“We do best when we take God’s Word at face value, keep it in context, and use scripture to interpret scripture instead of subjectivism. We should also understand that the Bible is God’s gift to His people to reveal Him and His truth to them for their edification and His glory.”

(Mike Ratliff – Possessing the Treasure) 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: This is what He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says: 8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have given before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I am giving up those of the synagogue of Satan, those who say that they are Jews and are not but lie. Behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out from it anymore. And I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:7-13 (LSB)

One of the big errors of our time in the visible Church of the 21^st Century is the misguided concept that truth is subjective. In other words, truth is what you want it be. This concept is, of course, simply borrowed from the world, which loves it. While I do not contend that I know when our Lord will return, I do know that it will be at the end of this age prior to the age to come…. Continue reading →

9 Therefore, thus pray you; Matthew 6:9a (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

The context of Matthew 6:9-13 from which we get what is traditionally called “The Lord’s Prayer,” is, of course, Matthew 6, which is part of our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. The theme of Matthew 6:1-18 (the context of vv 9-13) is found in v1, “Προσέχετε [δὲ] τὴν δικαιοσύνην ὑμῶν μὴ ποιεῖν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς· εἰ δὲ μή γε, μισθὸν οὐκ ἔχετε παρὰ τῷ πατρὶ ὑμῶν τῷ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.” Or, “But be careful to not demonstrate your righteousness before men with the aim to be seen by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in Heaven.”… Continue reading →

11 And not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:11 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

The very heart of Christianity is the doctrine of the Atonement. Is it no wonder that so many proclaiming a “new type of Christianity” also attempt to do away with this doctrine? Any attempts to redefine Christianity by modifying or eliminating this doctrine are marks of heresy. I have seen professing Christians argue and write off former brothers in the faith over aspects of our faith that are nowhere near as vital to orthodoxy as the doctrine of the Atonement…. Continue reading →

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Thou shalt eat freely of every tree of the garden, 17 But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die the death. Genesis 2:16-17 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read Genesis 3:1-6 and Genesis 3:19 on the site.

The doctrine of original sin is a vital part of genuine Christian orthodoxy. For a long time I didn’t really appreciate how important it is in our concept of the depths of our guilt before our sovereign and thrice Holy God…. Continue reading →

1 Then God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there, and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee, when thou fleddest from Esau thy brother. 2 Then said Jacob unto his household and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and cleanse yourselves, and change your garments: 3 For we will rise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there unto God, which heard me in the day of my tribulation, and was with me in the way which I went. Genesis 35:1-3 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

idolatry 1: the worship of a physical object as a god 2: immoderate attachment or devotion to something (from Webster’s Ninth Collegiate Dictionary)

I’m sure that most Christians’ conception of idolatry is one in which people fall down and worship some statue or image or a facsimile of something that appears to resemble a god…. Continue reading →

13 Now when Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I, the son of man, am? 14 And they said, Some say, John Baptist: and some, Elijah: and others, Jeremiah, or one of the Prophets. 15 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 Then Simon Peter answered, and said, Thou art that Christ, the son of the living God.  Matthew 16:13-20 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read verses 17-20 on the site.

Genuine Christians, God’s heirs, are those who have believed.

16 ,For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Carefully read this very familiar passage from John Chapter 3. Who is it that does not perish, but has eternal life? It is whoever believes in the Son. Not everyone who attempts to “follow” Jesus believes. Continue reading →

Therefore, where is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of principle? Of works? No, but through a principle of faith. ²⁸ For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. ²⁹ Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ³⁰ since there is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcision through faith. ³¹Therefore, do we annul the Law through faith? May it never be! Rather, we confirm the Law. (Romans 3:27-31 translated from the NA28 Greek text to English)

As I translated Romans 3:27-31 I had to do some research on how others had rendered νόμου in v27, v28, and v31. The NASB and LSB renders it as “law” and “Law” meaning a principle in the v27, but then as the O.T. Law in v28 and v31…. The ESV renders it as “law” in all four cases. As I looked at the context though I could see what Paul was saying very clearly in v27 in his rhetorical questions so I rendered νόμου, “nomou”, “principle, law, the Law” in v27 as “principle.” Continue reading →

30 For I will multiply the fruit of the trees, and the increase of the field, that ye shall bear no more the reproach of famine among the heathen. 31 Then shall ye remember your own wicked ways, and your deeds that were not good, and shall judge yourselves worthy to have been destroyed for your iniquities, and for your abominations. Ezekiel 36:30-31 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

The following is partially adapted from a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon titled “Mistaken Notions About Repentance.”

Some have defined repentance as, “a change of mind.” Others add, “with resultant change in actions.” Others believe it is anguish and grief over sin…. Continue reading →

4 Abide in me, and I in you: as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am that vine: ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me can ye do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and withereth: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they burn. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and it shall be done to you. John 15:4-10 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read verses 8-10 on the site.

For the first 20 or so years of this walk I was in a very immature spiritual state. I was utterly convinced during that time that my worth as a disciple depended upon my performance, my learning, my obedience, et cetera. With that mind-set it was a very horrible experience at times since I was on a roller coaster ride of obedience and backsliding…. Continue reading →

34 For He whom God sent speaks the words of God; for He give the Spirit without measure. John 3:34 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

In the New Testament we have a Greek word translated “Word” that most of us are very familiar with, which is λόγος (logos). This word is used by the writers of New Testament most often to refer to a “Christian proclamation as a whole of the N.T.” On the other hand, there is another Greek word translated as “word” or “words” in the New Testament which we will look at in this post. It is ῥῆμα (rhēma)… Continue reading →

³⁰ “I am not able to do from myself. As I hear I judge and my judgment is just because I do not seek my will but the will of the one who sent me.” (John 5:30 translated from the NA28 Greek text to English)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Apostle John said in John 1:1-5, “Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος. οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν.  πάντα δι᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν. ὃ γέγονεν ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων·  καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει, καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν.”, and in v14, “Καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, δόξαν ὡς μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός, πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας.”, translated as, “In the Beginning was the word and the Word was with God and God was the Word. This one was with God in the Beginning. All things came to be through him and without him not one thing came to be which came into being…. Continue reading →

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also. 4 And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read 2 Peter 3:1-4 on the site.

Those familiar with the Exodus of Israel from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan know that the journey was long and arduous. Only two men from those who left Egypt made it through the journey. The rest died on the way. Their children were those whom Joshua led to conquer and claim the land flowing with milk and honey…. Continue reading →

12 For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than every doubled-edged-sword and penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to discern the thoughts and insights of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 translated from the NA28 Greek text to English)

In this day in which the truth is said to be unknowable, Christians must rely on the only source of pure truth we have. There is no truth that we can say is the complete truth unless we take it from God’s Word. The Bible is pure truth and it is the authority we rely on in order to have a firm foundation in this lost and dying world that is consuming itself in rebellion against God. Continue reading →

22 Having purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, to love brotherly without feigning, love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born anew, not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God, who liveth and endureth forever. 24 For all ,flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth away. 25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever: and this is the word which is preached among you. 1 Peter 1:22-25 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

The Puritans had a term they used in their theological writings and discussions describing professing believers who fell away or were in some way not consistent in their walk. They called them “temporary believers.” This may be a little offensive to many these days, but there are untold numbers of Pastors, Deacons, Elders, Evangelists, or whatever in our churches in our time who would not even qualify for membership in a 17th Century Puritan Church…. Continue reading →

Romans 8:15 (NA28)15 For you  have not received a spirit of slavery leading to a spirit of slavery again, but you received the spirit of adoption as sons  by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15 translated from the NA28 Greek text to English)

The Eastern concept of adoption goes deeper than our Western concept. Only the Apostle Paul uses this word in the NT, υἱοθεσίας (huiothesia) translated in the passage above as “adoption.” Paul, being a Roman citizen, no doubt borrowed it from Roman culture since the Jews knew nothing of it. Continue reading →

