STUDY In The Book of NEHEMIAH TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Ch. 9, Part 1 of 2

INTRODUCTION: The whole of GOD’s creation has been marred, tainted, deformed – in some respects even the heavenlies. In order to bring things back to what GOD intends, He is in the process of renewing everything – starting with human hearts.

Those who are born again are part of the new creation, representing a new human race, based upon the last Adam (the LORD Jesus) – as opposed to the first Adam, on whom the old human race is founded. The new human race will inherit all things through the last Adam; the old human race will remain under the curse of the first Adam and incur judgment and perdition. Those of the old race have the hope of redemption still, where they can be translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of GOD’s dear Son (COL 1:13).

We of the new creation are having our minds renewed, and one day (LORD, soon, please!) our bodies will be made new – eventually along with the New Earth and the New Heavens – with the New Jerusalem descending down into this everlastingly glorious, beautiful world!

To think that there is coming a day when not only evil will not exist, but it will also never come into our remembrance! Adam and Eve were innocent before the Fall, but they were corruptible (that is, able to be corrupted via yielding to temptation to sin). In our glorified state, we will be incorruptible (1 COR 15:42-58; 1 PET 1:23) – meaning not only will we not decay or degrade, but that, unlike our First Parents, we will be incapable of corruption! Thank You LORD!

Sin nature will no longer dwell in us, nor will we be able to fall into sin! Holiness will last forever and ever in an everlastingly new creation, and GOD and His saints and angels will literally “live happily ever after”! That’s no fairy tale!

And yet, we are still in process, just as the Jewish people were still in process of being sanctified in the days of Nehemiah. Jerusalem the city has been restored, the people of Jerusalem are on the way to restoration!

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Shine Bright Church PROPHECY UPDATE - PT 1 & 2

Shine Bright Church PROPHECY UPDATE – 10/29/23
See the video here! recorded on 10/29/23

15 SUBJECTS of Last Days Prophecy (Eschatology):

1) Israel, Jerusalem, Temple
2) Gog, Magog, Invasion into the Middle East (Russia, Iran & Allies)
3) ‘Revived’ Roman Empire – EU, USE, MU (note Israel's interest and cooperation!)
4) One World Govt – Mark of the Beast
5) One World Religion – “”
6) One World Economy – ““
7) One World Leader – the Beast of Revelation
8) The Kings of the East
9) Signs of the Times: “Birth Pangs”

a) Wars & Rumors of wars
b) Pestilences (diseases, infestations)
c) Earthquakes and other forms of nature’s violence
d) Famines – All of these will increase in frequency and intensity

10) false Christs, false prophets, false teachers
11) False church – Mystery Babylon, apostasy: falling away from “The faith”
12) Increasing knowledge, science, technology as well as mysticism and the occult
13) Spirit of deception – both in the world, and the church.
14) The Rapture of the Church - Bema Seat Judgment, Lamb’s Wedding Feast
15) The Day of the LORD: Great Tribulation, The Second Coming/Return of the King, and Millennial Kingdom and Judgment Day.

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SOVEREIGNTY, SANCTITY and SURRENDER: PROVERBS 21:1-3

You can catch this teaching on the SHINE BRIGHT Church YouTube Channel here.

In a world such as this, its easy to get overwhelmed by the tsunami of sinister evil and the avalanches of abomination. It's at a time such as this we must focus our attention on the LORD, and His Almighty, All-wise, All-loving Sovereignty!

PROVERBS 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

GOD is sovereign over all; and by this we mean that GOD is in control, but that doesn’t mean GOD controls everything. Sound like a contradiction? It isn’t really.

GOD is in control even over Satan; that does not mean that GOD controls Satan in his acts of evil, rebellion, deception, and destruction. Satan makes his own choices and plans of action, but before he can execute any of them, he must check-in with GOD first.

We read all about this in the book of JOB, chapters 1 & 2.

Satan, like a wild dog was put in a yard with a fence just so big and no bigger. That wild dog can do what it wants, but only in the fenced in area that it’s placed in. And the boss can come into that yard anytime he wants to straighten that dog out in any way the boss sees fit!

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THOSE TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES – ROMANS 6,7,8 - Chapter EIGHT: Part Three

Chapter Eight: Not Living in the ‘Condo’s’ Anymore! Concluded

~ By James Fire

Now we’re going to get into some theologically deep waters in these next two verses. . .

ROMANS 8:29-30
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

We’ll take these very important words one at a time. Much theology has been written concerning God’s “foreknowledge” and His “predestination” and of those considered the “called” and “justified” – we shall tread lightly, carefully, but certainly not speak beyond what the Scriptures tell us.

Deep Calls To Deep
Foreknowledge is a word used (in different forms) four times in the New Testament; once here in our text concerning the saints, and also in ROM 11:2 in regards to Israel; ACTS 2:23 in regards to Jesus Christ and His crucifixion and 1 PET 1:2 which also concerns the saints, that is “the elect”. The words “foreknowledge, foreknow, foreknew” are expressed in these two Greek – proginosko and prognosis.
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The G.E.P.C Study – GALATIANS 4: PART 1 - Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, & Colossi

INTRODUCTION: Chapter divisions are not always made in the best places in Scripture. Sometimes the break comes right in the middle of a point being made. So long as it’s understood that these chapter (and verse) divisions are man-made and most useful for reference (when your pastor or Bible teacher tells you to turn to “Galatians 4”, you know exactly where to go – unless you’re new to the faith, in which case, the Table of Contents is quite convenient, and Bible tabs are a blessing!

Here in GALATIANS 4, the apostle Paul picks up on the biblical truth of “promise” as mentioned in GALATIANS previously:

GALATIANS 3:14
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
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STUDY In The Book of NEHEMIAH TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Part TEN

INTRODUCTION: The LORD’s abilities to restore and rejuvenate are remarkable. His recalling to life of that which is dead is unparalleled to the feeble attempts of man. When Israel was chastened by GOD for their apostasy, their beloved city was ruined, their temple destroyed. Seventy-five percent of the Jewish population was dead. The majority of the remainder was enslaved, brought to a foreign land, and remained there for seventy years.

They were all about worshiping the foreign gods of the pagans, so GOD saw to it that they were found neck deep in idols and their worship by the pagan population of Babylon.

Daniel realized while reading the prophet Jeremiah (DAN 9:2) that his people’s time of captivity was almost over, and that led to his ardent prayer in chapter 9.

Now in the book of Nehemiah (and Ezra) we are witnessing the LORD’s mercies and His faithfulness to His people – not for their sakes, because they were a rebellious people – but for His Holy Name’s sake (EZEK 36:22). And he heard such prayers from Daniel and Nehemiah, humble, repentant men of GOD that stood for their people in intercession.

By the providence of the Almighty, the restoration of the city of Jerusalem was completed. Now the greater work begins: to transform the hearts of the people, and thereby secure the triumph that the LORD intends towards Israel!
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THOSE TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES - ROMANS 6,7,8 - Chapter EIGHT: Part Two of Three

From A TTUF Study in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – “On the Road of Righteousness” Chapter Eight: Part Two

Chapter Eight: Not Living in the ‘Condo’s’ Anymore! Continues…

~ By James Fire

We’ve all driven by old buildings with signs out in front that read “Building – Condemned: Do Not Enter”. It’s understood that that building is no longer sound or suitable for habitation and is scheduled to soon be demolished and swept away in order to make the property more useful.

Once Adam fell into sin, and the curse of sin was proclaimed, he along with Eve and all of their progeny were condemned with all of creation that they were given stewardship over. Creation and God’s finest achievement: man himself, were no longer sound or suitable for His purposes and habitation.

On a day scheduled in the Mind of God, everything would be demolished and swept away in order to make room for God’s new creation (2 PET 3:13), but there’s hope that man will be an integral part of this new creation!

How Great Is That Darkness on Planet Perdition (aka Planet Rhebyl)! 

Humanity continues in rebellious depravity; such sinful souls are repelled and offended at the holy Light that is God, preferring instead the darkness of their own depravity, secured by satanic bondage:

JOHN 3:18-20
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

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The G.E.P.C Study – GALATIANS 3 Part TWO:

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossi

INTRODUCTION: Now with the conclusion of Ch. 2, the apostle has completed his defense in regards to his apostleship, and while he has touched on the issue of faith vs. the Law up until this point, here in Ch. 3 and beyond, Paul begins to methodically examine, dissect, and properly divide Scripture to prove his points, namely that salvation is apart from the Law, that there is no way we can be justified through self-effort (“the flesh”), and that there needn’t be any division between Jews and Gentiles who are “in Christ”.

Justification is entirely by faith, apart from the Law (GAL 3:1-24) and the rule of the believer’s life is gracious, not legal (GAL 3:25-5:1).

His arguments extend beyond Ch. 3 of course but in the following chapters, the apostle is dealing with issues surrounding the characteristics displayed in the life of a Christian who is justified by faith alone (GAL 5:2-26) as well as the outworking of the new life in Christ Jesus (GAL 6:1-16).

GALATIANS 3:15-16
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ (See GEN 12:3,7; 17:7).

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DEUTERONOMY 34: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 34: GOD TURNS THE PAGE – by Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here [will be uploaded when available]!

INTRODUCTION: THE DEATH OF MOSES
We are now at the end of the Pentateuch, which means “five Books,” the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Law of Moses or the Books of Moses. And It’s been a real blessing for us to have gone through the first five books of the Bible with you all.

DEUTERONOMY 34 records the death of Moses and the official rise of Joshua, his successor.

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ABDUCTIONS FOR PROFIT –The TERROR Of BEING TRAFFICKED – SECTION FOUR of FIVE

This section will deal with How To Help the Helpless:

We can all feel overwhelmed and powerless to confront this Tsunami of Sin and Avalanche of Evil, recognizing that we can’t do anything in our own power (that would bring any lasting effect). We therefore resort to the LORD for His strength, His power, His ability to affect this iniquity. We must begin with prayer, and in that place, receive from the LORD direction as to what we are to do afterwards. If we fail to resort to the LORD, we will fail and fall in little time!

Remember the old adage: “I can do many things after I have prayed, but I can do nothing until I have prayed”. In a separate series on TTUF, I’ve been doing a study in NEHEMIAH, and I’ve taken note that in hearing (and later seeing) the abject and total ruin of Jerusalem, this man of GOD had a singular response: he prayed to GOD!

Then he and those with him rolled up their sleeves and got to work by “the power of His might” (EPH 6:10). We must engage in this battle firstly on our knees, then use our hands, our feet, our hearts, ears, and eyes as instruments of righteousness for our Father’s use! We must go in the power of GOD so that we won’t become wearied and faint (ISA 40:28-31)!

You and I won’t be able to change this world, but by the grace of GOD you can change the world for a lost soul, a hurting human, a person terrified by being trafficked.

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DEUTERONOMY 33: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 33: Last Blessings Before going Home – by Albert Lopez the complete teaching not available on YouTube Channel SHINE BRIGHT Church.

INTRODUCTION: The song of Moses is followed by the blessing of Moses. Imagine hearing this very devastating news as though you were Moses:
You who delivered My people from Egypt and represented Me in front of the people. You misrepresented Me on one occasion and you will not be entering the land, the Promised Land.

But then, after hearing this, you turn around and have the heart to bless God’s people and do it with intention, being specific according to each tribe. That is what Moses is about to do.

