worship together. The Father is searching for those who worship Him in spirit and truth. All different people worshipping God as one church by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.
Living water is the Holy Spirit.
We need to do things with Spirit and Truth (our heart and soul).
We often times find ourselves thinking or doing something not for the right reasons. We do it because it seems to be the right thing, getting out of doing something, or it’s easier, etc. It doesn’t make us happy. We do it without any conviction. We do it just to get by. If we have the Holy Spirit leading us and our heart is in it, we will do it with passion. It is hard to start but like they say anything worthwhile doing is difficult to start. Holy Spirit needs to guide us.
As for truth, Jesus did not just teach truth and be an example of His teaching, but He was Truth. John 14:6 Jesus say “ I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 8:32 says “ and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.
She said to Jesus that she knew the Messiah was coming and when He does He will tell us all things. Now these people have been waiting thousands of years for that to happen, so she was pretty confident that was as far as it was going to go. Then Jesus told her the thing that would clinch the deal saying “I who speak to you am Him.”
We have all been the woman at the well at times. We have been alone, we have been without any hope, we have been lost, we have been overwhelmed with grief, we have had no
one there for support. We forget that Jesus has always been there for us. We have never been alone. Just like the woman at the well. She was thought that she had no hope, but Jesus Christ came is and rescued her. The Son of the Living God, our Redeemer, our Savior, our God, and our Friend Jesus Christ will always be there whenever you are in need. Just remember that you will never be alone.
One last point, the woman at the well. What was important to Jesus was the one. Like the one sheep, the little girl who died, the one man who gained his hearing and speaking, the woman who was bleeding, the one Pharisee(Nicodemus), raising Lazarus from the dead, each of the 12 apostles, and many others. The one was important. Just like you and me. You are very important to Jesus. He died on the cross and rose from the grave for you. You are special to Jesus.
-
Faith Like children- Matthew 18:1-5
jack tsushima
Matthew 18:1-5 Faith like little children
The apostles like any other human being had faults. Whenever we work through the world and not through God we always sell ourselves short. One of the things that we as humans desire is acknowledgement, acceptance, respect, etc. With the 12 apostles the green eye jealousy reared its ugly head. We think that these 12 people would be above that, simply thinking that they were chosen by Jesus. They were just human beings and had faults. Later on James, John, sons of Zebedee known as the sons of thunder, and their mom asked Jesus if they could sit on the right and left of Him in Heaven. He told them and their mother they do not know what they are asking for. We often do not know what comes with asking for something. It comes with consequences.
Jesus in the following 4 verses talks about having faith as little child. I believe Jesus was not only chastising the apostles but warning all of mankind. The apostles happened to be the ones who were responsible at that time for the examples that He was trying to eliminate. He was trying set the example of the innocence of children and their view of life. As children, they hunger for God’s truth. They absorb every word that is said in the scripture and try to live it. Children are easily teachable. They rely, trust, and count on their parents for everything. That is what Jesus wanted from His disciples. And not only children, but baby Christians as well. Some of the things that they say are truly remarkable. Matthew 21:16 says, “ Out from the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have perfect praise.” As a child we don’t crave ambition. We kind of live for the moment. They want to know that they are loved, appreciated, and hunger for God’s word. He wants us to throw our selfish ideas, pride, covetousness, things of the world and get back to absorbing God’s word. He wanted us to get back to the basics. That was serving God and loving one another. John 12:43 says, “ for they love the praise of men more than the praise God.” It’s really easy to critique the apostles from here in Anza 2000 years ago. I am sure I would be in the middle with them back then. Jesus just wanted them to love, believe, trust, and have faith God and the Son. That would have been enough. Accolades is not what they needed. It was just like the Pharisees and the way they would pray. They made a spectacle of themselves. They put on a show to prove how religious they were. They were of the world in doing so. Jesus wanted the apostles to count on Him.
Jesus came to the world to rescue us from sin. From the time of Adam to the point in time with the apostles and including the present time. Jesus came and died on the cross for all of mankind’s sin. Then rose from the grave to complete our salvation.
-
Lamb of god- john 1:29-34
jack tsushima
John 1:29-34 Lamb of God.
What comes to mind is, “Does John know that Jesus is the Messiah and when does he know it.” When I see these passages, I feel that he doesn’t know that Jesus is the Christ. It’s a little odd to me that John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of world” when he saw Jesus walking towards him. That was verse 29 and yet he said later in verse 32 that he saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove and He remained around Him. He says in verse 33,” I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ Verse 34 then John says that, “And I have seen and testify
that this is the Son of God.’ It is not till then that John recognizes and acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah. Going through this process I think that this was a confirmation for John that Jesus was the Messiah that he was waiting for after John baptized Jesus.
While looking up how John would be able to recognize Jesus as the Savior the term Coram Deo comes up. According to Got Questions, Coram Deo a Latin phrase coming for the Vulgate meaning “before the face of God”or “in the presence of God.” That verse is in the Latin Vulgate Psalms 55:13 (Psalms 56:13 modern translations.) It says, “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God [Coram Deo] in the light of life.” Matthew 11:2-they 6 shows that someone was in doubt. John sent 2 of his followers to Jesus to see if He was the coming One or were they to look for another. Did John send the two followers because he was unsure or were the followers unsure? I guess we won’t know until we talk to Jesus.
