In the last two weeks, we have looked at how to handle temptation, keep the right perspective, and how to persevere through trial. This week we will look at a major key in all of those areas, giving attention to the instruction of Scripture. Making Bible reading a priority in life, not just reading, but... Continue Reading →
John 15:1-8 NKJV “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As... Continue Reading →
The book of James provides us a practical perspective on navigating the trials of life. In this week's study, we will look at maintaining a biblical perspective during trials and temptations. James 1:9-18 NKJV "Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will... Continue Reading →
In a day when professions of faith abound, and the common question is, how can I know I am saved? The book of James helps us answer that question by giving us several ways to examine our lives to test whether our faith is genuine or not. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV "Examine... Continue Reading →
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.The words of the hymn by Edward Mote began playing in my... Continue Reading →
The anointing. It's a phrase I heard a lot growing up. So and so ministers under such a great anointing, the anointing is in this place, the presence is in this place. So many phrases and so many buzzwords, but what do these things mean? Presence, anointing, power? I'm sure by now most have heard... Continue Reading →
"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." Romans 8:29 NKJV When we become born again, it is more than just a ticket punch for heaven. We are saved to be conformed to the image of Christ. We... Continue Reading →
It's getting close to the new year, and that means many of us are thinking about reading through the Bible. Some have attempted it before and didn't make it through, and others are doing it again. There is no magic formula or perfect plan to guarantee that you will make it all the way through... Continue Reading →
Have you ever subscribed to a reading plan on your Bible app and not finished it? Do you ever get frustrated reading the Old Testament and end up putting your Bible down? Do you skip Leviticus every year? Does the thought of reading the entire Bible overwhelm you? Do you find yourself not wanting to... Continue Reading →
Now and then, we need to take inventory of our spiritual lives. We need to evaluate if what we believe is in line with what Scripture teaches. I know that sounds strange, but let's look at two Scripture passages to see how we, as Christians, could fall into error. The first passage we will look... Continue Reading →
I recently finished two modern books that were based on ministers from the past. One book was based on a sermon from Jonathan Edwards and talked about the glory of God, and the other was established from the writings and sermons of Charles Spurgeon during the Down-Grade Controversy. Reading these books was an incredible experience... Continue Reading →
Two weeks ago, The Lord instructed me to begin reading the sermons of John Wesley, so I pulled out the two double volumes and started with volume one, sermon one. Since that time, two high-profile leaders have renounced their faith, and an international revivalist is accused of some very dark stuff. I believe these events,... Continue Reading →
Go into all the world and preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations; these are probably some of the most familiar words to the Christian’s ears. We know these words under the banner of the great commission found in Matthew twenty-eight. We know these words, we hear these words preached, but what about... Continue Reading →
The Lord has been talking to me about my desire and my prayer for this generation and the next for the last few weeks. I have said the last several years that I am a person about revival; I want to pastor a people of revival. The Lord began to speak to me and say,... Continue Reading →
It’s a funny thing being a Christian. You get saved, and you start this journey of living like Jesus. The Bible calls this being a disciple, but it seems as time goes on, we tend to forget Jesus. I know we would say that’s not true, but if we’re honest at one time or another,... Continue Reading →
Casey D. Bell 