More Bible studies published

Friends,

Our studies of the book of Judges and the prophecy of Isaiah continues. You'll find the latest sessions at Bible Study Audio. Please take time to hear from God's word. If you want to be in the Lord's presence for all eternity, don't you think that knowing what He has to say is important?

I pray you find these studies edifying.

Be encouraged, Jose

How we receive each other

Friends,

Maybe it was years ago.
Maybe it was yesterday.

Someone wronged you. They owed you something ... perhaps it was merely an apology ... and did not fulfill it. They deprived you of something meaningful ... perhaps they deprived of you of their kindness, love and affection.

No matter how it happened, you were wounded by their actions.

Philemon 1:15-16
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave - a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. [NKJV]

The question now is this:
Can you receive them as a brother? Can you acknowledge that you've been hurt without holding a grudge? Can you accept that Christ has given them grace sufficient to repent?

This can be one of the hardest things we are called to do as Christians. But it is no more than what Jesus did for us ... and for Him, it cost Him His life.

Forgive, brothers and sisters, as we have been forgiven.

Be encouraged, Jose

He must keep His promises

Friends,

Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
- God, as recorded in Genesis 18:14 [NKJV]

Before the LORD appeared to Sarah and Abraham, He promised that Abraham would father a great nation. In that act, Almighty God put His own reputation and glory on the line. After all, why would anyone worship a god who could not deliver on his own promises?

Of course, we know how the story turned out. And we who are depending on the grace of Christ must remember that the Father's promise to us is just as binding as His promise to Abraham. The Lord tells us that His grace is sufficient for us. He declares that we are counted among the righteous. These are literally life-changing promises. For they change the definition of life for us from something temporal to something eternal. If we cannot count on God fulfilling those promises, then what's the point?

But we can count on those promises. The LORD has demonstrated over and over that He keeps His commitments and fulfills His prophecies. We are imperfect, and therefore we occasionally doubt. But Christ Jesus is not imperfect. And therefore, He has no doubt in the Father's will and power. By Christ's grace, He lives within us and keeps us firmly in the promises of God.

Be encouraged, Jose

Intimidation of reality

There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.
Numbers 13:33 (NKJV)

The legitimate and illegitimate concerns that confronts us daily can be staggering, taunting and intimidating. The Israeli spies except Joshua and Caleb were intimidated by what they saw (reality) that they instantly gave a verdict on themselves thus self-inflicting and aborting their destiny and potential.

In reality, we will be tested but the grace of God ever remains sufficient. No matter how harassing, and intimidating your realities are, they must not define your scope and abilities, rather your connection to the vine should define your potential and abilities for His glory.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Look at Me!!!!!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:3 {KJV}

In this time of look at me, this verse flies in the face of that mentality. Don't do things to purposefully bring attention to you and how good you are. Just do your best. As you look at how our society is progressing with the websites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, there is an immediate outlet to let you sing your own praises on the highest mountain.

But like all things that are here on earth, there is a way to use the tools that God provides to further His Kingdom. Just remember that God is the lead story and the "Look at me" should be the reminder that we do all things to bring glory and worship to Christ. So in the future, just say "Look at God, the reward will be worth the wait.

Be Encouraged

Martin

Studies from the book of Isaiah

Friends,

Our study of the book of Isaiah continues, with the LORD declaring that His people will ... must ... suffer the consequences of their persistent disobedience. You'll find these lessons at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose

Manna replaced

Friends,

One of the most difficult things to do is grow. Growth requires that we leave things behind so that we can embrace that which is yet to be experienced. We smile and think it very cute when a little child speaks of her imaginary friend as though her existence should be quite apparent and obvious. But we react differently when an adult does the same.

Likewise, the great experiences of our youth easily take on a larger than life importance when we are children. But with age, we gain understanding and context. We retain the memories, and never deny those events. But we realize that those events were not as important as we thought they were. We've let go of their original significance, and replaced it with a more appropriate and more mature perspective. We've grown.

"Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. John 6:31-33 [NKJV]

The people of Israel never forgot what the LORD had done for them in the desert, feeding them with life-giving manna. It was real. It was important.

But now, God was calling them to grow past that memory and embrace the fulfillment of what the manna symbolized. The manna sustained them physically, but only for a single lifetime. Jesus, on the other hand, is the bread of life. And He sustains us for eternity.