And what about the idea of baptizing with the Holy Spirit. John says only the Messiah would do that. Luke 3:15-16 says that he, John, will baptize with water but there will be One greater than John who he would be unworthy to untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. In John 14:16-18 talks about the Father sending a Helper that will be with you forever, who is the Spirit of truth that the world will not receive because it does not see or know Him, but we as believers know that the Spirit will dwell with us and be in us. He will never abandon us.
John recognized that there was one coming that he was preparing a way for. John was not the Christ, nor Elijah, not even a prophet. He was just making way for the Messiah. He was preparing those for the Messiah. One who they have been waiting thousands of years for. Jesus was there hope. He was not the conqueror of the Romans that they thought nor was He a warrior, but the conqueror over sin and death. He was going to die for our sins. He was not a warrior then, but in Revelation He becomes a Warrior.
John shows great faith in God to help him acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Lord, the Savior, the he Son of the living God, part of the Trinity, and the One that the people of that time and we now know that He was and is the One that we have waited for.
-
Rise up- matthew 28:1-20
Jack Tsushima
Matthew 28:1-20
Rise up
There was a little discrepancy on the four Gospels concerning the women that were at the sepulcher. But it is as law enforcement says that if witnesses testimonies are exactly the same then the stories has been rehearsed. There needs to be some variances. That is why the credibility of this is so good.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of James and Joseph in Matthew account) were there. In Mark’s writing he also added Salome (mother of James and John and the wife of Zebedee), Mary (wife of Clopas), and Joanna (wife of Chuza who was the household manager of King Herod Antipas) . All of which had a part in being at the tomb when the body of Jesus went missing. They were there with spices to anoint the body of Jesus.
Now in John 19:39 talks about Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were secret disciples of Jesus. Nicodemus and Joseph, with their importance in the Jewish faith, protected Jesus whenever they could. John 7:50-52.
Joseph was the one who went to Pilate to take His body to Joseph’s tomb. Along with Nicodemus they wrapped Jesus’s body
with strips of linen and spices (about 100 pounds of myrrh and aloe mixture).
Mary Magdalene (along with the other Mary) were the first ones to the tomb. Now when this event happened before or during when the two women were there, a great earthquake occurred. An angel clothed in white descended from Heaven and rolled away the stone from the opening. The angel told them that the body was not there and that Jesus was alive. There were guards that protected the opening who witnessed the event. Matthew 27:62-66. When the earthquake happened the guards were so terrified they could not move. Finally the guards recovered from shock and ran to the city to tell the chief priests what had happened. The chief priests bribed the guards and told them to say that they (the guards) fell asleep and that the disciples stoled Jesus’ body. Saying this would squash the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, giving the chief priests the false narrative that they needed. This shows man’s sinful nature to lie to keep power and to spread falsehoods to protect their religious standing and destroy the claim that Jesus was the Messiah and that the event did not fulfill prophesy. There are various scriptures talking about how the Pharisees envied and hated Jesus. Luke 19:36-40, John 12:19, Mark 14:10, and Matthew 23. In Matthew 23 it talks about how the chief priests wanted praise and glory among the people and how Jesus showed the hypocrisy of religious leaders. Jesus taught and showed the people the truth of God. The religious leaders wanted to be put on a pedestal, they didn’t want that position to be God’s, they didn’t want a Messiah. Just as long as the hope of the Messiah would come they would be content with that. It is not so different of what is happening in today’s churches. There are church leaders who believe the same as the leaders of old. They like being on the pedestal.
In the mean time Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discovered the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. Mary Magdalene ran back to tell Peter and I presume John about what had happened and that someone had stolen the body. So they ran back to the tomb. Mary stayed behind crying. Two angels in white appeared and then Jesus appears next to her. One angel was sitting where Jesus’s head would have been and the other was sitting where His feet would have been. The significance of this detail goes back to Exodus 25:18-22 where cherubim of gold at each end of the mercy seat. The place where the angels are positioned at the tomb suggests the atonement for sin and that’s Jesus fulfilling the action by the resurrection and claiming our salvation.
Now the two angels ask why Mary is crying. She said that someone has taken the body and she doesn’t know where they have put Him. She turns around and sees who she thinks is a gardener. Jesus asks her why she is crying and who is she looking for. She said that if he has taken Him would he tell her where He is and she will go get Him. Jesus calls her by her name and then she recognizes Him and calls Him Rabboni (meaning teacher). She started hugging Him and Jesus told her not to cling to Him because she had things to do. He told her to go tell the brethren because He would be ascending to the Father soon. She went and did what He told her to do.
How many people witnesses Jesus alive after the Crucifixion? There was Mary Magdalene John 20:10-18, the women who went to the tomb Matthew 28:1-10, Simon Peter Luke 24:34, Cleopas and another disciples on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35, the disciples several times John 20: 19-23,20: 26-28, 21:1-14, James 1 Corinthian 15:7, 500 believers 1 Corinthian 15:6, the apostles two times Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:4-9 , and later Saul who was on his way to Damascus Acts 9:1-19.
The final three verses, (Matthew 28:18-20) known as the Great Commission, talks about what Jesus wants them ( not only them but us ) to do with what they have learned by being with Him by His ever presence in their lives. Philippians 2:7-11 is a great scripture to read talking about Jesus’ faith and how He earned the authority not only here on earth but in Heaven as well. Matthew 28:17 talks about when He appears to them on the mountain and some did not believe that it was Jesus. The apostle that is said to have doubted Jesus’s appearance is Thomas (Doubting Thomas John 20:24-29). Now some of the commentaries say that others may have doubted as well.