1 And I saw an Angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he took the dragon that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and he bound him a thousand years: 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and he shut him up, and sealed the door upon him, that he should deceive the people no more till the thousand years were fulfilled: for after that he must be loosed for a little season. Revelation 20:1-3 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Some translations render the first word in this verse as “And.” Even though chapter 20 follows chapter 19 it does not mean that the vision John is seeing here a continuation of the one from Chapter 19 and previous. This is simply John’s introduction into a new vision. The book of Revelation is not chronological. I have made that mistake myself insisting that events are sequential throughout the book. When we study the book of Daniel we find that there is no sequential order to the chapters there so why must we insist on that here? Continue reading →

11 Of whom we have many things to say, which are hard to be uttered, because ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when as concerning the time ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you what are the first principles of the word of God: and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For everyone that useth milk, is inexpert in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of age, which through long custom have their wits exercised, to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Apostasy: [Middle English apostasie, from Old French, from Late Latin apostasia, defection, from Late Greek apostasi, from Greek apostasis, revolt, from aphistanai, aposta-, to revolt : apo-, apo- + histanai, to stand, place; see st- in Indo-European roots.]

Noun pl -sies abandonment of one’s religious faith, political party, or cause [Greek apostasis desertion] from:Collins Essential English Dictionary 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006

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5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest continue to redress the things that remain, and shouldest ordain Elders in every city as I ap- pointed thee. 6 If any be unreproveable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, which are not slandered of riot, neither are disobedient. 7 For a Bishop must be unreproveable, as God’s steward, not froward, not angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, 8 But harberous, one that loveth goodness, wise, righteous, holy, temperate, 9 Holding fast that faithful word according to doctrine, that he also may be able to exhort with wholesome doctrine, and convince them that say against it. Titus 1:5-9 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

It doesn’t take very long for me to discern whether the person I am dealing with is truly God’s man or woman or is a pretender. That personal interaction is necessary for me to see the true nature and focus of the person…. Continue reading →

17 This I say therefore and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in vanity of their mind. 18 Having their understanding darkened, and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart: 19 Which being past feeling, have given themselves unto wantonness, to work all uncleanness, even with greediness. Ephesians 4:17-24 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read verses 20-24 on the site.

From the moment the Gospel was first preached, it has been under attack. Impostors have come along pretending to be genuine Christians or preachers or teachers and they have led many to destruction. Part of my planning for this post was research into The Down-Grade Controversy that Charles Spurgeon was engaged in for many years until his death…. Continue reading →

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, which is, that he which hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin, 2 That he hence forward should live (as much time as remaineth in the flesh) not after the lusts of men, but after the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Even though genuine Christians are new creations and have been purchased out of the world through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross, as they attempt to live godly lives in the temporal, they will come under tremendous pressure to compromise by reverting back to the fleshly way of dealing with life….

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22The light of the body is the eye: if then thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be light. 23 But if thine eye be wicked, then all thy body shall be dark. Wherefore if the light that is in thee, be darkness, how great is that darkness? Matthew 6:22-23 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Since God placed me in this ministry back in 2006 I have been immersed in a battle against a most disturbing phenomenon in the Church in America. In this post we will take a closer look at it. What is it? It is the willful ignorance in our spiritual leaders. Continue reading →

By Oswald Chambers from his My Utmost for His Highest devotional for December 23.

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14 (KJV) 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ always forces an issue of will. Do I accept God’s verdict on sin in the Cross of Christ? Have I the slightest interest in the death of Jesus? Do I want to be identified with His death, to be killed right out to all interest in sin, in worldliness, in self — to be so identified with Jesus that I am spoilt for every thing else but Him? The great privilege of discipleship is that I can sign on under His Cross, and that means death to sin…. Continue reading →

1 Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, he is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10:1-2 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Just because a person claims to be a Christian does not mean that he or she is Regenerate, Justified, Sanctified, or Adopted into God’s family. Many base their standing as a Christian on religious acts they have done. Others claim salvation based upon their good words plus their religion. Tragically, there are also many, and more each day it seems, “Christian leaders” who preach and teach things that they portray as the Good News, but are, instead, only the result of marketing techniques. Continue reading →