Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Love, Love, Love {Song}
~ Sidewalk Prophets ~
It goes deeper than just religion
Realer than reality television
Truer than the pages of a fairytale
It’ll happily ever never fail
It’s better than your good intentions
A lot more honest than a politician
It’s worth more than the money in your pocket
It won’t back down, no one can stop it
Love, love, love
Love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Goes that far
Love love love
Love love love
So love love love
With all your heart
You can find it where the children play
It’s in the coffee shops and the alley ways
You can see it in the stars above
And when you think you can’t, you can with love
So take it out to the weak and lonely
Take it out to the outcasts too
Give it away to the tired weary
When you give it away, it comes back to you
Love, love, love
Love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Goes that far
Love love love
Love love love
So love love love
With all your heart
Read about a man who came in to this world
Loving every man, woman, boy and girl
Hung out with some folks that would make you stare
Saying come as you are, you’re welcome here
Spent His life with the least of these
Died on a cross between two thieves
And on the third day the stone rolled away
He beat back death so we could say
Love, love, love
Love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Goes that far
Love love love
Love love love
So love love love
With all your heart
It’s a great big hug for all those haters
Even broke through the dark side of Darth Vader
It’s like the air we breathe, we all need it
Oh, yeah
Even Chuck Norris can’t defeat it
Love, love, love
Love love love
Love love love
Goes that far
Love love love
Love love love
So love love love
With all your heart
Lyrics: songlyrics.com
Video clip: youtube.com
Photos: Chris Pogue
Isela Pogue
Thursday, May 17, 2012
God's Complete Knowledge and Care
Psalms 139 (GNT with Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha)
1LORD, You have examined me and You know me. 2You know everything I do; from far away You understand all my thoughts. 3You see me, whether I am working or resting; You know all my actions. 4Even before I speak, You already know what I will say. 5You are all around me on every side; You protect me with Your power. 6Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.
7Where could I go to escape from You? Where could I get away from Your presence? 8If I went up to Heaven, You would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, You would be there. 9If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10You would be there to lead me, You would be there to help me. 11I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12but even darkness is not dark for You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to You.
13You created every part of me; You put me together in my mother's womb. 14I praise You because You are to be feared; all You do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, You knew that I was there - 16You saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in You book, before any of them ever began. 17O God, how difficult I find Your thoughts; how many of them there are! 18If I counted them, they would be more than the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
19O God, how I wish You would kill the wicked! How I wish violent poeple would leave me alone! 20They say wicked things about You; they speak evil things against Your name. 21O LORD, how I hate those who hate You! How I despise those who rebel against You! 22I hate them with a total hatred; I regard them as my enemies.
23Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. 24Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.
1LORD, You have examined me and You know me. 2You know everything I do; from far away You understand all my thoughts. 3You see me, whether I am working or resting; You know all my actions. 4Even before I speak, You already know what I will say. 5You are all around me on every side; You protect me with Your power. 6Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.
7Where could I go to escape from You? Where could I get away from Your presence? 8If I went up to Heaven, You would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, You would be there. 9If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10You would be there to lead me, You would be there to help me. 11I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12but even darkness is not dark for You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to You.
13You created every part of me; You put me together in my mother's womb. 14I praise You because You are to be feared; all You do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, You knew that I was there - 16You saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in You book, before any of them ever began. 17O God, how difficult I find Your thoughts; how many of them there are! 18If I counted them, they would be more than the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
19O God, how I wish You would kill the wicked! How I wish violent poeple would leave me alone! 20They say wicked things about You; they speak evil things against Your name. 21O LORD, how I hate those who hate You! How I despise those who rebel against You! 22I hate them with a total hatred; I regard them as my enemies.
23Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. 24Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.
Monday, May 7, 2012
No Confidence In The Flesh
Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV)
7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Alive (Song)
~Natalie Grant~
Who but You
Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies
And dream of me?
What kind of love
Is writing my story till the endWith Mercy's Pen?
Only You.
What kind of King
Would choose to wear a crown
that bleeds and scars
To win my heart.
What kind of Love
Tells me I'm the reson He can't stay
Inside the grave
You.
Is it You?
Standing here before my eyes
Every part of my heart cries.
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Alive, Alive
Halleujah, Risen Lord
the only one i fall before
I am His
because He is
Alive.