We sometimes forget that these apostles were just ordinary humans. Coming back from death just doesn’t happen. That’s the way we think. It would have been hard to understand that Jesus appeared to them alive. I know I have said that, it’s too good to be true and I need more proof. But this was Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the One Thomas witnessed miracles happening, the One he had been praying and waiting for thousands of years, the Son of the Living God. This is the One. Sometimes it is unfortunate that we waste time and energy in unbelief especially when we know the truth. Thomas knew the truth. Thomas traveled with the Truth and didn’t believe in it until he was shown.
Matthew 28:18-20, talks about the Great Commission and what Jesus wanted them and us to do, but also to know. The authority that He was given was over Heaven and earth. This means that Jesus is in control over all. They were to go out and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord over all throughout the world. Making disciples of everyone and baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Teaching those who are believers old and new to obey the things that have been taught to the apostles.
And to know that Christ Jesus will be with them always.
Remember that this commission was not just for the apostles, but for everyone who is a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether you are a new or old believer, you are commissioned to obey Matthew 28:18-20. Whatever struggles we are going through, we have the assurance that He has dominion over all. Not only our faith in His teachings, but His divine authority as well. Jesus defeated sin and death and in doing so, we should have the confidence that He is sovereign over all. And do not think Thomas was the only one who had struggles with faith in Jesus. I think all of us have a little Thomas in us. I know I do unfortunately. Just think Thomas did not have all the information that we have now. We are living in a crucial time this very moment. With the Covid 19, perpetrators not being accountable for their actions, life is not sacred, and right is wrong and wrong is right, people no longer have any hope in anything. We as Christians have the hope and this great opportunity to reach out to those who are not believers and put them on the right course. There is a good chance someone reached out to you. It happened to me. Now is a great time to pass what happened to you forward. Jesus Christ is our Lord, Savior, Son of the Living God, and Friend who came to die for our sins and rise up from the grave on the third day to defeat death. Keep proclaiming God’s message that He has commanded us to give because we were put in these situations by Him. May God give you the boldness with this commission.
Got Questions
Studylight
Bible Gateway
Gospel Coalition
-
Faithful friends- Mark 2:1-12
Jack tsushima
Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26
I think it is important when studying the Bible, in a case like this, where there is more than one description of the same event. It is important to look at each account so that we can get a better understanding of what God is trying to tell us.
The story of the healing of the paralytic man, is one where not only Jesus’s miracle of healing, but the incredible faith of his four friends, scribes and Pharisees how Jesus addresses them, and the amount of people the who came to hear Him teach
Mark 2 was the only account that named Capernaum the city that He was in. Matthew 9 calls it His own city and Luke 5 does not acknowledge the city at all. He just says that the Pharisees and teachers came from every town in Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem. One commentary (Renner Ministries) said that the house that they were in was Simon’s (Peter). Also John Hilton III thought it was at Peter’s home also.
One of the great things about this account was that the four friends were very faithful to their friend. They had to carry him from wherever they came from and beings that the house was really crowded, they had to carry him upstairs. If that was not enough, they had to break through the roof and lower him down in his bed somehow so that he could see Jesus. Now I am not so sure what kind of roof that they had to break through, but I am sure it was not really paper thin. On top of that, how long did it take to break through. Biblical
Hermeneutics Stack Exchange wrote the roofs during these times were made of a straw and mud mixture according to International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. The roof would have consisted of timbers, covered with thatching, topped with mud and straw. That would have been common during that period of time. So it would have made it easier to break through the ceiling.
Nevertheless it still would have taken some time to get through. It would have been easier to notice that someone was coming in through the roof.
The four men heard about Jesus and decided among themselves that they would take their friend to Him because Jesus could heal the paralyzed friend. These four men were great friends to do all that they would have to do to get him to see Jesus. After seeing what the paralytic man’s friends had done Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven.
The Pharisees got all upset thinking that the paralytic sins were forgiven. The Pharisees thought that Jesus was speaking blasphemy and only God could forgive sins. This was so great, because Jesus just looked at them and read their thoughts and told them Mark 2:9-11 “ Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you, ‘or to say, ‘Arise take your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic,” I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” This was a little confusing, because both are easy to say, but I think that Jesus knew they (Pharisees) were going to try to trap Him. If He said your sins are forgiven they would call Him out for blasphemy. If He says basically get up, pick up your bed, and go home how could they deny what everyone just witnessed. Those who were there were amazed and all praised God.
I think about what if I was a Pharisee there and I heard Him teach, see Him as the ceiling was torn apart and watching the bed with the paralytic in it come down, hear Him tell the paralytic that his sins were forgiven, wondering how He knew what I was thinking, and watching the paralytic get up, pick up his bed and walk out of the house.
What an amazing event to witness (for the people not the Pharisee’s)
-
Walls of jericho- joshua 6:1-21
Jack tsushima
Joshua 6:1-21
Isn’t it crazy how people tell you to do something a certain way and you think why would I do it like that. It makes no rhyme or reason, but they tell you just do it that way. You humor them, and lo and behold it works. You still look at what you have accomplished and can’t believe it worked.