Exposing sin is for some, easier than applying grace

How are we doing in this area? Can we bless other’s even if we “are not getting blessed”?

Jacob was exposing his son’s heart and sins in GEN 49 while Moses was exposing his heart and grace here. WHY???

WE ARE MORE INTIMATE WITH SIN THAN WE ARE WITH GOD'S GRACE!

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THOSE TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES Of HOLY WRIT ROMANS 6,7,8 - Chapter EIGHT: Part One of Three

Taken from the TTUF Study: Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – “On the Road of Righteousness” Chapter Eight: Part 1 of 3

Chapter Eight: Not Living in the ‘Condo’s’ Anymore!
~ By James Fire

Now let’s get into Ch. 8, the highest spire of the many towers of this cathedral – that is this book of Romans!

ROMANS 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

After such a long treatise on the sinfulness of humanity and irrevocable slavery, this chapter is a strong, invigorating gust of refreshing air! After realizing what the LORD Jesus accomplished on the cross, we’re no longer condemned by a Holy God for unholy sins and transgressions, it’s a joy beyond compare, as well as a blessed, steadfast, and sure hope!

Not Guilty As Charged
The condemnation of the holy Law of God would have sealed the sentence upon us, but it no longer applies to those of us who “are in Christ Jesus” The latter half of this verse indicates this: “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” are “in Christ”. It’s because we are not condemned, but saved by grace, born of God’s Spirit that we are now enabled to walk in the Spirit.

The very word ‘walk’ in the Greek means: “walking to demonstrate the ability” – those who walk after the Spirit are those born of the Spirit; those who walk after the flesh are those born of the flesh (JOHN 3:5-7; ISAIAH 42:5; EZEK 36:27; GAL 5:16-26).

Walk The Talk This verse refers to those who “walk AFTER the Spirit”, but don’t always live perfectly and not ever sin again. Grown adults who have been walking all of their lives can occasionally stumble and fall (something we did repeatedly as toddlers until we mastered the ability to walk).

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DEUTERONOMY 32: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS –

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 32: ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE – by By Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: We are now in Deuteronomy 32 where we’ll find Moses ending on a high note. He goes out with a bang in my book as He ends His ministry with a song/poem (Ch. 32) followed by a blessing (Ch. 33). Then in Ch. 34, Moses dies, his body is buried by God and his soul is reunited with the faithful ones who have before him - in heaven a.k.a. Abraham’s bosom.

DEUTERONOMY 32 (Subtitled: The Song of Moses)

Starting with DEUTERONOMY 31:30; 32:1-30.
“Then Moses spoke (not sang) in the hearing of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song until they were ended:

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STUDY In The Book of NEHEMIAH TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Part NINE

INTRODUCTION: Jerusalem was transformed, despite the efforts of her enemies; thus, the title of this verse by verse study, Triumph by Transformation. Just as the wall was completed, and the doors of the gates were set in place (this had not yet been accomplished as of the events recorded in NEH 6:1) here in this chapter, all was secured and the city safe from invasion.

Yet there is still work to be done here; Nehemiah’s calling had not yet been fulfilled. The people themselves likewise needed transformation. Hearts of the Jewish people were invaded by the ways of the world that needed to be extracted.
The houses within the city were left to the property owners to restore, yet Nehemiah would lend a hand in these objectives.

In regards to the New Testament saints of GOD, we have all been given victory by vivification (bringing to life); triumph by the transformative power of GOD through the spiritual rebirth. There is no means of victory otherwise. It’s the work of GOD’s Spirit that brings about the eternal effect of eviscerating evil from our souls and installing a holy heart suitable for His habitation.

And with such a miraculous transformation, our sinful citizenship in the kingdom of darkness has been overturned. We now have a saintly citizenship in the kingdom of GOD, all thanks and glory to the LORD Jesus Christ!

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DEUTERONOMY 31: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNES

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 31: The CHANGING of GOD's GUARD – by James Fire; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: We are now in the final third of three sermons by Moses, presented to the younger generation of Israel, the children of those who were delivered from Egypt in the Exodus, that generation by faith who received the land promised to them by GOD:

The third and final sermon: DEUTERONOMY Ch. 27 to Ch. 34. (to the end of the book).

~ The charge to Israel: Ch. 31:14-21.
~ The book of the Law given: Ch’s. 22-30.
~ The Song of Moses: Ch. 32:1-47.
~ The death of Moses: Ch. 32:48 to Ch. 34:12.

Moses sang, then he died – I think this is the first time in biblical history that a “swan song” was given!

These will be Moses’ final words, and like the final words of Paul the apostle to his son in the faith Timothy before the apostle was martyred (2 TIM), these last words carry a certain weight, a particular substantiality of things most vital to the speaker and very important for the hearers. Consider the vital importance of these final words of Jesus Christ in the book of His Revelation:

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THOSE TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES Of HOLY WRIT ROMANS 6,7,8 - Chapter SEVEN

A Study in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – “On the Road of Righteousness” Chapter SEVEN:

Chapter Seven: An ‘Illegal’ Bride

In medieval tribunals, sometimes exhumed corpses would be tried in court with the intent of convicting them of crimes post-mortem. If the practice wasn’t such a travesty, it would almost be comical! However, here in ROMANS 7:1, we read how the Law has no dominion over the dead; life is over, the appointment with judgment is fixed (HEB 9:27):

ROMANS 7:1
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he lives?