Who could speak
and send the demons back from where they came
with just one name?
what other heart
would let itself be broken every time
until he healed mine?
You. Only Youcould turn my darkness into dawn
running right into your arms
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Alive, Alive!
Halleujah, Risen Lord
The Only One i fall before
I am His
because He is
Emmanuel, The Promised King
The Baby who made angels sing
son of man who walked with us
healing, breathing in our dust
The Author of all history
The Answer to all mysteries
The Lamb of God who rolled away
the stone in front of every grave.
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Halleujah
i am His
because He is
Alive
Alive
Who but You
Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies
And dream of me?
What kind of love
Is writing my story till the endWith Mercy's Pen?
Only You.
What kind of King
Would choose to wear a crown
that bleeds and scars
To win my heart.
What kind of Love
Tells me I'm the reson He can't stay
Inside the grave
You.
Is it You?
Standing here before my eyes
Every part of my heart cries.
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Alive, Alive
Halleujah, Risen Lord
the only one i fall before
I am His
because He is
Alive.
Who could speak
and send the demons back from where they came
with just one name?
what other heart
would let itself be broken every time
until he healed mine?
You. Only Youcould turn my darkness into dawn
running right into your arms
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Alive, Alive!
Halleujah, Risen Lord
The Only One i fall before
I am His
because He is
Emmanuel, The Promised King
The Baby who made angels sing
son of man who walked with us
healing, breathing in our dust
The Author of all history
The Answer to all mysteries
The Lamb of God who rolled away
the stone in front of every grave.
Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!
Halleujah
i am His
because He is
Alive
Alive
video: youtuve.com
Concluding Exhortations
Hebrews 13:1-6 (NIV)
1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"
1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sinning After Being Saved
Hebrews 6:4-6
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6if they fall away, to be brought back to repentence, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 10:26
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left
Note: Is there no forgiveness for sins committed after becoming a Christian? Forgiveness is always available to those who repent and confess their sins (1 John 1:9). This warning is against deliberate, persistent sinning. Those who do sin in this way become spiritually calloused; eventually they may no longer want to be forgiven.
Hebrews 10:29
29How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that santified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Note: How do we insult the Spirit of grace? We insult the Spirit of grace when we reject the Son of God, whom the Spirit glorifies (John 15:26). Therefore, those who have been enlightened and fall away (Heb. 6:4-6), have hardened their hearts through unbelief (Heb. 3:13, 19), and have deliberately rejected Christ's sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:26) insult the Spirit of grace.
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6if they fall away, to be brought back to repentence, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 10:26
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left
Note: Is there no forgiveness for sins committed after becoming a Christian? Forgiveness is always available to those who repent and confess their sins (1 John 1:9). This warning is against deliberate, persistent sinning. Those who do sin in this way become spiritually calloused; eventually they may no longer want to be forgiven.
Hebrews 10:29
29How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that santified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Note: How do we insult the Spirit of grace? We insult the Spirit of grace when we reject the Son of God, whom the Spirit glorifies (John 15:26). Therefore, those who have been enlightened and fall away (Heb. 6:4-6), have hardened their hearts through unbelief (Heb. 3:13, 19), and have deliberately rejected Christ's sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:26) insult the Spirit of grace.
Source: Quest Study Bible NIV
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Broken But Strong In Christ
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Hurt and The Healer (Song)
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn’t come from the explained
Jesus please don’t let this go in vain
You’re all I have
All that remains
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
Breathe
Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
It’s the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all the scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say “It’s over now”
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide [x2]
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here.
~Scheduled to be released May 22, 2012~
Images and Lyrics:
Video: youtube.com
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Fruit Of The Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Love
Love is not based on emotions or feelings. It is a decision to be committed to the well being of others without any conditions or circumstances.
Other Scriptures: John 15:12-14
Greek Definition: Agape - Love which seeks the highest good of others.
Joy
Joy is not based on financial success, good health, or popularity. By obeying God's will, fellowship, ministering to others, and sharing the Gospel, believers will experience will experience joy.
Other Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:8, 9
Greek Definition: Chara - Gladness, delight, a special presence of God.
Peace
Peace is a state of assurance, lack of fear, and sense of contentment. It is fellowship, harmony, and unity between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.
Other Scriptures: Philippians 4:7
Greek Definition: Eirene - Peace between individuals, harmony, unity.
Patience
Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution.
Other Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15
Greek Definition: Makrothumia - Longsuffering, bearing trials without complaint.
Kindness
Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.
Other Scriptures: Proverbs 11:16, 17
Greek Definition: Chrestotes - Merciful, easy to bear. Morally good and upright.
Goodness
Goodness is the selfless desire to be open hearted and generous to others above what they deserve.
Other Scriptures: Titus 3:8
Greek Definition: Agathosune - Useful, generous.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on one's behalf.
Other Scriptures: Revelation 2:10b
Greek Definition: Pistis - Trust, conviction.
Gentleness
Gentleness is a humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another's anger. Gentlesness is not a quality that is weak and passive.
Other Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15
Greek Definition: Prautes - Humble, meek.
Self-Control
Self-control is to restrain one's emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God's will, not living for one's self.
Other Scriptures: Titus 2:11,12
Greek Definition: Egkrateia - Being in control of one's self.
Acts Of The Sinful Nature
(Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-9)
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Love
Love is not based on emotions or feelings. It is a decision to be committed to the well being of others without any conditions or circumstances.
Other Scriptures: John 15:12-14
Greek Definition: Agape - Love which seeks the highest good of others.
Joy
Joy is not based on financial success, good health, or popularity. By obeying God's will, fellowship, ministering to others, and sharing the Gospel, believers will experience will experience joy.
Other Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:8, 9
Greek Definition: Chara - Gladness, delight, a special presence of God.
Peace
Peace is a state of assurance, lack of fear, and sense of contentment. It is fellowship, harmony, and unity between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.
Other Scriptures: Philippians 4:7
Greek Definition: Eirene - Peace between individuals, harmony, unity.
Patience
Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution.
Other Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15
Greek Definition: Makrothumia - Longsuffering, bearing trials without complaint.
Kindness
Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.
Other Scriptures: Proverbs 11:16, 17
Greek Definition: Chrestotes - Merciful, easy to bear. Morally good and upright.
Goodness
Goodness is the selfless desire to be open hearted and generous to others above what they deserve.
Other Scriptures: Titus 3:8
Greek Definition: Agathosune - Useful, generous.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on one's behalf.
Other Scriptures: Revelation 2:10b
Greek Definition: Pistis - Trust, conviction.
Gentleness
Gentleness is a humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another's anger. Gentlesness is not a quality that is weak and passive.
Other Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15
Greek Definition: Prautes - Humble, meek.
Self-Control
Self-control is to restrain one's emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God's will, not living for one's self.
Other Scriptures: Titus 2:11,12
Greek Definition: Egkrateia - Being in control of one's self.
Acts Of The Sinful Nature
(Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-9)
- Sexual Immorality
- Impurity
- Debauchery
- Idolatry
- Witchcraft
- Hatred
- Discord
- Jealousy
- Fits of Rage
- Selfish Ambition
- Dissensions
- Factions
- Envy
- Drunkenness
- Orgies
- Lust
- Evil Desires
- Greed
- Anger
- Malice
- Slander
- Deceit
Source: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Time Lines, Rose Publishing
Image: loldenver.wordpress.com
Image: loldenver.wordpress.com
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Vine and the Branches
The Vine and the Branches - John 15:1-17
(Quest Study Bible, NIV)
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my diciples.
9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
(Quest Study Bible, NIV)
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my diciples.
9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Images: pictureweekly.com
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Books of the Bible
The Law
The first five books of the Bible are called "The Law" or the Pentateuch or the Torah. The Law contains stories about the creation of the world, the flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the children of Israel in Egypt, the Exodus, and the time the children of Israel spent in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. The books of the Law also recorded the law God gave to the people on Mt. Sinai which laid down the regulations for sacrifice, worship, and daily living.
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
The 12 History books continue with the story of the people of Israel and the conquest of the Promised Land in the book of Joshua, the continuous cycle of disobedience in the book of Judges, the first kings and the United Kingdom, Divided Kingdom, the Assyrian invasion, Babylonian invasion the years in exile, and the return from exile during the Persian rule.
