1. CHRISTian Accusation and Persecution! (1Tim 6:12,13)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession…”

2. Satan’s Falsification and Deception! (1Tim 6:13,14)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable..”

3. Churches Evacuation and Destination! (1Tim 6:14,15)

“….until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

Introduction: Are you a student of Bible Prophecy? End time? Eschatology? By the way, we are not talking about “Dooms day” teaching. Instead, bible prophecy brings HOPE to the hurting and HELP to the helpless! This devotion will examine five reasons for studying bible Prophecy.

1. Because Bible Prophecy is a FAITH BUILDER! (1John 3:1-3)

“1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Did you notice that studying the coming of Jesus Christ produces holy living – pure and productivity – not lazy and lackadaisical? After all, if we believed that Jesus could return tonight, which He could, it should make us more serious about preparing for it the best we can. Do you agree?

2. Because Bible Prophecy is a Scriptural ENLIGHTENER! (Matt 24:3,4)

“3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them…”

The last week of our Lord was spent pouring into His disciples. This Olivet discourse (sermon) is all about what to expect during the end time – Bible prophecy. One third-1/3 of our bibles are filled with prophecy- events foretold – and events fulfilled. That is extremely important for the student of Scripture. Developing a biblical worldview is a must for every CHRISTian. How are you doing?

3. Because Bible Prophecy is a CHRISTian PREPARER! (2Cor 5:10)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Is there going to be some accountability at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the believer? Yes. Studying and teaching Bible Prophecy helps prepare believers as we plan for the future. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss; i.e. not salvation but crowns to cast at the feet of Jesus. Think about it.

4. Because Bible Prophecy is a Current Event Explorer! (1Chron 12:32)

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Reading and understanding current events in the light of Bible Prophecy lets followers of Jesus Christ know the times in which we are living and more importantly know what we ought to do. Therefore, we are not caught off guard when some major world event happens; i.e. when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Clarification is needed here. We do not look at the news and try to make it “FIT” the Bible. Instead, we read the Bible and then see what us going on in the news. There is a vast difference. Can you tell the times and the seasons in which we are living?

5. Because Bible Prophecy is a PRAYER DEVELOPER! (Luke 21:34-36)

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Jesus recommended watching and praying because end time events are going to intensify. Can you tell it is happening? Are you praying? How are you praying?

Introduction: Do you want to be Blessed? Start praying for Israel….the peace of Jerusalem…bless the seed of Abraham.

1. How to get Blessed! (Gen 12:1-3)

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

While we are not the physical seed of Abraham, we are the spiritual seed. Paul writes, (Gal 3:26-29)

“26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

The word “heir” is κληρονόμος, an heir, an inheritor. Remember. Abraham was justified by faith because he believed God. Again turn to the book of Romans.

(Rom 4:3) “3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Today, we are justified by faith, and thru the blood of  Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1, 9)

2. Why did God choose Israel?

God chose Israel/Abraham to bless the world. Why? Not because their sake, but instead for His name sake.

Read Ezekiel 36:22f

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

The bottom line: God chooses who He uses. And He can refuse to use whom He chooses. 

Conclusion: We can stay BLESSED all year long by being a blessing to God’s chosen people. Let’s hope and pray America remembers this truth!

Introduction: Mentoring is God’s will. Do you have someone you are discipling? Notice the instructions from Paul to his son in the Lord, Timothy.

1. Be Strong! (2Tim 2:1)

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

It’s all of GRACE! God’s GRACE, which is greater than our sin!! Because of God’s Grace, be strong. Jesus Christ was strong. Though He was God, He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. However, after dying for our sins, He conquered the grave! Our strength comes from His resurrection power. If you feel weak, draw strength from Him.

2. Be Teachable! (2Tim 2:2)

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses…”

Once we become unreachable or develop a prideful attitude, then we become no longer useful for the Lord until we confess it as sin. Are you hungry for truth? Are you obeying truth? Stay humble and hungry.

3. Pass it On! (2Tim 2:2)

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Our goal from learning truth is first to apply it, and then to pass it on. Are you passing it on?

Introduction: God is not finished with His people, Israel, nor is He finished with the Church. Today, some claim that the Church replaces Israel. Is that true? Where is the solid evidence? Does the New Testament reveal anything about this subject? In this devotion, we will be looking at Paul’s writings. Keep in. Mind he was both a Jew and a Christian.

1. First, take at Israel’s PAST! (Rom 9:1-5)

“1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”

Paul had a heavy burden for his people-Israel. However, next he explains the problem they had, and that some still have today.

“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him.” (Rom 9:30-33)

Did you notice Israel’s problem? Unlike some of the Gentiles, they thought justification came by keeping the law. Well, does it?

2. Next, take a look at Israel’s PRESENT! (Rom 10:1-3)

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Sadly, many Jews today are still trying to please God by the works of the flesh. But can they? The answer is NO. Instead of attempting to keep the law, Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection was accomplished to fulfill the law or supersede it in that sense. Therefore, an Israelite must be born again through a personal relationship with Jesus. Have you been born again?

3. Last, take a look at Israel’s FUTURE! (Rom 11:1,2)

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.”

Here is a clear statement that should oppose any question that would insinuate that God was finished with Israel.

Read the following:

“(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.” (Rom 11:8)

Paul explains that the Gentiles who trust Jesus have been grafted in the tree by the grace of God.

Finally, Israel’s hope:

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” (Rom 11:25-27)

This is the Word of the Lord! He will fulfill His promises.

