Who am I? Part 1   Introduction During the time of creation, in the book of Genesis, it is written, Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:26-27). This, of course, is what sets us apart from the rest of God’s creation. We are made in His image therefore was are the primary of all creation.   Not the Physical Form There are some who think that if we are made in God’s image than He must have had a (insert physical oddity); be it: big ears, large nose, huge hands, etc. But that’s not it. It’s the moral code that is part of our souls. Even those who claim to be atheists have a moral code. They understand right from wrong and won’t upset th...

  God’s Bucket List for You, part 7  Introduction to the series, click here Introduction Prayer is one of the easiest things we can do, as a Christian, and yet it is sometimes the one activity we don’t do enough of in our daily routine. For some it’s prayer before each meal and before going to bed. Speaking to God should be done more often throughout the day. In addition to praying for our food, and the things we have, we should also pray for your friends, family, loved ones, etc. However, for our bucket list, God also wants us to pray for His enemies. That’s right! And this will be one of the hardest things on the list to do.   From the Sermon on the Mount In Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus said, “ You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your F...

  God’s Bucket List for You, part 6  Introduction to the series, click here Introduction One of the songs in our books, that we sometimes sing, is called “Count Your Blessings.” The chorus is written like this:   Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.   This is something we should take to heart on a regular basis. You might be surprised, when you realize, that some things you take for granted are actually blessings.   Definition of Blessing 1828 Webster’s Dictionary— 2. Any means of happiness; a gift, a benefit, an advantage; that which promotes temporal prosperity and welfare or secures immortal felicity. There are some who will say that having a lot of money is a blessing. How about just having money, in general, is a blessing. As Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, Not that I speak...

  Introduction In Matthew 5:6 Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. This is part of the beatitudes which is the beginning of what is known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). A statement like “those who hunger and thirst are blessed” seems odd. But, looking at the verse, it states that they hungered and thirst for righteousness. It’s definitely different from a physical hunger or thirst. In this article, we’ll look at some spiritually hungry people.   Our Gospel Meeting    Last week we held a gospel meeting with Tom Thornhill, a visiting preacher from Bellflower, California. This was our first meeting since February  2020; right before the pandemic struck. Although our congregation continued to meet weekly throughout the next two years you could sense that something was missing. It's not that we weren’t doing what is commanded of us, worshipping God and seeing to the needs of the breth...

    Introduction When you hear or see the word, ‘addiction’, your mind immediately goes to substance abuse like: tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; or other devices like: gambling, pornography, or sexual intercourse. But anything in a person’s life, even if legal, can be an addiction and thus lead a person down the path to sin. Nowadays, it’s chocolate, caffeine, video games, social media, and anything associated with the internet. Most seem harmless, but when you become obsessed with it, it’s an addiction.   Definitions Habit: a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior Addiction: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly. Obsession: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling . For example, if you drink coffee in the morning every day because you enjoy it, and it gets you going, that’s a habit. If you drink coffee every morning because you know you can’t function without it, that’s an addiction...

  Introduction Before I start this article, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, please call this number immediately 1-800-273-8255. There are a lot of troubled people in the world today who think their life is worthless. God shows the importance of life in Isaiah 42:5, Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it. In Jeremiah 1:4-5 it is written, Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." If God knows us and created us, then there is a reason for us to live.   Definitions of Suicide The definition of suicide, according to Webster’s Dictionary is, the intentional taking of one’s own life. Although the word isn’t used in the bible, the concept is not fo...

  Things NOT found in the Bible, part 4   Introduction In Galatians 6:1 the Apostle Paul writes, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Essentially, if you see a brother committing sin, you are to admonish him and him get out of it while making sure you don’t fall victim to the same sin. For example, going to a bar to bring home someone while not participating in drinking. This includes something as harmless as soda. Although you’re not engaging in the drinking of alcohol, you are associating yourself with the location and the people that show patronage there. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Love the Sinner and Hate the Sin.” While it isn’t found anywhere in the bible, the message has been shown throughout the scriptures.   Babylonian Captivity One of the best examples of this is when Judah was carried away to Babylon in captivit...

  Little Things, Part 1   Introduction In Hebrews 4:12, the writer says, For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.   (ASV) One of the things I’ve noticed in studying scriptures is that sometimes certain phrases might be hidden from you as you go through it. Then one day, it suddenly stands out from the text and you say, “Oh, I didn’t notice that before.” I’ve had this happen to me a few times and it’s usually not until someone else will point out a verse, or a statement, that you never noticed before. Not that you’ve never read it before, mind you, but it’s something that never caught your attention until now. For whatever reason; which is why I believe in the “living and active” part of Heb. 4:12. It makes you want to go back to the bible and read it again and more often. These are ...

  Silence of the Scriptures, Part 3   Introduction We’ve been looking at the silence of the scriptures; when something hasn’t been revealed. In Deuteronomy 29:29 it is written, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. If God didn’t give an answer, we shouldn’t look for one. Furthermore, it doesn’t enhance our salvation in any way if we did find one. In this article we will look at the command given by God and the fact, that with the silence, certain things are then permitted. Provided that it are used as an expedient (or aid) to accomplish the command.   Definition of Expedient Webster Dictionary~1913 , Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances. Desirable, advisable, advantageous.   OT Example Noah builds the ark. Noah was commanded to build the a...