WGOD Radio: All Truth, All the Time. (general)
WGOD Radio, with Bible teacher and translator Dr. Paul W. Esposito. We teach the New Testament verse by verse through a daily, 30 minute radio broadcast and podcast. The sermons originate from Island Community Church, in Merritt Island, Florida (www.islandcommunitychurch.net)
 

A Hyperbole of Antithesis--Paul W. Esposito, Th.D.

People all the time love to quote Malachi 1:2-3 and Romans 9:13 which says, “Jacob I’ve loved, but Esau I’ve hated,” to prove that God literally hated Esau, and that was His sovereign choice.

I remember learning in  college (Moody Bible Institute) that this example is what’s known as a “hyperbole of antithesis.” Here are two of them:

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26)

Let’s break this down:

If anyone comes to me and does not hate

His Father

Mother

Wife

Children

Brothers and Sisters

He cannot be a Christian.

By the way, how are you doing with that?

This brings along with it a hearty laugh, followed by the words, “That’s not what’s intended by that verse!”

“That’s a hyperbole!”

Correct! I agree.

And here’s another example of a hyperbole of antithesis:

As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” (Romans 9:13)

Notice the comparative structure of both of these.

What the Lord is saying is, your love for Him ought to dwarf your love for everything else, by comparison.

When the smoke clears, at the conclusion of Revelation chapter 19, and the Great White Throne is before one and all, it’s hard to fathom that God hated some 90 % of His creation.

I can still envision this sign hanging over the gates of heaven:

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

It’s your choice!

This I know, and will boldly declare: GOD LOVES YOU!!

Category:general -- posted at: 8:01am EDT

 

Sorry to admit it, but I just love King David’s methods for keeping his house and his city clean, and pure.

It’s found in Psalm 101.

 

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil.

5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.

7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.

8 Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity. (Psalm 101:4-8, NASB)

 

So what’s David’s methods? I’m afraid they wouldn’t go over too well today!

Here’s a short list of 8 things (the list is not exhaustive)

 

1. The faithful will dwell with me. (vs 6)

David insisted on living with and being surrounded by faithful people.

2. The blameless will minister to me (vs 6)

He starts with those who he wants around him, those who bring him joy, and whose company he appreciates. Now, he reveals the types of people he will not endure:

3. Perverted people shall depart from me. (vs 4)

4. Those who slander others will be killed. (vs 5)

(Ah, King David, a man after God’s own heart!)

Keep in mind, God’s not too fond of folks like this, either! In Proverbs 6:19, David’s son Solomon, under divine inspiration, says this:

 

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (Prov 6:16-19)

 

5. Deceitful people are banned from my house (vs 7)

6. All liars will be fired. (vs 7)

7. The proud and the arrogant I will not endure (vs 5)

 

And lastly, number 8, and the corresponding reason why:

 

8. Every morning I will destroy all the wicked people!

8A—The reason why: To keep the city of the Lord free from iniquity. (vs 8)

 

So I encourage you all, “Help keep your city clean!”

 

I wish David would run for office around here!

Category:general -- posted at: 9:11am EDT

People ask me all the time what's my favorite Bible translation, or what's the best, or most faithful, Bible translation?
To that I say, first and foremost, the Bible is meant to be understood! When it's not understood, the devil marks you for prey! (Matt 13:19)
Here's my list of Bibles that I can recommend:
1. New King James Version 
The NKJV is the absolute best Bible translation available today. The NKJV is the only modern Bible translation that uses the trustworthy Byzantine Manuscripts, and the TR (textus receptus).
2. King James Version 
If you can understand the Elizabethan English, there's nothing more faithful to the original manuscripts than the 404 year old KJV.
3. The NIV of 1984
Not the updated version, which has gone over to the dark side, but the original NIV.
4. American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901
Other than changing the name LORD to Jehovah throughout the whole Bible, the ASV is a great, literal translation.
5. The New American Standard Version 
From time to time this translation has infuriated me by the choices the translators made, but for the most part, the NASB is very literal to the original manuscripts, even if it's not smooth.

Bibles I do not recommend:
1. The Message Bible 
Stay away from this paraphrase! It is NOT a translation of the Bible. 
2.The English Standard Version (sorry)
I cannot recommend the ESV! 
Main reasons: The do not italicize the words which they have added, like all other translations. This is a terrible mistake! You have no idea whose words you are reading--God's, or the translators!
Also, they have a misplaced, theological slant that has infected their translation. Daniel 9:24-27 is a horrendous translation, and is quite revealing as to the theological bent of the committee overseeing the ESV. And there are many, many others examples throughout the ESV, mostly regarding prophecy. Bear in mind that the ESV translators and committee do not believe in Bible prophecy, and their translation reflects that slant. 
The reader of any translation should not be able to detect what "camp" its translators and overseers are in.

Category:general -- posted at: 9:13am EDT

Preached at ICC on Dec. 7th.

Today we start a verse by verse study of the Book of Galatians.

The theme is "FAITH PLUS NOTHING EQUALS SALVATION."

 

Direct download: Gal_1_1-9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:38pm EDT

I saw a great Florida license plate today, which said:

                                     Stop child abuse!
I think that's a great idea!!!
The top 2 offenders on the list, in my humble opinion, are:
1. Catholic Priests. 
The Pope said recently that 2% of all priests are homosexual child molesters. Do the math...
414,000 priests x 2% = 8280 gay child molesters in the Catholic Church.

Some people say that that number is not accurate, but that it is actually much higher!