Introduction: Are you going to plant a garden? What about a few tomato plants? Where do you start? Are you finished once your seeds are planted? Don’t forget the weeds. 

This devotion will discuss the process of planting a garden.

1. The soil needs to be plowed or prepared! (Hos 10:12)

“…break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Hard dirt needs to be broken up. A hard heart needs to be softened through confession and repentance.

Do you confess your sins regularly?

2. The seed needs to be planted in the plowed soil! (Hos 10:12)

“12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Once the soil is cultivated then the seed can germinate, albeit it goes through a growing process overcoming the rocks, bugs, and critters. 

Our faith is similar to that process. Once the Word of God is planted (Rom 10:17), then our faith is put to the test. When approved it grows. When failed it shrinks back. 

3. The seed and soil needs rain & sunlight!

“……for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

The Holy Spirit brings light! Truth! The Word reveals. Darkness conceals.

Conclusion: In order to produce fruit, a crop, or a garden, there needs to be the minerals. The technical term is PH level. Once it reaches its desired goal then with sunshine and rain the plants grow. And so it is with the Christian life. Believers need to take in the right kind of minerals with plenty of SONSHINE!

The Holy Spirit provides the rain! The end result is fruit.

How are you doing? Are you needing some SONSHINE or RAIN?

1. An Open door Church! (Rev 3:8)

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”

Jesus can open a door that no one can shut. Walk through it!

2. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus Christ! (Rev 3:9)

“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

The FAVOR of the Lord is worth more than silver and gold!

3. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection! (Rev 3:10)

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Here is a promise to the Church in general that our Lord will keep His bride from the wrath to come during the tribulation – compare 1Thess 1:9,10; 1Thess 5:9,etc.

4. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection that He will come quickly! (Rev 3:11)

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

Jesus promised to come quickly. Remember His time table is different than ours. Be patient.

5. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection that He will come quickly and the New Jerusalem awaits in the future! (Rev 3:12)

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

What a bright future for those who love Jesus! The New Jerusalem will be indescribable, but very enjoyable.

1. The Problem! (1 Sam 7:1-2)

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.”

2. God’s Solution! (1 Sam 7:3-4)

“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.”

Our Lord is able to take back the “ground” the enemy has taken but notice the prerequisite – “ONLY SERVE the LORD”! Please do not think that God is going to fight our battles if we do not SERVE HIM!

I love what Jesus said:

Conclusion: Here is the bottom line…

Introduction: Are you sharing with your neighbors our God’s great love? Why should we tell the world? Well if Jesus Christ has changed your life, then you ought to go and tell! This devotion will give seven reasons for sharing Jesus.

1. The Credibility of Jesus Christ’s Integrity! (Phil 2:5-11)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Either Jesus Christ was a liar, a lunatic, a legend or LORD! Now which was he? Everyone must decide either Jesus was a Mad man, a Bad man or the God man. Hopefully, you are convinced that He was the God man. After all, He has changed this writer’s life! Can you testify?

2. The Changeability of the Holy Spirit’s Movability! (Phil 4:6-19)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Notice the trend:
* The Peace of God
* The Problems
* The Provisions
In other words, the CARE, the PRAYER, the DARE to SHARE!

3. The Audacity of the Enemy’s Religiosity! (Phil 3:1-9)

“4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless…. 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”

It is not what is on the outside that matters but what is on the inside! Talk comes easy. But walking the walk is the proof of the pudding.

4. The Accuracy of Bible Prophecy! (Phil 3:20,21)

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

We are pilgrims in a strange land. This earth is not our home. We are sojourners in a weary land. Our citizenship is in heaven.

5. The Peace and Security of the Believer’s Destiny! (Phil 1:6)

“6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Our God finishes what He starts! As Christians, we are “UNDER CONSTRUCTION”!

6. The Dependability on God’s Sovereignty! (Phil 2:12,13)

“12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Do you get it? We work out what God works in!

7. The Urgency of Eternity! (Phil 1:21-24) 

“21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Do you ever feel like this? Ready to go. But like to stay!

Introduction: Here is a brief study on the subject of resurrections in the Bible – primarily New Testament. 

1. The Resurrection of Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the Widow of Nani’s son! (John 11; Mark 5; Luke 7)

A desperate daddy cried out to Jesus to deliver his daughter from death. Jesus raised her from the dead. 

2. The Saints resurrected when Jesus died on the cross! (Matt 27)

The saints in Jerusalem were resurrected when Jesus took upon our sins as He paid our penalty on the cross. They eventually died again. 

3. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ! (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 21)

Jesus arose from the dead!

4. The Resurrection of Eutychus! (Acts 20)

Evidently Paul preached a long time, well unto midnight. A young man fell asleep and then plunged to his death. He was resurrected by a miracle in the days of Paul. Wonder if everyone who fell asleep in Church died??

5. The Resurrection of the Church at the Rapture! (1Thess 4:13-18)

Here is the familiar passage that is dealing with the event called the rapture. The dead in Christ will rise first (the Church). Talk about a homecoming!!

6. The Resurrection of the Martyred Saints! (Rev 20)

Those who have not received the mark of the beast nor worshiped his image will be resurrected during the millennium. Rewards await the faithful!

7. The Resurrection of the lost who have died! (Rev 20)

Out of all the resurrections listed this will be the saddest. Why? Because those who die without Jesus Christ will be thrown into the final abode of the dead which is the Lake of fire. 

Conclusion: During this resurrection season, do a Bible study on these supernatural events described in the Scriptures. It will bless you.