Free Articles for Reprint. Free Articles for your web site and newsletters. Submit Your Articles to Our Articles Directory from FaithWriters.com

NotifySnack

Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!

LIKE US

Translate this Page Here

Recently Added Articles:

Ambitions by Tonja Taylor
9/30/2023 / Poetry
I came across this poem today, while going through some of my mother's keepsakes. I wrote this over three decades ago, but I still feel the same; that God is the One Who gives us ambitions and helps us fulfill them to His glory!
A Gift From God by Tonja Taylor
9/29/2023 / Poetry
I found this poem, which I had written over 20 years ago, when I dedicated my precious daughter to the LORD on Mother's Day. She was just three months old.
STUDY MATTHEW 11:28-30: The Law of Liberty Part 2 by linzy bruno
9/29/2023 / Bible Studies
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, For I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Race in the Clouds by Jerry Ousley
9/29/2023 / Christian Living
We all run a race . . .
No Fool Like an Old Fool by PamFord Davis
9/29/2023 / Devotionals
'There's no fool, like an old fool.'

Wisdom does not necessarily come with age.
Hallelujah in the Face of Adversity by Dudley Anderson
9/29/2023 / Christian Living
?God is enthroned in your songs of praise and where God is enthroned Satan cannot dwell. So, hallelujah!?
Legacy Of A Good Father by Olawale Ogunsola
9/29/2023 / Christian Apologetics
Every good father should leave a good legacy for his children.
A Mother's influence by Olawale Ogunsola
9/29/2023 / Parenting
A mother has a great influence on the lives of her children.
A Tripartite Relationship by Olawale Ogunsola
9/29/2023 / Relationships
Everyone should be involved in a relationship in three ways to live a fulfilled life.
I CAN SEE YOUR HALO by linzy bruno
9/28/2023 / Poetry
"I can see your halo;
shining bright as the new moon....."
Climate wonder by Stanley Davis
9/28/2023 / Politics
We need to draw close to God and he will draw close to us
My Father Knows Me by Tonja Taylor
9/27/2023 / Poetry
I found this poem today, as I went through years of Mom's old photos and other keepsakes. May it minister to you a deeper truth that you are fully known and fully loved by God the Father.
Rain Maker by PamFord Davis
9/27/2023 / Devotionals
God, we know that YOU are the rain maker.
EYE-OPENING: The Impending Loss of Freedom by linzy bruno
9/26/2023 / Prophecy
"......They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built....." (Matthew 24:38b)
I Problem by PamFord Davis
9/26/2023 / Devotionals
It?s a fact; you can?t take it with you.
LAUGHING LIKE ANGELS by linzy bruno
9/25/2023 / Poetry
"....laughing in chorus,
praising Jesus....."

In honor of the remnant great congregations of Christ
Gated Community by PamFord Davis
9/25/2023 / Devotionals
Prepare to enter the pearly gates!

?The 12 gates are 12 pearls; each individual gate was made of a single pearl (Revelation 21:21a HCSB).?
An Evil Beast by Olawale Ogunsola
9/25/2023 / Christian Apologetics
Conspiracy to destroy is an Evil Beast engaged in tearing in pieces and devouring it's victim.
A Father's Walk by Olawale Ogunsola
9/25/2023 / Mens Issues
Your walk will affect your children after you.
Anointed To Destroy by Olawale Ogunsola
9/25/2023 / Christian Apologetics
Anointing works in different ways. It can build what is good and destroy what is evil. Beware!
Comfortable or Covenant? by Tonja Taylor
9/24/2023 / Christian Living
"Comfortable or Covenant?" the Holy Spirit asked me in my heart a few weeks ago. I understood immediately that He was calling me to take a leap of faith and I decided to be open to that change. A week or two later, He made clear to me a very surprising, but right, direction about that.
HOW OUR SPIRITS DO ACHE! by linzy bruno
9/23/2023 / Poetry
"......Then I cry out, Emanuel!......"
Bragging Rights by Jerry Ousley
9/22/2023 / Christian Living
How do you face your giant?
So-So by PamFord Davis
9/22/2023 / Devotionals
God?s grace is sufficient. The Lord is with us on our fair to middling days; He'll strengthen us when we?re weary and weak.
Watch What You Say by Dudley Anderson
9/22/2023 / Christian Living
?We greatly underestimate the power of our words, good or bad. It was once said, ?Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.??
STUDY ON HEBREWS 6:1-3: The Fundamentals Of Christianity by linzy bruno
9/21/2023 / Bible Studies
"Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God, of the doctrines of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits." (Hebrews 6:1-3, kjv)
THE LAW OF LIBERTY: Freedom Study Part 1 by linzy bruno
9/21/2023 / Bible Studies
"So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:12)
Believe it by PamFord Davis
9/21/2023 / Devotionals
But why, LORD?