- Joshua
- Judges
- Ruth
- 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Kings
- 2 Kings
- 1 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles
- Ezra
- Nehemiah
- Esther
The Five Poetry and Wisdom books include hymns, proverbs, and dramas. They illustrate the creative ways the people of Israel expressed themselves to God and to each other.
- Job
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Solomon
The Five Major Prophets are not called "major" because of their message or quality, but rather because of the length of the books. The prophets brought God's word which included warning of judgment, warnings and hope for the immediate future, (as well as warnings and hope for the distant future), and hope in the coming Messiah.
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Lamentations
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
The 12 Minor Prophets, called "The Book of the Twelve" in the Hebrew Bible, are just as important as the Major Prophets. They were called "minor" because of the shorter length of the books. The Minor Prophets also brought God's word to the people regarding judgment and hope.
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
Gospels & Acts
The Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament, record the good news of God's plan for a Savior through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each writer has a particular method or style to communicate the life and message of Jesus Christ.
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- Acts
The apostle Paul wrote 13 letters to young churches, pastors, and friends in order to guide, encourage, and correct them. Most of these letter served a specific purpose or addressed a specific question or problem.
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
The eight General Epistles were written by other apostles and leaders including Simon Peter, James, John, and Jude. The General Epistles were addressed to the early Christians to provide guidance, encouragement through persecution, and warnings of false teachings.
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
- Revelation
Editor: Christopher Ortiz
Source: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, & Time Lines, Rose Publishing
Images: http://jonlovesjen.blogspot.com/2011/07/books-of-bible-puzzle.html
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Giants
Genesis 6:1-4
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughthers of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days - and also afterward-when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. (Quest Study Bible NIV)
Some suggest they were supernatural being such as angels. In the Book of Job the phrase is used for angelic or nonhuman being (Job 1:6; 2:11) (however, nowhere else in the Bible is there even a hint that nonhuman and human beings can mate. There are many parallels in pagan thought, but none in biblical thought. Also Jesus stated that angels do no marry (Matt. 22:30). Thus, "sons of God" in this passage must refer to human beings.) (New Illustrated Bible Dictionary - Nelsons)
Others say they were godly men descended from Seth who married sinful women descended from Cain. A better interpretation may be that they were human rulers who emerged as heads of city-states in the ancient Middle East and flaunted their power by having large harems. Rulers and judges are sometimes called gods or God in the Hebrew text. (commentary Quest study Bible NIV)
Who were the daughters of men?
Adam and Eve's offspring. (Cain was Adam and Eve's first born)
Who were the Nephilim? (fallen ones)
May refer to persons of great physical stature. But in Gen. 6:4, it probably means prince or aristocrats - men of political stature. Nephilim is linked to another term that indicates a heroic person with both power and influence. (commentary Quest Study Bible NIV)
The offspring of marriages/union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" (Gen.6:4). The word "Nephilim" is translated as "giants" by the KJV and NKJV.
Giants - human beings of abnormal size and strength. Races of giants are first mentioned in the Old Testament where giant godlike beings were produced. These abnormal unions displeased God (Gen 6:5-6).
Rephaim were primitive giants who lived in Canaan, Edom, Moab, and Ammon. They were also known as Emim (Deut. 2:11) and Zamzummim (Deut. 2:20). King Og of Bashan (Deut. 3:11) was the last of these giants. His iron bed was about 13 feet by 6 feet).
Goliath is the most famous giant in the Bible (1 Sam. 17:4), measuring about (9) nine feet tall. (New Illustrated Bible Dictionary - Nelsons)
Genesis 6:5-8
5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe earth - men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air - for I am grieved that i have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
9 This is the account of Noah.
Editor: Christopher Ortiz
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Gospel For Asia (GFA)
We finally got this in the mail!!!
Back in Dec. 2011 - Christmas. Me and the boys decided to give a very small gift to some of the most unreached regions of our world - Asia. We sat down, logged on to http://www.gfa.org/ website, and browsed through their donation categories and items. After a long discussion we decided to buy a pair of chickens and (1) one goat.
What can a pair of chickens do and mean for these people?
- For the family of a Bridge of Hope child, a rooster and hen are not pets. They are the source of up to 40 dozen eggs a year! When the pair produces chicks, a flock develops that will provide nourishment and income for years. (text from gospel for asia website)
A goat?