At such a point, the Law no longer enlightens the dead, for the remedial influence of the Law is no longer valid; likewise Paul uses the analogy of marriage to demonstrate this point:

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The G.E.P.C Study – GALATIANS 3: Part ONE

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossi

INTRODUCTION: Now with the conclusion of Ch. 2, the apostle has completed his defense in regards to his apostleship, and while he has touched on the issue of faith vs. the Law up until this point, here in Ch. 3 and beyond, Paul begins to methodically examine, dissect, and properly divide Scripture to prove his points, namely that salvation is apart from the Law, that there is no way we can be justified through self-effort (“the flesh”), and that there needn’t be any division between Jews and Gentiles who are “in Christ”.

Justification is entirely by faith, apart from the Law (GAL 3:1-24) and the rule of the believer’s life is gracious, not legal (GAL 3:25-5:1).

His arguments extend beyond Ch. 3 of course but in the following chapters, the apostle is dealing with issues surrounding the characteristics displayed in the life of a Christian who is justified by faith alone (GAL 5:2-26) as well as the outworking of the new life in Christ Jesus (GAL 6:1-16).

So let’s get into this study and observe carefully what the LORD is telling us, because one way or another, we all put ourselves under some law that Satan would use to subtly seek to subvert our salvation and subject us to self-righteous attitudes and conduct! And the flesh loves to exalt self and its own prideful efforts and look down with disdain or disapproval on others “less spiritual” than us!

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DEUTERONOMY 30: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 30: Choose LIFE or Choose DEATH – by Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: At this point in the story, Israel is at the brink of entering Canaan/The Promised Land. But again, before they go in, ‘big brother’ Moses repeats some God given instructions and serious warnings. Moses told them that if they obeyed God’s Word that God would bless them, but if they disobeyed God’s Word that God would curse them – in so many different ways.

[TTUF readers: Take note that what we have here is the Mosaic Covenant, a conditional beriyth that lays responsibilities on the people of Israel as well as other responsibilities that rest upon GOD. Check out: WALKING The COVENANT WAY – a series that examines all of the covenants of the Bible.]

In DEUTERONOMY 30 God basically tells them that they will turn away from Him and go into captivity BUT if they return to Him wholeheartedly that He would restore them. This promise is a picture of God’s mercy. God in His incredible patience and love towards Israel would never fully abandon the remnant (the repentant and obedient few). For one, because Jesus the Messiah comes from this group of people and because Yahweh really loved their Forefathers – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

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ABDUCTIONS FOR PROFIT –The TERROR Of BEING TRAFFICKED – SECTION THREE

This picture looks like a happy, healthy, typically lovely young lady. Looks can be deceiving - and not ALL trafficked people look like what we might expect...

This section will cover Identifying the Scenario – what conditions are present in this world at large as well as the situations that make the victim easy prey for the abductors.

In this section we will address the circumstances and environment, as well as the predisposition of the abducted that makes them vulnerable to traffickers.

This section will share the ‘prerequisites’ that prepare the trafficked victims for abduction. Absent these prerequisites, souls are less susceptible to being trafficked. So in this sense, these are preventative measures that parents and caregivers should be aware of and implemented so that the young souls in their charge can be protected from lures that are used by abductors.

Then there are the illegal immigrants. And the homeless. Those suffering addiction. The lonely, isolated homemaker. All of these are vulnerable; they are all in need, and in the severity of their need, they are more desperate and willing to trust someone that, barring those needs, would be far less likely to trust. Yet due to their circumstances, traffickers find these sort as ‘easy prey’.

Getting back to the youth: as previously stated, a great number of young people who are abducted are runaways. And who are the runaways?

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THOSE TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES Of HOLY WRIT ROMANS 6,7,8 - Chapter SIX

We know that chapter breaks as well as the numbered verses found in the Bible are of man's construct. The Holy Spirit didn't create those - they are useful in order to turn to exact passages with relative ease.
However, that being said, there are instances in which the divisions of chapter breaks are quite appropriate and fitting.
There are even instances in which you will find chapters that form trilogies such as PSALMS 22, 23, and 24 that have a specific theme.
In these three PSALMS, you have the LORD JESUS as the Supreme Sacrifice in 22; the Good Shepherd Who currently shepherds His sheep throughout the church age in 23. Then 24 that speaks of the coming Messiah King to Rule and Reign!
There are other examples of these trilogies and their accompanying theme as well.

We will examine these trilogies in this sort series (some of which are excepts of expositional studies found here on TTUF. We'll start off with ROMANS Ch's. 6, 7, and 8!

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TTUF TOPIC # 7: What About War as a Christian Soldier? – PART 2 of 3

The weapons we have: the Word of GOD, prayer (and fasting), living godly in Christ Jesus, and all of the armor of GOD.

The truth of GOD’s Word is called “the sword of the Spirit” (EPH 6:17). Any sword used in warfare is intended to strike down the enemy, though a sword could also be used defensively, to ward off a blow from one’s opponent.

Likewise we use the WORD of Truth to strike down the falsehoods, lies, deceptions, philosophies, and ideologies that are contrary to the will of GOD.

Thus we use GOD’s Word to show the falsehoods of evolution, of pantheism*, of abortion, of perverted lifestyles, atheism; everything that is opposed to the truth of Scripture. When the integrity of GOD’s Word is attacked, we use this same sword of the Spirit defensively to reveal the authenticity and power of the Scriptures as being divinely inspired and revealed.

* For an excellent book on this subject, check out Warren Smith's book A WONDERFUL DECEPTION!

When tempted to sin by the enemy (sin being the proper conduct in the kingdom of darkness), we don’t fall back to our former citizenship (for we were all sinners, lost in this fallen world, belonging to sinful darkness; EPH 2:3). Instead, we resist sin, and remain loyal to our King, LORD and Savior and the kingdom that He rules!

When we share the Gospel with others, we’re offering them freedom from the enslavement of Satan’s kingdom of slavery. This is intolerable to the enemy, and he will do everything possible to stop it and keep his P.O.W.’s!

When we pray (and fast), we are seeking GOD’s will to be done: in our lives, the lives of our loved ones, friends, neighbors and communities – this is fiercely opposed by the enemy, as GOD’s will is totally opposite of his own.

Spiritual warfare then is all about upright and outreach!

Living a life of uprightness, following JESUS in holiness and godliness, denying the sinful nature or “flesh” (ROM 7:5; COL 2:11; 2:13), denying this rebellious world (JAMES 4:4; GAL 6:14) and denying Satan (JAMES 4:7; ROM 16:20). 

For a three-part teaching on these three enemies of the Christian, check out this TTUF article, complete with video recording at SHINE BRIGHT Church OUR THREE ENEMIES: PERSECUTION By Satan, the Flesh and the World

Conducting Outreach is of course sharing the Gospel and seeking to make disciples of Christ. There is in today’s world, even a need for ‘inreach’ that is, to preach the Gospel to church members, who may appear Christian in manner of conversation and conduct, but have never actually been born again, not having received Christ as LORD and Savior.

The idea of confronting Satan and his minions of evil, many Christians find themselves unnerved; even talking about the devil makes them uncomfortable. There are at times a need for exorcism and confronting demons that are oppressing, influencing or even possessing human souls.
For an excellent article on this, check out Dr. Greg Reid’s article:
DEALING WITH THE DEMONIC: RULES of ENGAGEMENT

I happen to know some saints who actively speak out against Satanism and occult activities and are criticized by churches for “glorifying the devil’. But as Dr. Reid puts it, “I’m just explaining how the devil has been de-fanged!” And this is the truth: Warren Wiersbe said it best,

“The Christian does not fight for victory, but from victory!”

That is to say, because of Christ’s victory on the cross, over the sinful nature of man, this rebellious world of iniquity and all the power of the enemy – our own victory as being “in Christ” is assured (There are 26 references for “in Christ” found in the book of Ephesians, the go-to epistle for spiritual warfare. What’s that tell you?)!

The idea of putting on the armor of GOD, something you must get into, is synonymous with being “in Christ” and by His power (not ours) defeating the devil, just as He did. For example, in the temptation in the wilderness (MATT 4:1-11).
Again, the reader is encouraged to read the TTUF series on spiritual warfare that includes a careful study on the armor of GOD.

For a brief summary on the armor of GOD, but with links to the full articles as found in TTUF, check out FROM the MIND of FIRE, HOW DO WE ENCOURAGE OURSELVES IN THE LORD?

Got questions? Email me! KNYHTF1RE@gmail.com

Put in the subject box: “Questions about TTUF”.

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DEUTERONOMY 29: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 29: NEW EARS HEAR THE COVENANT, OLD EARS REMEMBER – by Albert Lopez; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: We have just gone over two chapters of Blessing and Cursings. Part 1 showed us the curses, which mainly that was what Chapter 27 was about and the people would “Amen”. Let it be so to all that was said. Then again, in Chapter 28, we got into more detail and found out what the blessings consisted of and if you paid attention, you saw that the blessings were explained and given in just 14 Verses.

Moses was trying to say, “It’s that easy. You do this and God will do this.”

With these blessings, it’s as if you would have heaven on earth. You wouldn’t worry about anything at all. God would add, multiply, would make things grow, bless your hands, bless your wife and kids. Blessings would follow you in the City and reach you out in the Country. It would be better than Akuna Matata, which means “no worries for the rest of your days”. It’s a problem free philosophy. Abundance Galore!

However if you disobeyed: Moses was saying, just as easy as God can and will bless you. God can and will curse you. Again “You do this and God will do this” but this time in a negative, painful, never-to-forget kind a way that makes you not want to say, “God is good all the Time, All the Time God is good”. Instead, it would be as if life was a living hell and you would desperately want it end.

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TTUF Review of the film: SOUND Of FREEDOM

INTRODUCTION: This is a subject matter that could have been addressed by a secular filming company. It wasn't. Hollywood wouldn't touch this. Disney held the distribution rights because it owns 20th Century Fox which would have distributed it. Disney didn't allow it (one wonders why? ...NOT!). It should have been distributed by a Christian filming company. It wasn't. It fell to Angel Studios - Mormon owned.

Why did the Christian community allow the Mormons to stand up and provide the necessary distribution of this much needed film? Why couldn't a Christian owned company produce the film itself? It is what it is. But I'm not happy about it.

It would have been better had this enterprise was Christian led not Mormon, just as a matter of standing for righteousness and exposing darkness. It is what it is.
The film doesn't touch doctrinal issues: Mormon, Christian, or otherwise. There is mention of GOD, His children, and a verse or two quoted, but that's all.

For the record: I don't agree with any Mormon doctrine, I don't adhere to Mormon affiliations (Angel Studios or otherwise), but the alternative to this seems to be either let this film get distributed by Angel Studios or just hope it eventually gets picked up by a Christian company while it sat on a shelf collecting dust. It collected dust for 5 years!

How much longer should we have waited while these heinous crimes proliferate, outpacing the illegal arms trade and quickly, soon to outpace the drug trade?

Could we have an effect in stopping child trafficking without this film?
The fact is, things have been done to thwart human trafficking long before this script was filmed, saving about 1% of children who are trafficked. Are you satisfied with 1%? If so, then be content. I'm not! I will do everything I can, starting first with prayer, to thwart trafficking of human beings especially of children!

Steve Jobs was quoted in the special message played after the film: "The greatest power in this world belongs to the story teller". Stories are compelling. We remember stories. I can read a novel, pick it up again 10 years later and I'm still familiar with it! They make an impact on us.

This is the story of a (Mormon) man, Tim Ballard, who couldn't just "do his job" stay within his boundaries and look the other way. He sacrificed. He put his own life on the line when he was confronted by a grieving father who lost BOTH of his children. Thanks to this man Tim Ballard, this father got his son back, but not his daughter. Not yet, and not whole…

This father gazed at Tim's family picture that this Homeland Security Investigator had on his desk. He turned and asked Tim a question that rocked his world: "What if this was your child who was abducted?" That did it. From then on Tim was on a mission!

What if YOURE child was trafficked? Will you then join this mission? You might say,

"BUT I'm just one person!" One rain drop can't do much, but joined together with enough other rain drops, and you've got a tsunami. An unstoppable force. And we probably won't be any more successful at stopping this as we've been unable to stop drug trafficking.

But if we do nothing, then ALL of these children remain victims of slavery. Some will grow up to become recruiters who will deceive and entrap children themselves with promises of fame and fortune (as depicted in this film).

"But" you say, "I can't travel to foreign lands and find abducted children!" You don't have to. Chances are, they're in your neighborhood, your community, your city. And you don't have to rescue them. Just help by being the eyes and ears for those who will do the rescuing!

One thing that this movie missed out on is the fact that America is the leading provider and consumer of kiddie porn and child trafficking. The film gave the idea that this sort of thing happens "elsewhere" when in fact, it happens right under our noses.

Many have said that they refuse to see this film because of Angel Studios. I get it. I myself have wished it was distributed by some other, as I said. But I want to promote this story, I want as many people exposed to this ugliness as possible in prayerful hopes that we the church will stand and say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" and seek GOD for these children and after praying, I believe many of us will be led by GOD to take some next and necessary steps.

The key is "awareness". Once you have your eyes opened, once you have a handful of facts, you will see things in public you've either noticed but thought little of them, or not noticed them at all.

This film was produced at a cost of $14.5 million and since it’s opening had earned $124 million and is expected to make ten times what it cost by the time it’s run its course.

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DEUTERONOMY 28: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS –

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 28: DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS HELL ON EARTH – by Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here!


INTRODUCTION: In DEUTERONOMY 27 Israel was commanded to do some specific things as soon as they enter into the Promised Land. They were to erect a kind of stone bible with the Book of Deuteronomy etched in it, build an alter for the purpose of worship and they were to split the Twelve Tribes of Israel into two groups:

One group would stand on Mount Gerizim and pronounce blessings on the obedient to the Word of God. And the other group would stand on Mount Ebal and pronounce curses on the disobedient to the Word of God.

Although God doesn’t curse the New Testament Church like He cursed Old Testament Israel, because Jesus was cursed on the cross in our place, (just as GALATIANS 3:13 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” that is, the Cross), we can still learn some very valuable lessons about what God blesses and what God curses. What pleases God and what displeases God.

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TTUF TOPIC # 7: What About War as a Christian Soldier? – PART 1 of 3

What is spiritual warfare? I asked that question some time ago on Facebook and I received over 40 responses; among them were the following:

~ ~ “Submitting to Jesus and the Holy Spirit and allowing them to fight for and guide you in the battle against the unseen principalities and powers in high places.”

~ ~ “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (EPH 6:12). The name of Jesus is the name above all names. The word of God and the name of Jesus are our weapons. Using the full armor of God for protection.”

~ ~ “It's the battle we fight for the hearts and minds of men.”

~ ~ “Using the armor of God to block the fiery darts of the enemy and share the Good News to not only gain more souls but [also to] increase our [own] numbers in the battle.”

We engage in the evil principalities and powers that are in conflict with the Kingdom of GOD for the express purpose of saving souls and promoting GOD’s will in a fallen world.

The TTUF series on Spiritual Warfare -This subject is so broad. It’s difficult to summarize it all, so the reader is encouraged to follow the link above.

But let’s go over the essentials:

It is the contest between the Kingdoms of GOD and of Satan and how they intervene in the souls of men. Also, from co-writer of TTUF, Anne Kisly said this, “Every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God (2 COR 10:4): false religion, worldly philosophies, psychologies, theories, and every other ideological fortress that stands in opposition to the truth of the gospel. Spiritual warfare is a battle against all anti-God ideas!”.

Satan is opposed to the kingdom of GOD: He is offended at the holiness of GOD and of the righteousness of His domain; thus he opposes all of this with all his hateful powers, employing every fallen angel, every demon, every fallen soul of man he can to achieve (but ultimately fail!) in this effort.

The fullness of the holy righteousness of GOD can be found only in the Person of Jesus Christ. Since His holiness, His righteousness, His very Spirit is granted by grace to His church – that means we are also ‘targets’ for Satan’s fiery arrows (“darts”; see EPH 6:16).

So any time you read the Bible, any time you pray, or share the Gospel, anytime you resist sin and submit to the will of the LORD, any time you ask GOD to enable you to live a life of holiness, you are doing things contrary to the will of the enemy of GOD! This is what spiritual warfare is about.

Check out this TTUF Interview with Greg Reid on his landmark book WAR of the AGES.
Find a TTUF Book review of it here! Links to the next articles can be found in all of these so you can navigate from one to the next conveniently!

Got questions? Email me! KNYHTF1RE@gmail.com

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STUDY In The Book of NEHEMIAH TRIUMPH by TRANSFORMATION – Part EIGHT

INTRODUCTION: Our enemy’s intentions is to stop the work of GOD, to prevent our involvement, or at the least distract and detain us in our endeavors. He will use so-called urgent matters, threats, false accusations, pretense, and intimidation.

If GOD so commands us to fulfill His will, then all other considerations, influences, and demands are to be summarily swept aside, accounted for nothing!

If there are any insurmountable objects blocking our way, we will pray to the LORD Who has ordained our path and expect Him to remove said obstacles out of His path and His plans so that we may proceed in accomplishing His purposes, His good works that He has ordained for us (EPH 2:10).

Let us witness Nehemiah in the battle, observe both his tactics and those of his enemies. Let’s be sure to take notes, for are we not all of us engaged in the same “war of the ages” that he was engaged in?

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DEUTERONOMY 27: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS –

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 27: BLESSINGS and CURSINGS – by Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: At this point in the story, God makes a deal with the Nation Of Israel – He basically tells them “Look, if you obey Me, My voice, My written Word, I will slam you, and your land with blessings. But, if you disobey Me, I will slam you and your land with severe curses. It was God’s way of saying – if you honor Me, I will make life heaven on Earth for you. But if you dishonor Me, I will make life hell on Earth for you.

We must understand that Yahweh God, the Creator, the LORD of all, the Holy One of Heaven, was with the Nation of Israel in a very unique and special way. They literally had the God of Heaven in their midst. So, “to whom much is given, much is required.”

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ABDUCTIONS FOR PROFIT –The TERROR Of BEING TRAFFICKED – SECTION TWO

This section will deal with: The Most Sought After “Merch”, profile of an Abductor and profile of the Abducted.

In the last article we listed the objectives of the National Action Plan of our Federal Government. These are purely social and political endeavors, but as Christians we can take the terms listed here to the higher, spiritual level with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as a legitimate form of spiritual warfare:

PREVENTION – The Word tells us to be salt and light as the church of Jesus Christ (MATT 5:13-14). Both light and salt are excellent at inhibiting corruption. This comes by way of proclaiming the Gospel, and when received, not only is a soul saved, but a life of sinful destruction, evil and malice is avoided. The more souls that are saved in any given society, the more that society is sanctified by the holy influences of GOD through the life of that redeemed soul!

Imagine a person who is bent on a life of crime, and they hear the Gospel message and receive Christ. Had they not done so, it’s conceivable that they could have gotten more deeply involved in criminal activity, possibly human trafficking.

What if a young Christian person being abducted who shares the Gospel with their captor who is convicted by the Holy Spirit, repents, and not only releases the young Christian, but turns himself in.

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TTUF TOPIC # 6: What About Proving The Bible as Really GOD’s Word? PART 2 of 2

There are two primary methods of Christian apologetics.

The first, commonly known as classical apologetics, involves sharing proofs and evidences that the Christian message is true.
The second, commonly known as presuppositional apologetics, involves confronting the presuppositions (preconceived ideas, assumptions) behind anti-Christian positions. Proponents of the two methods of Christian apologetics often debate each other as to which method is most effective. It would seem to be far more productive to be using both methods, depending on the person and situation.

Christian apologetics is simply presenting a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and truth to those who disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary aspect of the Christian life. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (MATT 28:18-20; 1 PET 3:15). That is the essence of Christian apologetics.

There are a number of verses in the Bible that deals with apologetics; read those here!

As mentioned before, Once-Lost ministries with Flynn Huseby and Kyle Peart is an excellent resource, not just for evangelism but for apologetics. You can find topics that the Christian apologist (this includes every disciple of Christ according to 1 PET 3:15). Find these resources (everything on issues ranging from abortion, to Roman Catholicism, Emergent Church, Evolution, Islam and more) at this link.

Also, other excellent resources are C.A.R.M. Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry and CROSSEXAMINED.

From the CROSSEXAMINED website, there is the following page:

Top 20 Apologists that lists able apologists and their websites (I can recommend almost all of these but with a cautionary notation for Hank Hanegraaff (who has in his later years defended Roman Catholicism and preterist theology, as does R.C. Sproul) and Hugh Ross, who believes in a partial flood in the Genesis account. Of the twenty listed, there are a few that I’m unfamiliar with; my favorites are Norm Geisler, Lee Strobel (but even with these two, cautious scrutiny is needed), John Lennox, Josh McDowell. Frank Turek is also among my top picks! Check out his YouTube channel, here!

We know that we are saved by faith alone; this does not however mean that logic is useless in our desire to win souls. It’s been stated that logic is an invention of man and thus invalid for the Christian’s use. However, like mathematics, logic was not invented by man, but rather discovered by man.

Check out this three-part series FROM the MIND of FIRE:
FAITH vs. LOGIC: Compatible or Contrary? Part One, Part Two and Part Three

GOD, the WORD made flesh is the LORD Jesus Christ; one of the renderings for logos (the Greek word for “Word”) is “logic”. Another is “mind”; our Creator GOD fashioned everything in an orderly, logical manner, including our own minds.

No one will ever be saved because of logic, but they may be led to understanding the biblical truth demonstrated in the Scriptures and the logical tenets they contain. This then may well open the door for them, and consider the Person of Jesus Christ, and placing faith in Him and His Gospel.

Catch this Conference on Apologetics with some of the best known apologists in the church today!

TTUF PRESENTS CALVARY TUCSON’s 2023 Conference on APOLOGETICS

Got questions? Email me! KNYHTF1RE@gmail.com

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TTUF TOPIC # 6: What About Proving The Bible as Really GOD’s Word? PART 1 of 2

Do You Know What Apologetics Is (No, it isn’t the art of apologizing!)?

Equipment providing able defense in contending for the faith as a tool in evangelism.

Check out the TTUF Apologetics Page here!

1 PETER 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

The Greek word for “defense” or “reason” or “answer” is apologia, from which we get the word apologetics. Apologetics means, “to give a defense’.

Apologetics, then, is the science of giving a defense of the Christian faith. There are many skeptics who doubt the existence of God and/or attack belief in the God of the Bible. But there is legitimate evidence to prove God’s existence!

The same goes for the Person of Jesus Christ, as to His actual existence and His claims for Deity.

There are many critics who attack the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible.

The infamous French deist and chief opponent of the Christian faith, Voltaire:

“In his pamphlet, The Sermon on the Fifty (1762) he attacked viciously the Old Testament, biblical miracles, biblical contradictions, the Jewish religion, the Christian God, the virgin birth, and Christ’s death on the cross. Of the Four Gospels he wrote, “What folly, what misery, what puerile and odious things they contain [and the Bible is filled] with contradictions, follies, and horrors”

Voltaire regarded most of the doctrines of the Christin faith – the Incarnation, the Atonement, the Trinity, Communion – as folly and irrational. And finally, “To invent all those things [in the Bible], the last degree of rascality. To believe them, the extreme of brutal stupidity!”

Not sixty years after Voltaire’s death, his house was purchased by the Evangelical Society of Geneva as a storehouse for Bibles! Tell me GOD doesn’t have a sense of humor!

There are many false teachers who promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead promote the Christian God and Christian truth.

Probably the key verse for Christian apologetics is (rendered differently here): 

1 PETER 3:15,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...”

We see apostle Paul doing this here:

ACTS 17:2-3
 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

There is no excuse for a Christian to be completely unable to defend their faith. Every Christian should be able to give a reasonable presentation of their faith in Christ. No, not every Christian needs to be an expert in apologetics; though, they should know what he believes, why he believes it, how to share it, and defend it.

A second aspect of Christian apologetics that is often ignored is the second half of 1 PETER 3:15, “but do this with gentleness and respect...” Defending the Christian faith with apologetics should never involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful. While practicing Christian apologetics, we should strive to be strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. If we win a debate but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude, we have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics.

Watch apologist Frank Turek explaining: 

The Moral Argument which proves the existence of God

Got questions? Email me! KNYHTF1RE@gmail.com

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DEUTERONOMY 26: A REHEARSAL ON HOLINESS, A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Contributing commentaries by pastors Sonny Islas, Albert Lopez, and James Fire

DEUTERONOMY 26: EVERY GOOD THING – by Sonny Islas; check out the complete teaching here!

INTRODUCTION: Today we will study DEUTERONOMY 26. This chapter marks the ending of the laws re-given by God to the people of Israel. The last two laws repeated are - the offerings of first fruits and The Third Year of Tithing (10%).

The main point of this chapter is – because Yahweh God, who is the Creator of all, owner of all, sustainer of all, the sole provider of the entire Earth and the giver of all good things (i.e. At this time - God gave them the land of Canaan/aka Israel as a gift) – we ought to respond by giving back to God with a grateful attitude AND pitch in when meeting the needs of the less fortunate.

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TTUF TOPIC # 5: What About The Gospel and How to Share it? PART 3 of 3

You might feel intimidated, ill-equipped, and unqualified to share the gospel. “That’s the kind of work for pastors, evangelists and missionaries” you might think. But again, this is something that the LORD commands of all His disciples:

MARK 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

So if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, born again of His Spirit, you’re qualified! If you’re intimidated, there is no need, because the LORD said that He is with you always (MATT 28:20), and He continually works with those who preach the Gospel.
He is your ministry partner, and your personal teacher!

MARK 16:20
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (see also EPH 4:20-21)

And if you’re feeling ill-equipped, there is help available to equip you!
From ONCE LOST ministries with Flynn Huseby and Kyle Peart, we have materials that can help (see below).
Even in such spiritually perilous, dangerous times as we may be facing here in our nation, the Spirit of the LORD will embolden and empower us to do the work that He has ordained for us (EPH 2:10):

ACTS 1:8
But ye shall receive power [from the Greek word dunamis], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

ONCE LOST MATERIALS -

Tools For Evangelizing

OTHER ONCE LOST MATERIALS -

So then we have the third part of this section: fundamentals of the faith. We provided a link to a TTUF article on this very subject, but if you missed it, here it is again.

These fundamentals are foundational; no foundation of any Christian is complete without these.

These are non-negotiables with absolutely no wiggle-room anywhere. Some doctrines allow for different viewpoints: the method of baptism, the timing of the rapture, whether or not the gifts of the Spirit are for today. Not so for the fundamentals which include things like: The Deity of Christ, the Trinity, the Gospel of salvation through Christ alone and His atonement on the Cross, His virgin birth, His resurrection of the dead, etc.

Got questions? Email me! KNYHTF1RE@gmail.com

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The G.E.P.C Study – GALATIANS 2: Part One & Two

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossi

INTRODUCTION: Here in this chapter, Paul continues in his defense of the apostleship granted to him, the same way that he received the Gospel: not by man, but from GOD Himself, the Word made flesh. He relates the events that transpired since he was confronted by the risen Christ and all that these events entail.

He also relates an incident where he confronted Peter, who was perceived as the leader of the apostles in his fault when he visited Antioch. This shows that Paul wasn’t subordinate to the Twelve, but one of equal standing. Who else could confront an apostle on any error except another apostle? This also demonstrates Peter’s continued heart of humility by receiving such correction.

In broader terms, any Christian is qualified to confront any pastor on an error (or perceived error) they may commit by teaching something unbiblical. The standard by which all are judged is the Word of GOD.

Being accountable in this way, beneficial things may happen:
The pastor may perceive the error when presented with the appropriate Scriptures, humble themselves and make corrections before his congregation.

The Christian approaching the pastor might themselves be misapplying the Scriptures they cite which seems to contradict (but don’t) what the pastor was teaching, and this provides the pastor the opportunity to clarify the Scriptures they are presented with for the Christian.

The Christian approaching him may learn that they misunderstood the pastor’s teaching, or perhaps the pastor didn’t present their case clearly enough and this provides him the chance to clarify the issue.

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