Be encouraged, Jose

The Book of Judges continues

Friends,

Our group is getting into the first chapter of Judges. You'll find it published at Bible Study Audio. I pray that this lesson helps to guide and grow you in the knowledge of the LORD.

Be encouraged, Jose

Unshakable

Friends,

In the early days of human history, there was no shortage of religious ideas. One, however, was unique. And is a singular and critical part of our Christian heritage.

Most people believed in many gods. But one chosen people believed in one Almighty God. This was but one example of the remarkable faith that lies at the core of our beliefs.

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Genesis 15:1 [NKJV]

Abram left his land, his family and any assurances that they represented behind. He walked by faith to follow the One True God. By His grace, the LORD instilled in Abram an unshakable confidence and expectation that all of those wondrous promises would be fulfilled.

Those promises have not changed. They are just as valid today as they were so many thousands of years ago. The only thing that might have changed is that you and I are not quite as confident as Abram was.

Today, let us walk with renewed vigor and excitement. Let us demonstrate to all that we believe that the LORD is our protection and our great reward.

Be encouraged, Jose

Is it worth it?

20 And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I have done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.”

Joshua 7:20-21 (NKJV)

He was one of the frontliners in Israels army, while at battle and in the course of a resounding victory, he lost focus to the wrong thing, self got the better of him and he coveted things that the Lord commanded to be destroyed. It was an activity committed in secret where no prying eyes were and it felt good at the time. That singular act came with the following recorded costs:

i. Humiliation of the whole nation of Israel - a resounding defeat of the nation by a lesser known foe - Ai

ii. He brought ignomy and shame to his name and household.

iii. He lost all his possessions, businesses, landed property, etc

iv. The act cost him his life

v. The act also cost him the life of his innocent children and entire household

24 Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.

Joshua 7:24-25 (NKJV)

With these listed, coveting a piece of garment and 200 shekels of silver plus a wedge of gold cost these much!!! It doesn't really add up and isn't worth it at all. Disobedience to God's commandments have consequences, we must avoid it at all cost. Obedience is a cheaper alternative to being paying the cost and price of disobedience.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The evidence of triumph

Friends,

The very first Christians were utterly convinced of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, having witnessed the following event:

Mark 16:19
So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

And how did they respond to this?

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. [NKJV]

Surely, we who call ourselves Christians are likewise convinced that Jesus did what He - and His word - said He did. By the grace of our Lord, we can believe this.

And how do we respond?

• Do our actions demonstrate our belief?
• Do our words speak of our belief?
• If someone was to charge you and me with the "crime" of being Christian, would there be enough evidence to win a conviction?

Daily, we must examine our thoughts, words and deeds. Bring them before the holy and perfect standard of God's righteousness. Only then can we enjoy the peace of genuine repentance.

Be encouraged, Jose

Unholy mockery

Friends,

The hypocrisy in events leading up to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus never ceases to amaze me. This short passage is but one example, but it captures the moment.

Mark 14:1 [NKJV]
After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death.

This was among the most important feasts of the Jewish religion. And these men represented the religious elite, the pillars of good and civilized society, if you will.

And here they are plotting to kill a man.
They are not deep in prayer, giving thanks for their deliverance from Egyptian slavery.
They are not coming together to worship God in fellowship.
They are not even gathering to celebrate this feast as a community of faith.

They are gathering in secret to orchestrate an ambush, a mock trail and a murder.

Of course, none of this happens outside of God's perfect will and orchestration... not even the most minute detail escapes the Father's attention. And their plans for murder are destroyed by Jesus' triumphant act of giving up His life.

Even so, how often do we fall into this same trap? How many times do we turn our back on time to pray, or ignore the Sabbath rest ... in order to plan things that are clearly contrary to His will and commands? There is time yet to repent of this. And the time is now.

Be encouraged, Jose

A new study begun

Friends,

Our group has now begun a study of the Book of Judges. The first lesson, an introduction to this remarkable book, has just been published. Please visit Bible Study Audio to find it. And please let our brothers and sisters in the Lord know of this growing resource. In these last days, we must be prepared to know Jesus and to welcome His return... whenever that great day comes. The best way to get to know Almighty God is through His word.