- When a Dalit family receives your present of a goat or a pair of goats it will be a special day! Goats are hardy and can live in almost any climate. And a pair of goats produces at least two kids each year. Their manure is also good fertilizer. Your gift of goats will be a good way to bring a little joy to a poor family's world. (text from gospel for asia website)
"Dear Isela,
I praise God for your heart. Thank you so much for partnering with GFA. Know that your life is making huge difference in Asia. May the Lord be your source of peace and strength. PS. 32:8 "
~Clara~
What can a pair of chickens do and mean for these people?
- For the family of a Bridge of Hope child, a rooster and hen are not pets. They are the source of up to 40 dozen eggs a year! When the pair produces chicks, a flock develops that will provide nourishment and income for years. (text from gospel for asia website)
A goat?
- When a Dalit family receives your present of a goat or a pair of goats it will be a special day! Goats are hardy and can live in almost any climate. And a pair of goats produces at least two kids each year. Their manure is also good fertilizer. Your gift of goats will be a good way to bring a little joy to a poor family's world. (text from gospel for asia website)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Angels
This has got to be one of my favorite supernatural topics. I bought this cool book at a local store about a year ago. The Amazing Bible Factbook for Kids by: American Bible Society.
Cherubim (plural for cherub)
After He {God} drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).
Description:
-A cherub has (4) four faces (one like a man, one like a lion, one like and eagle and one like an ox) (Ezekiel 1:5-6, 10-12).
- Has huge crossed wheels covered in eyes surround a cherub, whirling inside each other (Ezekiel 10:12-13).
- A cherub has four wings - two touch the other cherubs and two hang down covering its human hands (Ezekiel 1:5-6).
- Also has straight legs that sparkle like bronze and has hooves like a calf (Ezekiel 1:7).
- A cherub "shines like chyrsolite" (a greenish stone) (Ezekiel 1:16).
Seraphim (plural for seraph)
A seraph is fiery burning angel (Isaiah 6:6). The name seraph comes from a Hebrew word, saraph, that means "burning" (it means burning one in the Bible). When Isaiah says he has unclean lips, a seraph touches his lips with a holy burning coal to clean him (Isaiah 6:7). Seraphim shout so loud in Isaiah 6:4 that they shake the temple.
Description:
- The seraphim have six wings (Isaiah 6:2)
(2) two to cover thier faces
(2) two to cover thier feet
(2) two to fly with
~fun fact: Saraph (Seraph) is the name that the Israeli Air Force calls its Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters~
Archangels
There is only one angel in the Bible named as an archangel - Michael (Jude 9). The prefix arch can mean "prince," "highest," or "chief." Some people beleive that Gabriel is an archangel as well, because Michael comes to help him fight an evil angel, the Prince of Persia, in Daniel 10:13. In that chapter Gabriel tell Daniel that Michael is the "chief prince."
Description:
- When Jesus returns, there will be a trumpet blast and a loud shout, the voice of the archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Messenger Angels
God's messengers. The angels we see most often in the Bible are messengers. Angels can deliver their messages in person or in dream like the one Jacob had in Genesis 28:10-15, or the one Mary's husband Joseph had, in which the angel told him to name Mary's son Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). Gabriel is most famous for telling Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:26-38.
Which is your favorite angel?
Types of Angels
Cherubim (plural for cherub)
After He {God} drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).
Description:
-A cherub has (4) four faces (one like a man, one like a lion, one like and eagle and one like an ox) (Ezekiel 1:5-6, 10-12).
- Has huge crossed wheels covered in eyes surround a cherub, whirling inside each other (Ezekiel 10:12-13).
- A cherub has four wings - two touch the other cherubs and two hang down covering its human hands (Ezekiel 1:5-6).
- Also has straight legs that sparkle like bronze and has hooves like a calf (Ezekiel 1:7).
- A cherub "shines like chyrsolite" (a greenish stone) (Ezekiel 1:16).
Seraphim (plural for seraph)
A seraph is fiery burning angel (Isaiah 6:6). The name seraph comes from a Hebrew word, saraph, that means "burning" (it means burning one in the Bible). When Isaiah says he has unclean lips, a seraph touches his lips with a holy burning coal to clean him (Isaiah 6:7). Seraphim shout so loud in Isaiah 6:4 that they shake the temple.
Description:
- The seraphim have six wings (Isaiah 6:2)
(2) two to cover thier faces
(2) two to cover thier feet
(2) two to fly with
~fun fact: Saraph (Seraph) is the name that the Israeli Air Force calls its Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters~
There is only one angel in the Bible named as an archangel - Michael (Jude 9). The prefix arch can mean "prince," "highest," or "chief." Some people beleive that Gabriel is an archangel as well, because Michael comes to help him fight an evil angel, the Prince of Persia, in Daniel 10:13. In that chapter Gabriel tell Daniel that Michael is the "chief prince."
Description:
- When Jesus returns, there will be a trumpet blast and a loud shout, the voice of the archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
God's messengers. The angels we see most often in the Bible are messengers. Angels can deliver their messages in person or in dream like the one Jacob had in Genesis 28:10-15, or the one Mary's husband Joseph had, in which the angel told him to name Mary's son Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). Gabriel is most famous for telling Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:26-38.
Which is your favorite angel?
* Both my and my oldest son's favorite angel is Michael the archangel.
* My youngest son's favorite angel is a cherub angel.
* My youngest son's favorite angel is a cherub angel.
images/photos obtained from: www.google.com/images
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Big Picture
The book of Revelation has always been my desire to read and understand. After a very long wait and some research, I can honestly say my little heart is now content. Here is an overview of the book of Revelation and other biblical prophecies from: "The Book of Revelation Unlocking The Future by: Edward Hindson":
1. The Church will continue to grow. But it will have varying degrees of success and difficulty. Jesus promised to continue to build His Church and empower it to attack the gates of hell (Matt. 16:18). But He also warned of persecution and rejection (Matt. 24:9-12).
2. Satanic opposition will intensify. Things will get worse as we get closer to the toime of the end. "Difficult times" will come (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Scoffers will mock the idea of Christ's second coming (2 Pet. 3:3-4; Jude 17-18). False prophets will increase and apostate religion will rival the true Church (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 11:13-14).
3. Israel will return to the Promised Land. The great end-times regathering has already begun (since 1948). Israel is once again a nation in her own land (Ezek. 20-:34; 37:12-21; Is. 43:5-6). But her return will touch off a storm of protest and conflict in the Middle East (Joel 3:2-14; Ezek 38:1-6).
4. The Church will be raptured to heaven. When our Lord departed to heaven, He promised His disciples He would return to take them home with Him (John 14:3). The apostle Paul predicted that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and we that are alive and remain shall be caught up into heaven (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52).
5. Judgements of the tribulaiton period will follow. The great judgments of the End Times vividly described in the book of Revelation are called "the hour of testing" (3:10), "the great day of their wrath" (6:17) or "great tribulation" (7:14). These judgments relate to the seals, trumpets, and bowls of the Apocalypse.
6. Marriage of Christ and the church. The Church's absence from chapter 4 through chapter 18 is best explained by the fact that she has already been raptured to heaven to participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb (19:7-9). Here she receives her rewards, crowns, and robes of righteousness prior to her procession back to earth with the Savior.
7. Triumphal return of Christ. The climax of the Apocalypse comes in 19:11-21, when the glorified Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords with His Bride, the Church, at His side. He returns to conquer all opposition to His reign and to establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth (19:19-20:4).
8. Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Christ will reign upon the earth for one thousand years (a millennium) while Satan is bound in the "abyss". During this time, God's promises to Israel will be fulfilled. The Messiah shall reign from Jerusalem over all the earth in peace, blessing, and prosperity (Rev. 20:1-6; Is. 2:2-4; 9:6-7).
9. Final triumph. Even after one thousand years of earthly blessing, Satan will once again attempt to destroy the kingdom of God by one final act of rebellion. This time his defeat is final, and he is cast into the lake of fire (20:7-10). The Great White Throne Judgment follows, when even death and hell are cast into the lake of fire (20:11-15).
10. Eternal state. The Revelation describes eternity as "a new heaven and new earth" (21:1). It also emphasizes the significance of the New Jersusalem in the celestial state (21:2). God is pictured dwelling with His people in an eternity of peace and blessing. Suffering and death are no more and every tear is wiped away. Paradise is truly restored, and the saved have access to the tree of life (21:3-22:5).