2. School teachers.
A day doesn't go by that you don't read of a child (under 17) that is molested by a school teacher!
Not to mention spiritually molesting a child, like asking them what sex they want to be when they grow up, and teaching them devilution instead of the truth.

I agree!

STOP CHILD ABUSE! 
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42)

Category:general -- posted at: 9:34am EDT

To all my extended family out there, I wanted to let everyone know that I am changing the name of Gospelstudy to "WGOD Radio, all truth, all the time."

Most of you know from following along that I love that phrase, and think its a great idea, not only for a radio broadcast and podcast, but for a theme! Being tuned into WGOD, where God is always broadcasting!

Please follow us right here for the same podcasts, and please like our new page on Facebook at WGOD Radio.

We are also on Twitter, @wgodradio.

I am excited to see what the Lord will do with this "new" venture, and this fine tuning of my ministry. God bless you all!

Paul Esposito

Category:general -- posted at: 8:42pm EDT

I am pleased to announce that the Gospelstudy radio broadcast starts Wednesday, March 26th, at 7:00 AM and repeated at 8:45 PM, at wmie.

From there, click on the "listen live" tab. 

Of course, all programs will be podcast right here, as usual.

Peace of Christ to you all, and God's best! Paul Esposito

Category:general -- posted at: 4:22pm EDT

What would you do after (or during) 1260 continual days of no rain?

"Elijah was a man of similar nature to us, and with a prayer, he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and it did not rain upon the land for three years and six months." (James 5:17)
Imagine that: No rain for 3 and 1/2 years!
BTW, did you know that that is going to happen again????
Rev 11:6 ​"These men (the two witnesses) have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls during the days of their prophecy; and they have authority over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they wish."
The last time that happened, when we read about it in the Bible, women were boiling their own children, because they had nothing to eat. (2 Kings 6:28-29)
I wonder what they will do the next time? Wonder no longer:
13:16 ​And he causes all, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, that they should receive marks on their right hand, or on their foreheads, 13:17 ​and that no one may be able to buy or sell except he that has the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
IN DESPERATE TIMES, PEOPLE WILL DO DESPERATE THINGS!
Take heed that no one deceive you!

Category:general -- posted at: 10:22am EDT

I have been blessed with the ability to keenly observe my surroundings. Some might say that attention to detail is my forte! 

This morning while walking the dog and waiting for her to do her thing, I observed a pine cone laying on the ground. What got my attention was its shape. Unlike the normal pine cone, it was shaped into a spiral or almost twisted. Thus began the train of thought as it derailed to “imperfection.”

 I live on a lake and its residents are geese, ducks, swans and numerous other water fowl. At first glance all the geese looked the same but as we became acquainted, each one has its own “imperfection” which made it unique and easily identified. There is “Lefty” who is missing part of the webbing on his left foot. There is a duck named “Jack” because he has one eye. The swans look identical as they gracefully float by until you see one has a chip out of his beak (that’s “George”)!

It is human nature to seek perfection in everything. We look for the perfect mate, the perfect house, the perfect car, the perfect dress, etc. When something, or someone, falls short of perfection, we cast it off and keep looking, but, never finding! And yet, where man sees the “imperfection”, God sees the uniqueness that He created! I know you are thinking “God does not make junk. His creation is perfect.”  This is where I came to the conclusion of the “PERFECT IMPERFECTION.” 

Maybe I am just a champion for the underdog, or maybe I can relate to their imperfections, but somehow the imperfect water fowl bring me more joy than the others. Perhaps the same is true for God. He saw all our imperfections before we were born and by His grace and mercy He still loves us!!!

Scripture says it this way:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

“Your eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect…” (Psalm 130:16 KJV)

“…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)

“But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)

And so let us rejoice in our own imperfections and accept the imperfections of others because those imperfections are what makes us unique and perfect in the merciful eyes of God!

Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm EDT

In my Sunday Sermon yesterday, I made reference to Steve Jobs. I hope that those of you who have downloaded the podcast, or were here in person, didn't think I came down too hard on the late Mr. Jobs, or were offended.

But I wanted to make my point, and I still want to make it, which is: God uses people like you and I to change the world! And I wish that Steve's Sunday school teacher would have told him that!

(I read in his biography that he was an unbeliever, because he saw a picture of a hungry, starving child in Africa somewhere. Upon seeing the hungry child, Steve approached someone affiliated with a Church, and demanded that he explain how, or why, God would allow something like this to happen.)

In my sermon, I made the comment that Mr. Jobs had "cut and run." That is, when faced with a trial of his faith, and the very existence of God, he "cut and run." He made the decision that Jehovah God, the God of the Bible, was not his God! What a terrible, terrible mistake. The very destination of a person's eternal soul hangs in the balance when we are faced with a decision like this.

We are not to cut and run, and remove ourselves from whatever trial we face, because we don't understand it.

God never promised that we would understand why we go through the trials that we do. But what He did promise was, to be there with us (Heb 13:5), AND to see us through and deliver us (2 Cor 1:9-10).

I wish I had been Mr. Jobs' Sunday School teacher. I would have told him (knowing God like I do now), "Who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

Passionate about world hunger?

God had a plan all along!

("Cease striving, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10, NASB)

Category:general -- posted at: 9:45am EDT

Jesus said, in Matthew 5:20, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

I love words. And I love Jesus!

Our Lord said, My words are Spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

Every word that He ever spoke is to be studied (Matt 4:4), and pondered. Christ NEVER wasted a word.

That being said (I always wanted to use that phrase!), I love to ponder Matthew 5:20, and this phrase, "In no case."

Makes me think of a trial Judge, looking at His day planner! Wednesday at 2 PM, God vs Esposito, Friday at noon, God vs. Smith. A week from Tuesday is God vs Jones. Unless our righteousness EXCEEDS these practically perfect on the outside keepers of the law, we shall in NO CASE, on a case by case basis, we shall in NO CASE, enter the Kingdom of God!
So let me ask the question, "Who's up next?"

Are you able to stand before El Shaddai, The Almighty God, on your own merit?

Oh, ok. Hold on a second. I think your case is up next:

BAILIFF, CALL THE NEXT CASE!

God vs.....

Category:general -- posted at: 7:40pm EDT

  What is it about bible prophecy, and specifically the rapture, that makes highly respected men of God be dishonest not tell the truth ?

This is one of the most bewildering things for me.

I was perusing though a Bible today that I received from Through the Bible with J. Vernon McGee ministries, and this was what I found, in his outline for 2 Thessalonians: Under the heading “Day of the Lord.”

This is the phrase which occurs in 2:2 (incorrectly translated “the day of Christ” in the Authorized Version.)

Oh really?

The Greek translators looked at the phrase Hemera tou Christou, and translated it correctly.

But, let’s give Mr McGee, and his Doctorate in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he based his opinion from the study notes of Dr. C.I. Scofield, who made this false statement concerning the very same text:

“The theme of Second Thessalonians is unfortunately obscured by a mistranslation in the Authorized Version of 2 Thess 2:2, where “day of Christ” is at hand. This should be “day of the Lord.”

Surely both of these men, Doctors of Theology, knew that 86% of every Greek manuscript in existence read Day of Christ, and only a scant few read Day of the Lord?

This was not a mistranslation! This was a textual variant!!

But these men have let their view of Bible prophecy and dispensations cloud their judgment, and influence them to make the erroneous accusation that the King James Version Bible translators mistranslated the text, as they accuse them of.

My conclusion is this: I find it quite strange and very bizarre that men of God are in such a tizzy to make the Bible say what they want it to say, that they will even lie not tell the truth to accomplish their means.

That might sound harsh, but once again, what do you do with this statement:

“This phrase Day of Christ is incorrectly translated in the Authorized Version.”

People trust Dr. Scofield, as they do Dr. McGee, and believe everything that they say.

Once again this proves how that relying on Study Bibles, or another person’s notes, can lead to believing things in the Bible, or the revealed plan and/or purpose of God, that are not true.

Always let the Holy Spirit be your teacher.

Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, in order that we might know the things freely given to us by God.” (1Cor 2:12)

Category:general -- posted at: 12:33pm EDT

It's beyond me--I am left scratching my head. (Also, check out the Scofield 1917 Study Bible, and read his erroneous notes introducing 2 Thessalonians)

Understanding this text is simple--the words have obvious, plain meanings to them.

"Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."

My point of contention is this. The teaching that the person taken, is taken in judgment, and the person that is left behind, is left behind in blessing.

Now don't get me wrong. People may interpret this text this way if they choose to, but after looking at what the underlying Greek words mean, it leads me to a solid understanding.

But first, this note from Dr. Charles Ryrie: "The ones taken will be taken to judgment and death. The ones left will be left to enter the blessings of the Millennial kingdom."

Many others interpret this phrase the same way.

I want to look at this text, and see if I can find the "blessings" for those left behind, according to this theologian.

But let's look at these 2 Greek words behind this text, and see what they mean.

The word for taken is the word Paralambano. The word means "to receive near." Same word used by Christ, in John 14:3, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself."

Paralambano is to receive to one's side.

The other word is Aphiemi. This word means:

1. To disregard

2. To abandon

3. To divorce

4. To leave behind

5. To forsake.

I believe that the word of God is saying, from seeking to understand the original language, that the person that is "taken," is a direct result of John 14:3, and Bible prophecy being fulfilled, as the Lord returns for His saints. Also, the one that is left, as the Greek word suggests, has been "left behind," and abandoned.

This is a great study! I highly recommend it!

God bless

Paul E.

Category:general -- posted at: 10:19am EDT

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ! 

God Bless you all!

Paul Esposito

Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EDT

Just some food for thought today…

 (13:13) And he works great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth before men. (13:14) And he deceives my own people who dwell on the earth by the signs which were given to him to do before the beast, saying to those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and came to life. (13:15) And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (13:16) And he causes all, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, that they should receive marks on their right hand, or on their foreheads, (13:17) and that no one may be able to buy or sell except he that has the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 

For many years, students of the word of God have attempted to understand what this means, and what the “mark of the beast” is.

I believe that we are becoming very close to understanding this mystery.

Let me spin a modern scenario for you to contemplate:

Let’s take gay marriage, for instance.

It seems to me that people are infected, spiritually. There’s a strong move of a malevolent spirit running rampant in the United States, and around the world.

Gay Marriage.

This is how something like the mark of the beast could be implemented:

First off, I believe that according to Daniel 11:37, the Antichrist will be homosexual.

Secondly, remember that all those who take the mark of the beast are deceived into taking it!

(13:14) And he deceives my own people who dwell on the earth by the signs which were given to him to do before the beast, saying to those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and came to life.

 Ask yourself this question: How many people (self professed “Christians” included) would (could) be deceived by this: (Antichrist speaking...)

 “I am tired of all the homophobe Christians in society today. Homosexuals are people too, and they are worthy of equal rights—the same rights that everybody else are afforded.

"So today, as a sign of solidarity, I strongly encourage ALL PEOPLE, the young and old, the rich and poor, to show your solidarity for gay marriage, and take the mark of solidarity today!”

“And the mark of solidarity will be the rainbow!”

 (13:16) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (13:17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 Notice the text says:

No one can buy or sell except he who:

“Has the mark, OR the name of the beast, OR the number of his name.”

 It’s not a stretch to see this taken to this extreme: (once again, antichrist speaking...)

 “We are serious about the LGBT community, and gay marriage. So serious, and so adamant about equal rights for all people everywhere, that not only will you be ostracized in the world community for not showing your solidarity, but that no one will be able to buy or sell anything, or conduct any commerce, without the rainbow mark, as a sign of solidarity.”

 There’s more to the rampant exponential rise of homosexuals in the country today then meets the eye.

 For those of you who know your Bible, we’ve seen this type of deviant behavior before:

 (19:1) The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth (19:2) and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” (19:3) But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. (19:4) But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. (19:5) And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” (19:6) Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, (19:7) and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. (19:8) Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” (19:9) But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. (19:10) But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door.  (ESV)

Brothers and sisters of God, see that no man deceive you.

Remember that people will not blindly take the mark—people are deceived into taking it!

Coming soon, the door will be shut once again (Luke 13:25), and this age will be over.

How many people do you know would take a mark and show their solidarity for this cause?

We can see the potential ease of this happening today, even without this Elijah-like character calling fire down out of heaven to validate his evil plan.

Category:general -- posted at: 8:15pm EDT

Matthew 26:69 records the following conversation:

"Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." (Matt 26:69)
But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." (Matt 26:70)

Now right before this, the Lord had told Peter that he was going to deny three times that he knew Him. This was the first instance--verse 70.

The second time is in verse 71.

"And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to them there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene." (Matt 26:71)
But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" (Matt 26:72)

In other words, Peter raised up his right hand (with his left hand on the Torah?) and said, "I do hereby swear, that I do NOT know Jesus Christ!"

Goodness gracious!

Friends, I highly recommend that you do not try this at home!

That's 2 denials down, 1 more to go--verse 73

"And after a little while, those standing by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your accent gives you away." (Matt 26:73)
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" And immediately a rooster crowed. (Matt 26:74)
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus which He said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And going out, he wept bitterly." (Matt 26:75)

So I was pondering: was Peter's sin all that much different than Judas's?

Personally, I think not.

But their responses certainly were!

"Now I rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led to repentance; for you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. (2Cor 7:9)
For godly sorrow brings about repentance leading to salvation, without regret; but worldly sorrow brings about death." (2Cor 7:10)

You see, there's 2 types of sorrow in this world--godly sorrow, which Peter evidenced, and worldly sorrow, which Judas evidenced.

There's not that much difference between the sin of these two men. The difference was in their responses to their sin, and ultimately, their repentance!

How about you?

Have you committed some terrible sin that you feel the Lord won't forgive you of?

I'm here to tell you today, that that feeling of condemnation you might have, comes from the devil, and not from the Lord!

Godly sorrow leads to REPENTANCE, which, I recommend, you do immediately!

If you find yourself in this position, and you feel that I'm talking to you, it's the Holy Spirit talking to you, and He wants to restore you, and restore your fellowship with the Trinity, just like Peter.

Come back home today.

God's waiting for you, with open arms! (Luke 15:20)

Category:general -- posted at: 4:38pm EDT

                                                                                 

The notion was quite amusing to me–that is, the notion of such an imaginary bumper sticker. But maybe it’s not all that funny after all.
Picture this:
“My child is an honor student at Sodom Elementary.”
Funny thought, but actually it’s not very humorous at all!
And yet, let me ask you the question:
Does your child attend Sodom Elementary?
Genesis chapter 19 makes the following observation:
Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. (Genesis 19:4 NKJV)
Where did the young learn this deviant behavior?
I would venture to say, at Sodom Elementary!
Here’s my warning to you today:
Sodom Elementary has now franchised, and is teaching its doctrine all over the world!
Children today at Sodom E are being taught that to be homosexual is perfectly acceptable–matter of fact, that people are born this way.
However God says,
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…” (Romans 1:24-28 NKJV)
God is trying to warn you today, this is the reward for graduating Sodom Elementary.
If you do not turn and repent of your sins, than you will die in your sins.
“…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32 NKJV)
There is a spiritual war going on for the souls of your children!
I just wanted to remind you of this!
Take your kids out of Sodom Elementary! This is a school that you do NOT want a diploma from!

Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EDT

1 Tim 2:5 reads, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

Pretty self-explanatory, if you ask me.

Not so with certain denominations.

You see, for certain denominations, all cannot mean all. Because if all means all, then you’ve got a problem—you lose the distinction between the elect and the non-elect, (as attributed to God), those whom God loves, and those whom God hates, like Esau (Malachi 1:3)

1 Tim 2:5—

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

I read this commentary today regarding this verse, and regarding the application of the word all:

“Contextually, the word ‘all’ refers to all kinds of people, not all people without distinction.”

Ok then, all does not mean all in the Bible, but all means all kinds of people.

Let’s see:

“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23)

What then? Are we better than they?  Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. (Rom 3:9)

 “They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." (Rom 3:12)

“…Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; (Rom 3:22) 

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” (Rom 4:16) 

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;” (Rom 5:12) 

I believe the word of God speaks for itself.

You tell me. Does all mean all, or does all mean some?

Now back to 1 Tim 2:5-6

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

All means all.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:17)

Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely!

God bless!

Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

This blog is not what you think.

When you hear the phrase “left behind” you think of what’s known as “Tribulation Saints,” the group of people who rejected Jesus Christ their entire lives, who then (unbiblically, I might add-Matt 25:10, Luke 13:24-25) come to saving faith after the rapture.