Be encouraged, Jose

A glimpse of eternity

Friends,

We know what unrighteousness looks like. We can see it every night on the news. We see it everyday in the tabloids. We see examples large and small, dramatic and mundane.

But what will righteousness look like? How will we know it?

And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Revelation 19:8 [NKJV]

We might only catch glimpses of it here in this life. And even then, we must remember that in a fallen world, nothing can be truly and completely righteous.

Yet in the glorious return of Christ, when time loses its meaning and its grip, we will behold what He has done through His people. And it will be more beautiful than we can imagine.

Be encouraged, Jose

Me Too!!!

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I Timothy 1:15 (KJV)

Can I be saved? Can I get to heaven? Can I lead a Christian life here on earth? Yes is the answer to all these questions. Everyone of us has an opportunity to cross over from death to life. No one is too bad, mad or sad for the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, no one has been so safe that they don't need the salvation of God through Jesus Christ as well. God has no grandchildren, only children. We cannot ride the coat tails of family member into heaven. Each one will have to have a ticket. Paul wanted each of us to know that Jesus came for us, and for me specifically. Once we realize that salvation is just for me, we can enjoy the new life promised to us by God.

Be Encouraged,

Martin A. Rayner

Stay focused

4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:4 (NKJV)

The legitimate concerns of everyday living are numerous and they do compete for our attention and energies, however the bigger picture must always be our main perspective. We must never lose sight of this for our mission must be Kingdom driven and we must remain conscious and focused as the plan to strip us of our focus and energies is intense and fierce. We must not slack concerning our calling neither must we shrink in our responsibilities in the front-lines in our daily battle with the adversary that use all sort of subtle, direct and indirect means to sway the brethren and dissuade believers from simple truths.

As we engage our world, we must ensure that our actions, thoughts, intentions, moves and all we do are geared towards pleasing Him that have enlisted us and accorded us this unique opportunity and undeserved grace to be part of His Army and witnesses.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Bearing witness

Friends,

One way or the other, our words and thoughts and actions will bear witness to the true condition of our soul. People the world over blame God for being mean and unfair. They demand to be judged as righteous, even though there is ample evidence of their failure to live up to even the most basic standard of moral conduct:

Isaiah 3:9 [NKJV]
The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.

People claim to have kept the commandments even though they spent their adolescence in rebellion against their father. They declare their innocence even as they declare entire passages of His word as irrelevant and outdated. People claim to love and worship and obey the LORD, and in the next moment disregard His Sabbath.

We deserve the wages of sin.
Truly, our own thoughts and words and actions bear witness to the evil in the natural man's heart.

Without the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, we will have fully earned the evil we have brought upon ourselves. But by the grace of Christ, those who are His are declared righteous.

Be encouraged, Jose

Who do you love?

Friends,

Even the atheists have an object of worship. The proof goes far beyond the cavalier.* The one who decides that there is no moral difference between the uniformed soldier fighting in the open and the man shooting his gun from inside a schoolhouse has come to that conclusion from some moral starting point, some code. Where did that code come from? A romantic might say that looked deep within himself. And that is the problem.

Psalm 18:1-2
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

There is a massive difference between loving the LORD, between worshiping, trusting and obeying Him and loving, worshiping and trusting only ourselves. God is the same. His Word does not change. His commands never lose their power or their relevance. The same cannot be said for you or me.

Like it or not, we all have a code we live by.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...
The God of King David and King Solomon...
The One who stepped off the throne in order to redeem His people ...

Jesus calls us to live by His code.

Be encouraged, Jose

* When an atheist flippantly exclaims, "Thank God!" ... just who are they talking to?

A new Bible study

Friends,

A recent session from our study of the book of Isaiah is now published for you to enjoy. You'll find it at Bible Study Audio.

Be encouraged, Jose

Good work out

8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 (NKJV)

The craze and desire to look in a particular way is so strong that you wonder why nurturing the physical body is so pervasive and strong particularly to this generation. We diet, exercise, starve sometimes just to keep trim, fit into earthly clothings, and status that fades away in time. The scripture advises of a better work out and a lifestyle worthy of our pursuit. The pursuant of godliness is not only beneficial for now but for the life to come.

Godliness with the reverence for the Lord is good business, you get a huge bang for your bucks and you never go wrong doing that.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi