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3/14/26 "God's Will for You"
If you are a child of God, one of the most important principles you can learn is how to find God’s will. God has a plan for your life that extends down to the smallest detail. We make hundreds of decisions each day. How often do we seek God’s guidance?
God cares about where you live, who you marry, your career, your education, and everything you do. Too often we just act impulsively and make poor choices. Seeking God’s guidance is essential for the simple reason that He knows everything; He knows the future while you don’t.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29.11
God cares about every detail, every decision, everything we do, He will only help us if we bring Him into the decision making process.
“Cast all your cares on Him for it matters to Him about you.” 1 Peter 5.7
God loves you and wants the best for you. Too many Christians are afraid that if they seek God’s will, that He will send them to an unpleasant place and take away things that they enjoy.
“His commands are not burdensome,” I John 5.3
"We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8.28
God wants you to be happy. He knows what’s best for you. He can give you far more than you can imagine. .
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16.11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84.11
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3.20
“…..You will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his will is good, pleasing and perfect." Romans 12.2
God's will is not a mystery. On Monday we will see that it is readily available to those who seek it.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
God cares about where you live, who you marry, your career, your education, and everything you do. Too often we just act impulsively and make poor choices. Seeking God’s guidance is essential for the simple reason that He knows everything; He knows the future while you don’t.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29.11
God cares about every detail, every decision, everything we do, He will only help us if we bring Him into the decision making process.
“Cast all your cares on Him for it matters to Him about you.” 1 Peter 5.7
God loves you and wants the best for you. Too many Christians are afraid that if they seek God’s will, that He will send them to an unpleasant place and take away things that they enjoy.
“His commands are not burdensome,” I John 5.3
"We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8.28
God wants you to be happy. He knows what’s best for you. He can give you far more than you can imagine. .
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16.11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84.11
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3.20
“…..You will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his will is good, pleasing and perfect." Romans 12.2
God's will is not a mystery. On Monday we will see that it is readily available to those who seek it.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
3/13/26 "When to Separate"
"If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." II THESSALONIANS 3.15
On Wednesday, we saw that it is sometimes necessary to separate ourselves from an unruly believer because of his behavior. In this verse, the warning appears to be about those who spread false teaching. When people promote strange teachings it can cause divisions and upset the faith of some. The Bible clearly states that we should not tolerate false teachers.
In my experience as a pastor, I have had people come into our fellowship with beliefs that are contrary to scripture. They intended to convert others to these false teachings. There once came a man who did not believe that Jesus was God. He invited people into his home with the purpose of leading them astray.
There was another couple who were of the charismatic persuasion who wanted to get people involved in the errors of that system, such as speaking in tongues and depending on emotional experiences. Another constantly wanted to argue about eternal security, since he believed that a believer could lose his salvation.
As Christians, we should not associate with these types of people. As church leaders, we should try to gently correct them, but if they refuse correction, sometimes we must ask them to leave.
“After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic...” Titus 3.10
“Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” Romans 16.17
"If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth." I Timothy 6.3-5
"But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. /And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." II Timothy 2.23-25
"If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him." II John 1.10
Paul concludes this letter with a prayer and a greeting, and since there had been a forgery (2:2), he puts his personal mark on the original manuscript.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” II THESSALONIANS 3.16-18
NOTE: TOMORROW WE WILL BEGIN A NEW STUDY ABOUT DIVINE GUIDANCE; FINDING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
On Wednesday, we saw that it is sometimes necessary to separate ourselves from an unruly believer because of his behavior. In this verse, the warning appears to be about those who spread false teaching. When people promote strange teachings it can cause divisions and upset the faith of some. The Bible clearly states that we should not tolerate false teachers.
In my experience as a pastor, I have had people come into our fellowship with beliefs that are contrary to scripture. They intended to convert others to these false teachings. There once came a man who did not believe that Jesus was God. He invited people into his home with the purpose of leading them astray.
There was another couple who were of the charismatic persuasion who wanted to get people involved in the errors of that system, such as speaking in tongues and depending on emotional experiences. Another constantly wanted to argue about eternal security, since he believed that a believer could lose his salvation.
As Christians, we should not associate with these types of people. As church leaders, we should try to gently correct them, but if they refuse correction, sometimes we must ask them to leave.
“After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic...” Titus 3.10
“Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” Romans 16.17
"If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth." I Timothy 6.3-5
"But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. /And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." II Timothy 2.23-25
"If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him." II John 1.10
Paul concludes this letter with a prayer and a greeting, and since there had been a forgery (2:2), he puts his personal mark on the original manuscript.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” II THESSALONIANS 3.16-18
NOTE: TOMORROW WE WILL BEGIN A NEW STUDY ABOUT DIVINE GUIDANCE; FINDING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
3/12/26 "Lazy Christians"
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” II Thessalonians 3.7.12
What does Paul mean when he mentions people who walk in an undisciplined manner? An undisciplined life refers to the person who is idle and lazy. Instead of working, they depend on others to support them. They don’t accomplish much so they become troublemakers, minding other people's business.
Paul set an example of hard work, often making tents during the day and teaching at night. As a tentmaker he made enough money to pay his own expenses and those who travelled with him.
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20.34-35
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise.” Proverbs 6.6
"Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Proverbs 10.4-5
"Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." Proverbs 10.15
"Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." Ecclesiastes 10.18
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,” I Thessalonians 4.11
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.” Ephesians 4.28
“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3.23
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12.11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
What does Paul mean when he mentions people who walk in an undisciplined manner? An undisciplined life refers to the person who is idle and lazy. Instead of working, they depend on others to support them. They don’t accomplish much so they become troublemakers, minding other people's business.
Paul set an example of hard work, often making tents during the day and teaching at night. As a tentmaker he made enough money to pay his own expenses and those who travelled with him.
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20.34-35
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise.” Proverbs 6.6
"Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Proverbs 10.4-5
"Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger." Proverbs 10.15
"Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." Ecclesiastes 10.18
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,” I Thessalonians 4.11
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.” Ephesians 4.28
“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3.23
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12.11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
3/11/26 "Believers to Avoid"
“We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” II Thessalonians 3.4-6
The church at Thessalonica was a model church. Unlike the Corinthians, Galatians, and the Colossians, there were no scandals or heresies that Paul needed to correct. But every church has people who bring shame to the cause of Christ.
Paul tells us that there are certain people we should avoid. You may be surprised to see that the people he is talking about are Christians. Sadly there are saved people whose behavior is far from what God expects.
“They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.” Titus 1.16
People who claim to be Christians and live in sin, give Christianity a bad name. When King David sinned with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan confronted him with some very harsh words:
“Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.…..However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” II Samuel 12. 9-10,14
You may know someone who claims to be a believer but they live and act much like a lost person. We are often inclined to think that they are not saved at all but only God knows for sure.
There were many such people in the church at Corinth. Although they were Christian brothers and sisters, Paul speaks of them as carnal or fleshly;
“And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ…. for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary (unsaved) people?” I Corinthians 3.1,3
In I Corinthians 5.11, Paul repeats what he wrote in Thessalonians; we should stay away from these people. “I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
Jesus also spoke about believers that we should avoid:
“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18.15-17
Paul clarifies that this need for separation applies only to those who profess to be Christians; we must have contact with people of the world so we can tell them about Christ.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people." I Corinthians 5.9-11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
The church at Thessalonica was a model church. Unlike the Corinthians, Galatians, and the Colossians, there were no scandals or heresies that Paul needed to correct. But every church has people who bring shame to the cause of Christ.
Paul tells us that there are certain people we should avoid. You may be surprised to see that the people he is talking about are Christians. Sadly there are saved people whose behavior is far from what God expects.
“They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.” Titus 1.16
People who claim to be Christians and live in sin, give Christianity a bad name. When King David sinned with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan confronted him with some very harsh words:
“Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.…..However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” II Samuel 12. 9-10,14
You may know someone who claims to be a believer but they live and act much like a lost person. We are often inclined to think that they are not saved at all but only God knows for sure.
There were many such people in the church at Corinth. Although they were Christian brothers and sisters, Paul speaks of them as carnal or fleshly;
“And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ…. for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary (unsaved) people?” I Corinthians 3.1,3
In I Corinthians 5.11, Paul repeats what he wrote in Thessalonians; we should stay away from these people. “I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
Jesus also spoke about believers that we should avoid:
“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18.15-17
Paul clarifies that this need for separation applies only to those who profess to be Christians; we must have contact with people of the world so we can tell them about Christ.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people." I Corinthians 5.9-11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
3/10/26 "Protection from Satan"
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith." II Thessalonians 3.1-2
As we explore Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we repeatedly see his requests for prayer as he travelled about preaching the Word of God. He faced harsh persecution from enemies of the Gospel.
Effective ministry depends upon prayer support from believers like you. You should pray for your pastor and other Christian workers. I need your prayers so I am able to continue writing these e-mails; hopefully until Christ returns. Pray that we can expand this outreach to other countries as God provides.
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3.3
Along with the above request, we have a wonderful promise of God’s protection.
The Bible reveals that we have an unseen enemy known as Satan. Satan was created as a perfect angel but his pride caused him to rebel against God. We learn of his origins and his fall in Isaiah 14.12-14 and Ezekiel 28.12-17.
Since his fall, Satan opposes God’s plan and his people. One of his most vicious attacks was against Job, a righteous servant of God. This attack is described in Job 1.1 through 2.10
Satan can attack a believer today, but only with God’s permission. Peter warns us of the possibility of Satan’s attack but tells us that we can effectively resist him. Satan can only control us if we allow him to. In Job 1.10, Satan complained about God’s protection of the believer...
“Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?”
This protective hedge exists today through the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer:
“Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.” I John 4.4
Satan is alive and active today but the Bible tells us how we can resist his attacks;
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” I Peter 5.7-8
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I Peter 4.7
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6.10
“Do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4.27
“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him……. in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” II Corinthians 2.10-11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
As we explore Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we repeatedly see his requests for prayer as he travelled about preaching the Word of God. He faced harsh persecution from enemies of the Gospel.
Effective ministry depends upon prayer support from believers like you. You should pray for your pastor and other Christian workers. I need your prayers so I am able to continue writing these e-mails; hopefully until Christ returns. Pray that we can expand this outreach to other countries as God provides.
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3.3
Along with the above request, we have a wonderful promise of God’s protection.
The Bible reveals that we have an unseen enemy known as Satan. Satan was created as a perfect angel but his pride caused him to rebel against God. We learn of his origins and his fall in Isaiah 14.12-14 and Ezekiel 28.12-17.
Since his fall, Satan opposes God’s plan and his people. One of his most vicious attacks was against Job, a righteous servant of God. This attack is described in Job 1.1 through 2.10
Satan can attack a believer today, but only with God’s permission. Peter warns us of the possibility of Satan’s attack but tells us that we can effectively resist him. Satan can only control us if we allow him to. In Job 1.10, Satan complained about God’s protection of the believer...
“Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?”
This protective hedge exists today through the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer:
“Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.” I John 4.4
Satan is alive and active today but the Bible tells us how we can resist his attacks;
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” I Peter 5.7-8
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I Peter 4.7
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6.10
“Do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4.27
“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him……. in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” II Corinthians 2.10-11
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
3/9/26 "Comfort, Hope, Strength"
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” II Thessalonians 2.16-17
Many of us suffer from depression, anxiety, guilt, and other mental problems. The world offers little help and many people turn to alcohol and drugs which only make matters worse.
In God’s Word we have a wonderful source of comfort, hope, and strength. Time spent in Bible study will strengthen our minds and equip us to face the difficulties of life.
COMFORT:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ho comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." II Corinthians 1.3-4
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?" Isaiah 51.12
As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled.” Isaiah 66.13
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5.7
GOD’S COMFORT BRINGS PEACE OF MIND:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14.27
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.7
“You wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on thee: because he trusts in thee.” Isaiah 26.3
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32.17
HOPE:
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 1.2
“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”. Titus 2.13
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
Hebrews 6.18
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.I Peter 1.3-4
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.13
STRENGTH:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4.13
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.9
“”I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3.16
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6.10
“Strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, joyfully.” Colossians 1.11
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40.29-31
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Many of us suffer from depression, anxiety, guilt, and other mental problems. The world offers little help and many people turn to alcohol and drugs which only make matters worse.
In God’s Word we have a wonderful source of comfort, hope, and strength. Time spent in Bible study will strengthen our minds and equip us to face the difficulties of life.
COMFORT:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ho comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." II Corinthians 1.3-4
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?" Isaiah 51.12
As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled.” Isaiah 66.13
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5.7
GOD’S COMFORT BRINGS PEACE OF MIND:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14.27
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.7
“You wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on thee: because he trusts in thee.” Isaiah 26.3
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32.17
HOPE:
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 1.2
“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”. Titus 2.13
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
Hebrews 6.18
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.I Peter 1.3-4
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.13
STRENGTH:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4.13
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.9
“”I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3.16
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6.10
“Strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, joyfully.” Colossians 1.11
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40.29-31
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/8/26 "The Lion of Judah"
One of the titles for Jesus Christ in the Bible is the "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). This title speaks of His majesty, magnificence, and strength. Jesus has been appointed judge of all the earth and He will carry out His justice with speed and finality. His enemies will be destroyed in a moment!
"A lion has gone up from His thicket, a destroyer of nations has set out; He has gone out from His place to make your land a waste; your cities will be ruins without inhabitants...In that day, declares the Lord, courage shall fail both king and officials..." (Jeremiah 4:7&9).
The title, “The Lion of Judah” also points to His unique Messianic ancestry. The Bible prophesied hundreds of years in advance that the Messiah would be a descendent of both Abraham and King David, that He would be born of a virgin, that He would be born in the town of Bethlehem, and that He would come from “the tribe of Judah”.
Another title for Jesus is "The Lamb of God" (John 1:29). This title speaks of His substitutionary sacrificial death for our sins, when He suffered the full punishment, we rightfully deserve. As a result of His death and resurrection, anyone who simply believes in Him (puts their faith in Him), receives forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven.
"For by grace are you saved through faith [in Christ alone]...It is the gift of God, not the result of your works..." (Ephesians 2:8-9).
"Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" (John 1:29).
The moment you place your faith in the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah is no longer your adversary and judge. He now becomes your protector and provider! "...I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish..." (John 10:28).
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
"A lion has gone up from His thicket, a destroyer of nations has set out; He has gone out from His place to make your land a waste; your cities will be ruins without inhabitants...In that day, declares the Lord, courage shall fail both king and officials..." (Jeremiah 4:7&9).
The title, “The Lion of Judah” also points to His unique Messianic ancestry. The Bible prophesied hundreds of years in advance that the Messiah would be a descendent of both Abraham and King David, that He would be born of a virgin, that He would be born in the town of Bethlehem, and that He would come from “the tribe of Judah”.
Another title for Jesus is "The Lamb of God" (John 1:29). This title speaks of His substitutionary sacrificial death for our sins, when He suffered the full punishment, we rightfully deserve. As a result of His death and resurrection, anyone who simply believes in Him (puts their faith in Him), receives forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven.
"For by grace are you saved through faith [in Christ alone]...It is the gift of God, not the result of your works..." (Ephesians 2:8-9).
"Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" (John 1:29).
The moment you place your faith in the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah is no longer your adversary and judge. He now becomes your protector and provider! "...I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish..." (John 10:28).
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
3/7/26 "Beware of Spiritual Drift"
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions* which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” II Thessalonians 2.15
There is a natural tendency in the human brain which I will call “the law of diminishing impressions.” For example, our doctor may tell us we need to eat healthy and lose weight. For a while we improve our diet, but eventually we settle back to our bad eating habits. We may witness a serious automobile accident and decide that we should slow down and be more careful. But we soon forget about it and resume unsafe driving practices. All of us have likely started a project with enthusiasm but over time, we lose interest and the job is never completed.
Unfortunately this pattern of diminishing impressions carries over to our spiritual life. Perhaps you had a great appetite for the Word when you became a child of God. You never missed a church service or Bible study. But over the years you have lost interest and now other activities and interests have become more important.
Throughout the Bible , we are warned about spiritual drift;
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Hebrews 2.1
"My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." Proverbs 4.20-21
“Be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live.” Deuteronomy 4.9
“If indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard...” Colossians 1.23
“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” II Timothy 1.13-14
Jesus warned the Christians at Ephesus: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Revelation 2.4
Take a moment to examine yourself; Are you drifting? Are you spending less time in Bible study and prayer? Do you avoid fellowship with other Christians? The Old Testament calls this “backsliding.” Backsliding often results in God’s discipline.
My advice is: WAKE UP! Face the fact that you have a problem. Begin by laying aside things that compete with time spent in the Word. Confess your sins regularly. Set aside time for spiritual growth and refuse anything that can take you from it.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” Hebrews 12.1
*We should not follow traditions today. The Bible is our only authoritative source of Divine truth. When II Thessalonians was written, the New Testament was not yet completed. The apostles were still living and much of Christian doctrine was in the form of oral tradition.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
There is a natural tendency in the human brain which I will call “the law of diminishing impressions.” For example, our doctor may tell us we need to eat healthy and lose weight. For a while we improve our diet, but eventually we settle back to our bad eating habits. We may witness a serious automobile accident and decide that we should slow down and be more careful. But we soon forget about it and resume unsafe driving practices. All of us have likely started a project with enthusiasm but over time, we lose interest and the job is never completed.
Unfortunately this pattern of diminishing impressions carries over to our spiritual life. Perhaps you had a great appetite for the Word when you became a child of God. You never missed a church service or Bible study. But over the years you have lost interest and now other activities and interests have become more important.
Throughout the Bible , we are warned about spiritual drift;
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Hebrews 2.1
"My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." Proverbs 4.20-21
“Be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live.” Deuteronomy 4.9
“If indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard...” Colossians 1.23
“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” II Timothy 1.13-14
Jesus warned the Christians at Ephesus: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Revelation 2.4
Take a moment to examine yourself; Are you drifting? Are you spending less time in Bible study and prayer? Do you avoid fellowship with other Christians? The Old Testament calls this “backsliding.” Backsliding often results in God’s discipline.
My advice is: WAKE UP! Face the fact that you have a problem. Begin by laying aside things that compete with time spent in the Word. Confess your sins regularly. Set aside time for spiritual growth and refuse anything that can take you from it.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” Hebrews 12.1
*We should not follow traditions today. The Bible is our only authoritative source of Divine truth. When II Thessalonians was written, the New Testament was not yet completed. The apostles were still living and much of Christian doctrine was in the form of oral tradition.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/6/26 "You Are Chosen!"
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” II Thessalonians 2.13
In contrast to the people we saw yesterday who were deluded by false doctrine and rejected the truth, Paul now expresses thanksgiving for those who have believed the truth. When we hear the Gospel and believe that Christ died for our sins, we become God’s chosen people.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” I Peter 2.9
Being chosen (elected) means that we enter God’s eternal plan. This plan is revealed in Ephesians chapter 1:
“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” v.3
“Having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.“ v.11-12
We see the same pattern in Paul’s letter to the Romans:
“For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8.29-30
“It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Thessalonians 2.14
To properly understand God’s program of election and predestination, we must recognize that it is something He does for saved people only. The idea that God chooses some to be saved and some to be lost is not based on scripture. God’s purpose and plan is that those who are in Christ are predestined to become like Christ. The process that makes us like Christ is know as sanctification. As we grow in Christ by studying His Word, we become more like Him. Sanctification ultimately results in glorification at Christ’s return.
“We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3.2
“We eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,…who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body….” Philippians 3.20-21
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
In contrast to the people we saw yesterday who were deluded by false doctrine and rejected the truth, Paul now expresses thanksgiving for those who have believed the truth. When we hear the Gospel and believe that Christ died for our sins, we become God’s chosen people.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” I Peter 2.9
Being chosen (elected) means that we enter God’s eternal plan. This plan is revealed in Ephesians chapter 1:
“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” v.3
“Having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.“ v.11-12
We see the same pattern in Paul’s letter to the Romans:
“For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8.29-30
“It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Thessalonians 2.14
To properly understand God’s program of election and predestination, we must recognize that it is something He does for saved people only. The idea that God chooses some to be saved and some to be lost is not based on scripture. God’s purpose and plan is that those who are in Christ are predestined to become like Christ. The process that makes us like Christ is know as sanctification. As we grow in Christ by studying His Word, we become more like Him. Sanctification ultimately results in glorification at Christ’s return.
“We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3.2
“We eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,…who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body….” Philippians 3.20-21
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/5/26 "Strong Delusion"
”For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” II Thessalonians 2.11-12
This chapter deals with the seven-year Tribulation that will come upon this world.We have seen several times that all born-again Christians will be removed prior to the Tribulation by the Rapture. The unbelievers that are left behind will be deceived by the lies of the false religion of Antichrist. Satan uses false religion blind people to the truth.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” II Corinthians 4.4
Those who refuse to believe the Gospel prior to the Rapture will be unable to change their minds once the Tribulation begins. This is because of the strong deluding influence mentioned above.
In the Bible, we often see this principle of judicial hardening. When people repeatedly reject the Word of God, they become calloused or hardened to the truth and no longer have a choice. This is seen in the case of the Pharaoh of the Exodus. Pharaoh refused God seven times and then we read that “God hardened his heart.” When this hardening takes place, it becomes impossible to believe.
The religious Jews of Jesus' day heard His teaching and saw His miracles and instead of believing Him, they demanded His death. Therefore they could not believe, because that Isaiah said again, "He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." John 12.39-40
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts……Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts". Romans 1.21,24
I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Isaiah 66.4
“Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6.10
This should serve as a warning to those who think that they can delay and put off believing in Christ. It will be too late once the rapture occurs. This strong delusion will come upon those who did not believe when God gave them the opportunity.
DON'T WAIT!
“Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” II Corinthians 6.2
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
This chapter deals with the seven-year Tribulation that will come upon this world.We have seen several times that all born-again Christians will be removed prior to the Tribulation by the Rapture. The unbelievers that are left behind will be deceived by the lies of the false religion of Antichrist. Satan uses false religion blind people to the truth.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” II Corinthians 4.4
Those who refuse to believe the Gospel prior to the Rapture will be unable to change their minds once the Tribulation begins. This is because of the strong deluding influence mentioned above.
In the Bible, we often see this principle of judicial hardening. When people repeatedly reject the Word of God, they become calloused or hardened to the truth and no longer have a choice. This is seen in the case of the Pharaoh of the Exodus. Pharaoh refused God seven times and then we read that “God hardened his heart.” When this hardening takes place, it becomes impossible to believe.
The religious Jews of Jesus' day heard His teaching and saw His miracles and instead of believing Him, they demanded His death. Therefore they could not believe, because that Isaiah said again, "He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." John 12.39-40
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts……Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts". Romans 1.21,24
I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Isaiah 66.4
“Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6.10
This should serve as a warning to those who think that they can delay and put off believing in Christ. It will be too late once the rapture occurs. This strong delusion will come upon those who did not believe when God gave them the opportunity.
DON'T WAIT!
“Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” II Corinthians 6.2
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/4/26 "The Power of Antichrist"
“The one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” II THESSALONIANS 2.9-10
Antichrist, the world leader of the Tribulation, will amaze the people of that day by his spectacular rise to power. He will demonstrate his diplomatic skills by bringing peace to the middle-east and convincing the nations of the world to follow him. The people of Israel will accept him as their messiah. The people who have been left behind for the Tribulation have rejected Jesus, the true Christ, and accepted a counterfeit, the false christ. Those who reject Jesus Christ are blinded by Satan and easily led astray (cf. II Corinthians 4.4).
Jesus Himself predicted: “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” John 5.43
Many will be fooled by Antichrist’s ability to perform miracles, but they will not recognize that his power comes from Satan. Like Judas Iscariot, Antichrist will allow Satan to control him and enter his body.
He also gets help from his assistant, a second beast, known as the False Prophet, who leads the world in the worship of the beast;
"And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived." Revelation 13.13-14
The world is deceived by what appears to be a resurrection or a supernatural healing of a fatal wound.
“One of the heads of the beast appeared to have been mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.” Revelation 13.
It is important to recognize that Satan can perform miracles. The sorcerers of Egypt duplicated some of the plagues. Jesus warned: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.” Matthew 24.24
We read of similar deception in the New Testament; "Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.” Acts 8. 9-11
We cannot assume all miracles are from God. The ultimate test of a preacher is that his preaching conforms to the Word of God. False teachers are ministers of Satan. Satan is behind all false doctrine. He can perform miracles to cause people to be deceived and follow his servants.
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.”
II Corinthians 11.13-15
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Antichrist, the world leader of the Tribulation, will amaze the people of that day by his spectacular rise to power. He will demonstrate his diplomatic skills by bringing peace to the middle-east and convincing the nations of the world to follow him. The people of Israel will accept him as their messiah. The people who have been left behind for the Tribulation have rejected Jesus, the true Christ, and accepted a counterfeit, the false christ. Those who reject Jesus Christ are blinded by Satan and easily led astray (cf. II Corinthians 4.4).
Jesus Himself predicted: “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” John 5.43
Many will be fooled by Antichrist’s ability to perform miracles, but they will not recognize that his power comes from Satan. Like Judas Iscariot, Antichrist will allow Satan to control him and enter his body.
He also gets help from his assistant, a second beast, known as the False Prophet, who leads the world in the worship of the beast;
"And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived." Revelation 13.13-14
The world is deceived by what appears to be a resurrection or a supernatural healing of a fatal wound.
“One of the heads of the beast appeared to have been mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.” Revelation 13.
It is important to recognize that Satan can perform miracles. The sorcerers of Egypt duplicated some of the plagues. Jesus warned: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.” Matthew 24.24
We read of similar deception in the New Testament; "Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.” Acts 8. 9-11
We cannot assume all miracles are from God. The ultimate test of a preacher is that his preaching conforms to the Word of God. False teachers are ministers of Satan. Satan is behind all false doctrine. He can perform miracles to cause people to be deceived and follow his servants.
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.”
II Corinthians 11.13-15
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/3/26 "The Destruction of Antichrist"
“Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;” II Thessalonians 2.8
If you have been reading these e-mails over the past few weeks, you have probably noticed that I Thessalonians tells us about the Rapture (4.13-18,) while II Thessalonians emphasizes the second phase of Christ’s return, which we call the Revelation. These are clearly separate events; the Rapture
rescues believers, while the Revelation brings judgement to unbelievers.
The Revelation takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation when Jesus overthrows the evil systems of government and religion. The leaders of these systems will be removed and thrown into the lake of
fire.
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19.29
The lake of fire is a place of horrible suffering and punishment. All those who do not put their faith in Jesus Christ will be there along with Satan and his demons. There is no end to eternal damnation. It is falsely taught that eternal death means annihilation. This error proposes that those who die without Christ simply cease to exist. Revelation 20.10 refutes this theory;
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Observe above that the beast (Antichrist) and his false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire before the 1000 year kingdom. Satan is sent there after the 1000 years. The beast and the false prophet have
already been in the lake of fire for 1000 years! They never get out.
The lake of fire was originally created for the devil and his angels (cf. Matthew 24.41.) If you believe that Christ died for you, you will never go there!
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8.1
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3.9
“…God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a
knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2.3-4
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
If you have been reading these e-mails over the past few weeks, you have probably noticed that I Thessalonians tells us about the Rapture (4.13-18,) while II Thessalonians emphasizes the second phase of Christ’s return, which we call the Revelation. These are clearly separate events; the Rapture
rescues believers, while the Revelation brings judgement to unbelievers.
The Revelation takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation when Jesus overthrows the evil systems of government and religion. The leaders of these systems will be removed and thrown into the lake of
fire.
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19.29
The lake of fire is a place of horrible suffering and punishment. All those who do not put their faith in Jesus Christ will be there along with Satan and his demons. There is no end to eternal damnation. It is falsely taught that eternal death means annihilation. This error proposes that those who die without Christ simply cease to exist. Revelation 20.10 refutes this theory;
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Observe above that the beast (Antichrist) and his false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire before the 1000 year kingdom. Satan is sent there after the 1000 years. The beast and the false prophet have
already been in the lake of fire for 1000 years! They never get out.
The lake of fire was originally created for the devil and his angels (cf. Matthew 24.41.) If you believe that Christ died for you, you will never go there!
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8.1
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3.9
“…God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a
knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2.3-4
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/2/26 "2 Destructive Teachings"
“Some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,”
I Timothy 4.2
In today’s world there are many false religious teachings that can poison our minds. The best protection against false doctrine is to know the truth. The Berean Christians were an excellent example for us:
“The people of Berea …. searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Acts 17.11
There are two false doctrines that are so destructive that they can send a person to Hell.
The first is any denial regarding the deity or humanity of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus is fully man and fully God. He is equal and eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is not God, He
cannot save anyone. If Jesus did not become man, He could not die.
“In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw His glory, the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth.“ John 1.1,12
“I and my Father are one.” John 10.30
“Thomas answered and said unto him, “My Lord and my God.’” John 20.28
"But about the Son He (the Father) says, 'Your throne, O God, will last
for ever and ever...' Hebrews 1.8
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6
The second destructive heresy is a Gospel that includes man’s works.
“If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” Galatians 1.8
The false teachers of Galatia taught that faith in Christ is not enough. They said that in order to be saved, one must keep the Law and be circumcised. Theirs was a gospel of faith plus works.
When any form of human effort or ritual is added to faith, the Gospel becomes a false gospel that cannot save.
The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift; it is not earned or deserved. Works are excluded.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2.8-9
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3.5
“If by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11.6
In many churches, various forms of works are added to the simple truth of “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16.31)
Instead we hear “believe and be baptized,”….. “believe and turn from your sin,”…. “believe and keep the commandments” “believe and join the church,” or “believe and be a better person.”
The great theologian, Lewis Sperry Chafer said it better than I can:
“The idea that man can stand on the basis of his personal worthiness is the chief heresy, opposing the doctrine of grace…it so permeates the church that few who preach are able to exclude it from their attempts at gospel preaching……whenever the element of human merit is allowed to intrude into the presentation of the plan of salvation, the message is satanic to that extent.”
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
I Timothy 4.2
In today’s world there are many false religious teachings that can poison our minds. The best protection against false doctrine is to know the truth. The Berean Christians were an excellent example for us:
“The people of Berea …. searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Acts 17.11
There are two false doctrines that are so destructive that they can send a person to Hell.
The first is any denial regarding the deity or humanity of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus is fully man and fully God. He is equal and eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is not God, He
cannot save anyone. If Jesus did not become man, He could not die.
“In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw His glory, the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth.“ John 1.1,12
“I and my Father are one.” John 10.30
“Thomas answered and said unto him, “My Lord and my God.’” John 20.28
"But about the Son He (the Father) says, 'Your throne, O God, will last
for ever and ever...' Hebrews 1.8
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6
The second destructive heresy is a Gospel that includes man’s works.
“If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” Galatians 1.8
The false teachers of Galatia taught that faith in Christ is not enough. They said that in order to be saved, one must keep the Law and be circumcised. Theirs was a gospel of faith plus works.
When any form of human effort or ritual is added to faith, the Gospel becomes a false gospel that cannot save.
The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift; it is not earned or deserved. Works are excluded.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2.8-9
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3.5
“If by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11.6
In many churches, various forms of works are added to the simple truth of “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16.31)
Instead we hear “believe and be baptized,”….. “believe and turn from your sin,”…. “believe and keep the commandments” “believe and join the church,” or “believe and be a better person.”
The great theologian, Lewis Sperry Chafer said it better than I can:
“The idea that man can stand on the basis of his personal worthiness is the chief heresy, opposing the doctrine of grace…it so permeates the church that few who preach are able to exclude it from their attempts at gospel preaching……whenever the element of human merit is allowed to intrude into the presentation of the plan of salvation, the message is satanic to that extent.”
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
3/1/26 "Dealing With Fear, Anxiety & Shame"
Today, I want to return to a topic we talked about a few months ago...
Have you ever felt fearful, worried, anxious, or ashamed? All of us have had these feeling at one time or another and you may be experiencing them right now. These feelings which can be intense and even overwhelming, are usually the result of a betrayal, being taken advantage of or lied to, personal failures, illnesses, financial hardships, a broken relationship, or the loss of someone close to you.
I have heard it said that the words "fear not" occur 365 different times in the Bible, and as someone has pointed out, "That's one "fear not" for every day of the year!"
The Psalmist said, "At times when I am afraid, I will trust in You." (Psalm 56:3)
Trust is a synonym for faith, and trust in God is what takes away our fear, worry and anxiety.
1 John 4:18 tells us, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear..."
When we understand and believe the truth that God really loves us, His "perfect love" drives away our fear. Knowing that we always have His unconditional and undeserved acceptance and approval "in Christ", gives us peace in the middle of the storm (cf. Philippians 4:6&7). And peace is what God desires for us!
"In peace I will lie down and I will sleep, for you alone, O LORD, keep me safe." (Psalm 4:8)
Often the torment of fear, worry and anxiety is self-inflicted, and subconsciously we may even be trying to punish ourselves for our failure or lack of insight, or vulnerability, but this is not God's way. Instead, He is "the God of all Comfort" who longs to comfort us in all our trials, troubles and tribulations... (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3&4)
And..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind..." (2 Timothy 1:7)
When you are anxious or afraid, the Bible tells you to "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you... And, "to cast all of your cares upon Him for He cares for you." (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)
Do you have an anxious or troubled heart today? Are you feeling fearful or afraid? Cast your burden on the Lord and allow His perfect love to cast out your fear! God's love for you never changes due to your circumstances. His love for you is unrelenting and unending!
Your part (my part), is to let His love flow into our hearts, minds, thoughts and feelings. "For nothing can ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:38&39)
Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You..."
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
Have you ever felt fearful, worried, anxious, or ashamed? All of us have had these feeling at one time or another and you may be experiencing them right now. These feelings which can be intense and even overwhelming, are usually the result of a betrayal, being taken advantage of or lied to, personal failures, illnesses, financial hardships, a broken relationship, or the loss of someone close to you.
I have heard it said that the words "fear not" occur 365 different times in the Bible, and as someone has pointed out, "That's one "fear not" for every day of the year!"
The Psalmist said, "At times when I am afraid, I will trust in You." (Psalm 56:3)
Trust is a synonym for faith, and trust in God is what takes away our fear, worry and anxiety.
1 John 4:18 tells us, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear..."
When we understand and believe the truth that God really loves us, His "perfect love" drives away our fear. Knowing that we always have His unconditional and undeserved acceptance and approval "in Christ", gives us peace in the middle of the storm (cf. Philippians 4:6&7). And peace is what God desires for us!
"In peace I will lie down and I will sleep, for you alone, O LORD, keep me safe." (Psalm 4:8)
Often the torment of fear, worry and anxiety is self-inflicted, and subconsciously we may even be trying to punish ourselves for our failure or lack of insight, or vulnerability, but this is not God's way. Instead, He is "the God of all Comfort" who longs to comfort us in all our trials, troubles and tribulations... (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3&4)
And..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind..." (2 Timothy 1:7)
When you are anxious or afraid, the Bible tells you to "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you... And, "to cast all of your cares upon Him for He cares for you." (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)
Do you have an anxious or troubled heart today? Are you feeling fearful or afraid? Cast your burden on the Lord and allow His perfect love to cast out your fear! God's love for you never changes due to your circumstances. His love for you is unrelenting and unending!
Your part (my part), is to let His love flow into our hearts, minds, thoughts and feelings. "For nothing can ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:38&39)
Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You..."
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
2/28/26 "The Mystery of Lawlessness"
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work...” II THESSALONIANS 2.7
II Thessalonians chapter 2 focuses our attention on Antichrist, a world ruler who will rise to power during the seven year Tribulation. He is also a religious leader who will be in dwelt and empowered by Satan.
Although his appearance on the world scene is still future, his doctrine (his teaching) is already in the world. Paul calls it the “Mystery of Lawlessness.”
John calls this system of false doctrine “the spirit of antichrist.”
“Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.” I John 4.3
“Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.” I John 2.18
Since Antichrist will be in dwelt by Satan, we can conclude that his message will be from Satan. Thus the spirit of antichrist and the mystery of lawlessness both refer to false religion.
Paul warned Timothy about the rise of false religion and said it originated from demons who follow Satan.
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times (the church age) some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons..." I Timothy 4.2
Peter also warns of the rise of false teachers:
"Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. II Peter 2.1
The doctrines and teachings of Antichrist are in the world today. Those who teach these false doctrines are servants of Satan.
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” II Corinthians 11.13-15
As believers, we must recognize and avoid these false teachers and their destructive heresies. They have found their way into churches and denominations that pretend to be Christian. They are also on television, radio and the internet in large numbers.
Next time, we will examine the two most common false teachings.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
II Thessalonians chapter 2 focuses our attention on Antichrist, a world ruler who will rise to power during the seven year Tribulation. He is also a religious leader who will be in dwelt and empowered by Satan.
Although his appearance on the world scene is still future, his doctrine (his teaching) is already in the world. Paul calls it the “Mystery of Lawlessness.”
John calls this system of false doctrine “the spirit of antichrist.”
“Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.” I John 4.3
“Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.” I John 2.18
Since Antichrist will be in dwelt by Satan, we can conclude that his message will be from Satan. Thus the spirit of antichrist and the mystery of lawlessness both refer to false religion.
Paul warned Timothy about the rise of false religion and said it originated from demons who follow Satan.
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times (the church age) some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons..." I Timothy 4.2
Peter also warns of the rise of false teachers:
"Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. II Peter 2.1
The doctrines and teachings of Antichrist are in the world today. Those who teach these false doctrines are servants of Satan.
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” II Corinthians 11.13-15
As believers, we must recognize and avoid these false teachers and their destructive heresies. They have found their way into churches and denominations that pretend to be Christian. They are also on television, radio and the internet in large numbers.
Next time, we will examine the two most common false teachings.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/27/26 "Who is Antichrist?" Pt.3
“You know what restrains him (Antichrist) now, so that in his time he will be revealed….He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way…….Then that lawless one will be revealed.” II Thessalonians 2.6-8
You will recall from our previous study (on 2/24/26) that the church at Thessalonica had received a false message, pretending to be from Paul. It was apparently a forged letter telling them that the Day of the Lord had come. Paul refutes that erroneous claim by reminding us that the Day of the Lord will not arrive until Antichrist is revealed. Furthermore, we learn that Anti-christ will not be revealed until the restrainer is
taken away.
The big question is: Who is the restrainer?
I believe the best answer is the Holy Spirit. During the church age, The Holy Spirit lives in every believer. At the Rapture, every believer leaves the earth and the Spirit leaves with them. The absence of believers’ influence in the world, and the removal of the Spirit, will allow for unrestrained Satanic activity. Antichrist will rise to power and evil will prevail. The seven years of the Tribulation will be the worst time in human history. The entire world will experience the wrath of God. The judgements of the Tribulation are the seals, trumpets, and bowls described in Revelation chapters 6 through 6.
The only way you can avoid the terrible events of the Tribulation is to become a child of God.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3.26
“But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”. John 1.12
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God...” I John 5.1
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
You will recall from our previous study (on 2/24/26) that the church at Thessalonica had received a false message, pretending to be from Paul. It was apparently a forged letter telling them that the Day of the Lord had come. Paul refutes that erroneous claim by reminding us that the Day of the Lord will not arrive until Antichrist is revealed. Furthermore, we learn that Anti-christ will not be revealed until the restrainer is
taken away.
The big question is: Who is the restrainer?
I believe the best answer is the Holy Spirit. During the church age, The Holy Spirit lives in every believer. At the Rapture, every believer leaves the earth and the Spirit leaves with them. The absence of believers’ influence in the world, and the removal of the Spirit, will allow for unrestrained Satanic activity. Antichrist will rise to power and evil will prevail. The seven years of the Tribulation will be the worst time in human history. The entire world will experience the wrath of God. The judgements of the Tribulation are the seals, trumpets, and bowls described in Revelation chapters 6 through 6.
The only way you can avoid the terrible events of the Tribulation is to become a child of God.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3.26
“But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”. John 1.12
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God...” I John 5.1
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/26/26 "Who is Antichrist?" Pt.2
“He takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?” II Thessalonians 2.4-5
During the Tribulation, Antichrist will rule the world. He will be a political leader as well as a religious leader. He will pretend to be the Messiah and deceive the Jewish people. He will re-build their temple and restore the sacrificial system that ended in 70 A.D. He will make a seven-year covenant with Israel that guarantees their security (Daniel 9.27).
In the middle of the seven-year Tribulation, he will break his covenant with Israel and stop the sacrifices. He will occupy the temple and demand that the Jews worship him. This is known in scripture as the
“Abomination of Desolation” (Matthew 24.15, Daniel 9.27).
When Antichrist is not personally present in the temple, an image in his likeness will be worshipped. This image will actually be able to breathe and speak like a man;
(They) “make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. Revelation 13.14-15
The world of the Tribulation will have one ruler and one religion. People will be required to have a mark of allegiance on their foreheads. Those who refuse to take the mark will be killed. True Christians will
refuse to worship the beast or take his mark. They will pay with their lives.
“All people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, (must)
receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one
could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the
number of its name. Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has
insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a
man, and that number is 666.” Revelation 13.16-18
Many attempts have been made to identify the beast by the number 666. I do not believe his identity will be revealed until the church is removed and the Tribulation begins.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
During the Tribulation, Antichrist will rule the world. He will be a political leader as well as a religious leader. He will pretend to be the Messiah and deceive the Jewish people. He will re-build their temple and restore the sacrificial system that ended in 70 A.D. He will make a seven-year covenant with Israel that guarantees their security (Daniel 9.27).
In the middle of the seven-year Tribulation, he will break his covenant with Israel and stop the sacrifices. He will occupy the temple and demand that the Jews worship him. This is known in scripture as the
“Abomination of Desolation” (Matthew 24.15, Daniel 9.27).
When Antichrist is not personally present in the temple, an image in his likeness will be worshipped. This image will actually be able to breathe and speak like a man;
(They) “make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. Revelation 13.14-15
The world of the Tribulation will have one ruler and one religion. People will be required to have a mark of allegiance on their foreheads. Those who refuse to take the mark will be killed. True Christians will
refuse to worship the beast or take his mark. They will pay with their lives.
“All people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, (must)
receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one
could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the
number of its name. Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has
insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a
man, and that number is 666.” Revelation 13.16-18
Many attempts have been made to identify the beast by the number 666. I do not believe his identity will be revealed until the church is removed and the Tribulation begins.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/25/26 "Who is Antihrist?"
"The man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship." IIThessalonians 2.3-4
Yesterday we saw the order of prophetic events as revealed in Scripture. In the present age, the age of the church, we live in expectation of the Rapture. Christ will come to the clouds at any time and take all
believers to Heaven. Following the Rapture comes the Day of the Lord which includes the seven-year Tribulation.
Today we learn of a fearsome world leader, known as Antichrist who will rise to power during the Tribulation. The Bible contains many other names for this person; “The Beast out of the sea” (Revelation 13.1), “The Little Horn” (Daniel 7.8, 8.9), “The Willful King” (Daniel 11.36).
We can learn much about this man by examining the word “Antichrist” (I John 2.18,22, 4.3). The Greek prefix “anti” means “against” or “instead of.” He will wage war against the cause of Christ and attempt to
destroy His followers. He will be a counterfeit messiah who will demand to be worshipped.
“He was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” Revelation 13.7-8
“Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. Daniel 11.36-37
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Yesterday we saw the order of prophetic events as revealed in Scripture. In the present age, the age of the church, we live in expectation of the Rapture. Christ will come to the clouds at any time and take all
believers to Heaven. Following the Rapture comes the Day of the Lord which includes the seven-year Tribulation.
Today we learn of a fearsome world leader, known as Antichrist who will rise to power during the Tribulation. The Bible contains many other names for this person; “The Beast out of the sea” (Revelation 13.1), “The Little Horn” (Daniel 7.8, 8.9), “The Willful King” (Daniel 11.36).
We can learn much about this man by examining the word “Antichrist” (I John 2.18,22, 4.3). The Greek prefix “anti” means “against” or “instead of.” He will wage war against the cause of Christ and attempt to
destroy His followers. He will be a counterfeit messiah who will demand to be worshipped.
“He was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” Revelation 13.7-8
“Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. Daniel 11.36-37
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/24/26 "Has the Day of the Lord Arrived?"
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the
Lord has come” II Thessalonians 2.1-2
The church at Thessalonica had somehow received a message that told them that the Day of the Lord had come. If this were true, it would mean that they would soon experience the terrible judgements described in Revelation 6-18. Paul suspected that a false teacher had sent a letter
that claimed to be from him.
Paul explains why these these Christians could not possibly be living in the Day of the Lord;
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first” II Thessalonians 2.3
The “apostasy” must precede the Day of the Lord. The Greek word apostasy means departure from the faith. In our day we see the fulfillment of what Paul predicted.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them
to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” I Timothy 4.1-3
“For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” II Timothy 4.3-4
Jesus also warned of the rise of false teaching:
At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, / and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. Matthew 24.10-11
Likewise we have a warning from Peter:
“…..There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. II Peter 2.1
The professing Christian church has been corrupted with many false
teachings. There are cults that deny that Jesus is God. Many mainstream
denominations teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. Preachers
teach that you can lose your salvation. Various requirements for good
works and self-improvement are added to the gospel of grace and faith
alone.
Things will get even worse before the Day of the Lord comes.
The order of future events is as follows: The church will depart from
the earth at the rapture; next, the Day of the Lord begins with the
judgements of the tribulation; after seven years of devastation on
earth, Christ returns to establish His 1000 year kingdom. We reign with
Him. At the end of the 1000 years, the earth and heavens are destroyed
and unbelievers are judged and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation
20.11-15.). The kingdom of God is moved from earth to heaven and
continues forever (Revelation 21-22.)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Lord has come” II Thessalonians 2.1-2
The church at Thessalonica had somehow received a message that told them that the Day of the Lord had come. If this were true, it would mean that they would soon experience the terrible judgements described in Revelation 6-18. Paul suspected that a false teacher had sent a letter
that claimed to be from him.
Paul explains why these these Christians could not possibly be living in the Day of the Lord;
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first” II Thessalonians 2.3
The “apostasy” must precede the Day of the Lord. The Greek word apostasy means departure from the faith. In our day we see the fulfillment of what Paul predicted.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them
to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” I Timothy 4.1-3
“For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” II Timothy 4.3-4
Jesus also warned of the rise of false teaching:
At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, / and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. Matthew 24.10-11
Likewise we have a warning from Peter:
“…..There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. II Peter 2.1
The professing Christian church has been corrupted with many false
teachings. There are cults that deny that Jesus is God. Many mainstream
denominations teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. Preachers
teach that you can lose your salvation. Various requirements for good
works and self-improvement are added to the gospel of grace and faith
alone.
Things will get even worse before the Day of the Lord comes.
The order of future events is as follows: The church will depart from
the earth at the rapture; next, the Day of the Lord begins with the
judgements of the tribulation; after seven years of devastation on
earth, Christ returns to establish His 1000 year kingdom. We reign with
Him. At the end of the 1000 years, the earth and heavens are destroyed
and unbelievers are judged and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation
20.11-15.). The kingdom of God is moved from earth to heaven and
continues forever (Revelation 21-22.)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/23/26 "3 Requests for Us All"
"To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." II Thessalonians 1.11-12
In this prayer, Paul lists 3 requests for the Christians at Thessalonica. These are 3 goals for which every Christian should strive:
1. A worthy walk. The word “worthy” means “having equal weight or value. We are children of God. Children often reflect mannerisms and characteristics of their parents. Does our behavior reveal our relationship to our Heavenly Father?
“Be imitators of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5.1
2. Fulfilling God’s plan for your life.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5.17
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12.2
God’s plan for us is that we do good and faithfully work for Him.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Ephesians 2.10
3. Glorify God and His Son, Jesus. The Westminster Confession states: “The chief end of man is to glorify God...”
To glorify God means to bring attention to Him. People should see God’s love, grace, patience, and generosity in us. This proposition is based on scripture:
“You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6.20
"Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10.31
"In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1.11-12
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." I Peter 2.9
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
In this prayer, Paul lists 3 requests for the Christians at Thessalonica. These are 3 goals for which every Christian should strive:
1. A worthy walk. The word “worthy” means “having equal weight or value. We are children of God. Children often reflect mannerisms and characteristics of their parents. Does our behavior reveal our relationship to our Heavenly Father?
“Be imitators of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5.1
2. Fulfilling God’s plan for your life.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5.17
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12.2
God’s plan for us is that we do good and faithfully work for Him.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Ephesians 2.10
3. Glorify God and His Son, Jesus. The Westminster Confession states: “The chief end of man is to glorify God...”
To glorify God means to bring attention to Him. People should see God’s love, grace, patience, and generosity in us. This proposition is based on scripture:
“You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6.20
"Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10.31
"In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1.11-12
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." I Peter 2.9
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/22/26 "The Blood of Christ"
The word "blood" occurs 447 different times in the Old and New Testaments. Today we'll consider 5 distinct things that the shedding of Christ's blood has accomplished for every believer.
#1. We have been forgiven by His blood. Ephesians 1:7 says that "through His blood, we have the the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which he lavished upon us..."
#2. We have been justified by His blood - We have been pronounced 'perfectly righteous forever' through Christ's blood. Romans 3:24&25 tells us that sinners are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption [the price paid on the cross] that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement [a sacrifice of propitiation], through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith."
#3. We have been saved from God's wrath by His blood. Romans 5:8&9 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"
#4. We have been redeemed by His blood. This means that we have been purchased and set free by His blood. Ephesians 1:7 says "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins..." Revelation 1:5 says, He "has freed us from our sins by his blood..."; Romans 3:24&25 says our redemption is through the shedding of Christ's blood; and 1 Peter 1:18 says that we have been redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
#5. We have gained access to God by His blood. Hebrews 10:19&20 says "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus..."
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
#1. We have been forgiven by His blood. Ephesians 1:7 says that "through His blood, we have the the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which he lavished upon us..."
#2. We have been justified by His blood - We have been pronounced 'perfectly righteous forever' through Christ's blood. Romans 3:24&25 tells us that sinners are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption [the price paid on the cross] that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement [a sacrifice of propitiation], through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith."
#3. We have been saved from God's wrath by His blood. Romans 5:8&9 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"
#4. We have been redeemed by His blood. This means that we have been purchased and set free by His blood. Ephesians 1:7 says "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins..." Revelation 1:5 says, He "has freed us from our sins by his blood..."; Romans 3:24&25 says our redemption is through the shedding of Christ's blood; and 1 Peter 1:18 says that we have been redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
#5. We have gained access to God by His blood. Hebrews 10:19&20 says "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus..."
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
2/21/26 "The Day of the Lord"
“When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed.” II Thessalonians 1.10
The day of the Lord is not a 24 hour day. It includes the 7 year tribulation, and the return of Christ to set up His kingdom on earth. The Rapture is part of the “Day of Christ.” We discussed the distinction between these days on February 19th.
Another distinction between these two days can be seen by comparing I Thessalonians 4.13 with 3.13. In 4:13, Christ returns for His saints, while in 3.13, He comes with His saints.
The prospect for the believer is quite exciting. We will be taken to Heaven at the Rapture. We will enjoy the pleasures of Christ’s presence during the 7 year Tribulation (cf. Psalm 16.11). When He returns to earth, we will come with Him. Space travel will be possible because we will have glorified bodies just like Jesus had when He rose from the dead (cf. Philippians 3.21)
Jesus will rule this world for 1000 years and we will reign with Him along with the believers who died during the Tribulation...
“I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God…..They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years….. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20.4-6
More about the millennial (thousand year) kingdom can be found in the book of Isaiah.
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to
the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2.2-3
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11.6-9
“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.” Isaiah 65.19-20
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
The day of the Lord is not a 24 hour day. It includes the 7 year tribulation, and the return of Christ to set up His kingdom on earth. The Rapture is part of the “Day of Christ.” We discussed the distinction between these days on February 19th.
Another distinction between these two days can be seen by comparing I Thessalonians 4.13 with 3.13. In 4:13, Christ returns for His saints, while in 3.13, He comes with His saints.
The prospect for the believer is quite exciting. We will be taken to Heaven at the Rapture. We will enjoy the pleasures of Christ’s presence during the 7 year Tribulation (cf. Psalm 16.11). When He returns to earth, we will come with Him. Space travel will be possible because we will have glorified bodies just like Jesus had when He rose from the dead (cf. Philippians 3.21)
Jesus will rule this world for 1000 years and we will reign with Him along with the believers who died during the Tribulation...
“I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God…..They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years….. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20.4-6
More about the millennial (thousand year) kingdom can be found in the book of Isaiah.
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to
the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2.2-3
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11.6-9
“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.” Isaiah 65.19-20
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/20/26 "Is Hell Real?"
“These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” II Thessalonians 1.9
There are 2 places where you can spend eternity; Heaven (the New Jerusalem) and Hell (the Lake of Fire.)
Those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins will live with Him in the Heavenly city that He has prepared. This glorious city is described in Revelation 21 and 22.
“And so we shall be forever with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4.17
Those who reject Christ and depend on their own works will spend eternity in a place of condemnation and suffering.
"Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God……The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3.18,36
Jesus spoke more about Hell than Heaven:
“And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13.42
"Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" Matthew 25.41
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25.46
“It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.” Mark 9.43-44
“...he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest..." Revelation 14.10-11
"And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20.15
Perhaps the worst part of Hell will be knowing you didn’t have to be there. God did everything possible to save you from Hell. "He is not willing that any should perish..." (II Peter 3.9.) Jesus paid for your sins and offers you eternal life as a gift. If you die without trusting in Christ to save you, there is no second chance.
“It is appointed unto men once to die and after this comes judgement.” Hebrews 9.27
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay..…The Lord will judge his people…..It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10.30-21
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
There are 2 places where you can spend eternity; Heaven (the New Jerusalem) and Hell (the Lake of Fire.)
Those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins will live with Him in the Heavenly city that He has prepared. This glorious city is described in Revelation 21 and 22.
“And so we shall be forever with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4.17
Those who reject Christ and depend on their own works will spend eternity in a place of condemnation and suffering.
"Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God……The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3.18,36
Jesus spoke more about Hell than Heaven:
“And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13.42
"Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" Matthew 25.41
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25.46
“It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.” Mark 9.43-44
“...he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest..." Revelation 14.10-11
"And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20.15
Perhaps the worst part of Hell will be knowing you didn’t have to be there. God did everything possible to save you from Hell. "He is not willing that any should perish..." (II Peter 3.9.) Jesus paid for your sins and offers you eternal life as a gift. If you die without trusting in Christ to save you, there is no second chance.
“It is appointed unto men once to die and after this comes judgement.” Hebrews 9.27
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay..…The Lord will judge his people…..It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10.30-21
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/19/26 "Coming Fiery Judgment"
“When the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” II Thessalonians 1.7,8
The second coming of Christ will take place in two phases which must be distinguished. Bible teachers refer to the two phases as the Rapture and the Revelation.
We studied the Rapture on February 4th and 5th (you can review previous studies on the pages below).
Today, we learn about the Revelation. There are several differences between these two events.
1. At the Rapture, Christ returns to the clouds; at the Revelation, He returns to the earth.
2. At the Rapture, believers are taken to Heaven. At the Revelation, Jesus brings judgement and destruction to the unbelieving world.
3. The Rapture occurs just before the Tribulation begins; The Revelation brings the Tribulation to its end.
4. The Rapture concludes the Church Age; The Revelation brings in the 1000 year kingdom.
Here are some key scripture passages on the Revelation:
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24.30
“Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter.d He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” Revelation 19.11-14
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. Isaiah 66.14
“I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven…… And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7.13-14
“On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12.8-10
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
The second coming of Christ will take place in two phases which must be distinguished. Bible teachers refer to the two phases as the Rapture and the Revelation.
We studied the Rapture on February 4th and 5th (you can review previous studies on the pages below).
Today, we learn about the Revelation. There are several differences between these two events.
1. At the Rapture, Christ returns to the clouds; at the Revelation, He returns to the earth.
2. At the Rapture, believers are taken to Heaven. At the Revelation, Jesus brings judgement and destruction to the unbelieving world.
3. The Rapture occurs just before the Tribulation begins; The Revelation brings the Tribulation to its end.
4. The Rapture concludes the Church Age; The Revelation brings in the 1000 year kingdom.
Here are some key scripture passages on the Revelation:
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24.30
“Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter.d He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” Revelation 19.11-14
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. Isaiah 66.14
“I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven…… And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7.13-14
“On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12.8-10
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/18/26 "New Book Study"
Today, we begin a new study in the book of II Thessalonians, chapter 1...
“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”
II Thessalonians 1.1-4
Paul begins this second letter by complimenting these readers regarding their faith, love, and perseverance. These are among the greatest Christian virtues which all of us should possess. The spiritual maturity of these believers is amazing in light of the persecution they endured. Opposition to the Gospel was strong in Thessalonica, but the resulting persecution actually strengthened the church in two ways.
First of all, persecution rids the church of pretenders. Only true believers who really love God will persevere in difficult times. The rest will fall away. Jesus described these people in Matthew 13.20-21:
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
John says: “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” I John 2.19
Secondly, the church is strengthened because suffering builds up individual believers;
“We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;" Romans 5.3-4
“I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12.10
We can count on God to settle all accounts and correct all injustices;
“Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18.25
“This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well….” II Thessalonians 1.6-7
It is not our job to get even and right all wrongs.
“Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12.19
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”
II Thessalonians 1.1-4
Paul begins this second letter by complimenting these readers regarding their faith, love, and perseverance. These are among the greatest Christian virtues which all of us should possess. The spiritual maturity of these believers is amazing in light of the persecution they endured. Opposition to the Gospel was strong in Thessalonica, but the resulting persecution actually strengthened the church in two ways.
First of all, persecution rids the church of pretenders. Only true believers who really love God will persevere in difficult times. The rest will fall away. Jesus described these people in Matthew 13.20-21:
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
John says: “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” I John 2.19
Secondly, the church is strengthened because suffering builds up individual believers;
“We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;" Romans 5.3-4
“I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12.10
We can count on God to settle all accounts and correct all injustices;
“Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18.25
“This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well….” II Thessalonians 1.6-7
It is not our job to get even and right all wrongs.
“Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12.19
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/17/26 "Why We Pray"
“Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” I Thessalonians 5.25-28
Paul recognized that effective service for God depended on the prayers. In other places we see requests that are more specific;
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6.19
“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word….. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.” Colossians 4.3-4
“Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.” II Thessalonians 3.1
“Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.” Romans 15.31-32
“And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not
everyone holds to the faith.” II Thessalonians 3.2
“I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of
Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.”
Philippians 1.19
We should pray for our pastors and missionaries who spread the Gospel in other places. We should also pray for those who run our government.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.” I Timothy 2.1-2
When we meet together, we should express our love to one another with a kiss or a hug or a handshake, whichever is appropriate in our culture. We should make efforts to welcome outsiders and make them feel
comfortable.
Paul closes his letter with a request for more grace; grace from God, and grace toward one another.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Paul recognized that effective service for God depended on the prayers. In other places we see requests that are more specific;
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6.19
“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word….. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.” Colossians 4.3-4
“Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.” II Thessalonians 3.1
“Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.” Romans 15.31-32
“And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not
everyone holds to the faith.” II Thessalonians 3.2
“I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of
Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.”
Philippians 1.19
We should pray for our pastors and missionaries who spread the Gospel in other places. We should also pray for those who run our government.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.” I Timothy 2.1-2
When we meet together, we should express our love to one another with a kiss or a hug or a handshake, whichever is appropriate in our culture. We should make efforts to welcome outsiders and make them feel
comfortable.
Paul closes his letter with a request for more grace; grace from God, and grace toward one another.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/16/26 "God is Faithful"
“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” I Thessalonians 5.24
The faithfulness of God means that He always does the same thing. He can be depended upon; He keeps His promises.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7.9
“The lies of Ephraim and the lies of the people of Israel are all around Me. And Judah will not obey God, the One Who is holy and faithful.” Hosea 11.12
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Corinthians 1.9
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” II Timothy 2.13
The faithfulness of God also means that He always keeps His Word;
“God is not a man, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23.19
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1.2
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
The faithfulness of God means that He always does the same thing. He can be depended upon; He keeps His promises.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7.9
“The lies of Ephraim and the lies of the people of Israel are all around Me. And Judah will not obey God, the One Who is holy and faithful.” Hosea 11.12
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Corinthians 1.9
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” II Timothy 2.13
The faithfulness of God also means that He always keeps His Word;
“God is not a man, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23.19
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1.2
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/15/26 - "Heavenly Safe Deposit Box"
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5
The word “praise” means to honor and exalt. We honor and exalt God the Father because by His undeserved mercy and compassion, “He has given us new birth". As Peter puts it later in this chapter, we have been “born again by the living and enduring Word of God”. It is from the Word of God that we learn the gospel of our salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:13&14), and when we believe the gospel, we are born into God’s royal family.
This royal birth gives each and every believer what Peter calls “a living hope”, which amounts to the sure and confident expectation that we will be resurrected in the future, because of the fact that Jesus Himself has been resurrected. Because He lives forever, we too will live forever in His presence in heaven.
Our new birth also guarantees our eternal heavenly inheritance, which will "never perish, spoil or fade", which is another way of saying that it is everlasting and can never be lost, stolen or damaged. This is because it is not only guaranteed by the promise of God, but is also “kept in heaven for us” - that is to say, it is guarded and kept perfectly secure in our heavenly safe deposit box, by the power of God Himself.
This salvation, which includes our future inheritance and our ultimate glorification, is “ready to be revealed in the last time”. In other words, God is ready to pull back the curtain to unveil our glorious and magnificent heritage and endowment which is ours in Christ!
This should be a powerful motivation for us to be "looking" with great anticipation "for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" - who gave Himself up for us, to rescue us from this present evil age and to deliver us from the wrath to come!
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
The word “praise” means to honor and exalt. We honor and exalt God the Father because by His undeserved mercy and compassion, “He has given us new birth". As Peter puts it later in this chapter, we have been “born again by the living and enduring Word of God”. It is from the Word of God that we learn the gospel of our salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:13&14), and when we believe the gospel, we are born into God’s royal family.
This royal birth gives each and every believer what Peter calls “a living hope”, which amounts to the sure and confident expectation that we will be resurrected in the future, because of the fact that Jesus Himself has been resurrected. Because He lives forever, we too will live forever in His presence in heaven.
Our new birth also guarantees our eternal heavenly inheritance, which will "never perish, spoil or fade", which is another way of saying that it is everlasting and can never be lost, stolen or damaged. This is because it is not only guaranteed by the promise of God, but is also “kept in heaven for us” - that is to say, it is guarded and kept perfectly secure in our heavenly safe deposit box, by the power of God Himself.
This salvation, which includes our future inheritance and our ultimate glorification, is “ready to be revealed in the last time”. In other words, God is ready to pull back the curtain to unveil our glorious and magnificent heritage and endowment which is ours in Christ!
This should be a powerful motivation for us to be "looking" with great anticipation "for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" - who gave Himself up for us, to rescue us from this present evil age and to deliver us from the wrath to come!
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
2/14/26 - "Are You Sanctified?"
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5.23
Paul prays for these Christians that they would be sanctified.
The word “sanctify” means to set apart. In Old Testament times It was used of sacred vessels in the tabernacle. These items were only to be used for God’s service in the sacrificial system.
The believer’s primary purpose is to serve and glorify God. According
to Romans 12.2, our bodies are to be holy, living sacrifices. Our bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit;
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is
in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” I
Corinthians 6.19
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to
be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ." I Peter 2.5
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice
of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not neglect
to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is
pleased." Hebrews 13.15-16
“If a man therefore purge himself from these (dishonorable acts), he
shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use,
and prepared unto every good work.” II Timothy 2.21
Paul also asked that they, body soul and spirit, would be preserved
until Christ returned.
Although this did not happen, it reflects the belief that Jesus could
come in their lifetime. Every generation of Christians should have this
same expectation; Christ could come in our lifetime; He could come
today. The immediate possibility of Christ’s return is designed to
change the way we live.
“…We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
see him as He is. And every man that has this hope in him purifies
himself, even as He is pure.
I John 3.2-3
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Paul prays for these Christians that they would be sanctified.
The word “sanctify” means to set apart. In Old Testament times It was used of sacred vessels in the tabernacle. These items were only to be used for God’s service in the sacrificial system.
The believer’s primary purpose is to serve and glorify God. According
to Romans 12.2, our bodies are to be holy, living sacrifices. Our bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit;
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is
in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” I
Corinthians 6.19
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to
be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ." I Peter 2.5
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice
of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not neglect
to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is
pleased." Hebrews 13.15-16
“If a man therefore purge himself from these (dishonorable acts), he
shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use,
and prepared unto every good work.” II Timothy 2.21
Paul also asked that they, body soul and spirit, would be preserved
until Christ returned.
Although this did not happen, it reflects the belief that Jesus could
come in their lifetime. Every generation of Christians should have this
same expectation; Christ could come in our lifetime; He could come
today. The immediate possibility of Christ’s return is designed to
change the way we live.
“…We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
see him as He is. And every man that has this hope in him purifies
himself, even as He is pure.
I John 3.2-3
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/13/26 - "15 Commandments - Pt. 3"
11. ”Do not quench the Spirit." We are examining 15 commands presented in I Thessalonians 5.14-22. In the 11th, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God living in us; He helps us obey God’s commands.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” I Corinthians 6.19
The Spirit never leaves us, but He can be quenched (smothered.) We quench the Spirit when we sin. He no longer controls us. The flesh (sin nature) takes over and our fellowship with God is interrupted.
Our fellowship with God is restored when we confess our sins to God;
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1.9
12. ”Do not despise prophetic messages.” Prior to the completion of the Bible, God’s Word was given directly through His prophets. Today, any prophetic message comes from the written Word. There may be messages in the Bible that make us angry or uncomfortable but we must not ignore or reject them. Consider the final warning of Revelation 22.19:
“If anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City.”
13. ”Examine everything carefully.” Christians should not be gullible. Don’t believe everything you hear. Consider John’s warning:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I John 4.1
The people in Berea were wise because they compared the preaching of Paul to the scriptures to confirm the accuracy of his message. We should do this with every preacher we hear.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Acts 17.11
14. ”Hold fast to that which is good.” We must be careful about what enters our mind.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4.23
“For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23.7
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4.8
15. ”Abstain from every form of evil.” Sin comes in many forms; things we do and things we don’t do.
“….”To him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4.17
Furthermore, there are sins of word, thought, and deed.
We must be careful about what comes in through our eyes and ears, and
what comes out of our mouth.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3.6
Take these 15 commandments to heart. As you read them, you will see they
have much in common with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.22-23
and the character of love in I Corinthians 13.4-7. These are the
fundamentals of the Christian life!
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” I Corinthians 6.19
The Spirit never leaves us, but He can be quenched (smothered.) We quench the Spirit when we sin. He no longer controls us. The flesh (sin nature) takes over and our fellowship with God is interrupted.
Our fellowship with God is restored when we confess our sins to God;
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1.9
12. ”Do not despise prophetic messages.” Prior to the completion of the Bible, God’s Word was given directly through His prophets. Today, any prophetic message comes from the written Word. There may be messages in the Bible that make us angry or uncomfortable but we must not ignore or reject them. Consider the final warning of Revelation 22.19:
“If anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City.”
13. ”Examine everything carefully.” Christians should not be gullible. Don’t believe everything you hear. Consider John’s warning:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I John 4.1
The people in Berea were wise because they compared the preaching of Paul to the scriptures to confirm the accuracy of his message. We should do this with every preacher we hear.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Acts 17.11
14. ”Hold fast to that which is good.” We must be careful about what enters our mind.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4.23
“For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23.7
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4.8
15. ”Abstain from every form of evil.” Sin comes in many forms; things we do and things we don’t do.
“….”To him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4.17
Furthermore, there are sins of word, thought, and deed.
We must be careful about what comes in through our eyes and ears, and
what comes out of our mouth.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3.6
Take these 15 commandments to heart. As you read them, you will see they
have much in common with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.22-23
and the character of love in I Corinthians 13.4-7. These are the
fundamentals of the Christian life!
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/12/26 - "15 Commandments - Pt. 2"
We saw yesterday that Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with 15 super-practical exhortations. We examined the first five yesterday, one by one, and today we will look at five more in I Thessalonians
4.14-22.
Following these will greatly enhance our Christian life.
6. ”See that no one repays another with evil for evil.” Revenge is a normal human reaction, we always want to get even. But God would have us live on a higher level. Jesus is our example;
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” I Peter 2.23
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the LORD.” Romans 12.19
The alternative to revenge is forgiveness;
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4.32
7. “Always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” It is man’s nature to be self-centered. We live by phrases like What’s in it for me?” or, “Look out for number one” or, “I deserve
this.” The Bible gives us a different outlook:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2.3-4
8. Rejoice always; If you are not joyful today, look away from your circumstances and be glad that you are God’s child and your name is written in the book of life.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” I John 3.1
“….Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10.20
“Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”
Habakkuk 3.15-18
9. Pray without ceasing. You may say: 'How can I pray all day long?' The basic idea is God consciousness. Be aware that He is always with you, He knows your every thought and your every need. He is protecting you. You can talk to Him without speaking, ask Him to guide your every step.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3.6
10. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God has a perfect plan for your life.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12.2
God fits everything that comes into our life into that perfect plan;
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose.” Romans 8.28
Knowing that everything that happens is for our good and His purpose, we can be thankful for it.
There are five more commands in this chapter that we will look at tomorrow.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
4.14-22.
Following these will greatly enhance our Christian life.
6. ”See that no one repays another with evil for evil.” Revenge is a normal human reaction, we always want to get even. But God would have us live on a higher level. Jesus is our example;
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.” I Peter 2.23
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the LORD.” Romans 12.19
The alternative to revenge is forgiveness;
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4.32
7. “Always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” It is man’s nature to be self-centered. We live by phrases like What’s in it for me?” or, “Look out for number one” or, “I deserve
this.” The Bible gives us a different outlook:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2.3-4
8. Rejoice always; If you are not joyful today, look away from your circumstances and be glad that you are God’s child and your name is written in the book of life.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” I John 3.1
“….Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10.20
“Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”
Habakkuk 3.15-18
9. Pray without ceasing. You may say: 'How can I pray all day long?' The basic idea is God consciousness. Be aware that He is always with you, He knows your every thought and your every need. He is protecting you. You can talk to Him without speaking, ask Him to guide your every step.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3.6
10. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God has a perfect plan for your life.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12.2
God fits everything that comes into our life into that perfect plan;
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose.” Romans 8.28
Knowing that everything that happens is for our good and His purpose, we can be thankful for it.
There are five more commands in this chapter that we will look at tomorrow.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/11/26 - "15 Commandments"
Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with 15 super-practical exhortations; we will examine them one by one.
1.“Live in peace with one another.” Avoid conflict. Before you criticize someone or bring up something controversial, ask yourself “Is it worth it?” Quarrels and arguments can destroy relationships and take away marital intimacy.
“If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12.18
“So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14.13
2. ”Admonish the unruly.” We are responsible for the spiritual health of one another.
“Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness.” Galatians 6.1
When attempting to restore a believer to fellowship, we must follow the procedure given by Jesus:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18.15-17
3. “Encourage the fainthearted.” Perhaps you know someone who has lost a loved one. Others can be overwhelmed by financial pressure. Many people live alone. Loneliness can lead to depression. Some feel like giving up. We can change things with a phone call or a visit. Just
showing that you care can make a difference. You might read them some Bible promises. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything- just be there.
4. ”Help the weak.” The weak believer is one who is uncomfortable with certain practices or foods that are not forbidden in scripture. Paul
addresses this problem in Romans 14:
“One person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables….One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind..... We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak.”
5. ”Be patient with everyone.” God saves all kinds of people. We will encounter believers who are annoying, believers with bad habits, and
offensive speech. Some talk too much; some don’t talk enough. We may meet people who do not dress properly or have poor hygiene. We are all sinners and we should put up with each other’s quirks, faults, and weaknesses.
I once read a sign that said: “Christians are not perfect, but forgiven."
The love that God gives us produces patience, so that we can live peacefully with one another. “Love is patient….” I Corinthians 13.4.
(We will look at #6 through #10 tomorrow.)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1.“Live in peace with one another.” Avoid conflict. Before you criticize someone or bring up something controversial, ask yourself “Is it worth it?” Quarrels and arguments can destroy relationships and take away marital intimacy.
“If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12.18
“So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14.13
2. ”Admonish the unruly.” We are responsible for the spiritual health of one another.
“Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness.” Galatians 6.1
When attempting to restore a believer to fellowship, we must follow the procedure given by Jesus:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18.15-17
3. “Encourage the fainthearted.” Perhaps you know someone who has lost a loved one. Others can be overwhelmed by financial pressure. Many people live alone. Loneliness can lead to depression. Some feel like giving up. We can change things with a phone call or a visit. Just
showing that you care can make a difference. You might read them some Bible promises. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything- just be there.
4. ”Help the weak.” The weak believer is one who is uncomfortable with certain practices or foods that are not forbidden in scripture. Paul
addresses this problem in Romans 14:
“One person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables….One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind..... We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak.”
5. ”Be patient with everyone.” God saves all kinds of people. We will encounter believers who are annoying, believers with bad habits, and
offensive speech. Some talk too much; some don’t talk enough. We may meet people who do not dress properly or have poor hygiene. We are all sinners and we should put up with each other’s quirks, faults, and weaknesses.
I once read a sign that said: “Christians are not perfect, but forgiven."
The love that God gives us produces patience, so that we can live peacefully with one another. “Love is patient….” I Corinthians 13.4.
(We will look at #6 through #10 tomorrow.)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/10/26 - "How to Treat Your Pastor"
“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love
because of their work.” I Thessalonians 5.12-13
Many of you have sent me words of appreciation for my online teaching and for this I am grateful.
In the same way, you should thank your pastor and others who have taught you the Word of God. An occasional gift for your pastor is always appropriate.
The office of pastor-teacher carries with it a certain authority. The pastor is not merely an employee who is paid to please the congregation. He deserves double honor (respect and remuneration) because of the important work he does. He bears an awesome responsibility as your shepherd.
“The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” I Timothy 5.17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13.17
You can make their job easier by paying close attention and being careful not to cause distractions while they are teaching. Those who whisper and wander around cause others to miss out on important truths.
“The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” Galatians 6.6
A Bible-based expository sermon takes many hours of preparation. When your pastor does a good job, you should thank him personally.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
because of their work.” I Thessalonians 5.12-13
Many of you have sent me words of appreciation for my online teaching and for this I am grateful.
In the same way, you should thank your pastor and others who have taught you the Word of God. An occasional gift for your pastor is always appropriate.
The office of pastor-teacher carries with it a certain authority. The pastor is not merely an employee who is paid to please the congregation. He deserves double honor (respect and remuneration) because of the important work he does. He bears an awesome responsibility as your shepherd.
“The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” I Timothy 5.17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13.17
You can make their job easier by paying close attention and being careful not to cause distractions while they are teaching. Those who whisper and wander around cause others to miss out on important truths.
“The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” Galatians 6.6
A Bible-based expository sermon takes many hours of preparation. When your pastor does a good job, you should thank him personally.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/9/26 - "Encourage & Build Up!"
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians 5.11
As Christians, we are individually members of the church, the body of Christ. Paul uses a word picture in I Corinthians 12 to help us understand its operation:
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ……the body is not made up of one part but of many……God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. As it is, there are many parts, but one body….. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
As we look at our own physical body, we learn about the body of Christ. The most important principle is that all parts are necessary and all parts must work. Furthermore the individual parts must be connected to each other.
A body part has no value if it is not connected to the body. A body part that does not work properly becomes a handicap. Each body part depends on the others for protection, mobility, and nutrition.
Applying this illustration to the church, it becomes obvious that we need each other. We must meet together regularly. You should seek out other believers for fellowship.
We are all commanded to encourage each other and build up one another. We must be sympathetic and bear each other’s burdens. We must share the Word and restore sinning believers to fellowship with God.
We should “rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12.15.) That is God’s purpose in making us one body.
“God has put the body together,……so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” I Corinthians 12.24-26
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
As Christians, we are individually members of the church, the body of Christ. Paul uses a word picture in I Corinthians 12 to help us understand its operation:
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ……the body is not made up of one part but of many……God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. As it is, there are many parts, but one body….. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
As we look at our own physical body, we learn about the body of Christ. The most important principle is that all parts are necessary and all parts must work. Furthermore the individual parts must be connected to each other.
A body part has no value if it is not connected to the body. A body part that does not work properly becomes a handicap. Each body part depends on the others for protection, mobility, and nutrition.
Applying this illustration to the church, it becomes obvious that we need each other. We must meet together regularly. You should seek out other believers for fellowship.
We are all commanded to encourage each other and build up one another. We must be sympathetic and bear each other’s burdens. We must share the Word and restore sinning believers to fellowship with God.
We should “rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12.15.) That is God’s purpose in making us one body.
“God has put the body together,……so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” I Corinthians 12.24-26
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/8/26 - "The Comforter & The Comfort"
"The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit…" (John 14:26)
(This article was originally written by Charles Spurgeon who was a pastor, evangelist, author, and preacher of the gospel of God's grace in England in the mid to late 1800s. Note: Bracketed comments were added for clarification.)
This age [in which we live] is especially the dispensation [or age] of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers [and comforts] us, not by His personal presence, as He shall do in glory [in the future when we are with Him in heaven]—but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Spirit, who is forevermore the Comforter of His people.
It is the Holy Spirit's office [and work] to console and comfort the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; He illuminates and instructs—but…the main part of His work lies in comforting the hearts of the renewed [those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ alone] and in confirming [and strengthening] those who are weak, and lifting up all those who are bowed down [or weighed down with burdens].
He does this—by revealing Jesus to them! The Holy Spirit consoles—but Christ is the consolation…the Holy Spirit is the Physician—but Jesus is the medicine. The Holy Spirit heals the wound—but it is by applying the holy ointment of Christ's grace. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter—but Jesus is the Comfort!
Now, with such rich provision for our need, why should any Christian be sad, dejected or desponding? The Holy Spirit has graciously engaged to be our Comforter. Do you imagine, O weak and trembling believer, that He will be negligent of His sacred trust? Can you suppose that He has undertaken what He cannot or will not perform?
If it is His special work to strengthen you, and to comfort you—do you suppose He has forgotten His business, or that He will fail in the loving office which He sustains towards you? No! Do not think so harshly of the tender and blessed Spirit, whose name is "the Comforter." He delights to give beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Trust in Him, and He will surely comfort you—until the house of mourning is closed forever—and the marriage feast has begun!
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Charles Spurgeon)
(This article was originally written by Charles Spurgeon who was a pastor, evangelist, author, and preacher of the gospel of God's grace in England in the mid to late 1800s. Note: Bracketed comments were added for clarification.)
This age [in which we live] is especially the dispensation [or age] of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers [and comforts] us, not by His personal presence, as He shall do in glory [in the future when we are with Him in heaven]—but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Spirit, who is forevermore the Comforter of His people.
It is the Holy Spirit's office [and work] to console and comfort the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; He illuminates and instructs—but…the main part of His work lies in comforting the hearts of the renewed [those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ alone] and in confirming [and strengthening] those who are weak, and lifting up all those who are bowed down [or weighed down with burdens].
He does this—by revealing Jesus to them! The Holy Spirit consoles—but Christ is the consolation…the Holy Spirit is the Physician—but Jesus is the medicine. The Holy Spirit heals the wound—but it is by applying the holy ointment of Christ's grace. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter—but Jesus is the Comfort!
Now, with such rich provision for our need, why should any Christian be sad, dejected or desponding? The Holy Spirit has graciously engaged to be our Comforter. Do you imagine, O weak and trembling believer, that He will be negligent of His sacred trust? Can you suppose that He has undertaken what He cannot or will not perform?
If it is His special work to strengthen you, and to comfort you—do you suppose He has forgotten His business, or that He will fail in the loving office which He sustains towards you? No! Do not think so harshly of the tender and blessed Spirit, whose name is "the Comforter." He delights to give beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Trust in Him, and He will surely comfort you—until the house of mourning is closed forever—and the marriage feast has begun!
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Charles Spurgeon)
2/7/26 - "You will Not Be Caught Off Guard"
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; (for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.) For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep (living or dead,) we will live together with Him.” I Thessalonians 5.4-10
It is helpful to connect verse 4 to verse 9 if we are to grasp the prophetic message in this section. Verses 5-8 can be treated as a parenthesis.
“4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;… 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The major point is that as sons of the day (believers,) we will not be overtaken by the day of the Lord because our destiny is not wrath but deliverance by Christ himself at His return. This agrees with I Thessalonians 1.10 and Revelation 3.10:
“(We) wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead —Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
These verses cause us to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. Meaning, the church (all believers) will be removed before the tribulation begins.
The prospect of Christ’s sudden return should affect the way we live: we should be alert and sober rather than drunk and sleepy. We should put on the armor of God - faith, hope, and love - represented here by the breastplate and helmet. Paul lists additional parts of the believers armor in Ephesians 6.14-17:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,…..and with your feet fitted with the gospel of peace…. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
It is helpful to connect verse 4 to verse 9 if we are to grasp the prophetic message in this section. Verses 5-8 can be treated as a parenthesis.
“4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;… 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The major point is that as sons of the day (believers,) we will not be overtaken by the day of the Lord because our destiny is not wrath but deliverance by Christ himself at His return. This agrees with I Thessalonians 1.10 and Revelation 3.10:
“(We) wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead —Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
These verses cause us to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. Meaning, the church (all believers) will be removed before the tribulation begins.
The prospect of Christ’s sudden return should affect the way we live: we should be alert and sober rather than drunk and sleepy. We should put on the armor of God - faith, hope, and love - represented here by the breastplate and helmet. Paul lists additional parts of the believers armor in Ephesians 6.14-17:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,…..and with your feet fitted with the gospel of peace…. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/6/26 - "The Day of the Lord"
“Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.” I Thessalonians 5.1-3
Yesterday we studied the great hope of every believer, the rapture. The Bible does not contain any signs or a timetable for the rapture, since the it could occur at any time.
Following the rapture comes the Day of the Lord, a prophetic period that has many names in scripture:
The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
The Time of Trouble (Daniel 12:1)
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)
The Hour of Trial (Revelation 3:10)
The Day of Vengeance (Isaiah 61:2)
Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24–27)
The Great and Terrible Day of the LORD (Joel 2:31)
The Day of the Lord is a series of events beginning with the judgements of the Tribulation. You can read about these terrible events in Revelation chapters 6 through 18. As a born-again believer you can take comfort that you will not be here.
The events of the Tribulation will take the world by surprise and there will be no escape. People will attempt to hide from the wrath of God and will seek death, but it will not come (Revelation 6.15-16). Nearly 80% of earth’s population will die and the foundations of the earth will be shaken. The sun will be intensified, the rivers and oceans polluted. There will be famines and earthquakes and yet people will not seek God. They will blaspheme against the only one who can save them.
The Great Tribulation ends when Jesus Christ returns to earth to establish His 1000 year kingdom. (Revelation 19.11, 20.5)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Yesterday we studied the great hope of every believer, the rapture. The Bible does not contain any signs or a timetable for the rapture, since the it could occur at any time.
Following the rapture comes the Day of the Lord, a prophetic period that has many names in scripture:
The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
The Time of Trouble (Daniel 12:1)
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)
The Hour of Trial (Revelation 3:10)
The Day of Vengeance (Isaiah 61:2)
Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24–27)
The Great and Terrible Day of the LORD (Joel 2:31)
The Day of the Lord is a series of events beginning with the judgements of the Tribulation. You can read about these terrible events in Revelation chapters 6 through 18. As a born-again believer you can take comfort that you will not be here.
The events of the Tribulation will take the world by surprise and there will be no escape. People will attempt to hide from the wrath of God and will seek death, but it will not come (Revelation 6.15-16). Nearly 80% of earth’s population will die and the foundations of the earth will be shaken. The sun will be intensified, the rivers and oceans polluted. There will be famines and earthquakes and yet people will not seek God. They will blaspheme against the only one who can save them.
The Great Tribulation ends when Jesus Christ returns to earth to establish His 1000 year kingdom. (Revelation 19.11, 20.5)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/5/26 - "Every Beliver's Hope?"
”For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4.16-18
The return of Jesus Christ will fulfill the promise He left his troubled disciples: “I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14.2-3
There are no signs that precede the rapture, no one knows the time or season. Christ will return with a shout of victory, the voice of an angel, and the sound of a trumpet. This trumpet is also mentioned in I Corinthians 15.52 but it should not be confused with the trumpets in Revelation. There is a sequence of 7 trumpets in Revelation 8 and 9 that announce God’s judgements on the world during the tribulation.
As we saw yesterday, the bodies of believers who have died will be raised to be re-united to their souls and spirits. Those of us who are alive are transformed into glorified state. We have confirmation of this hope in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Philippians and Titus: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” I Corinthians 15.52-53
“For we know that if the earthly tent (body)we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” II Corinthians 5.1-5
“We eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3.20-21
“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Titus 2.13
The greatest comfort we have when facing death is found in these words. We should use them to comfort one another.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
The return of Jesus Christ will fulfill the promise He left his troubled disciples: “I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14.2-3
There are no signs that precede the rapture, no one knows the time or season. Christ will return with a shout of victory, the voice of an angel, and the sound of a trumpet. This trumpet is also mentioned in I Corinthians 15.52 but it should not be confused with the trumpets in Revelation. There is a sequence of 7 trumpets in Revelation 8 and 9 that announce God’s judgements on the world during the tribulation.
As we saw yesterday, the bodies of believers who have died will be raised to be re-united to their souls and spirits. Those of us who are alive are transformed into glorified state. We have confirmation of this hope in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Philippians and Titus: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” I Corinthians 15.52-53
“For we know that if the earthly tent (body)we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” II Corinthians 5.1-5
“We eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3.20-21
“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Titus 2.13
The greatest comfort we have when facing death is found in these words. We should use them to comfort one another.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/4/26 - "Where are the dead?"
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” I Thessalonians 4.13-15
In his short time with them, Paul taught these people about the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Apparently they were concerned that the believers who had died would miss out on this glorious event. Here we learn that those who have died prior to Christ’s return will be included. Because of this hope, we do not grieve like unbelievers who do not have the hope of being re-united with their loved ones.
I have been privileged to conduct funeral services for many born-again Christians. I have also talked to people who were dying and they told me that they were “ready to go.” One lady I knew was told by her doctor that she was dying of congestive heart failure. She responded with “whoopee!” being overjoyed with the news that she would soon see her savior.
Instead of the gloom and hopelessness that I have observed among unbelievers, the departure of a believer can be a time of rejoicing, knowing that the person is now free from pain and suffering, enjoying the presence of Christ, and being re-acqainted with those who have gone before him.
“O death, where is your sting!" I Corinthians 15.55
You probably have believing relatives or friends who have died. In most cases, we know the location of their remains. We also know that their soul and spirit left the body and they are now with Christ. (II Corinthians 5.8, Philippians 1.23.) It matters not whether their body was buried, burned or completely disintegrated; Jesus will raise these bodies when He returns.
We will learn tomorrow that these dead bodies will get a “head start.” They will be raised even before we are changed. (Some hack has joked that they need a head start because they have six feet farther to go!)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
In his short time with them, Paul taught these people about the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Apparently they were concerned that the believers who had died would miss out on this glorious event. Here we learn that those who have died prior to Christ’s return will be included. Because of this hope, we do not grieve like unbelievers who do not have the hope of being re-united with their loved ones.
I have been privileged to conduct funeral services for many born-again Christians. I have also talked to people who were dying and they told me that they were “ready to go.” One lady I knew was told by her doctor that she was dying of congestive heart failure. She responded with “whoopee!” being overjoyed with the news that she would soon see her savior.
Instead of the gloom and hopelessness that I have observed among unbelievers, the departure of a believer can be a time of rejoicing, knowing that the person is now free from pain and suffering, enjoying the presence of Christ, and being re-acqainted with those who have gone before him.
“O death, where is your sting!" I Corinthians 15.55
You probably have believing relatives or friends who have died. In most cases, we know the location of their remains. We also know that their soul and spirit left the body and they are now with Christ. (II Corinthians 5.8, Philippians 1.23.) It matters not whether their body was buried, burned or completely disintegrated; Jesus will raise these bodies when He returns.
We will learn tomorrow that these dead bodies will get a “head start.” They will be raised even before we are changed. (Some hack has joked that they need a head start because they have six feet farther to go!)
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/3/26 - "A Quite Life"
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” I Thessalonians 4.11-12
What does Paul mean by a quiet life? Certainly we should not be quiet about our Savior. We should seek opportunities to tell others what Christ has done for us.
A quiet life means that we are peace-makers, not agitators and troublemakers. Too often Christians are distracted from our mission of sharing the Gospel because we become involved in politics, social reform, and secondary causes.
A quiet life also requires that we don’t get too busy. Our life can easily become a “rat-race” where we are rushing from place to place, morning til night. We need time to relax and spend time with our families. Seek God’s guidance before you make commitments or become involved in non-essential activities. Even Jesus got so busy that he needed to “get away” (Mark 6.31).
Being quiet does not mean that we should be idle or lazy. We should work hard and engage in business. Paul set a good example for all of us. When necessary he worked as a tent maker. He made enough money to support himself and others.
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20.34-35
I have known Pastors and Christian workers who put an excessive burden on their congregation by requiring the church to completely support them when they could be working. At the same time, the Bible tells us that those who teach the Word should receive compensation. Sometime Paul worked and sometimes he did not. We should seek God’s will for each situation.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
What does Paul mean by a quiet life? Certainly we should not be quiet about our Savior. We should seek opportunities to tell others what Christ has done for us.
A quiet life means that we are peace-makers, not agitators and troublemakers. Too often Christians are distracted from our mission of sharing the Gospel because we become involved in politics, social reform, and secondary causes.
A quiet life also requires that we don’t get too busy. Our life can easily become a “rat-race” where we are rushing from place to place, morning til night. We need time to relax and spend time with our families. Seek God’s guidance before you make commitments or become involved in non-essential activities. Even Jesus got so busy that he needed to “get away” (Mark 6.31).
Being quiet does not mean that we should be idle or lazy. We should work hard and engage in business. Paul set a good example for all of us. When necessary he worked as a tent maker. He made enough money to support himself and others.
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20.34-35
I have known Pastors and Christian workers who put an excessive burden on their congregation by requiring the church to completely support them when they could be working. At the same time, the Bible tells us that those who teach the Word should receive compensation. Sometime Paul worked and sometimes he did not. We should seek God’s will for each situation.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/2/26 - "The Greatest Virtue"
“Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more,” I Thessalonians 4.9-10
“Love one another" is the principal command for the Christian. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13.35. It supersedes all the laws of the Old Testament. It should be the identity of every Christian. “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13.35
The Roman emperor Hadrian sent Aristides to infiltrate the early church to report on its practices. After spending time with the Christians, Aristides reported: “They love one another, and he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. And when they see a stranger, they take him into their own homes and rejoice over him as a very brother.”
The love Jesus commands is different from human love. It is God loving through us. "Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God,…..for God is love.” I John 4.7,8 “The love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us“. Romans 5.5. The fruit of the Spirit is love.” Galatians 5.22
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” I Corinthians 13.4-7
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13.8-10
“Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.” I Peter 1.22
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
“Love one another" is the principal command for the Christian. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13.35. It supersedes all the laws of the Old Testament. It should be the identity of every Christian. “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13.35
The Roman emperor Hadrian sent Aristides to infiltrate the early church to report on its practices. After spending time with the Christians, Aristides reported: “They love one another, and he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. And when they see a stranger, they take him into their own homes and rejoice over him as a very brother.”
The love Jesus commands is different from human love. It is God loving through us. "Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God,…..for God is love.” I John 4.7,8 “The love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us“. Romans 5.5. The fruit of the Spirit is love.” Galatians 5.22
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” I Corinthians 13.4-7
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13.8-10
“Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.” I Peter 1.22
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
2/1/26 - "Justification by Faith"
When a sinner believes in (trusts in) Jesus Christ alone for their salvation, the sinner is completely and permanently forgiven of all their sins once and for all and is pronounced ‘perfectly righteous forever’ in God’s sight. (See Romans 3:22-25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18)
This pronouncement is called "justification" and it is the act of God’s undeserved grace. It is based solely on the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for us, and not on our own effort, personal commitment, or good works. (See Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:3-7, 2 Timothy 1:9-10)
This righteous standing that God gives to you when you only believe in His Son is permanent and unchanging, and is not affected or influenced in any way by your personal behavior, whether good or bad. Your sins - past, present, and future - have been permanently deleted because Christ was punished in your place, as your substitute. (See Isaiah 53:4-6, Isiah 53:10-12, Romans 4:23-25, 1 Peter 2:24)
This means that if you have put your faith in Christ alone, you are “accepted in the Beloved One - the Lord Jesus Christ - every moment of every day without interruption! If you are trusting only in Jesus, God in His grace will never cease to treat you as His dearly loved child, because He has permanently placed you “in Christ” and has imputed to you (credited to you) Christ's unchanging worthiness. (See Romans 4:5-8, Ephesians 1:3-8)
Salvation is the gift of God, given freely and without cost to those who are depending on the fact that Jesus paid the full price and penalty for their sins. A gift that is truly a gift is never given as as reward or out of obligation. A gift that is truly a gift is given without cost to the recipient. Forgiveness of sins and everlasting life are the free gifts of God, received by simple faith in Christ alone! They are free to us, because Jesus paid the full price - the full penalty we deserve - on the cross in our place. (See John 4:10, Romans 5:15-17, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 22:17)
We don’t deserve to be forgiven and we can never make ourselves acceptable to God by being religious, getting baptized, keeping the 10 commandments, or giving our lives to Him, etc. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus did absolutely everything required to save us and keep us saved forever! Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” (See Acts 16:31, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:19-22, Romans 3:28, 1 Corinthians 1:17)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
This pronouncement is called "justification" and it is the act of God’s undeserved grace. It is based solely on the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for us, and not on our own effort, personal commitment, or good works. (See Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:3-7, 2 Timothy 1:9-10)
This righteous standing that God gives to you when you only believe in His Son is permanent and unchanging, and is not affected or influenced in any way by your personal behavior, whether good or bad. Your sins - past, present, and future - have been permanently deleted because Christ was punished in your place, as your substitute. (See Isaiah 53:4-6, Isiah 53:10-12, Romans 4:23-25, 1 Peter 2:24)
This means that if you have put your faith in Christ alone, you are “accepted in the Beloved One - the Lord Jesus Christ - every moment of every day without interruption! If you are trusting only in Jesus, God in His grace will never cease to treat you as His dearly loved child, because He has permanently placed you “in Christ” and has imputed to you (credited to you) Christ's unchanging worthiness. (See Romans 4:5-8, Ephesians 1:3-8)
Salvation is the gift of God, given freely and without cost to those who are depending on the fact that Jesus paid the full price and penalty for their sins. A gift that is truly a gift is never given as as reward or out of obligation. A gift that is truly a gift is given without cost to the recipient. Forgiveness of sins and everlasting life are the free gifts of God, received by simple faith in Christ alone! They are free to us, because Jesus paid the full price - the full penalty we deserve - on the cross in our place. (See John 4:10, Romans 5:15-17, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 22:17)
We don’t deserve to be forgiven and we can never make ourselves acceptable to God by being religious, getting baptized, keeping the 10 commandments, or giving our lives to Him, etc. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus did absolutely everything required to save us and keep us saved forever! Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” (See Acts 16:31, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:19-22, Romans 3:28, 1 Corinthians 1:17)
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Rob Armstrong)
1/31/26 - "Sexual Purity?"
“That each of you know how to possess his own vessel (body) in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you."
"For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you." I Thessalonians 4.4-8
One of the greatest hindrances to sanctification is sexual sin. The believer must control his /her body and not give in to the desires of the flesh. Sexual sin is most destructive because is a sin against the body. The consequences are clearly set forth in scripture;
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” I Corinthians 6.18
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” I Corinthians 6.15-16
“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit....Therefore glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6.19,20
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13.4
“Defraud” means to take advantage or to steal. If you have sex with someone else’s spouse, you are stealing what belongs to him. Sexual sin not only destroys us but it impacts entire families. This has special application to pastors; many pastors are careless and naive in their dealings with women in the church; they are often together so they get too close and feelings develop. When a pastor falls into this sin, he discredits his message and disqualifies himself for future ministry (I Timothy 3.3.)
Sexual temptation is Satan’s favorite tool that he uses on preachers of the Word. When they fall, many people are affected.
Paul warned the young pastor, Timothy:
“Treat……younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. I Timothy 4.2
“Flee the evil desires of youth.” II Timothy 2.22
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
"For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you." I Thessalonians 4.4-8
One of the greatest hindrances to sanctification is sexual sin. The believer must control his /her body and not give in to the desires of the flesh. Sexual sin is most destructive because is a sin against the body. The consequences are clearly set forth in scripture;
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” I Corinthians 6.18
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” I Corinthians 6.15-16
“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit....Therefore glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6.19,20
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13.4
“Defraud” means to take advantage or to steal. If you have sex with someone else’s spouse, you are stealing what belongs to him. Sexual sin not only destroys us but it impacts entire families. This has special application to pastors; many pastors are careless and naive in their dealings with women in the church; they are often together so they get too close and feelings develop. When a pastor falls into this sin, he discredits his message and disqualifies himself for future ministry (I Timothy 3.3.)
Sexual temptation is Satan’s favorite tool that he uses on preachers of the Word. When they fall, many people are affected.
Paul warned the young pastor, Timothy:
“Treat……younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. I Timothy 4.2
“Flee the evil desires of youth.” II Timothy 2.22
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/30/26 - "What is Sanctification?"
“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;” I Thessalonians 4.1-3
After hearing a good report from Timothy, Paul writes on the important subject of sanctification. This word is closely related to “holy” and “saint.” The idea is to be set apart from sin and set apart to Christ.
Sanctification is a life-long process for every child of God. It has 2 aspects; separation from evil and practical righteousness.
Since personal sin hinders our sanctification, the first phase is discussed in II Corinthians 7.1:
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
How can we purify ourselves from sin? the Bible presents several methods;
“Walk in the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5.16
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness……My little children, I write these things so you will not sin.” I John 1.9, 2.1
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word....I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119.9,11
The second phase of sanctification requires careful study of II Corinthians 3.18:
“But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
We have a clear picture of Christ in scripture; it is almost like seeing His reflection in a mirror. As we learn about Christ, day by day, depending on the Holy Spirit, we become more like Him.
“Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth.” John 17.17
Sanctification is not something that happens through a mountain-top emotional experience; it is steady, progressive growth that makes us more and more like Christ.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
After hearing a good report from Timothy, Paul writes on the important subject of sanctification. This word is closely related to “holy” and “saint.” The idea is to be set apart from sin and set apart to Christ.
Sanctification is a life-long process for every child of God. It has 2 aspects; separation from evil and practical righteousness.
Since personal sin hinders our sanctification, the first phase is discussed in II Corinthians 7.1:
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
How can we purify ourselves from sin? the Bible presents several methods;
“Walk in the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5.16
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness……My little children, I write these things so you will not sin.” I John 1.9, 2.1
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word....I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119.9,11
The second phase of sanctification requires careful study of II Corinthians 3.18:
“But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
We have a clear picture of Christ in scripture; it is almost like seeing His reflection in a mirror. As we learn about Christ, day by day, depending on the Holy Spirit, we become more like Him.
“Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth.” John 17.17
Sanctification is not something that happens through a mountain-top emotional experience; it is steady, progressive growth that makes us more and more like Christ.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/29/26 - "The Next Generation"
“Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions;” I Thessalonians 3.1-3
Yesterday we saw that legal action had been taken that prevented Paul from returning to Thessalonica. Satan had stirred up enemies of the Gospel, who in turn forced the local authorities to require the posting of a bond that would keep Paul away.
Paul could not bear the separation any longer. He wanted to check on the condition of the church and encourage the Christians. He sent his most reliable servant, Timothy, who probably carried this letter.
There is a practical lesson to all of us who are involved in God’s work: there are times when we must depend on others. Paul often took younger men on his missionary trips so they could learn how to evangelize and teach. Timothy was a new convert who became useful to Paul. On one occasion, He was sent to lead the church at Ephesus (I Timothy 1.3) In his letter to Timothy, he urges him to follow his example of training second and third generation pastors:
“The things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.” II Timothy 2.2
Men like Timothy, Titus, Sosthenes, Onesimus, and John Mark, would carry on what Paul had started so that local churches would continue to prosper. For today's churches to continue, we must see to it that young men are trained by our example.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Yesterday we saw that legal action had been taken that prevented Paul from returning to Thessalonica. Satan had stirred up enemies of the Gospel, who in turn forced the local authorities to require the posting of a bond that would keep Paul away.
Paul could not bear the separation any longer. He wanted to check on the condition of the church and encourage the Christians. He sent his most reliable servant, Timothy, who probably carried this letter.
There is a practical lesson to all of us who are involved in God’s work: there are times when we must depend on others. Paul often took younger men on his missionary trips so they could learn how to evangelize and teach. Timothy was a new convert who became useful to Paul. On one occasion, He was sent to lead the church at Ephesus (I Timothy 1.3) In his letter to Timothy, he urges him to follow his example of training second and third generation pastors:
“The things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.” II Timothy 2.2
Men like Timothy, Titus, Sosthenes, Onesimus, and John Mark, would carry on what Paul had started so that local churches would continue to prosper. For today's churches to continue, we must see to it that young men are trained by our example.
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/28/26 - "Satanic Blindness"
“They are…..hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.” I Thessalonians 2.16-18
Yesterday we looked at the problem of religious persecution. It occurs in many parts of the world today. When Paul went to Thessalonica, in Greece, he immediately faced opposition and mob violence. We read about his experience in the book of Acts :
“The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Acts 17.5-7
The phrase "Satan hindered us" probably refers to the fact that Paul was forced to leave and a bond was required to guarantee that he did not return. False religion is the great enemy of the Gospel. Jesus was constantly opposed by the leaders of Judaism. He told them:
“You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Matthew 23.14-15
Religion is a tool that Satan uses to oppose the Gospel. It blinds people to the truth.
“The god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” II Corinthians 4.4
Only the Spirit of God can remove this Satan-induced blindness. When we preach the Gospel, we should pray that He will open men’s eyes.
“And when the Spirit comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: of sin because they believe not in me....” John 16.8
To get these Bible studies sent to your e-mail each day, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
Yesterday we looked at the problem of religious persecution. It occurs in many parts of the world today. When Paul went to Thessalonica, in Greece, he immediately faced opposition and mob violence. We read about his experience in the book of Acts :
“The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Acts 17.5-7
The phrase "Satan hindered us" probably refers to the fact that Paul was forced to leave and a bond was required to guarantee that he did not return. False religion is the great enemy of the Gospel. Jesus was constantly opposed by the leaders of Judaism. He told them:
“You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Matthew 23.14-15
Religion is a tool that Satan uses to oppose the Gospel. It blinds people to the truth.
“The god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” II Corinthians 4.4
Only the Spirit of God can remove this Satan-induced blindness. When we preach the Gospel, we should pray that He will open men’s eyes.
“And when the Spirit comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: of sin because they believe not in me....” John 16.8
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/27/26 - "Religious Persecution"
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men.” I Thessalonians 2.14-15
In every city where Paul established churches, the Christians were persecuted; first by the Jews and then by the Romans. Religious persecution is as old as mankind. The first murder in history was motivated by religion;
“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” I John 3.12
Later, we see Ishmael the unbelieving son of Abraham persecuting his brother, Isaac; “At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.” Galatians 4.29
It is a pattern for all time. “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them...” Psalm 37.12
When Jesus preached His first sermon in the synagogue at Capernaum, the response was hostile: “That set everyone in the meeting place seething with anger. They threw him out, banishing him from the village, then took him to a mountain cliff at the edge of the village to throw him down, but he slipped through their midst and was on his way.” Luke 4.28-30
Both Peter and Paul warn Christians that they are likely to receive persecution; “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Philippians 1.29. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” II Timothy 3.12. “ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.“ I Peter 4.12-13
Jesus warned His disciples: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” John 15.18-20
Along with the promise of persecution, there is always a promise of blessing. The greatest blessings and rewards come to those who experience persecution and suffering; “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” Matthew 5.11-12
“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” II Corinthians 4.17.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1.12. “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” I Peter 4.16. “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8.18. “Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2.10.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
In every city where Paul established churches, the Christians were persecuted; first by the Jews and then by the Romans. Religious persecution is as old as mankind. The first murder in history was motivated by religion;
“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” I John 3.12
Later, we see Ishmael the unbelieving son of Abraham persecuting his brother, Isaac; “At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.” Galatians 4.29
It is a pattern for all time. “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them...” Psalm 37.12
When Jesus preached His first sermon in the synagogue at Capernaum, the response was hostile: “That set everyone in the meeting place seething with anger. They threw him out, banishing him from the village, then took him to a mountain cliff at the edge of the village to throw him down, but he slipped through their midst and was on his way.” Luke 4.28-30
Both Peter and Paul warn Christians that they are likely to receive persecution; “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Philippians 1.29. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” II Timothy 3.12. “ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.“ I Peter 4.12-13
Jesus warned His disciples: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” John 15.18-20
Along with the promise of persecution, there is always a promise of blessing. The greatest blessings and rewards come to those who experience persecution and suffering; “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” Matthew 5.11-12
“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” II Corinthians 4.17.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1.12. “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” I Peter 4.16. “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8.18. “Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2.10.
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(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/26/26 - "How Are We Saved?"
“We also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” I Thessalonians 2.13
In this verse, Paul explains to the early Christians how they were saved. Nearly 200 times in the Bible we are told that the only requirement for salvation is to believe (or have faith) that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.
The simplicity of the Gospel is seen throughout scripture; “Abraham believed God. And it was credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15.6. “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed (put to shame).” Isaiah 28.16.
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge (guarantee) of our inheritance,….” Ephesians 1.13-14
Peter preached: ‘Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.’ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.” Acts 10.43-44
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified through the Law of Moses.” Acts 13.38-39
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved…For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...This is what we preached and this is what you believed...” I Corinthians 1.1,3,4&11
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10.17
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” Acts 16.31
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3.16
“To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1.12
“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5.13
If you would like to receive these daily Bible studies by e-mail, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
In this verse, Paul explains to the early Christians how they were saved. Nearly 200 times in the Bible we are told that the only requirement for salvation is to believe (or have faith) that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.
The simplicity of the Gospel is seen throughout scripture; “Abraham believed God. And it was credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15.6. “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed (put to shame).” Isaiah 28.16.
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge (guarantee) of our inheritance,….” Ephesians 1.13-14
Peter preached: ‘Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.’ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.” Acts 10.43-44
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified through the Law of Moses.” Acts 13.38-39
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved…For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...This is what we preached and this is what you believed...” I Corinthians 1.1,3,4&11
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10.17
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” Acts 16.31
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3.16
“To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1.12
“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5.13
If you would like to receive these daily Bible studies by e-mail, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Dave Armstrong)
1/25/26 - "God's love is Different!"
““At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… This is how God demonstrated His great love for us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us….When we were His enemies, He reconciled us to Himself by the death of His Son…" (Romans 5:6-10)
Even though we had not been born yet, when Christ died on the cross, God knew every one of the sins we would commit in rebellion toward Him. Yet, Scripture tells us that even though we were His enemies, He reached out in love to us and sent His Son to rescue us from the eternal condemnation we deserve.
In spite of our lost and wretched condition, or rather because of it, 1John 4:9&10 says, “This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not holding people’s sins against them…God made him who had no sin to become sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God…This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who simply believe…Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name…” (2 Corinthians 5:19&21, Romans 3:22, Acts 10:43)
Those of us who have believed in the Lord Jesus as our Savior, must remember that Christ not only died for all the sins we committed in the past, but also for all the sins we will commit in the future. This includes next week, next month, next year and as long as we live.
As a believer, God is not surprised when you sin. In fact, knowing all about your sins and unfaithfulness, He made provision through the blood of the Lamb. When we confess our sins (as indicated in 1 John 1:9), we don’t have to grovel in them, or try to make up for them because, by His death, Christ has already removed them forever! Instead, like David, we should celebrate, saying, “Happy is the one whose sins the Lord will never hold against Him!” (see Romans 4:5-8).
“These things I write unto you so that you will not sin, but if anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the propitiation - the sacrifice and payment - for our sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world! (1 John 2:1&2)
If you would like to receive these daily Bible studies by e-mail, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Rob Armstrong)
Even though we had not been born yet, when Christ died on the cross, God knew every one of the sins we would commit in rebellion toward Him. Yet, Scripture tells us that even though we were His enemies, He reached out in love to us and sent His Son to rescue us from the eternal condemnation we deserve.
In spite of our lost and wretched condition, or rather because of it, 1John 4:9&10 says, “This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not holding people’s sins against them…God made him who had no sin to become sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God…This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who simply believe…Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name…” (2 Corinthians 5:19&21, Romans 3:22, Acts 10:43)
Those of us who have believed in the Lord Jesus as our Savior, must remember that Christ not only died for all the sins we committed in the past, but also for all the sins we will commit in the future. This includes next week, next month, next year and as long as we live.
As a believer, God is not surprised when you sin. In fact, knowing all about your sins and unfaithfulness, He made provision through the blood of the Lamb. When we confess our sins (as indicated in 1 John 1:9), we don’t have to grovel in them, or try to make up for them because, by His death, Christ has already removed them forever! Instead, like David, we should celebrate, saying, “Happy is the one whose sins the Lord will never hold against Him!” (see Romans 4:5-8).
“These things I write unto you so that you will not sin, but if anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the propitiation - the sacrifice and payment - for our sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world! (1 John 2:1&2)
If you would like to receive these daily Bible studies by e-mail, you can sign up here. If You have any questions, click here.
(Today's Bible Study was prepared by Pastor Rob Armstrong)
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