My title for this blog, “Left Behind” is addressing Bible teachers.

I’ve heard the rhetoric before:

Tribulation? Not me–”that’s for the Jews!”

Persecution leading up to the return of Jesus Christ? “Not me, brother! That’s the Jews!”

“For then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. And then many will fall away from the faith…” (Matt 24:9-10, emtv)

And once again, the response I’ve heard for years: “Not me, brother! That’s the Jews!”

Jesus said, “What I say to you I say to ALL!” (Mark 13:37) The response I hear: “That’s not me, that’s the Jews!”

Another response is: “Paul, these men who teach this have gone to seminary, and they have college knowledge, and know better than you.”

So my question is (or better yet, my fear), “What if they’re wrong?”

What if they’re wrong?

Imagine if (assuming they’re wrong and are aware of it now), up in heaven, deceased Bible teachers are aware of what’s going to play on their posthumous radio broadcast that day…

Imagine if your radio broadcast was about to deceive 220 million today, and repeat year after year, after year, after year.

What would you cry out to God?

Goodness gracious, as a Bible teacher, I NEVER want to find that out!!

Friends, I don’t know when the Lord is coming back!

I haven’t a clue.

But this I do know: “For this reason (my ignorance, and the uncertainty) you also must be ready, for at an hour that you think not, the Son of Man comes.” (Matt 24:44)

J. Vernon McGee once called me ignorant if I ever thought I would see any portion of the Tribulation.

I certainly hope he’s right.

If he’s wrong, then this lie will be repeated every 5 years until the Lord comes back.

Category:general -- posted at: 9:26am EDT

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

I love the way the King James Version reads here in Hebrews 9:28. But is it accurate?

Here's a few definitions of the Greek word apekdechomai:

"To expect, to look for, to wait for with patience and confident expectancy."

What the text is saying, is that those who are looking for Him won't miss His return; because the person who misses His return, and is not ready for it, will suffer the same fate as the 5 virgins in Matthew 25, which also were not prepared.

Are you looking for His return?

"Watch 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." (Luke 21:36)

Gaining entrance into the Kingdom of God requires a vigilant perseverance, and abiding in Christ. (Luke 13:24--STRIVE to enter into the narrow gate.) 


 

 

Category:general -- posted at: 10:47am EDT

Notice please this fascinating coincidence (if you believe in them--I don't)
1Kings 17:1 "And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word."

Also, Revelation 11:6

(6)  These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
(7)  When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.

Also, James 5:17


(17)  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

Interesting, isn't it? The thing to remember the most, is that once these 2 men appear, it will NOT rain on the earth for 3 1/2 years!

And I also believe that Elijah is going to be one of these mysterious "witnesses"

Category:general -- posted at: 11:46am EDT

What is it about the Rapture that inspires good, godly men to...not divulge the whole truth?

It's beyond me--I am left scratching my head. (Also, check out the Scofield 1917 Study Bible, and read his erroneous notes introducing 2 Thessalonians)

Understanding this text is simple--the words have obvious, plain meanings to them.

"Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."

My point of contention is this. The teaching that the person taken, is taken in judgment, and the person that is left behind, is left behind in blessing.

Now don't get me wrong. People may interpret this text this way if they choose to, but after looking at what the underlying Greek words mean, it leads me to a solid understanding.

But first, this note from Dr. Charles Ryrie: "The ones taken will be taken to judgment and death. The ones left will be left to enter the blessings of the Millennial kingdom."

Many others interpret this phrase the same way.

I want to look at this text, and see if I can find the "blessings" for those left behind, according to this theologian.

But let's look at these 2 Greek words behind this text, and see what they mean.

The word for taken is the word Paralambano. The word means "to receive near." Same word used by Christ, in John 14:3, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself."

Paralambano is to receive to one's side.

The other word is Aphiemi. This word means:

1. To disregard

2. To abandon

3. To divorce

4. To leave behind

5. To forsake.

I believe that the word of God is saying, from seeking to understand the original language, that the person that is "taken," is a direct result of John 14:3, and Bible prophecy being fulfilled, as the Lord returns for His saints. Also, the one that is left, as the Greek word suggests, has been "left behind," and abandoned.

This is a great study! I highly recommend it!

God bless

Paul E.

 

Category:general -- posted at: 4:50pm EDT

Why trials?

I've heard it said too many times, unfortunately, that God does not cause, or bring, trials into the life of a believer.

However, Psalm 66:9-10 sheds some light on this question:

Psa 66:8-12  Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,  (9)  Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved.  (10)  For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.  (11)  You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.  (12)  You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Notice some of the things that the Psalmist says that God does in the life of a believer:

1. He does not allow our feet to be moved.

2. God tests us.

3. God refines us, by turning up the heat in our lives, to burn away any impurities from us, to make us more like Jesus Christ.

4. He leads us into the net--that is, into the trial of affliction.

5.He causes men to ride over us. Perhaps to totally rid us of ourselves, and any pride.

6. He causes us to go through the fire (Dan 3:21)

7. He delivers us in due time.

This shouldn't surprise us. The Bible said that this was part of the sanctification process:

Romans 8:29 says, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Why trials?

To make us more like the Son of God!

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, He will also make the way out, so as for you to be able to bear it." (1 Cor 10:13)

God is sovereign. He reserves the right to use any means necessary to bring about His will.

God is the One who refines us. Not Satan.

Category:general -- posted at: 7:45am EDT

After intense study for many years regarding this verse, I have come to the educated conclusion that the Byzantine Majority Text has the correct reading in Revelation 13:14.

Here it is:

"And he deceives my own people who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived."