Why do You send judgment?
Sowing And Reaping by Olawale Ogunsola
9/21/2023 / Christian Apologetics
Sowing and reading is a natural law that holds forever.
A Leadership Blunder by Olawale Ogunsola
9/21/2023 / Leadership
A leader is m very expensive because it will affect his followers greatly.
In Due Season by Olawale Ogunsola
9/21/2023 / Leadership
Eating and drinking must be done in due seasons, especially by a leader.
PUPPIES NEVER GROW UP!: A Sunday School Lesson by linzy bruno
9/20/2023 / Short Stories
"......He pulled toilet paper into every room of the house, with only a little help from Spotify....."
Intentional Hearing by PamFord Davis
9/20/2023 / Devotionals
I?m prone to quickly speak my mind.

Instead, I should swiftly bridle my bitter tongue.
A New Age by Stanley Davis
9/19/2023 / Christian Living
We need to work together to win people to Christ...
Still Kickin' by PamFord Davis
9/19/2023 / Devotionals
That ole? gray mare once took hills in her stride. That was long ago?
Moving In With Mom by Tonja Taylor
9/19/2023 / Christian Living
God often answers prayers in ways our minds would never think of! He is always faithful, and His ways are a win-win for all involved.
Forward, Back by PamFord Davis
9/18/2023 / Devotionals
I?m already dreading the long dark nights of fall and winter. The Lord possesses both day and night.

?The day is Yours, also the night;
You established the moon and the sun (Psalm 74:16 HCSB).?
The Brevity of Life by Ken Barnes
9/16/2023 / Christian Living
The brevity of life is a reality, but we often view it as a fantasy.
SEEK HIM, FOR HE IS LORD! by linzy bruno
9/15/2023 / Bible Studies
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1Corinthians 1:9)
Nothing new here by Stanley Davis
9/15/2023 / Politics
Nothing new under the sun
Not Helpless, Helpful by PamFord Davis
9/15/2023 / Devotionals
They are infirmed but not helpless; they?ve found an important way to help others. God opens doors of intercessory prayer.
Whose Plan Will You Follow? by Dudley Anderson
9/15/2023 / Christian Living
?So, trust the plans of God without relying on your own insight. He who promised is faithful and he will do it. And that?s what God-tracking is all about.?
Battle Plan by Jerry Ousley
9/15/2023 / Christian Living
We may have a plan, but God has a better battle plan
Glory by PamFord Davis
9/14/2023 / Devotionals
Experiencing a miracle, disciples witnessed Sonrays of glory.
Scatter by PamFord Davis
9/13/2023 / Devotionals
God?s purpose of church growth involved His scattering. Persecution propelled followers of the Way.
TAKE ME TO ZION! by linzy bruno
9/12/2023 / Poetry
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth." (Psalm 50:2)
Tracing Your Roots by PamFord Davis
9/12/2023 / Devotionals
I?m returning to my spiritual roots. Are you?
Pray Isaiah 60 for the USA and its Government! by Tonja Taylor
9/11/2023 / Prayers
While meditating Isaiah 60 this morning, the LORD opened my eyes to how we can pray it for the USA, the USA church, and the government! The LORD loves to hear us pray His Word, for it gives Him more legal right to intervene in the affairs of men--to get involved in our lives and culture, and set things right! Hallelujah!
WHEN GOD SAYS WAIT by Lupie Riley
9/11/2023 / Christian Living
There are lessons to learn when God's answer is wait. We must remember he always has our good in mind.
The LORD's Light by PamFord Davis
9/11/2023 / Devotionals
The light shines in darkness.
DIVINE PERFECTION by linzy bruno
9/09/2023 / Poetry
"..........in the moon and stars and tumbling clouds gliding by......"
Three in One by Jerry Ousley
9/08/2023 / Christian Living
Is God one or three?
Manasseh Knew by PamFord Davis
9/08/2023 / Devotionals
God speaks to us through His word, His messengers and His Spirit. Are we paying attention?
Sometimes God Says No by Ken Barnes
9/07/2023 / Christian Living
There are times when, just as in the case of Paul, God gives us what we need, not what we want.
THE NORMALIZATION OF INSANITY by linzy bruno
9/06/2023 / Prophecy
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)
Wisdom In Correction by Olawale Ogunsola
9/06/2023 / Christian Apologetics
There are mistakes people make in a relationship. Such a mistake calls for correction. How do you do it without injuring the ego of the person concerned?
Best Daily Desire by Olawale Ogunsola
9/06/2023 / Christian Apologetics
The desires of man are many each day. Which should form the best desire daily?
Settle Your Indebtedness by Olawale Ogunsola
9/06/2023 / Christian Living
When you know that you owe something to someone, the next step is to look for a way to settle your debt. On the other hand, if you don't know that you owe, how will you plan to pay? You owe and you have to pay. Begin today.
Old Age, New Song by PamFord Davis
9/06/2023 / Devotionals
LORD, the years are passing quickly. Old age can make me feel bitter or blessed. Give me a new song of praise.
The LORD Our God Is . . . by Kristine Stanton
9/06/2023 / Poetry
There are not enough words to describe our Mighty God - This poem touches upon how wonderful and powerful He is. . .
The Road to Opportunity by Kristine Stanton
9/06/2023 / Poetry
There are numerous opportunities in life for the taking - make the most of every opportunity. . .
The Great Plan For You! by Tonja Taylor
9/05/2023 / Christian Living
"Make good choices," we tell our kids and students. When I was teaching 4/5 grade robotics at a public school years ago, I had to give a few students a discipline writing assignment. Instead of the usual boring one, the LORD had me quickly write this, for them to copy. Not only were they quiet as they wrote, but they wanted copies to take home!
Dealing with Offenses by Jon von Ernst
9/05/2023 / Bible Studies
Offenses happen. Because even born-again Christians still have a fallen sinful nature (the flesh), and sometimes choose to live according to the flesh instead of according to the Spirit, they do things that are not nice. Whether intentional or not they can cause us pain, discomfort, and sorrow; especially if we see a brother or sister living in sin. It offends us.
Sometimes we are offended because we look down on others because they are different then ourselves. Perhaps they look different, or they talk different, or they act different. Sometimes when we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to, in our minds we set ourselves up as the gold standard, and we become critical of anyone that does not measure up to what we think we are.
Maybe we are not as awesome as we think we are. Maybe our perception of things is skewed because of our sins. Perhaps we need to remove the log from our own eye, before we attempt to remove the splinter from our brother?s eye.
Perhaps we should occasionally look away unto Jesus, viewing Him as our gold standard, and reflect on how far short we come of measuring up to the fullness of God that is in Him. Perhaps the humility that would result from making a regular practice of looking away to Jesus would enable us to look at our brothers and sisters in Christ in a more understanding way, and maybe be a little less critical of them.

Whatever the cause, we have many opportunities to be offended. The important thing is how we react when we are offended.
Tongue Tamer by PamFord Davis
9/05/2023 / Devotionals
There's an antidote for the tongues poison. Salt has healing properties. ?Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person (Colossians 4:6 HCSB).?
The Cruelty Of Greed by lareina morgan
9/04/2023 / Prophecy
Why is greed actually a cruel act against humanity? Greed takes and never gives, and greedy people will accept the consequences for their actions because money, power, and influence is so important to them that it is their religion and their God. So, what is God's response to greed?
Take Cover! by Tonja Taylor
9/03/2023 / Christian Living
There is power in numbers; even the wicked people know that. In these crazy, terrible days of the world system, true Believers need to gather with other true Believers, to be strengthened and encouraged, privided for, and protected by prayer and the Word!
Sitting While Waiting by Olawale Ogunsola
9/03/2023 / Christian Living
Waiting is part of living. Sometimes, while waiting, you have to sit until your expectations are met.
A Little Sin by Olawale Ogunsola
9/03/2023 / Salvation
A little sin is big enough to destroy a big man of great destiny. Be careful!
Is Your Refuge Nowhere? by Olawale Ogunsola
9/03/2023 / Salvation
When you feel unsafe and at great risk without any place you can run to, there is a sure place of refuge for you at anytime.
POOR IN SPIRIT, But RICH in The LORD by linzy bruno
9/02/2023 / Bible Studies
"Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
TO DREAM A DREAM by Lewis E. Thomas
9/02/2023 / Poetry
CUNNING & CLEVER by linzy bruno
9/01/2023 / Christian Living
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1Peter 5:8, nkjv)
What Goes Down Must Come Up! by Tonja Taylor
9/01/2023 / Christian Living
Normally, we hear, "What does up must come down," and that usually refers to the effects of gravity. However, the LORD gave me this title in reverse as I woke. It makes even more sense than the old saying!
Baptized by Jerry Ousley
9/01/2023 / Christian Living
Do I have to be baptized?
What is Beautiful? by Tonja Taylor
9/01/2023 / Womens Interest
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," the world says, but what does the LORD say in His Word?
Bowing the Knee by Jon von Ernst
9/01/2023 / Bible Studies
Your eternal destiny, as well as your daily living, depends on when you bow the knee and confess Jesus as Lord. As to the time at which you choose to do it, the choice is yours.

You can do it now in this life and enjoy all the blessings that go with being a child of God, both now and throughout eternity, or you can wait and do it at the coming judgment, before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

One thing is certain. Everyone will eventually bow the knee and confess Jesus as Lord. That I can guarantee.

The only question that remains is, ?When will you??
Test Yourself by Jon von Ernst
9/01/2023 / Bible Studies
There are certain requirements to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. One of these requirements is that we do the will of His Father. Another is that Jesus knows us. It is also clear that doing all manner of great works for the Lord will not be sufficient to qualify us to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

What does it mean to do the will of His Father? Each of us has a choice. We can do what we want, or we can do what someone else wants. If someone of greater authority than ourselves asks us to do something, we can choose to do what they ask, that is obedience; or we can refuse to do what they ask and do what we want, that is rebellion. To do the will of His Father, then, is simply to obey Him.
You might have been raised as a Christian. You might be a member of a church. You might even be in fulltime Christian ministry. However, Scripture makes it very clear, it does not matter what you have done for the Lord, if His Spirit is not in you, you are not in the faith and you fail the test, you are not a genuine Christian.
I urge you not to rely on any assurance that any other person has ever given to you that you are a Christian. No one can know your heart, not your parents, not your pastor, not your Sunday-school teacher, or any evangelist. No other person can know for sure if you are saved. Only you and God can know for sure. And remember, God wants you to know. He has provided several ways for you to know for sure. He has even provided a simple test to see if you are indeed in the faith.
I urge you not to rely on any assurance that any other person has ever given to you that you are a Christian. No one can know your heart, not your parents, not your pastor, not your Sunday-school teacher, or any evangelist. No other person can know for sure if you are saved. Only you and God can know for sure. And remember, God wants you to know. He has provided several ways for you to know for sure. He has even provided a simple test to see if you are indeed in the faith.
The Great White Throne Judgment by Jon von Ernst
9/01/2023 / Bible Studies
We can never please God in our own strength, working according to our own understanding and our own wisdom. Only Jesus Christ, by the power of His Spirit that indwells every true believer, can please God. He does this by strengthening us and enabling us to live lives of obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If we have the Spirit of Christ, we must allow that Spirit to lead us and empower us to live a life of total submission to Jesus Christ as Lord. Only a life of loving God and loving others as ourselves will please Him. Only these works, done by the equipping and empowering of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, will stand and receive a reward.

How is it with you? Do you have confidence to stand in that inevitable day of the coming judgment at the great white throne?
There For by PamFord Davis
9/01/2023 / Devotionals
Therefore is a very important word; like a red flag, it frequently appears in the Bible. The writer is about to make a powerful point.
The Lake of Fire by Jon von Ernst
8/31/2023 / Bible Studies
As we have already seen, there are three different Greek words that are translated as ?hell? in the King James Version of the New Testament. The first of these Greek words is ?Hades.?

Hades is a very real place where the souls of the dead are held awaiting final judgment. Hades is a temporary place of torment for the unrighteous, and a temporary place of comfort for the righteous. At the judgment seat, Hades is emptied out and then it is thrown into the lake of fire. Its usefulness has been completed.
The next word translated as ?hell? is ?Gehenna.? In Mathew 10:28 Jesus used the term Gehenna to refer to the place where God is able to destroy both the body and soul.
Notice that here Jesus does not talk about the soul being in torment as in Hades. Here Jesus talks about the soul being destroyed, along with the body. In Hades the soul of the unrighteous is tormented after the natural physical body has died. In Gehenna, the soul and the resurrected spiritual body are destroyed.
Life After Death by Jon von Ernst
8/31/2023 / Bible Studies
Our goal in this study is to determine, from the divinely-inspired words of Scripture, what God has revealed concerning life after death, concerning any judgment that may await us, and concerning how to prepare for that coming judgment. Knowledge is power. An understanding of what, if anything, awaits us after we die will help to equip us to be prepared for it.

With this knowledge, this understanding of what awaits us after death, we will be given the opportunity to be prepared for the coming judgment and to confront it with boldness and confidence. This coming judgment need not be a time of fear and dread. In this study, we shall see that if we are properly prepared, this coming judgment will be a time of rejoicing!
Mr Welk Was Right by PamFord Davis
8/31/2023 / Devotionals
Lawrence Welk was right. ?Wonderful, wonderful!?

?I will thank Yahweh with all my heart;
I will declare all Your wonderful works (Psalm 9:1 HCSB).?
Come Out of Her My People by Jon von Ernst
8/30/2023 / Bible Studies
We need to be encouraged by this, knowing that God wants us to understand the mystery. In fact, to be obedient to Him, we must understand this mystery.

In verses 8-18, the angel explains the meaning of each of these things. The seven heads are seven mountains. These mountains represent seven kings. The beast was one of these seven, and is not, and will be the eighth, and will go into destruction. The ten horns are ten kings that will receive power for one hour with the beast. These ten kings will hate the woman and attack her and destroy her because God will put it in their heart to do it. Then the ten kings will give their authority to the beast until the words of God should be fulfilled. The woman is that great city or community that rules over the kings of the earth.
This is a community that has ruled over the kings of the earth throughout the ages. Yet, in the last days this community will be destroyed by the ten kings, who will give their authority over to the beast. Identifying this community is essential, because if we cannot identify it, we cannot come out of it, as God has commanded us to do.

In solving a mystery, the trick is to discern between the clues that lead to a proper conclusion based on the facts, and those that simply distract our focus from our objective. Remember, our objective is to determine the identity of the woman who has been referred to as ?Babylon the Great? and the community that she represents.
The Antichrists by Jon von Ernst
8/30/2023 / Bible Studies
Certain persons had crept in unnoticed into the fellowship of the believers, denying the Lordship of our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ, setting themselves up above and apart from the other believers, in the place reserved for Christ alone. Jude charges the believers to withstand them openly. The brothers were urged to do battle with them publicly and not to sit idly by and allow these persons to steal away the faith once delivered to the saints.