In a way, you look at Joshua 6:1-21 and think how can that be. All the things that they had to do, which made no sense to me at all, and to have the walls of Jericho fall down and to defeat Jericho. Attacking the city straight on
wasn’t a way to defeat them. The Lord said to Joshua that he and his men should walk around that city one time for six days straight. Not only that, seven priests are to carry seven rams’ horns before the ark. Then on the seventh day they were to walk around the city seven times while the priests blew their trumpets. When Joshua heard the trumpets, all the people shall shout a loud shout and the walls of Jericho will fall down.
The walls of Jericho were from 12 to 15 feet on the retaining walls, with another wall that was 20 to 26 feet, which together combined to be 32 to 41 feet tall and 6 feet thick. With an upper wall of 46 feet above that stood the retaining wall. According to the website, History of Israel. What ever!! that wall was tall and thick.
The amazing thing was that Joshua, by doing what he was told by the Lord, Jericho was handed over to him and the Israeli’s.
After reading what had happened to Jericho, according to man’s reasoning, no way should it have happened. Reading how tall and thick the walls were this should not have happened to Jericho. The only conclusion is purely simple. The Lord made it happen. Because of Joshua’s trust in the Lord and his men and the people’s trust in his faith in God. All the things that they were to do goes against all reasoning. I heard some kids scream in restaurants and stores loudly, but never enough to do property damage. They have tried my patience, but nothing of the magnitude of what happened to Jericho. God knew that it would take incredible faith and trust by Joshua to proceed with what was told to him. It’s easy for me to look back at what happened and say I would trust God with what He commanded just like Joshua. Secondly Joshua’s integrity. In Joshua 3:1-17 he made a promise to a woman named Rahab for helping save the Israeli spies from the king of Jericho. She asked in return that she and her family would be spared from the inevitable war that would be waged against the people of Jericho. The spies agreed. Matthew 1:5-16 the importance of Rahab would later be seen when she married Salmon an Israeli man and she gave birth to a son who was named Boaz, the husband of Ruth. The importance of that was many generations later Joseph was Jesus’s legal father, who was the direct descendant of Rahab. Joshua could have easily forgotten about Rahab, killed her and her family as well. Who would have been the wiser.
I am amazed with Joshua’s trust in the Lord. Just like many other people in the Bible. Trusting the Lord no matter what. God is testing us. Not to see what happens, He already knows what happens, but for us to realize what happens when we trust Him.
Hope, faith, prayer, ministry
-
armor of god prayer
anonymis
Belt of Truth- Lord wrap me in Your truth, help me discern and speak truth in every situation. Let Your truth be the foundation for my Life. Guide me in all truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness- Father protect my heart with Your Breastplate of Righteousness. Let my life reflect Your righteousness. Guard me from any attacks that seek to lead me to sin or despair.
Shoes for the Gospel of Peace- Lord equipt me with the shoes of the gospel of peace, cause me to walk in Your peace wherever I go and use me to spread Your goodness to those who need Your saving grace.
Shield of Faith- Father strengthen my faith, so that I can extinguish every fiery dart the enemy sends my way. Help me to trust in You completely, knowing my faith in You is my greatest defense.
Helmet of Salvation- Lord protect my mind with the helmet of salvation. Keep my thoughts focused on You and remind me of the assurance of my salvation in Christ Jesus. Let Your saving grace guide my mind and decisions.
Sword of the Spirit- Father, I take up the sword of the Spirit which is Your word. Teach me to wield it with wisdom and power against the enemy’s lies and attacks. Let Your word be alive and active in my life.
-
Woman of valor- Proverbs 31:10-31
Jack tsushima
Proverbs 31:10-31
In looking at this very important scripture of about the Proverbs 31:10-31, the world would think it goes against everything that it represents. When I look at these words that the author is conveying, it talks about this specific mother.
There are few theories from authorities of who the author was, but whoever it may have been, this ode to this incredible woman is a loving statement from a child who was truly blessed by her. Some would say that these traits that are described in this chapter are not relevant in today’s world, but I strongly disagree. These qualities of this woman are timeless and more important today than ever before. The Eshet Chayil is sung before the Shabbat meal on Friday night.
Throughout the Bible, there have been great mothers and women. And there are scholars who say that it was composed by Abraham who wrote it for Sarah then it was put in Proverbs by King Solomon according to the Chabad.org. This was to pay homage to nineteen women of the Bible. It is a great list of women from Sarah to Ruth. Unfortunately there could be other women that could be added to the list, not necessarily being mothers. There is Deborah (a great leader), Esther who saved her people (the Israeli’s). In the New Testament there was Mary(the mother of Jesus), Elizabeth(mother of John the Baptist), Mary Magdalene( one of the original followers of Jesus), and many others. All these women had qualities of Proverbs 31:10-31.
I know we acknowledge all mothers and women in general on this day. Women are what makes any successful man that way. So let’s honor the importance of women on this day.
Some say that Proverbs 31:10-31 is outdated for women of this age. I strongly disagree. I believe that the qualities of Proverbs 31 are ones that all should aspire too. In fact men should have some of these qualities. Women are the heart of any family and in fact the nation. They inspire, comfort, strengthen, motivate, empower, and bring us together. When God created the woman, Genesis 2:18, He created someone to help man in all different ways. And today women are involved in all aspects of life.
I have been blessed with amazing women in my life. Sisters-in- law, mother-in-law, friends, women of the church, aunts, sisters, daughters, nieces, granddaughter, mother, and wife. All have contributed to my life. They have encouraged, supported, helped me throughout my life.