 The Majority Text just adds the personal pronoun to this verse, enhancing this verse from "he deceives those" to "he deceives mine." (literally, those belonging to me, or, tous emous in Greek.)

Now humor me for a moment, and agree with me, that this is the correct reading...

In your opinions, what would that mean, the phrase, "My own people"?

1.  Jews

2. Christians

 14 And he deceives my own people who dwell on the earth by the signs which were given to him to do before the beast, saying to those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the woundand came to life! from the sword. 

 Notice this is John speaking, not God.

Please send your thoughts and comments to: paul@gospelstudy.net

Category:general -- posted at: 8:18pm EDT

Ask my wife.

I have tried, time after time, both to like the NASB, and to use it for my primary Bible for in depth studies, because of its reputation as “the most accurate Bible translation in English.”

Well, I’m not too sure about that assessment.

As a bible translator myself, and one who reads and speaks fluent Koine Greek, I have made the study of New Testament Greek my life, and it is certainly my passion.

During the course of my studies, I have run into what I consider to be serious errors with the New American Standard Bible.

May I add that the issues that I have are NOT issues of standard textual criticism, that is, the manuscripts behind the translations, but my issues are directly related to choices that the translators have made, which I believe are in serious error.

Also, I find it eye opening that all of these issues I am going to share with you all relate to the Person of Jesus Christ.

 

I want to share with you 4 Scripture points of reference:

 

1. John 1:18

“No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”

 

The NASB is a revision of 2 works: The Revised Version (RV) of 1881, and The American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901. Both of these translations read “The only begotten Son.”

This is quite a statement to make, to introduce a change like this into the text. I have a hard time visualizing a translation committee contemplating changing this text from only begotten Son, to only begotten God, since God is certainly not “begotten.”

Being a Bible translator myself, if I was on that committee, I would not vote to change this verse. And lucky for them, they could have hid behind the principle that the NASB is a “revision.” But instead, there was some kind of “meeting of the minds,” and these Christians decided to stray from their objective of revising, and instead bring about changing. And the change is downright heretical, to say the least.

Not a change I would have made, being a Christian, and being on that committee!

 

2. Revelation 1:13

“…and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.”

 

What’s the problem here?

 

The New King James Version, a translation which also capitalizes pronouns relating to Deity, says, “I saw One like the Son of Man.”

 

The NASB adds a footnote here, saying, “or, The Son of Man.”

So, which one is it? You can’t have your cake and eat it too! If you don’t think this is Jesus Christ, then don’t capitalize the pronouns that describe this “Person”!

There is no logical reason for this. Since the translators believe that this is Christ, then “the Son of Man” should have been in the text, and the footnote should read, “or, a son of man.”

I mean, why do Christ harm?

If you, assuming you were a Christian, were on this board of translators, what would you do, if you had the choice?

 

Next up:

 

Phil 2:6

 

“Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped…”

 

The NASB is regarded at the most accurate Bible translation in English. The translators have gone to great lengths to translate verbs precisely, even at the cost of readability.

So what happened here?

This word existed is the Greek word Huparchon, which is a Present Active Participle. (And present participles must have an “ing” on the end of it (i.e., eating, drinking, walking, sleeping, etc).

Here, the word should be “existing.” (NKJV has “being”).

The whole sense of what Paul is saying is muddled here! The text does not say that Jesus “existed” in the form of God—it says that Jesus is EXISTING (still!) in the form of God.

He never ceased existing in the form of God.

 

(6)  “who, existing in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7)  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming to be in the likeness of men.” (EMTV)

 

The point is this: Jesus Christ, as a flesh and blood Man, was still existing as God! He just took the form of a bondservant (metaschematizo, Greek—to change appearance)

It’s beyond me how this team of translators, who were so adamant, and most specifically concerning this very thing (accuracy concerning verb tenses), would treat the doctrine of Christ in this matter!

 

Last point: Psalm 22:8

 

 (7)  All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,

(8)  "Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him." (NASB)

 

Most other translations read here in 22:8, “He trusted in the Lord; let Him deliver Him.”

The NASB adds a footnote here, saying, “or, He committed (trusted) himself…”

 

Let me explain the havoc which has been done to this verse:

This verse (notice it’s in quotation marks), in my opinion, is the greatest prophetic verse EVER recorded in the Bible. This was recorded by King David approximately 970 years before it was spoken, verbatim, at the cross; and it was spoken (I suspect) matter of factly. It is recorded in Matthew 27:43 (Here again, the NASB)

 

"HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'"

 

Notice how the NASB gets it right in the New Testament, but wrong in the Old Testament.

They are admitting, in Matthew 27:43, that this is how the text should read!

And not only have they got it wrong in the Old Testament, they had to add a word (yourself) to their text (in italics), to make the sentence even halfway readable!  Look at the absolute unreadability of this verse: “Commit yourself to the Lord, Let Him deliver Him.”

But the translators have added in the footnote, that the other reading might be right!

 

In my opinion, these examples reveal a serious integrity problem with the New American Standard Bible, and I do not recommend it for in depth study.

 

 

 

Category:general -- posted at: 11:51am EDT

Here is Psalm 14:3 in the New King James Version:

Psa 14:3  They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. 

Here's Psalm 14:3 out of my Greek Septuagint translation:

Psa 14:3  They have all gone out of the way, they have together become corrupt, there is none that does good, no not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have used deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes.

Sound familiar? It should--Here's Romans 3:10-18 out of ANY translation: (EMTV)

Rom 3:10-18
(10)  Just as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one,
(11)  There is none who understands; there is none who seeks God.
(12)  All have turned aside; together they became unprofitable; there is not one doing kindness, there is not so much as one."
(13)  "Their throat is an opened grave; with their tongues they deceived"; " the poison of asps is under their lips";
(14)  "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
(15)  Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(16)  Ruin and misery are in their ways;
(17)  And the way of peace they did not know.
(18)  There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Man o man, what happened here??

How did this Greek Old Testament become so absolete like this?

These guys (the Apostles) carried this text around with them, in their back pockets! For cryin' out loud, Paul was a Pharisee! And he quotes from this, instead of the Hebrew OT?

Just sayin'

Category:general -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

Resurrection/ Rapture Facts

 

1. Christ the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23)

2. “The Dead in Christ will Rise First” (1 Thess 4:16)

3. “At His Coming’ (1 Cor 15:23)

4. “At the Last Day” (John 6:39,40,44,54).

 

These are little known, or mostly forgotten facts concerning the resurrection. For the most part, Christians forget that the “rapture,” as it’s called, is the Resurrection. Read 1 Thess 4:15-17 “And the dead in Christ will rise first.

 

In 1 Corinthians chapter 15, Paul gives all the believers the “order of services,” starting with The Lord’s own resurrection—“Christ the firstfruits…”

 

You’ve heard it mentioned before that no one knows when the Rapture is going to occur, but that’s not true! We most assuredly know when it’s going to occur, as I have listed on point 4: “At the Last Day.”

 

1Th 4:15-17  “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 by no means precede those who are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  (17)  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

 

John 6:39 "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

 

John 6:40  "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

John 6:44  "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

John 6:54  "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

One last verse—1 Cor 15:22-24

 

(22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

(23)  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.

(24)  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

 

John 6:39,40,44 & 54 tells us that 1 Cor 15:23 takes place on the Last Day. Now whenever that day may be, Lord only knows!

 

Could the Rapture be today?

Sure. If today is Resurrection Day, and the Last Day!

 

 

God bless your studies!

 

Pastor Paul

 

Pastorpaul1963@gmail.com

Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EDT

I've been thinking about this word "yield" in the Bible. Interesting that the word for yield is an antonym of where we get our word for apostasy.

Apostasy is apo + histemi, apo = away from, histemi = to stand.

But the word for yield is the compound word parastano:

Para = near, and histemi, to stand.

While apostasy means, to stand away from (that is, the Christian Faith--1 Tim 4:1), yield means, to stand beside.

Romans 6:16

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

We all are standing beside something, perhaps a crossroad, or a fork in the road:

And the Bible asks the question, "To whom are you going to 'yield?'"

To whichever you choose, the Bible says, this shall be your master:

"...Whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Friends, blow right on by sin, and don't even yield to it, not even for a moment--especially not even for a moment!

But rather, yield (stand alongside of) the righteousness of God!

Peace

Pastor Paul

 

Category:general -- posted at: 7:10am EDT

For all of you out there, all of these programs are now available on your ipad, iphone, or ipod, through the Gospelstudy app.

The cost is $1.99, which was mandatory, unfortunately. However, if enough people purchase the app, which is a one-time charge, then that will enable me to upgrade to an account here with more storage, which will put alot more of these radio programs, and Sunday sermon messages on our podcasting site.

Just enter "Gospelstudy" in the app store!

Thanks for all your support, and God bless!

Pastor Paul Esposito

Stauros Ministries

Category:general -- posted at: 9:56am EDT

John 13:27 says,

27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." (NKJV)

Here's how the New American Standard Bible reads:

27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

This changes the meaning of the interaction between Jesus and Satan.

As a result of Satan entering Judas, the text says, THEREFORE Jesus said to him..."What you do, do quickly."

Jesus is talking to Satan, NOT to Judas exclusively!

Certainly this sheds some light on the next verse:

 "Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him."

Jesus was talking to Satan, not to Judas.

 

 



 

 

Category:general -- posted at: 8:17am EDT

I read this poem today that was written by a Confederate soldier in the Civil War:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.

Category:general -- posted at: 6:54am EDT

Paul's intercessory prayer. Today's is an evangelical message inviting one and all into the household of God.

Direct download: Eph_3_14_part_2_podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32am EDT

The most common Scripture reference to help determine a minister's qualifications for pastor is found in 1 Tim 3:1-7.

Here it is:

"Faithful is this word: If anyone aspires to the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.  2 It is necessary, therefore, for a bishop to be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, well-behaved, hospitable, skillful at teaching;  3 not given to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not loving money;  4 one ruling his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence;  5 (for if one does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);  6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.  7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 

Here's the 16 points that Paul uses to be a good yardstick in finding a qualified pastor:

1. Irreproachabe (blameless)

2. One woman man

3. Temperate

4. Sober

5. Well behaved

6. Hospitable

7. Good Teacher

8. Not a drinker

9. Not a bully

10. Not greedy for money

11. Gentle

12. Doesn't quarrel

13. Doesn't love money

14. Keeps his house in order

15. Not a new convert

16. Has a good testimony in town. 

I would take number 16 to mean, people who knew the potential pastor before Jesus Christ changed his life.

And I was thinking, has there EVER been a person who has ever set foot on God's green earth, who can claim that these 16 things describes them before they were a Christian?

What happens if a person wasn't a good teacher before Christ saved them?

How about the person who had a bad habit of loving money a little bit too much, before Christ saved them?

How about the person who was a bully all of their lives, because they were insecure, because their father hated them when they were growing up, and didn't love them?

How about the person who was divorced before they ever gave a rip about the commands of God?

Ah...now we're talkin!

Sorry...

Next.