In verse 11 Jude refers to these people as having ?gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.? The ?way of Cain? refers to Genesis chapter 4 where Cain attempts to worship God in his own way, disregarding the way that God had set forth. These false teachers set up their own form of worship, focused on the leadership of man, rather than the Lordship of Christ.
These are the ones that despise God?s authority, Jesus Christ, the head of the body. They are willing to divide the body of Christ, so they might have their own little kingdom to rule over. Their desire for power is so great that they care more for that, than for the oneness of the body for which Christ died.

These false teachers, that Jude urges the brothers to contend with, are those that have crept into the church unnoticed. They have turned the grace of God into an opportunity to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, lusting after position, honor, money, and power. They speak arrogantly, flattering people, in order to gain an advantage over them. They are willing to do anything in order to have a little kingdom of their own, even to the destruction of the body of Christ.
19 Ways to Submit to God by Tonja Taylor
8/30/2023 / Christian Living
"Submit" is usually a word we don't like, even as Christians. It really just means "obey", and we all know that when we obey, life is better! True submission to the LORD is a win-win for us and the ones He touches through us!
Go Said Go, Jonah Said No! by Ken Barnes
8/30/2023 / Christian Living
Even God's discipline is designed to show his mercy. You can run from God but can never hide.
Stay in Step by PamFord Davis
8/30/2023 / Devotionals
Stay in step.

?The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way (Psalm 37:23 NASB).?
SPIRIT SONG: Jehovah Nissi Has Freed Me! by Tonja Taylor
8/30/2023 / Poetry
The LORD gave me this Spirit Song a couple days ago, starting with the "jaws and claws" phrase, as I remembered the picture one minister had of the spirit of death. But JESUS tasted death for us, and gave us RESURRECTION LIFE! HALLELUJAH!
THE UNMETAPHOR by linzy bruno
8/29/2023 / Poetry
A poem about the incomparable Love and Grace of our God
Counterfeit Churches by Jon von Ernst
8/29/2023 / Bible Studies
Throughout His time on earth, Jesus continually taught His disciples. One of the lessons He stressed to them repeatedly was that of His unique place as head of the assembly, the church. He stressed that no one should exalt themselves over any other person in the church.
This is why these Christians, assembling together as the true church, tolerate no person usurping the headship that is reserved only for the Lord, Jesus the Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20: ?Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.? Christ leads during the assembly, and the believers follow. This body, thus, is living and vibrant, every member ministering one to another, freely giving and freely receiving from one another, as their Lord, Jesus, has freely given to them.

By this ministering of every member, this prophesying, this speaking the truth to one another in love, the body is built up, edified, made strong in the strength of the Lord by that which every joint supplies (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Ephesians 4:15-16 says, ?Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.? This is the church as seen in the Bible.

Some organizations that call themselves churches are really just a part of the world system. They are a part of the world's religious system of ceremonial worship. If they claim Christ as head, but in reality their head is man himself, they are counterfeit churches. If they are devoid of the Spirit of God, but are full of the spirit of this world, they are counterfeit churches. If they only give lip service to the Scriptures, but embrace the philosophy and doctrines of men, they are counterfeit churches.
Trusting the Holy Spirit by Jon von Ernst
8/29/2023 / Bible Studies
The Holy Spirit which indwells every truly born-again believer will lead us to glorify God and to build up the body of Christ. In short, the Holy Spirit will lead us to love God and to love the brothers.
God has given us His Holy Spirit to equip us and to empower us to live holy lives in obedience to Him. His desire is that we would be holy as He is holy. His expectation is for every believer to walk as Jesus walked, in full and complete obedience to the will of the Father (I John 2:6). Peter tells us that God has given us everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 exhorts us to walk in a way that is pleasing to God. He commands each believer to possess their own vessel in sanctification and honor, and not in lustful passions like those that do not know God. This is God?s will for us, our sanctification, that we would be holy as He is holy. The salvation process that God is working out in the believer?s life is being accomplished through sanctification by the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

In every aspect of our lives, God expects us to be holy, set apart for Him, for His glory. God is glorified when we walk in humble obedience to Him whether we are at home, at school, or at work. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we are holy.
Not Just Wishful Thinking by PamFord Davis
8/29/2023 / Devotionals
Wishful thinking comes naturally. Trusting God is a different matter.

What will I do when trouble targets me?
The Unity of the Spirit by Jon von Ernst
8/28/2023 / Bible Studies
As believers, we do not need to try to become one body. We do not need to try to create a unity or oneness within the body of Christ. If we have been born of the Spirit, and the Spirit of Christ dwells in us, then we already have been given this unity. We only need to be concerned about keeping it, not about creating it. It is the Spirit that has made us one in Christ.
It becomes apparent that the way to keep the unity of the Spirit is to be led by the Spirit. All of the things that make for peace with God and with others are provided to us richly in the Spirit. All of these things, love, peace, forbearance, gentleness, humility, patience, produce an environment that enables us to be at peace. When we are walking by the Spirit, we will be making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. In fact, we can only keep the unity of the Spirit by walking in the Spirit.

It is the flesh that seeks to destroy this unity. Whenever we cease to be led by the Spirit, and begin to walk according to the flesh, this unity is damaged. Galatians 5:19-21 states: ?Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God?s Kingdom.?

The works of the flesh produce the very picture of the lack of peace: hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and orgies. This is what is produced in our lives when we are not being led by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-18 promises: ?walk by the Spirit, and you won?t fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law? (WEB).

The flesh and the Spirit are contrary to each other. You cannot be led by the Spirit and gratify the desires of the flesh at the same time. You will either be walking by the Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, or you will be walking by the flesh and manifest the works of the flesh in your life. The flesh and the Spirit are mutually exclusive.
If you believe that you are walking by the Spirit, all you need to do is to take account of what is being produced in your life. Sit down and honestly take account of your actions, your words, and your thoughts. Consider what fruit is being produced in your life. Is it adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and orgies, or is it love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?
God's Eternal Purpose in Christ by Jon von Ernst
8/28/2023 / Bible Studies
This is something that every believer, Jew and Gentile alike, needs to be keenly aware of. Jesus accomplished God?s eternal purpose on the cross by making the two groups into one new man in Himself. God?s eternal purpose is to have one body, prepared as a bride, without spot or wrinkle. It is for this bride that Christ is returning. God?s eternal purpose is that of a loving father longing to have a spotless bride to present to His son. This is the ultimate expression of God?s love.
In Christ, we are all one. It is in this oneness that we are both reconciled to God. We are reconciled to God in one body through the cross. It is through the cross that this hostility has been put to death. When we died with Christ, the hostility between believers according to our flesh died also. It is by the death of this hostility that we are made one in Christ, resulting in peace.

When we see the necessity of this oneness between the Jewish believers and the Gentile believers for the accomplishment of God?s eternal purpose, it is very troubling to hear so-called believers teach that there is a difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. Some teach that there are different rewards, different manifestations of the kingdom. Some teach that some Scriptures apply only to the Jews and that some Scriptures apply only to the Gentiles. Some have even divided the body based on whether the believer is by natural birth a Jew or a Gentile.

Perhaps they teach these destructive, divisive things because, being devoid of the Spirit, they can only see things according to the flesh. Having no understanding of spiritual things, they cannot understand the mysteries hidden for ages of God?s eternal purpose in Christ. They see things according to physical descent and not according to faith.
A Change of Mind by PamFord Davis
8/28/2023 / Devotionals
It?s said that a woman has the prerogative to change her mind.

A change of mind is attainable.
YOUR LITTLE CLOWN by linzy bruno
8/27/2023 / Poetry
Just a little something I wrote about my first teenage heartbreak.
Love and Forgiveness by Jon von Ernst
8/27/2023 / Bible Studies
There are some, who claim to be Christians, who believe you must forgive anyone for anything they do to you, whether or not they repent. However, we must not cheapen forgiveness. That would be the same as saying that because Jesus died for the sins of the world, everyone?s sins are forgiven. We know from the Scriptures above that this is not true. Only those that have repented and believed in Jesus have forgiveness of sins.

Paul demonstrates the importance of not forgiving someone that has not seen the error of their way and has not repented. In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, Paul instructs the believers concerning an unrepentant sinful brother.