-
Flickering faith
DEbborah dale
In the quiet hours of a darkening day,
Where shadows stretch and dark winds sway,
A heart as heavy as a rock-faced shore,
Yearns for Your light seen long before.
In struggles veiled by whispers of despair,
Among the echoes of each whispered prayer,
A cry rises, trembling with the cost,
"Lord, I believe, yet I still feel lost!"
It's in those depths, where chaos reigns,
Where joy is but a fleeting train,
I scratch at my faith - a speck, so small,
And wonder if You even hear my call.
"You moved with grace for the leper's release,
You healed the blind, brought a child to peace.
But I…. I falter at Your word,
With hands trembling, have I really heard?"
In worn-out shoes, through dust and grime,
Each stumble echoes the weight of time,
Yet through the fog of pain and dread,
Your voice whispers softly, "Just take my hand."
"But must I surrender, all these cares?
Could strength arise from this doubt laid bare?
If I lay my weakness upon Your stone,
Would You, dear Savior, welcome me home?"
For in my heart's cave, the shadows lurk,
Doubts creep in, like a villainous work,
Yet amid the doubt, a flicker remains,
A candle's glow, my hope unchained.
The woods they echo with ancient dreams,
Beneath the stars, so bright, it seems,
That even the failings of my leprous soul
Could become the stories You make whole.
Unlovable, I label my flawed disguise,
Yet in the mirror of Your endless skies,
You see what I do not, my heart ablaze,
My soul that sees You through the doubts of haze.
"Could You, would You, heal this weary fright?
Lift me from my dark, give wings to flight!
I tremble at the thought of Your embrace,
Yet stand in awe of such boundless grace."
In the garden of fear, where doubts intertwine,
My prayers, a journey, to your presence divine.
No hesitation in Your love so deep,
You draw me closer, so I won’t weep.
I’m close to the river where promises flow,
Your love, the thunder that breaks through my woe.
With every hesitation, a lion's roar,
Your Love pushes gently, opens wide the door.
"Step forth, dear child; come and see,
For in your surrender, there you shall be free."
The storm within stilled by Your gentle voice,
Each breath a tremble yet filled with choice.
In this moment of panic, my heart starts to sing,
For even my doubt, You could use to bring.
A chain of the broken, a thread of the meek,
Unites me in the search for what I seek.
And each flicker of faith—though small and dim—
Your resounding love, transforms what it's been.
So climb I must from the valleys of despair,
I stand on the mountain, where I'll be in Your care.
In surrender, my doubts fall quickly aside,
Your heart, my anchor; in Your grace, I abide.
From shadows of pain, I walk to Your light,
A seed as my compass, Your true North shines bright.
For Jesus—unmatched, with love so profound,
In You, my miracle song can be found.
Though storms may rise and the waves may crash,
Within Yoir embrace, my doubts will pass.
Secured by your anchor, ready to rise,
I’m in awe of Your mercy, so loving, so wise.
You transformed my whispered weak prayer
By Your power into a shout, big enough to share.
-
Bible Promises
Jack Tsushima
There are times when we need a memory verse for a particular moment in our life we need help to get through things. Here are some verses that may help get you through those times. Now, I do not have all situations, but maybe this will help or point you in the right direction.
MEMORY VERSES
Matthew 26:41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. ADDICTION
Job 39:11 Will you trust Him because His strength is great and leave your labor to Him. ADDICTION
Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it. ADDICTION
Psalms 46:1. God is are refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ADVERSITY
2 Corinthian 12: Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behave of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. ADVERSITY
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your prayers be let known to God. ANXIETY
Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble on its own. ANXIETY
1 Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. APOSTASY
Psalms 18:21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God. APOSTASY
Matthew 7-23 And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; DEPART FROM Me, you who practice lawlessness.” BAD COMPANY
1 Corinthian 15:33 Do not be deceived “Bad company corrupts good morals.” BAD COMPANY
Proverbs 10:28 the hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes. BAD DECISIONS
John 7:24. Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. BAD DECISIONS
Mark 9:23 But Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? All things are possible to those who believe.” BELIEVE
Matthew 19:26 And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” BELIEVE
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. COMING TOGETHER
2 Timothy 4:5 But as for you, use self restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist fulfill your ministry. COMING TOGETHER
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. DEPRESSION
Psalms 34:18. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. DEPRESSION
Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
DISCERNMENT
Proverbs 11:12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace. DISCERNMENT
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. ETERNAL LIFE
John 3:36. The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. ETERNAL LIFE
2 Corinthian 5:7-8 for we walk in faith, not by sight we are of good courage, I say, and
prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be home with the Lord. FAITH
Ephesians 2:8-9 For grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. FAITH
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance that is hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. FAITH
Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ FEAR
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. FEAR
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. FORGIVENESS
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. FORGIVENESS
Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned. FORGIVENESS
2 Corinthian 9:6-7 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly reaps sparingly, and he who sows bountifully reaps bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. GENEROSITY
Proverbs 22:9 One who is generous will be blessed, Because he gives some of his food to the poor. GENEROSITY
Jeremiah 10:6 There is none like You, oh Lord; You are great and great is Your name in might. GOD’S GREATNESS
Psalms 86:8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. GOD’S GREATNESS
2 Samuel 7:22 For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there are none like You, and there is no God beside You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. GOD’S GREATNESS
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. GOD’S WILL
Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present results, to keep many people alive. GOD’S WILL
Philippians 4:19. And my God will supply all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. GOD’S WILL
2 Corinthian 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. GRACE
James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” GRACE
Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. GRIEF
Psalms 34:17 the righteous cry out and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. GRIEF
2 Corinthian 12:10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. HARDSHIPS
Psalms 34:19 The afflictions of the righteous are many, But the Lord rescues him from all of them. HARDSHIPS
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. HARDSHIPS
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and remind you all that I said to you. HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthian 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own. HOLY SPIRIT
John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. HOPE
Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence
behind the veil, HOPE
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. HUMILITY
Luke 14:11. For if anyone exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. HUMILITY
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in the humility value others above yourself. JEALOUSY
James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. JEALOUSY
Luke 7:37 Do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn and you will not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned. JUDGING
John 7:24. Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” JUDGING
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. LOOK TO GOD FIRST
Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. LOOK TO GOD FIRST
1 John 4:19. We love because He loved us first. LOVE GOD FIRST
Matthew 22:37-40 And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is really it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
1 John 4:21 And this commandment
we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
Luke 10:27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘ Love your neighbor as yourself.’” LOVE GOD FIRST
1 Corinthian 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wronged suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but does rejoice with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. LOVE’S EXCELLENCE
1 Corinthian 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. LOVE’S EXCELLENCE
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave up His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” LOVE
Romans 5:8. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. LOVE
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world nor things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not with him. LOVE GOD NOT THE WORLD
John 4:4 You adulterous, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend with the world becomes an enemy of God. LOVE GOD NOT THE WORLD
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve 2 masters; for either hate the one and hate the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. LOVE GOD NOT THE WORLD
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor the has fulfilled the law. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Ephesians 5:13 But all things become visible when exposed to the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. MANIFEST
Romans 1:19 Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. MANIFEST
Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble at heart , and you will find rest in your souls. MEEKNESS
Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. MEEKNESS
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by Christ you have been saved). MERCY
Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. MERCY
Isaiah 25:1 O Lord, You are my God; I exalt You, I give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago; with perfect faithfulness. PRAISE
1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. PRAISE
Matthew 18:20 For when 2 or 3 have gathered together in many name, I am there in their midst. PRAYER
James 5:16. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person powerful and effective. PRAYER
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. PRESENCE OF GOD
Deuteronomy 30:4 If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. PRESENCE OF GOD
Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not settling your mind on God’s purpose’s but on men’s.” REBUKING SATAN
Matthew 17:17 And Jesus answered and said, “ You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me,”. REBUKING SATAN
John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” SALVATION
Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. SALVATION
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. SALVATION
1 Thessalonians 5:23 May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. SANCTIFICATION
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, is in your life, appears, then you also appear with Him in glory. SANCTIFICATION
Roman 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” SALVATION
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, SALVATION
Colossians 3:23-24 whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. STEWARDSHIP
Titus 1-7-9 For the overseer must be without reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with teaching, so that he will be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. STEWARDSHIP
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. STRENGTH
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power to the weak. STRENGTH
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice. SUPPLICATION
1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that all entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgiving, be made on behalf of all men. SUPPLICATION
1 Corinthian 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you tempted beyond what you are bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. TEMPTATION
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. TEMPTATION
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. TRUST
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us then who can be against us? TRUST
John 8:32 And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. TRUTH
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ has set you free from the law of sin and of death. TRUTH
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, the life no one comes to the Father , but through me. TRUTH
John 16:13
Revelation 3:21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on the throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne. VICTORIOUS
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. VICTORIOUS
Revelation 21:7 He that overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. VICTORIOUS
Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. VIRTUE
2 Peter 1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. VIRTUE
James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Examples: Ruth and Esther. VIRTUE
Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom keeps the possessors alive. WISDOM
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. WISDOM
References
Bible Project
Got questions
New King James Version
New American Bible Study
New English Translation
Bible Study Tools
Bible Hub
Duck Duck Go
Bible Gateway
Christianity
Crosswalk -
Biblical terms
Jack tsushima
There are times when we read the Bible, hear a message, or even talk to someone where terms that are used are not familiar to us. Well, do not feel alone. I constantly am looking up terms that I am not familiar with (Christianese). Not sure about the spelling. Here is a list of terms that may fit in that category. Now this list will not include every word that you are not acquainted with, but hopefully it will help.
CHRISTIAN TERMS
Advent-means arrival.
Advent is the four week period before Christmas that celebrates the anticipation and the arrival coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Not only the first coming (the birth of Jesus)but also the second coming.
Advent is a four week celebration and each week has a theme.
Week 1 is hope or promise
(Isaiah 7:14 and 9:2 and 2-7)
Week 2 is preparation or waiting or prophecy
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
Week 3 is joy or peace
(Matthew 2:10-11)
Week 4 is love or adoration)
(John 3:16-19)
Alpha- the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Means the beginning. Along with Omega, it refers to God (the beginning and the end) alpha and omega. Revelation 22:13 Revelation 1:8 Revelation 21:6
Amen-Greek and Hebrew meaning truly, verily or so be it. It is affirmation, exaltation, praise, worship, etc. Used at end of a prayer. The Lord’s Prayer ends in amen. Matthew 6:9-13.
Apostasy -according to Merriam-Webster defines apostasy as an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith. The abandonment of a previous loyalty: DEFECTION. Got Questions breaks it down traits of apostasy. 1. Comes about subtly. A little bit at a time. Nothing obviously and huge. 2.
Become ungodly. Because of God’s grace it gives one a license for ungodly acts. Jude 1:4,8,10,16,18,19 describes 18 traits of apostates. 3. Denies the Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. They eventually fall away. One needs to recognize these attributes of an apostate. Jude 1 talks about apostates.
Atonement- Cleansing of a person who has sinned. Used in the Old Testament when someone is unclean a payment or sacrifice is offered to get cleansed. The word atone means to cover. Leviticus 16:30
Benevolence- practicing kindly acts or charity to others emphasizing kindness and compassion to others no matter who it is friend or foe. Romans 12:9-15, Matthew 5:43-48, Galatians 5:22-23
Discernment- not only ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, truth and falsehoods, heavenly and demonic, but involves wisdom. Accurately determining ourselves, others, and situations. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. Discernment helps us see the schemes of the devil. Pastor Chuck Swindoll says,”We need discernment in what we see and what we hear and what we believe.” Being able to think biblically in all manners of life.
Edify- strengthening or building up a believer in their faith. Means for us to strengthen our faith and knowledge, obey God, build the church, draw closer to Him all this by be taught, hearing God’s word, and living a Godly life.
Equip-2 Timothy 3-16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. God gave His Word and certain people to help equip the saints through teaching the Word so to spread God’s gospel to the world.
These people uses God’s gifts and there talents to equip every saint so they to can carry out this cycle of teaching. Ephesians 4:11-13. It is kind of fitting that this scripture Ephesians 4:11 is a part of this because 411 is to teach people just as God is trying to teach people.
Evangelize-means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Part of evangelizing is to be obedient to God and share His Word, but it is much more. By evangelizing it shows our love for others by sharing God’s Word. Wanting others to be adopted into Our Father family and be saved. It strengthens our faith and helps us learn His Word and draw closer to Him. These 3 words is what this church is about. We are edify strengthening our faith, equip learning God’s word, and evangelize share it with others. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us that.
Faith-is believing that something is true and relying on the fact that it is true. Hebrews 11:1 says “ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Gospel-is good news. It is the books of the New Testament written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which is known as the Gospels. It contains the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. From birth to death. To those who believe that Jesus is our Lord, Savior, God, Friend, the Son of the Living God these gospels are indeed good news. 1 Corinthian 9:23 “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”
Grace-is that God has forgiven us through His Son Jesus the Christ and blesses us more than we deserve. It is God’s favor towards the undeserving. None of us deserve God’s grace. We did not earn it and should never get it. But because of the Cross and Jesus’s sacrifice for us God gift’s us grace. Ephesians 4:7 says “But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Unearned or unmerited favor. Saving grace is grace that comes with salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Hallelujah-means praise the Lord. Hebrew word meaning praise ye YAW (YAWEH). King James Version alleluia all used as an expression of joy, thanksgiving, praise to God, praise the Lord, God’s victory over His enemies
Hope-does not mean to the Christian wishing something might happen. To the Christian it means that through the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord and King of kings that it will happen. It means beings that we have a relationship with Christ we will have eternal life with Him. John 3:16-17 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that He who believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to the world to judge the world, but that the world may be saved through Him.
Iniquity-Hebrew word avon meaning deceitfulness, violence and other kinds of harm. Thinking of self not the consequences to others. Relationships. By distorting what is beautiful and good (adultery) and making it twisted or crooked. Affecting the victims, wives or husband, children, family etc.
Jehovah- is the Latin for the name YHWY. It means I AM the One Who is or for short I AM. God was, God is, and God will always be. God took this name to set Himself apart as the One true God among all those others that were being worshipped.
Justification-it is a judicial action by God to pardon all sins of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Justification that claims of law have been satisfied. A person has been entitled to all advantages and rewards that comes from obeying the law.
Manifest-to make known, to reveal, to show openly.
Mercy-not punishing or no judgment passed on us for what we deserve. Despite of our many sins God gives us mercy and does not punish us for what we have done. There may be consequences by man, but because of the Cross, Jesus took our spiritual punishment. James 2:13 “For judgment will be merciless to the one who shows no mercy; mercy triumph’s over judgement.”
Omega- the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It means the end. Usually refers to God along with alpha which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. God is the beginning and the end (Alpha and Omega). Revelation 22:13 Revelation 1:8 Revelation 21:6
Omnipotent- all powerful is present in God. He has created everything that
Omnipresent- ever present is a quality of God. He is present in everything we do.
Omniscient- all knowing is a trait of God. God knows everything.
Pentecost- it is the Greek word meaning fifty a refers to fifty days have passed since the wave offering of Passover. In the Old Testament it was the name of a Greek festive known as the Feast of the Weeks celebrating the end of the grain harvest. It represents a lot of aspects of the Christian history.
For the apostles it refers to the end of Jesus earthly ministry in the Last Supper. The start of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church before the crucifixion. Also the speaking of tongues.
Pentateuch-refers to the first books of the Bible. They are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These five books form the foundation of the Bible and are credited Moses by the Jewish and Christian for the authorship of them. The word Pentateuch comes from the Greek words pente (five) and teuchos (books). These five books are Torah and are the Bible’s books of law give to Moses by God.
Praise-is a joyful account of all the things that God has done for us and it is an opportunity to thank Him for those things. Praise is uninhibited, joyful, and boisterous. Praise is thanksgiving.
Prayer-It is a way that we communicate with God. It is more than just asking for something. It is a time of thanksgiving, a time of praise, a time worshiping God, a time showing our love for Him, a time of reflection, repentance, a time of celebration. We pray for guidance, discernment, wisdom, peace, understanding, love, healing, humility, and yes even help. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6,” Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God.” Also in Matthew 18:20 says,”For where 2 or 3 have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst. In short, prayer is a time when we have an opportunity to talk to God. A time when we speak directly, honestly, lovingly, and humbly to our loving God. Because of Him sending His Son to die on the cross for us we would not have our salvation.
Redemption (Redeem)-it means because of Jesus Christ, we are saved from our sin and received eternal life.
It is designates the forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with God. And gives us, the believer, a direction or purpose for our lives with the ultimate destination with Him in His Kingdom.
Repentance-to have obedience to God’s will, placing trust in Him, turning away from all evil and ungodliness. A change in relationship with God. Being sorry or grieving for something that has been done. Repentance is a commitment for a renewed relationship with God, walk in obedience to His word, and right living. Act 3:19 therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
Revelation -refers to God’s act of communicating unknown truths and facts about himself that He wants man to know. God reveals Himself to us through dreams, verbally, visions, and through His word. He also has reveals Himself through what He has done. The creation reveals that someone or something greater than us exists and that is God.
It is also refers the God’s word, the last book of the Bible. It tells of the last days.
Salvation-simply it means delivering us from peril. Being saved by God from the consequences of our sins. We are saved from eternal hell, we are saved to be adopted in to God family and live in His Kingdom for ever and to be saved by the One and Only God.
We are saved from the things of the world. A situation that is threatening or deadly. Something that we need to be saved from. And God is the one that will get us out the situation.
We need to be saved for the peace and comfort that only God can provide. Not only will God clean the slates from our sins and giving us a second chance. We are saved from sin and brought to a life with God.
Jesus gave us the opportunity to receive salvation, but it is God who gives us salvation. God offered His Son to die for our sins and create a pathway to salvation and it is God who grants us salvation.
Saint-simply II is someone who believes in Jesus Christ. It is someone who is set apart by God for His special purposes. It is all those who identify with Jesus Christ in faith are given the name holy before God because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. And because of this our lives should reflect this. Those who are set apart by God for His service and worship. The idea of the word saint is to set apart for the Lord and His kingdom. 1 Corinthian 1:2 says, “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Jesus Christ are called to be holy.
Sanctification-in general terms is to use something for what it is intended for. But the term sanctification in biblical terms means to holiness or to make holy. John 17:13-21 talks about that we are not of this world like He was not of this world. We are not to be taken from this world, but keep us from the evil one. We as saints know that we still sin and sanctification is a work in progress. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sin- Hebrew word khata means misses the mark, to fail, Selfishness. Hiding out ready to pounce and corrupt others to
not loving God or others. We can reject it by loving God more. Corrupting not only oneself but others as well. Genesis 3:1-5 the fall of man, the serpent not only sinned but brought down Eve and all of mankind. Eve look stopped loving God and wanted to further herself.
Stewardship-when we think of stewardship, we should know that God owns everything. It starts from Genesis 1. He is the creator of everything good, hence He owns everything. It is man who has sinned and corrupted things. The definition of stewardship is that God has allowed us to managed things and He oversees them. Like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). He allowed the three servants to take care of the talents that were entrusted to them. They had the responsibility to invest the talents and make them multiply.
God bless us with things and it is up to us and take care of them. We are the managers of the things He allows us to maintain them. We have vehicles, it is up to us for the maintenance of them so they can be used. They are not ours they are His for us to use. We are not only allowed to use the things that God has blessed us with, but accountable for the care of those blessings.
Supplication-earnestly praying or humbly petitioning to God for in help through difficult times or circumstances that one is going through. Luke 18:9-14 the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Pharisee says he is glad that he is not like the rest of the sinners especially like the tax collector there. He says all the things that he does (fast and tithes). Now the tax collector beat his chest and says to be merciful to him because he is a sinner.
Temptation-it is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to submit to it. A test of an individual by God or by Satan. A form of trial designed by God or by Satan to do evil and sin, or not to do evil and remain sinless.
Transgression-Hebrew word pesha betraying others. Violating the trust of others. Mistreating others or taking advantage of others less fortunate than oneself. One lacks integrity by saying or doing harmful things to others. Luke 16:19-31 Parable of the rich man and Lazarus
Virtue-is a journey of growth and development in walk with the Lord. It is our character and our conduct as a Christian. It is not only our inter self but how we live our life. To have a temperament like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Theodore M. Hesburgh said “All of us are experts at practicing virtue at a distance.” Whatever we want to do, you need to get in there, get involved, get your hands dirty, and reap the benefits.
Worship-is more a one on one act. It usually involves bending down or kneeling. We must humble ourselves, surrender and the control of our lives, and adore Him for who He is and not just for what He has done. Worship is a lifestyle not an occasional event. John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.
References
got questions
Desiring God
Bible project
Bible analysis
Bible Hub
Christianity
Crosswalk
New American Standard Bible
New English Translation
New King James Version
Duck Duck Go
Merriam-Webster