The moral of the story is this: Certainly these prerequisites apply to a person AFTER their conversion, otherwise NO ONE would be qualified to shepherd the flock of God.

"And such were some of you." (1 Cor 6:11)

Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm EDT

I've heard of an old movie entitled The Perils of Pauline. I wonder if that's a take on The Perils of Paul?

2 Corinthians 11:26 gives us the list of the perils that accompanied the apostle:

"I have been in perils of:

1. Water

2. Robbers

3. My Own People

4. Other People

5. In the City

6. In the Country

7. In the Sea

8. Among Pseudo-Adelphoi

It's the 8th one that fascinates me--In perils among "false brethren."

False brethren.

What, praytell, is a false brother?

I can get my mind around a person's enemies being against them, and wishing to do them harm, but not someone who claims to be a brother!

I guess a false brother would be someone who appeared to be a brother, but, in the hour of decision, they turned out to be something else.


I was wondering, have you ever had a false brother, who masqueraded as a brother?

1 Cor 3:13 says that the day is coming when "each one's work will become clear: for the day will declare it."

 

Category:general -- posted at: 8:32am EDT

​Salvation message. Eph 3:1-2, and members of the household of God.
Direct download: Eph_3_1-2_part_2_podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:22am EDT

Remember that old song, "Looking for love in all the wrong places?"

Well, Christians need to remember that we're "Looking for Satan in all the wrong places!"

Let me ask the question: Where will you find the devil today?

In the bar?

In the nightclub?

Certainly those are all the obvious places where you will find him.

But how about the more subtle places?

The very first recorded words of the devil spoken in the Bible is this: "Has God indeed said?" (Gen 3:1)

Satan always attacks the veracity of the word of God.

Let me ask the question again: Where will you find the devil today?

I'm glad you asked. You'll find that the devil is a card carrying member of The Bible Translators' Club.

Matter of fact, he is on the board of directors.

Now please examine this verse out of the New English Bible, which, by the way, is a highly respected Bible translation: 2 Tim 3:16

"Every inspired Scripture has its use for teaching the truth and refuting error..."

Here's the very same verse taken from The New King James Version:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."

Do you notice the difference?

All it takes is a little doubt.

That's all Satan needs, and that's all Satan uses...

Just a little subtle doubt.

"Hath God indeed said?"

Let's look for the devil where he is truly working today--corrupting the word of God, like he has been doing since the beginning.

"For we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Cor 2:11)

Category:general -- posted at: 7:24am EDT

Remember how the Superman introduction went: "He can change the COURSE of mighty rivers...bend steel with his bare hands."

In Ephesians 2:1 we see, you and I WERE like that river course, all going in the same direction.

Ephesians 2:1-2  "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,  2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience..."

And Almighty God can change the course that we're on, and He does! 

Once we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, and the Holy Spirit takes up residence on the inside of us.

God is the Ultimate Superman!

And He is for you today!


Category:general -- posted at: 6:18am EDT

1 John 3:14 says, "We know that we have passed over from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love his brother abides in death."

What is the true evidence that a person has been born again?

It's right here in the Word of God.

John 13:35 says, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

1 Cor 12:13 says that "By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."

James said, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by means of my works."

And the greatest of these is love.

What's the evidence of salvation?

What does the word of God say?

God bless you, as you study His word.

Pastor Paul

Category:general -- posted at: 8:50am EDT

I've been thinking alot lately about this word in the Bible...

"Fullness."

I talk about this in the Gospelstudy radio program labeled Eph 1:10.

The word means just what it says.

FULL

Not "half" full, not "three quarters".

But full.

I can think of 3 things right off the bat:

1. Fullness of Time

"But when the FULLNESS OF TIME had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." (Gal 4:4)

2. Fullness of God

"In Him is the FULLNESS of the Godhead, bodily." (Col 2:9)

3. Fullness of people

"Blindness in part has happened to Israel until the FULLNESS OF THE GENTILES has come in." (Rom 11:25)

It's that last one that bothers me the most.

Written down somewhere (figuratively) is a number...

A number that only God knows.

A number of all those who will believe in Jesus Christ, and receive salvation.

And I was wondering, What happens if that number is reached tomorrow?

"Strive to enter in through the narrow gate, because MANY WILL TRY to get in, and will not be able." (Luke 13:24)

Just something to think about today.



Category:general -- posted at: 1:51pm EDT

You just gotta love Caleb and his attitude!

Joshua 14:12 says, "Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: IF so be the Lord will be with me, THEN I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said."

 

This is another powferful IF and THEN statement found in God's Word, and you just gotta love it!!

Think about it: This man was 85 years old!

This mountain was no green, lush, uninhabited pasture, but a land swarming with enemies.

And yet Caleb said, "Give me this mountain!"

The key here, once again, is the believer's mindset.

How's yours today?

I can't stress enough how vital it is to have the mindset that you can do ALL THINGS through Christ, and if God is leading you to do something, you can do it, and you will not fail.

"IF the Lord will be with me, THEN I shall be able to drive them out."

Is the Lord with you today?


Category:general -- posted at: 6:43am EDT

Oh for the blood of Christ! How seldom we hear anymore about the blood of Jesus Christ, which our Savior shed for us, because of His great love!

 Rom 5:8

 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Now that's real love! Not only does God talk the talk, but He walks the walk!

Sometimes we forget that the blood of Christ obliterates our sin.

Heb 9:22

"And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission."

Rom 3:23-25

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness through the passing over of the sins having previously occurred, in the forbearance of God."  in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Col 1:14

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

Category:general -- posted at: 8:58am EDT