The idea of not even associating with a so-called believer that is living in sin is intended to bring about in that person a godly sorrow that leads to repentance. The sinning brother will thereby be encouraged to examine his behavior anew, and then, seeing the error of his way, he will be brought to godly sorrow and repentance.

The desire is that through this difficult and unpleasant way of dealing with a sinful brother, two things will be accomplished. One is that the brother will be restored to the Lord and to fellowship with all believers as soon as he repents.

The second and even more important purpose is to preserve the purity of the assembly. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:6, ?Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?? And in verse thirteen he says, ?Put away the wicked man from among yourselves? (WEB).

By failing to understand the basic principles of forgiveness, we jeopardize the eventual well-being of the sinning brother, and we compromise the purity of the assembly and the testimony of the Lord. Also, when we choose to do things according to our own understanding and not according to God?s way and God?s word, we are in rebellion and are jeopardizing our own relationship with the Lord and with His people.
The Mindset of the Spirit by Jon von Ernst
8/27/2023 / Bible Studies
When we have the mind-set of the flesh, we are unable to please God, because we see things according to the ability of the flesh and not according to the ability of God in the Spirit. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. When we have the mind-set of the flesh, we do not think in terms of faith and the Spirit, but rather in terms of the flesh.

Also, there are many times when the mind-set of the flesh causes us to see the spiritual life of the believer in a very convoluted way. It may cause us to think that we are spiritual only when we are doing or saying ?spiritual? things. Perhaps it will cause us to think, that in order to be spiritual, we must be reading the Scriptures, preaching the gospel, or working full-time as a pastor or an evangelist. You can do all of these things and still not have the mind-set of the Spirit.

On the other hand, we can be doing the most mundane activities of life, and have the mind-set of the Spirit. We can be cleaning the house, baking bread, disciplining our children, mowing the grass, or just working at our job, whatever it may be, and do so with the mind-set of the Spirit.

The Lord does not empower us by the indwelling Spirit just to do ?spiritual? things. He empowers us by the indwelling of the Spirit to enable us to live the ordinary life in this flesh in a holy manner. He enables us to be over-comers as we endure all of the struggles and trials of everyday life.

He empowers us by the indwelling Spirit to love the brothers, to provide for our family, to work to produce excess so we can provide for the needs of others, to provide hospitality, to visit the sick, to give food to the hungry and to give clothing to the naked. God is glorified when we live our routine daily lives in the glory of His presence. To do this, we need to know Him, and the tremendous blessings He has freely given us by His Spirit indwelling our spirit.
A God of Order by Jon von Ernst
8/26/2023 / Bible Studies
The Scriptures make it very clear that we will all be held accountable for the things we do. We will all have to give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). It is important that each of us understands this fact. If we do understand it, that understanding will have a tremendous impact on how we live our lives, both in relation to the world around us, and in relation to God and His church.

It is also essential that we understand that the God who will judge each of us is a God of order. God has established a very clear system of authority for all of creation. This order, especially as it pertains to the Christian believer, is clearly set forth in 1 Corinthians 11:3. Here Paul writes: ?But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ? (HCSB).
Children are to submit to their parents. Employees are to submit to their employers. Everyone is to submit to the governing authorities. Wives are to submit to their own husbands. Men are to submit to Christ. God is a God of order. He has established a specific structure of authority for everyone. There is not a person in this world that is not required to submit respectfully to the authority that God has established over him. There are no exceptions.
Everything You Need by Jon von Ernst
8/26/2023 / Bible Studies
At the coming judgment, many will try to give excuses for why we did not submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and live in obedience to Him. What excuse will you use?
God requires that we love one another. This is God?s one basic requirement for every believer. There are no exceptions.
If you are not fulfilling this basic requirement, it does not matter what else you might do for God, it is all meaningless and of no value. It is only when we have fulfilled God?s command to love one another, that we will have boldness to stand before Him, and will not have to make any excuses.
So the real test is, how do I treat this person that God has placed right here next to me? How do I treat my spouse? I say I love God, but do I love this brother or sister that God has placed right here next to me? If not, then I cannot love God.