(photo - describes scene in Revelation 4)
1. The Church will continue to grow. But it will have varying degrees of success and difficulty. Jesus promised to continue to build His Church and empower it to attack the gates of hell (Matt. 16:18). But He also warned of persecution and rejection (Matt. 24:9-12).
2. Satanic opposition will intensify. Things will get worse as we get closer to the toime of the end. "Difficult times" will come (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Scoffers will mock the idea of Christ's second coming (2 Pet. 3:3-4; Jude 17-18). False prophets will increase and apostate religion will rival the true Church (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 11:13-14).
3. Israel will return to the Promised Land. The great end-times regathering has already begun (since 1948). Israel is once again a nation in her own land (Ezek. 20-:34; 37:12-21; Is. 43:5-6). But her return will touch off a storm of protest and conflict in the Middle East (Joel 3:2-14; Ezek 38:1-6).
4. The Church will be raptured to heaven. When our Lord departed to heaven, He promised His disciples He would return to take them home with Him (John 14:3). The apostle Paul predicted that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and we that are alive and remain shall be caught up into heaven (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52).
5. Judgements of the tribulaiton period will follow. The great judgments of the End Times vividly described in the book of Revelation are called "the hour of testing" (3:10), "the great day of their wrath" (6:17) or "great tribulation" (7:14). These judgments relate to the seals, trumpets, and bowls of the Apocalypse.
6. Marriage of Christ and the church. The Church's absence from chapter 4 through chapter 18 is best explained by the fact that she has already been raptured to heaven to participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb (19:7-9). Here she receives her rewards, crowns, and robes of righteousness prior to her procession back to earth with the Savior.
7. Triumphal return of Christ. The climax of the Apocalypse comes in 19:11-21, when the glorified Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords with His Bride, the Church, at His side. He returns to conquer all opposition to His reign and to establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth (19:19-20:4).
8. Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Christ will reign upon the earth for one thousand years (a millennium) while Satan is bound in the "abyss". During this time, God's promises to Israel will be fulfilled. The Messiah shall reign from Jerusalem over all the earth in peace, blessing, and prosperity (Rev. 20:1-6; Is. 2:2-4; 9:6-7).
9. Final triumph. Even after one thousand years of earthly blessing, Satan will once again attempt to destroy the kingdom of God by one final act of rebellion. This time his defeat is final, and he is cast into the lake of fire (20:7-10). The Great White Throne Judgment follows, when even death and hell are cast into the lake of fire (20:11-15).
10. Eternal state. The Revelation describes eternity as "a new heaven and new earth" (21:1). It also emphasizes the significance of the New Jersusalem in the celestial state (21:2). God is pictured dwelling with His people in an eternity of peace and blessing. Suffering and death are no more and every tear is wiped away. Paradise is truly restored, and the saved have access to the tree of life (21:3-22:5).
Source:
Video: youtube.com
Image: http://tankstotractors.blogspot.com/2011/01/revelation-of-peacenot-violence.html
Friday, March 30, 2012
Romans 12 and 13
Romans 12:17
(part of verse 17) ...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Romans 12:19
19) Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is Mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 13:3
3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.
(part of verse 17) ...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Romans 12:19
19) Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is Mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 13:3
3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Lent
Hebrews 9
Before Jesus died on the cross, the high priest had to sacrifice an animal and offer it's blood for the forgiveness of sins.
[high priest] "But only the high preist entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and the sins the people had committed in ignorance" (Hebrews 9:7 NIV). [Jesus] "He {Jesus} did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9: 12 NIV).
25) Nor did He {Jesus} enter Heaven again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26) Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27) Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. 28) so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to this who are waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:25-28 NIV)
Before Jesus died on the cross, the high priest had to sacrifice an animal and offer it's blood for the forgiveness of sins.
[high priest] "But only the high preist entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and the sins the people had committed in ignorance" (Hebrews 9:7 NIV). [Jesus] "He {Jesus} did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9: 12 NIV).
25) Nor did He {Jesus} enter Heaven again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26) Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27) Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. 28) so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to this who are waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:25-28 NIV)
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